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 sits in the middle of the ROI pack: a $48,860 median salary ten years out against a net price near $20,000 a year and $25,000 in typical debt. The math works if you pick the right major, and it stalls badly if you don't.
Nursing is the clear win here. At $52,107, it out-earns every other program on the list and pays down its slightly higher debt load quickly through Indiana's steady demand for hospital and clinic staff around Mishawaka and nearby South Bend. Business follows at a workable $46,087. After that, the returns thin out fast. The two teacher education tracks land in the mid-$30,000s, and criminal justice sits at the bottom near $34,000 while carrying debt close to what nursing grads take on. If you borrow $27,000 to earn $35,000, your loan payments will bite for years.
The financial risks are structural. A 57% graduation rate and 70% retention mean a real chance you leave with debt and no degree, which is the worst outcome the numbers allow. Weigh that before you enroll.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your household earns under $48,000, you pay around $14,000 a year. Cross into the $75,000-$110,000 band and the price jumps past $25,000, higher than what families above $110,000 pay. That middle-income cliff makes Bethel expensive right where aid thins out.
Bethel is a good fit if you're going into nursing or business, or if you come from a lower-income household and want a small Christian campus close to home. Look elsewhere if you're aiming at teaching or criminal justice and would need to borrow heavily, or if you're a middle-income family paying the top-tier price for a mid-tier earnings outcome.
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.