At $21,803/yr net price, Bethel University graduates earn $47,482/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,482/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,803 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,212 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,482/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,482/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,249 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,495/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,013/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,838/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,825/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,450/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
34.9% of students at Bethel University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Bethel University presents a financially risky proposition with a graduation rate below 35% and median earnings that barely exceed the national average for college graduates. Your biggest risk is joining the two-thirds of students who leave without a degree, making this investment particularly dangerous if you're not academically prepared or highly motivated.
The numbers show stark differences between programs. Allied Health produces the highest earners at nearly $109,000 annually, though this comes with crushing debt of $148,345 that will take decades to repay. Business and Homeland Security graduates earn in the mid-to-upper $50,000s with more manageable debt loads, making these your best bets for positive returns. Education graduates earn around $52,000, which aligns with regional teacher salaries but offers limited upward mobility.
The low retention rate of 59% signals either poor student support or mismatched expectations. If you're considering Bethel, you need strong self-discipline and clear career goals in one of their stronger programs. The school works financially for students pursuing Business or Homeland Security who can graduate on time and avoid excessive borrowing.
Skip Bethel if you're undecided about your major, struggle with academic independence, or need extensive support services. The combination of high dropout risk and modest earning potential makes this a poor choice for students who might struggle to complete their degree. Consider community college or more supportive four-year institutions with higher graduation rates instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethel University worth the cost?
Bethel University's value depends heavily on your major. Allied health programs lead to strong earnings around $109,000, but the overall 10-year median salary of $47,482 barely justifies the $87,000 total cost for most graduates.
What is Bethel University's return on investment compared to other schools?
Bethel University's ROI is below average due to a low 35% graduation rate and modest post-graduation earnings. Only students in allied health programs see returns that clearly justify the investment.
How much debt do Bethel University graduates typically have?
Bethel University graduates carry a median debt of $27,249. With typical starting salaries around $47,000, this creates a manageable but not ideal debt-to-income ratio for most programs.
Which Bethel University programs offer the best financial outcomes?
Allied health diagnostic and treatment programs at Bethel University provide the strongest returns with graduates earning around $109,000. Business and homeland security programs show moderate returns, while education majors earn around $52,000.