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's financial picture is mixed, and the biggest risk here isn't cost. At $8,388 a year, the net price is low for a private nonprofit, and the $9,000 median debt is small enough that you could pay it off without it dominating your finances. The problem is whether you finish at all.
The 18.20% graduation rate is the number to sit with. Fewer than one in five students who enroll walk away with a degree, and the 54.55% retention rate means nearly half don't return after their first year. Low debt only pays off if you graduate. If you leave with loans and no credential, that $9,000 becomes a cost with no earnings bump behind it, and the affordable sticker price stops mattering.
The net price barely moves across income levels. If your family earns under $30k, you pay $7,543. over $110k, you pay $11,766. That $4,000 spread is small, so this school stays affordable at almost any income, but higher-income families won't find deep aid discounts here either.
Bethesda is a good financial fit for you if you're confident you'll finish and the specific programs match your goals, since you can get through with minimal debt. If you're uncertain about committing or want stronger odds of completing, the retention and graduation numbers are a real warning, and you should look at schools where more students make it to the finish line.
No bachelor-level program salary data is available here, so I can't tell you which majors pay off and which don't at this school. Look at program-specific earnings before you enroll, since that's the piece that would confirm whether the degree is worth it.
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.