Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 39.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 34.9%
- Retention Rate
- 59.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $47,482
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,249
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 33.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $289/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $108,967 | $148,345 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $61,516 | |
| Homeland Security. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $28,709 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $55,061 | $41,000 |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $52,107 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $50,022 | $28,908 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $47,729 | $41,000 |
| Education, General. | Master | $43,943 | $39,428 |
| Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. | Master | $41,193 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,950 | $31,866 |
Outcomes Overview
Bethel graduates earn a median of $47,482 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 57% based on the typical $27,249 debt load. Monthly loan payments of $289 consume about 7.3% of gross income, which is manageable but not ideal. The 34% loan repayment rate suggests many graduates struggle with their debt obligations. Bethel's Cumberland Presbyterian roots traditionally prepare students for education, ministry, and social service careers that often pay modestly. The 96% employment rate shows graduates find work, but the earnings lag behind national averages for college graduates. Given the moderate debt burden and below-average earnings outcomes, Bethel offers a weak return on investment.