Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,388 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,552 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 18.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,543/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,387/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,766/yr |
The Risk Factor
18.2% of students at Bethesda 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
Bethesda University presents a high-risk financial proposition with an 18% graduation rate that ranks among the worst in California. Your $8,388 annual net price appears reasonable, but the odds of completing your degree are roughly one in five.
The $9,000 median debt load stays manageable for graduates who actually finish, but the 54% retention rate means nearly half of students leave after their first year. This creates a dangerous scenario where you could accumulate debt without earning a degree that justifies the investment.
The low 25% financial aid participation rate suggests either limited need-based aid availability or a student body that doesn't qualify for federal assistance. This could indicate either very low-income students who max out Pell Grant eligibility or students whose family income falls into difficult middle-ground territory.
Bethesda University works financially only if you have a clear reason to choose this specific institution and strong personal motivation to persist despite institutional challenges. The numbers suggest many students struggle to stay enrolled and complete their programs.
You should consider this school only if you have exhausted other options or have specific circumstances that make traditional universities unsuitable. The combination of low graduation rates and modest retention creates substantial risk that you'll leave with debt but no degree. Before enrolling, verify that your intended program maintains higher completion rates than the overall institutional average and confirm that credits will transfer if you need to finish elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda University worth the cost?
Bethesda University has a very low graduation rate of 18%, which means most students don't finish their degree. While the net price is relatively affordable at $8,388 per year, the poor completion rate makes it a risky investment for most students.
What is the job outlook for Bethesda University graduates?
With only 18% of students graduating, Bethesda University struggles to produce graduates who can enter the job market. Students should carefully research specific programs and consider schools with higher completion rates for better career prospects.
How much student debt do Bethesda University graduates have?
Graduates who do finish typically have $9,000 in median debt, which is relatively low compared to national averages. However, students who don't graduate may still carry debt without earning a degree.
Should I choose Bethesda University over other colleges in California?
Most students would be better served at schools with higher graduation rates. The 18% completion rate at Bethesda University suggests serious academic or support issues that make degree completion unlikely for most enrolled students.