At $28,439/yr net price, Bethel University graduates earn $63,764/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,764/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,439 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $113,756 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,764/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,764/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,031/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,796/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,279/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,603/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,418/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $101,406 | $74,078 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $99,325 | $48,091 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $84,653 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $80,858 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,964 | $22,500 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $59,124 | $37,584 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $25,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $54,869 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $53,775 | $23,241 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $52,733 |
The Risk Factor
75.2% of students at Bethel University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Bethel University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The nursing and allied health programs justify the investment with graduates earning $99,000 to $101,000 annually, though allied health students graduate with substantial $74,000 debt loads that will require careful financial planning.
Business administration graduates earn a solid $80,858, making this program one of your better bets for balancing earnings potential with more manageable debt. Education administration shows strong earning potential at $84,653, though this typically requires additional graduate study and experience.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in program selection. While top-earning majors perform well, many other programs likely generate returns below the overall median of $63,764. Your typical graduate debt of $21,500 stays reasonable compared to similar private institutions, but you need to match your major carefully to career earning potential.
Bethel works financially for pre-health students who can handle higher debt loads in exchange for strong career prospects, and for business or education majors seeking solid middle-class earnings. The 75% graduation rate means one in four students never complete their degree, making this investment particularly risky if you're uncertain about finishing.
The low 19% financial aid rate signals limited need-based assistance, so you'll likely pay close to the full $28,439 annual net price. Focus your application strategy on merit scholarships if cost is a primary concern, and seriously consider whether lower-cost public alternatives might deliver similar career outcomes for your chosen field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethel University worth the cost?
Bethel University's value depends heavily on your program choice. Health and nursing graduates earn strong salaries ($99,000-$101,000), while the overall 10-year earnings of $63,764 barely justify the $28,439 annual cost for other majors.
What are the best paying majors at Bethel University?
Allied health diagnostic programs and nursing lead with salaries over $99,000 annually. Educational administration ($84,653) and business management ($80,858) also provide decent returns, but other programs may struggle to justify the tuition cost.
How much student debt do Bethel University graduates have?
Bethel graduates leave with a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable for high-earning health programs but could be problematic for lower-paying majors. The 75% graduation rate means one in four students don't finish their degree.
Does Bethel University provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $28,439 after aid, Bethel's costs remain high relative to typical graduate earnings of $63,764. The financial aid brings down sticker price but doesn't make most programs a strong financial investment.