Bethel University
Bethel University has an acceptance rate of 60.2%, an average net price of $13,267, and an overall rank of #1703 (Grade C). About 29.0% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $58,123 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
Bethel University is a private nonprofit university in McKenzie, TN. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Homeland Security.
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 93.6%, roughly 43.7 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 29.0% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 30.7% and keeps 53.9% 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 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
Est. annual aid gap: $18,780 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $11,056 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,920 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $32,047 |
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 31.0% 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 $12,551 to $17,465 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 $13,710/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $17,465/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $58,123
- 10-Year Median Earnings $49,011
- Average Years to Graduate 4.7 years
- Average Student Debt $27,000
- Debt-to-Earnings ~46.5%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 33.5%
- Employment Rate 89.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Bethel University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
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 $58,123 median five years after graduation, 6% below 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%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 29.0%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 30.7%
- 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, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 32.0%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 10.7%
- Psychology, General 8.4%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 8.2%
- Homeland Security 8.2%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 7.2%
See more majors
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.2%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 3.3%
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
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree) $86,215
- 2. Homeland Security (Bachelor's Degree) $68,961
- 3. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree) $63,501
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree) $58,870
- 5. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Associate's Degree) $55,481
- 6. Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree) $47,445
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $130,121
- 2. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $77,640
- 3. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) $65,835
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Education, General (Master's Degree) $56,901
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $86,215—82% more than Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness ($47,445). Graduate: Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions programs lead with $130,121 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 254 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree, 147 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 85 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 67 graduates)
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 57 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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 (29 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Psychology, General
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Biology, General
- Human Services, General
- History
- Mathematics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Sociology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Music
- Religious Music and Worship
- Special Education and Teaching
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Chemistry
- Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)▼
- 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 31.0%
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 similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 93.6% ROI. Ranked #1703 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $13,267 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $58,123 median earnings. With 29.0% graduating within 150% of normal time 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 C grade and #1703 ranking, Bethel University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $13,267 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 $9,287 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 93.6% ROI and $58,123 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $3,267+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Bethel University ranks #1703 of 1955 institutions, with 399 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
- 29.0% graduation rate sits 33.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 53.9% first-year retention is 22.9 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 93.6% return on investment is 43.7 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $58,123 run about 6% lower than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $13,267 is roughly $6,614 lower than the national median of $19,881.
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.
- 89.8% employment rate within three years sits 21.6 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 31.0% trails the national share by 7.5 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 C grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #1703 overall Category results include Completion (C-), Support (C), Career Outcomes (B-), and Affordability (B).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings 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 29.0% graduate within 150% of normal time (30.7% within eight years). The reported ROI is 93.6%, 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 $13,267 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $32,047.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $18,780 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $27,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 31.0% 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
Median earnings come in near $58,123 five years after graduation. That sits about 6% below the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 89.8%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 93.6%, 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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Bethel University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/bethel-university/
MLA (9th): “Bethel University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/bethel-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Bethel University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/bethel-university/.
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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 admissions data.
How much does Bethel University cost?
At Bethel University, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $13,267 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $32,047 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $18,712. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Bethel University's ranking?
Bethel University ranks #1703 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of C, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Bethel University's graduation rate?
At Bethel University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 29.0% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 30.7%, and first-year retention is 53.9%.
What are Bethel University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Bethel University report median earnings of $58,123 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Bethel University's student population?
Bethel University enrolls about 1,547 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 325 Cherry Ave, 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
- Transfer Enrollment Rate28.2%