Bethel University: 88.8% Acceptance Rate

88.8%Acceptance

$18,168Tuition

1,671Students

35%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$47,482Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAData: 2023-24Cumberland Presbyterian

About Bethel University

Bethel University brings Cumberland Presbyterian values to its 1,671 students in rural McKenzie, Tennessee. This Christian university has shaped students since 1842, building a reputation for personal attention and faith-based education. With an 88.79% acceptance rate, Bethel welcomes students who may not fit the traditional college mold but are ready to grow academically and spiritually.

The financial picture reveals both opportunity and challenge. Students pay an average net price of $21,803 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $47,482 ten years after graduation. That creates a reasonable debt-to-income ratio, though the $27,249 median debt requires careful planning. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving working-class families.

Bethel's athletic program stands out for a school this size. The university fields 20 varsity sports with 349 total athletes competing in NAIA Division. Athletic scholarships total over $7.6 million, making sports a real pathway to education for many students. However, the 34.90% six-year graduation rate and 59.12% retention rate suggest students should come prepared for academic challenges and committed to finishing their degree.

Academics & Faculty

Bethel University operates as a private Christian university with deep Cumberland Presbyterian roots dating back to 1842. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio suggests reasonable access to professors, though the 34.90% six-year graduation rate indicates many students struggle to complete their degrees. Academic programs blend liberal arts foundation with practical career preparation, reflecting the school's mission to integrate faith with learning. The university emphasizes undergraduate teaching over research, typical of smaller Christian institutions. With only 1,671 students total, class sizes remain manageable for individualized attention. However, the low retention rate of 59.12% suggests academic or social challenges that cause many students to transfer or leave before graduating.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 39.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 34.9%
Retention Rate: 59.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,482
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

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Campus Life

McKenzie sits 90 minutes northwest of Nashville, giving students access to Music City without the urban distractions. The 55% of students who live on campus in the 918-bed housing system create a tight-knit community feel. Tennessee's mild climate means you'll need a light jacket for winter but can expect plenty of sunny days for outdoor activities.

With 83.82% of students coming from in-state, the campus has a distinctly Tennessee character. The 349 student-athletes across 20 varsity sports form a significant part of campus life, with games drawing crowds in this NAIA school. Students often head to Nashville on weekends for concerts and city life, while campus events center around the school's Cumberland Presbyterian heritage. The 59.12% retention rate reflects the challenges some students face adjusting to college life, but those who stay often form lasting friendships in the close quarters of this 1,671-student campus. Greek life and intramural sports fill evenings when students aren't hitting the books.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 918 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1842

Campus Safety (2023)

46 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Fondling	7	3	2
Dating Violence	6	4	0
Stalking	6	3	0
Rape	4	3	0
Burglary	2	2	0
Aggravated Assault	0	0	3
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 28°–47°F
July Avg: 69°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 55.9"
Annual Snowfall: 3.3"

Student Demographics

Bethel draws students who want a faith-based education close to home. More than eight out of ten students come from Tennessee, showing the university's strong regional ties. The student body reflects the broader Mid-South demographics, with half being white students and about one-third Black students. Men slightly outnumber women, likely reflecting the school's emphasis on business and athletic programs. Nearly one-third receive Pell Grants, indicating Bethel serves many first-generation college students from working families across rural Tennessee communities.

Men: 55.9%
Women: 44.1%
White: 50.2%
Black: 30.0%
Hispanic: 5.2%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 83.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 31.1%

Location

Bethel University sits in McKenzie, Tennessee, a small town about 100 miles northwest of Nashville. The campus serves 1,671 students in a rural West Tennessee setting where agriculture and small-town life define the community. McKenzie's population hovers around 5,400, making the university a significant presence in this quiet town. The rolling hills and farmland of the region create a peaceful backdrop for college life, far from urban distractions. With 83.82% of students coming from within Tennessee, most are familiar with the state's rural character. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Bethel University with similar schools in the region.

Address: McKenzie, Tennessee 38201

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $47,482
Median Earnings (5 years): $52,206
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 33.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $289/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,249

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Bethel University?

Bethel University accepts 88.79% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 1029, which reflects the university's commitment to serving a diverse range of academic backgrounds in this small Tennessee town.

How much does Bethel University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,803 per year at Bethel University. The Cumberland Presbyterian university charges $18,168 in tuition regardless of residency status, and 31.14% of students receive Pell Grants to help cover costs.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Bethel University?

Bethel University maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,671 total students enrolled. This Christian university emphasizes personal attention and close relationships between faculty and students in its academic programs.

What are the graduation rates at Bethel University?

Only 34.90% of students graduate within six years from Bethel University, with a four-year graduation rate of 39.32%. Graduates earn a median salary of $47,482 ten years after graduation, though many students face challenges completing their degrees.

Where is Bethel University located and what is campus life like?

Bethel University sits in McKenzie, Tennessee, a small town setting that houses 918 students on campus. The university fields 20 varsity sports in the NAIA with 349 total athletes, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere typical of small Christian colleges.

Does Bethel University have a diverse student body?

The student body at Bethel University is 50.21% White and 30.04% Black, creating notable racial diversity for a small Tennessee institution. With 83.82% of students coming from in-state and a 55.89% male to 44.11% female ratio, the campus reflects both local and regional appeal.