Bethany Lutheran College

Among Bethany Lutheran College's unique features are its small size and Christian atmosphere. Taken together, these features create significant benefits for students ; close, personal attention from faculty and staff, numerous opportunities for participation and leadership, a genuinely friendly community, and an environment in which faith is integrated with learning. All classes are taught from a Christian perspective with an evangelical spirit, based on the Bible, as expressed in our Lutheran tradition. Christianity provides the context and backdrop for everyday decisions. At Bethany, every student is regarded as a valued, unique member of the community. Our small size allows for that. Our Christian mission inspires it. Equipping students with certain habits of mind ; curiosity, rigor, depth, flexibility is a central aim of the Bethany faculty. You can tell from the personal attention they give to students, from their focus on active learning and critical thinking strategies in the classroom, and from the challenging questions they pose and the encouraging feedback they provide. It's evident, as well, in the enthusiasm they bring to class, which reflects a genuine interest in their subject matter, their students, and the teaching process. Put simply, Bethany professors love teaching. Bethany professors make a point of being accessible; their offices are easy to find, and they often leave the door open to encourage visits from students. You'll see them at chapel, in the dining hall, and around campus all great opportunities to interact. You'll also find that the Bethany faculty and staff are genuinely interested in your success. Learning at Bethany goes well beyond the classroom. Many students enrich their BLC education through an internship, which will allow you to test your choice of major, apply what you've learned in classes, gain new knowledge and skills, and make valuable connections with people in the workplace. The possibilities for internships are virtually limitless. Another valuable way to enrich your education at Bethany is by participating in a study abroad experience. By studying in another country, you'll expand your cultural awareness and understanding while learning more about yourself and your own culture. Bethany students have engaged in international living and study experiences in a variety of locales, chosen to suit their individual needs and interests. Bethany participates in NCAA Division III athletics in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC). Students are also involved in outstanding performing and visual arts programs, travel ministry experiences, service learning, student leadership, and more.
Bethany is a residential college, with over 70% of students living on campus; for students in their first two years, that figure rises to 90%. Bethany is located in the heart of Mankato and North Mankato, Minnesota, 80 miles southwest of Minneapolis-St. Paul. With a combined population of about 52,000, the area offers the conveniences and attractions of a bigger city, yet still maintains a small-town feel. We're committed to making Bethany affordable for students and their families.
Bethany's comprehensive cost (tuition, fees, room and board) is, in fact, the lowest of all of Minnesota's private liberal arts colleges. Another element of our affordability is the financial assistance we provide. Very few Bethany students pay the full cost of their education. If you're like most Bethany students (around 98%), you'll receive financial assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study, loans, or some combination of these.