Bethany College
About Bethany College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Bethany College in West Virginia is the oldest college in the state, founded in 1840, and sits in a valley in the northern panhandle. Psychology, teacher education, media studies and social work are its largest programs.
Founded
1840
Location
Bethany, West Virginia
Students
639
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
58.8%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
46.8%
Below national average
Tuition
$36,765
Per year
Avg Net Price
$18,605
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$44,512
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
58.8 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
With a 58.8% acceptance rate, Bethany College admits most students who meet the academic standards. Focus on putting together a complete, thoughtful application.
SAT Scores
N/A
Not reported
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Average: 22 out of 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
46.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
53.8%
4-Year Grad
34%
6-Year Grad
43%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$5.8K
Class Size
Medium
The 34% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$36,765
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$13,210
Books & Supplies
$740
Total Cost of Attendance
$50,758
After Financial Aid
$18,605
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$14,315
Receive Grants
51.2%
Take Loans
74.7%
The total cost of attendance runs about $50,758/yr, including $13,210 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $18,605.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Bethany College fund their education.
While in School
51.2%
Get Grants
Free money
74.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$50,433
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$27,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$286/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $27,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $45K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Bethany College.
Gender
41.4%
Female
59%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
614
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
25
Graduates
33.9%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
1.2%
Age 25+
Men make up the majority at 59% of the student body. 33.9% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 7.7% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Rural: Fringe
Campus Quick Facts
614
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Bethany College fields 14 varsity teams with 521 student athletes, about 85% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
Presidents'
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
14
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
521
85% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
64% / 36%
332
Men
189
Women
11
Men's Teams
11
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Bethany Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$44,512
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$26K
25 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
—
12 grads
Communication and Media Studies
—
10 grads
Social Work
—
6 grads
Business Administration, Management and Operations
—
6 grads
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
—
5 grads
Graduates earn about $37K six years out, growing to $45K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bethany College
What is the acceptance rate at Bethany College?▾
How much does Bethany College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Bethany College?▾
How much do Bethany College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.