At $19,726/yr net price, Bethel University graduates earn $48,860/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,860/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,726 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,904 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,860/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,860/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,050/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,913/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,984/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,516/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,916/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $26,779 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,107 | $21,442 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $46,087 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $36,848 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $31,851 | $21,250 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $31,127 | $22,886 |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $31,228 |
The Risk Factor
57.2% of students at Bethel University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Bethel University delivers below-average financial returns with significant risks that make it a poor choice for most students. Your median earnings of $48,860 after ten years barely justify the $19,726 annual net price, especially when paired with a concerning 57% graduation rate and 70% retention rate that suggest many students leave without degrees.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner at Bethel, generating $52,107 in median earnings with relatively manageable debt loads. Business administration also hits the same earnings level with lower debt at $21,442, making it your best bet outside healthcare. However, teacher education programs lead to disappointing $36,848 earnings that create serious debt-to-income problems given the program costs.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its high dropout rate. With nearly half of students failing to graduate, you face substantial debt without a degree if you struggle academically or financially. The 35% of students receiving aid suggests limited financial support compared to peer institutions.
Bethel makes financial sense only if you plan to study nursing or business and can afford the full cost without excessive borrowing. Students interested in education, liberal arts, or other lower-earning fields should look elsewhere for better value. The school works best for local Indiana students who can minimize costs through in-state connections and part-time work opportunities in the South Bend metropolitan area.
Skip Bethel if you need substantial financial aid, plan to study outside nursing or business, or have concerns about completing your degree on time. The combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and modest earnings creates too much downside risk for most families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethel University worth the cost?
Bethel University's $19,726 annual cost leads to median earnings of $48,860 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. With a 57% graduation rate and $25,000 in typical debt, the financial return is modest.
What are the best paying majors at Bethel University?
Nursing and business programs at Bethel University show the strongest earnings potential, with graduates earning around $52,107 annually. Education majors earn significantly less at $36,848, making program choice important for ROI.
How much debt do Bethel University graduates have?
Bethel University graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with post-graduation earnings of $48,860, debt payments will still represent a significant portion of income.
Does Bethel University have good financial aid?
Bethel University's net price of $19,726 suggests decent financial aid for a private college. The low barrier to entry (99% acceptance rate) makes it accessible, but the 57% graduation rate indicates completion challenges that affect overall value.