Bethel University
Bethel University has an acceptance rate of 60.2%, annual tuition of $18,712, average net price of $12,595, and a national rank of #1423 (Grade B-), with a 34.6% graduation rate, about 1,547 undergraduates, and median earnings of $62,152 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Bethel University is a private nonprofit university in McKenzie, TN. Students most often pursue Business/Commerce and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, and 53.9% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 94.6%, roughly 44.7 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Bethel University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Bethel University graduates 34.6% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 53.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Bethel University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $18,712 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,295 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,538 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,920 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $31,203 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 31.7% of Bethel University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $11,871 to $15,163 depending on family income. Use Bethel University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $10,473/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $15,163/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $62,152
- 10-Year Median Earnings $47,482
- Average Years to Graduate 5.2 years
- Average Student Debt $27,249
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 33.5%
- Employment Rate 89.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Bethel University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Bethel University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Bethel University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Bethel University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Bethel University graduates earn $62,152 median four years after graduation, +3% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 410-570
- SAT Math 420-550
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 15-21
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,547
- Full-Time Students 94.8%
- Part-Time Students 5.2%
- Retention Rate 53.9%
- Graduation Rate 34.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into Bethel University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Bethel University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 60.2%, Bethel University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 60.2% acceptance rate, Bethel University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 830 and 1120 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Bethel University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Criminal Justice and Corrections, and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 45.2%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 28.6%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 4.3%
- Homeland Security 3.4%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 3.0%
- Biology, General 2.4%
See more majors
- Psychology, General 2.1%
- Accounting and Related Services 1.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Business/Commerce, General $91,154
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $71,315
- 3. Homeland Security $70,497
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Education, General $62,243
- 5. Criminal Justice and Corrections $58,019
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations $49,572
- 7. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $31,638
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $132,802
- 2. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $71,267
- 3. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) $70,255
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Education, General (Master's Degree) $52,261
- 5. Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution (Master's Degree) $51,782
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business/Commerce, General grads earn $91,154—188% more than Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($31,638). Graduate: Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions programs lead with $132,802 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Bethel University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree, 49 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 23 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degree, 19 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 16 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 13 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (23 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- English Language and Literature, General
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- History
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Chemistry
- Special Education and Teaching
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Psychology, Other
- Mathematics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,547
- Full-Time Students 94.8%
- Part-Time Students 5.2%
- Male Students 55.6%
- Female Students 44.4%
- Caucasian 50.5%
- Asian 0.9%
- Hispanic 6.5%
- Black 28.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 31.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Bethel University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Bethel University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Bethel University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Bethel University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Bethel University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Bethel University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Bethel University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 94.6% ROI. Ranked #1423 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $12,595 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $62,152 median earnings. With 34.6% earning an award within eight years of entry and 53.9% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Bethel University's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1423 ranking, Bethel University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $12,595 annually, Bethel University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 53.9% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $8,816 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 94.6% ROI and $62,152 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $2,595+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Bethel University ranks #1423 of 1962 institutions, with 326 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 34.6% graduation rate sits 27.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 53.9% first-year retention is 22.9 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 94.6% return on investment is 44.7 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $62,152 run about 3% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $12,595 is roughly $7,484 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 53.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.1% employment rate within three years sits 20.9 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 31.7% trails the national share by 2.7 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Bethel University, a private nonprofit university in McKenzie, TN, secures a B- grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #1423 nationally Category results include Completion (D-), Support (B-), Career Outcomes (C+), and Affordability (C).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
53.9% of learners come back after year one while 34.6% earn an award within eight years of entry. The reported ROI is 94.6%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $12,595 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $31,203.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $18,608 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $27,249 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 31.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $62,152 four years after graduation. That sits about 3% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 89.1%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 94.6%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
60.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Bethel University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bethel University's acceptance rate?
Bethel University's acceptance rate is 60.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Bethel University cost?
At Bethel University, listed tuition and fees are $18,712 per year, and the average net price after aid is $12,595. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Bethel University's ranking?
Bethel University ranks #1423 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Bethel University's graduation rate?
At Bethel University, the graduation rate is 34.6%, and first-year retention is 53.9%.
What are Bethel University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Bethel University report median earnings of $62,152 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Bethel University's student population?
Bethel University enrolls about 1,547 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address McKenzie, TN 38201
- Website www.bethelu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$12.0M