Bethesda University
Bethesda University has annual tuition of $7,220, average net price of $11,097, and a national rank of #1780 (Grade C-), with a 11.1% six-year graduation rate, about 205 undergraduates, and median earnings of $37,397 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Bethesda University is a private nonprofit university in Anaheim, CA. Students most often pursue liberal arts and sciences.
Day to day, students benefit from a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, and 44.8% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -15.7%, roughly 101.0 points below typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Bethesda University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Bethesda University graduates 11.1% of students within six years and keeps 44.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Bethesda 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 | $7,220 |
| Books and Supplies | $200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $13,575 |
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 34.0% of Bethesda 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 $9,747 to $13,575 depending on family income. Use Bethesda University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $11,759/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $13,575/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $37,397
- 10-Year Median Earnings $37,397
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $7,648
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 38.1%
- Employment Rate Not reported
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Bethesda 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.
Bethesda University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Bethesda University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Bethesda University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Bethesda University graduates earn $37,397 median, the -15.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 205
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 44.8%
- Graduation Rate 11.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 7:1
How to Get Into Bethesda University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Bethesda 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 Not reported, Bethesda University is selective. 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.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Bethesda University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Bible/Biblical Studies, and Music draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 54.2%
- Bible/Biblical Studies 18.8%
- Music 10.4%
- Religious Education 8.3%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.2%
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries 4.2%
See more majors
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 0.0%
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and 0.0%
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard does not list any fully online degree programs for Bethesda University. This institution may offer hybrid or partially online courses, but no fully online degree programs are reported in the latest data release.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 205
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 73.7%
- Female Students 26.3%
- Caucasian 5.4%
- Asian 5.4%
- Hispanic 28.3%
- Black 12.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 34.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Bethesda University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Bethesda University's undergraduate population. Women make up 26.3% of the student body, while men represent 73.7%.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Bethesda University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Bethesda University has a diverse student body, with 5.4% identifying as White. Men make up 73.7% of undergraduates.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Bethesda University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Bethesda University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -15.7% ROI. Ranked #1780 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $11,097 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $37,397 median earnings. With 11.1% graduating within six years and 44.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Bethesda University's Positioning
With a C- grade and #1780 ranking, Bethesda University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $11,097 annually, Bethesda University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 44.8% 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 $7,768 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -15.7% ROI and $37,397 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $1,097+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Bethesda University ranks #1780 of 6101 institutions, with 304 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
- 11.1% six-year graduation rate sits 51.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 44.8% first-year retention is 32.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -15.7% return on investment is 101.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $37,397 run about 14% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $11,097 is roughly $6,300 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 7:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 44.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- -15.7% ROI indicates the degree delivers strong value for hands-on majors.
- Pell participation at 34.0% trails the national share by 5.1 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
EDsmart rates Bethesda University—a private nonprofit university in Anaheim, CA—at C- overall. It stands at #1780 among 6101 schools Category results include Completion (D), Support (C+), Career Outcomes (B-), and Affordability (B+).
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.
About 44.8% of first-year students return, and roughly 11.1% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -15.7%, 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 $11,097 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $13,575.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $2,478 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $7,648 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 34.0% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $37,397 at the median. That sits about 14% below the national median.
Employment figures are not reported, so explore departmental job placement stories.
Plan around an ROI of about -15.7% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
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 Bethesda 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
How much does Bethesda University cost?
At Bethesda University, listed tuition and fees are $7,220 per year, and the average net price after aid is $11,097. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Bethesda University's ranking?
Bethesda University ranks #1780 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Bethesda University's graduation rate?
At Bethesda University, the six-year graduation rate is 11.1%, and first-year retention is 44.8%.
What are Bethesda University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Bethesda University report median earnings of $37,397 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Bethesda University's student population?
Bethesda University enrolls about 205 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Anaheim, CA 92801
- Website www.buc.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationTransnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)
- Transfer Enrollment Rate13.0%