Bethel University
About Bethel University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Bethel University is a private Christian university in McKenzie, Tennessee. It offers affordable programs in business, criminal justice, nursing, and homeland security, with both on-campus and online options for working students.
Founded
1842
Location
McKenzie, Tennessee
Students
1,809
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
60.2%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
35.1%
Below national average
Tuition
$18,712
Per year
Avg Net Price
$12,595
After financial aid
SAT Average
972
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$47,482
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
60.2 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$30
Early
N/A
Deadline
Jul 31
Bethel University accepts 60.2% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
972/ 1600
ACT Scores
18/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
35.1% complete their degree within six years
Retention
53.9%
4-Year Grad
26%
6-Year Grad
35%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$5.5K
Class Size
Medium
The 26% 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
$18,712
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$10,538
Books & Supplies
$1,295
Total Cost of Attendance
$31,203
After Financial Aid
$12,595
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$11,871
Receive Grants
31.7%
Take Loans
38.2%
The total cost of attendance runs about $31,203/yr, including $10,538 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $12,595.
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 Bethel University fund their education.
While in School
31.7%
Get Grants
Free money
38.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$27,406
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$27,249
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$289/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $27,249 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $47K 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 Bethel University.
Gender
44.4%
Female
56%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,547
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
262
Graduates
51.2%
First-Gen
30 yrs
Avg Age
18.7%
Age 25+
With an average entry age of 30, the campus has more working adults and non-traditional students than most schools. You'll find classmates with real-world experience. 51.2% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 5.2% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
1,547
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
No
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Bethel University fields 10 varsity teams with 477 student athletes, about 31% of the student body.
Division
NAIA
Division I
Conference
Mid-South
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
477
31% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
75% / 25%
360
Men
117
Women
8
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Bethel Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$47,482
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$49K
254 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$71K
85 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
—
67 grads
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$54K
65 grads
1yr Earnings
Homeland Security
$78K
65 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$32K
57 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $39K six years out, growing to $47K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bethel University
What is the acceptance rate at Bethel University?▾
How much does Bethel University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Bethel University?▾
How much do Bethel University 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.