Bethel College

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U.S. News Rankings

Ranking score and category

U.S. News rank Category Name #24 Regional Colleges (Midwest)

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Summary

Bethel College is a private institution that was founded in 1947. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,885, its setting is city, and the campus size is 80 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Bethel College's ranking in the 2013 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Colleges (Midwest), 24. Its tuition and fees are $24,170 (2012-13).

School mission and unique qualities (as provided by the school):

Going to college is about much more than earning a degree, or at least it should be. At Bethel, we want our students to become truly educated: to understand, with depth and insight, the world and their place in it. Students find that Bethel drives them to think deeply and to work diligently, taking into account their particular strengths and goals. You will learn to evaluate ideas, to draw on ethics and values and to discern among theories and judgments you encounter every day. It can be challenging, but Bethel offers the resources you need to succeed. Bethel offers a true education in another powerful way as well. Our mission as a Christian college of the arts and sciences is to foster spiritual insight, growth and commitment. Faith gives fuller dimension to the learning that takes place here. You can see the whole picture. You can know the truth. As a Christian college of the arts, sciences, and professions, Bethel can provide you with skills you will use throughout your lifetime: effective communication, resourceful problem solving, solid teamwork and critical thinking. The solid preparation built into a Bethel education means that students in every program enjoy exceptional success as they pursue their career or graduate school. Bethel offers more than 50 areas of study, so students are able to study what they love and put it to use in the real world. An internship program allows you to gain valuable experience prior to graduation. Students at Bethel quickly learn that their college education is not limited to the four walls of the classroom. Bethel offers educational opportunities across the country and around the world. Such opportunities include the American Studies Program in Washington, DC; Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies in Michigan and Florida; the Pacific Rim Program in Australia, New Zealand, and China; and the Los Angeles Film Studies Center in California. Bethel's campus is home to a variety of community-focused ministries, including tutoring children, building houses, feeding the hungry and the annual Work Day, which serves the Mishawaka/South Bend community. If students have a heart for missions, they can join a Task Force Team and reach out to others in places around the world. Mishawaka/South Bend, an active residential community in Northern Indiana, is an excellent location for your education. Beautiful buildings blend gracefully on our campus, which features stately oaks and cascading fountains. You will enjoy the safety and serenity of an established suburban setting. We are located in the third largest metro area in the state, so you can also find big-city advantages within easy reach. Chicago is just 90 miles away. You can pursue a great internship or job at a major business, health care facility, church, social service agency or governmental office, all easily accessible from campus.

General Information

School type	private, coed college
Year founded	1947
Religious affiliation	Missionary Church
Academic calendar	semester
Setting	city
2011 Endowment	$8,160,532

Applying

When applying to Bethel College, it's important to note the application deadline is rolling. Scores for either the ACT or SAT test are due August 15. The application fee at Bethel College is $25. It is selective, with an acceptance rate of 68.9 percent.

For more information about the tests, essays, interviews, and admissions process, visit the Applying to College knowledge center.

Selectivity	selective
Fall 2011 acceptance rate	68.9%
Application deadline	rolling
SAT/ACT scores must be received by	August 15

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Academic Life

The student-faculty ratio at Bethel College is 13:1, and the school has 70.2 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at Bethel College include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities; Education; Health Professions and Related Programs; and Visual and Performing Arts. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 80.5 percent.

Class sizes
Student-faculty ratio	13:1
4-year graduation rate	48
Five most popular majors for 2011 graduates
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services 35% Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities 13% Education 12% Health Professions and Related Programs 8% Visual and Performing Arts 5%

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Student Life

Bethel College has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,885, with a gender distribution of 34.3 percent male students and 65.7 percent female students. At this school, 46.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 54.0 percent of students live off campus. Bethel College is part of the NAIA athletic conference.

Total enrollment	2,074
Student gender distribution
Undergraduate men who are members of a fraternity
Undergraduate women who are members of a sorority
Collegiate athletic association	NAIA

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Campus Info & Services

Bethel College offers a number of student services including nonremedial tutoring, placement service, health service, and health insurance. Bethel College also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late night transport/escort service, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, and controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc). Of the students at Bethel College, 65 percent have cars on campus. Alcohol is not permitted for students of legal age at Bethel College.

Students who have cars on campus	65%
Health insurance offered	Yes
Students required to own/lease a computer	No

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Paying for School

At Bethel College, 85.3 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $7,789.

Paying for college doesn't have to be difficult or devastating. Go to the Paying for College knowledge center to get advice on raising cash and reducing costs.

Tuition and fees	$24,170 (2012-13)
Room and board	$7,280 (2012-13)
Financial aid statistics

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* Overview details based on 2011 data