Choosing a college is one of the most important investments you will ever make. It affects your finances, your academic pathway, your personal development, and your future opportunities. As you explore different universities, you might find yourself balancing excitement with uncertainty—especially when it comes to understanding the true cost of college. At Bethel University, we know that clarity matters. With a clear and supportive approach to tuition, financial aid, and preparation for what comes next, you can understand both what your education costs and where it’s taking you. That clarity helps you move forward with confidence, knowing your investment is connected to a meaningful future.
“Bethel’s transparency with tuition allows students and families to do a more realistic comparison of financial aid offers, and removes uncertainty,” says Director of Financial Aid Jessica Crotty. “Our goal is to ensure that families feel informed about their options to cover tuition costs and comfortable asking questions of our team. We want to be a partner in their journey to an education with Bethel.”
The difference between sticker price and real cost
When families begin researching colleges, one of the first numbers they encounter is the published tuition price. At many institutions, that sticker price is intentionally inflated and rarely reflects what students actually pay. That can make the cost of college feel confusing—or discouraging—before financial aid is even considered.
That’s why Bethel has taken a different approach. We repositioned our tuition so our sticker price is designed to reflect the actual cost of a Bethel degree, without inflated figures or misleading pricing. Nearly all incoming Bethel students still receive financial aid to lower out-of-pocket costs.
Your net price is the amount that matters most when comparing colleges. It is an estimate of what your family may pay in a year after scholarships, grants, and financial aid are applied to the total cost of attendance. This gives you a clearer, more realistic picture of college costs and helps you plan with confidence as you consider your options.
Affordability is part of Bethel’s mission to walk alongside students as they grow academically, spiritually, and personally. By pairing a clear price with strong financial aid, Bethel helps make a Christ-centered education more accessible—and more transparent—for the students who feel called here.
Understanding your financial aid options at Bethel
Financial aid at Bethel comes in several forms, and most students receive more than one type of support. Understanding how these options work together can help families see how a Bethel education is within reach.
Scholarships and grants
Scholarships and grants are among the most valuable types of aid because you don’t need to pay them back. Bethel offers a range of options, including merit-based scholarships awarded based on your high school GPA, need-based grants for families with demonstrated financial need, and awards connected to specific programs, talents, or leadership experiences. These scholarships recognize the hard work your bring with them to Bethel and reflect the university’s commitment to supporting your potential. For eligible Minnesota students, additional need-based support may be available through the Bethel Promise Grant, which helps greatly reduces the cost of tuition. Many scholarships and grants are automatically considered when students apply and submit the FAFSA, which means you may qualify for more aid than you anticipate.
Federal and state aid
By completing the FAFSA, students can access a variety of federal and state financial aid opportunities. These may include Pell Grants, Minnesota State Grants for eligible students, federal student loans, and Parent PLUS loans. For many families, this type of aid provides an important layer of support that helps close the gap between scholarships and remaining costs.
Student Employment and Campus Jobs
On-campus jobs offer you the opportunity to earn money and while gaining valuable skills and experience. Many students choose to work during the academic year as part of their financial plan, and these roles also allow them to become more engaged in the campus community. Student employment can help reduce expenses, build relationships, and enhance a student’s sense of belonging.
A clear estimate through Bethel’s net price calculator
Even with Bethel’s clear tuition, one of the best tools for understanding your estimated total cost is Bethel’s net price calculator. The calculator provides a personalized estimate based on cost of attendance minus scholarships and grants, using your academic profile and financial information.
Within the calculator, you will see estimates presented in two ways. Direct costs include the expenses Bethel charges directly, such as tuition and room and board if you choose to live on campus. Cost of attendance includes direct costs plus estimated expenses like transportation, personal expenses, and loan fees. These additional items are not billed by Bethel, but they represent the maximum amount of financial aid a student may use to cover education-related expenses.
The calculator is user-friendly and takes only a few minutes to complete. You will be asked for basic financial and academic details, and the tool will generate an estimate of the scholarships and grants you may qualify for. Most families find that using the calculator early in the college search process provides helpful clarity, allowing them to plan with realistic expectations and a clearer understanding of their overall financial picture.
The value of a faith-centered education
Understanding cost is important, but it is only part of the decision. The value of a Bethel education is shaped by how students are formed during their time here. Faith is woven into academics, relationships, and daily life, helping students explore who God is calling them to become and how their gifts can make a difference in the world.
At Bethel, Christ is the compass that guides how students learn and live. Faculty integrate faith into every area of study, and students are invited to ask meaningful questions, deepen their faith, and connect their learning to their calling. Within a supportive Christ-centered community, students are known, encouraged, and challenged to grow. This kind of personal faith formation—alongside transformational academics and a rooted community—adds lasting value to a Bethel education and prepares graduates to move forward with clarity, purpose, and confidence.
The long-term value of a Bethel degree
Families naturally want to understand the return on investment of a college degree. Bethel graduates pursue meaningful careers and further education across fields such as healthcare, business, education, ministry, technology, and engineering. Through hands-on learning, internships, undergraduate research, and leadership opportunities, students gain practical experience that prepares them for life after graduation.
This preparation leads to strong outcomes. Nearly all recent Bethel graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. Over the long term, a Bethel education continues to deliver value. According to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, Bethel ranks among Christian College Consortium institutions with the highest return on investment ten years after enrollment.
Beyond career and earnings outcomes, Bethel equips students for purposeful lives shaped by faith, character, and service. That commitment does not end at graduation. Through the Bethel Career Commitment, eligible graduates who have not yet secured a job offer or graduate school acceptance within six months may be eligible for continued support to help them move forward with confidence. Together, this preparation and support reflect Bethel’s confidence in where a Christ-centered education can lead.
Is Bethel the right fit for you
As you explore your college options, it can be helpful to reflect on what matters most to you. Consider whether you are seeking a university where faith and academics are meaningfully connected, where community and mentorship support your growth, and where you can develop both your career goals and your sense of calling. Think about whether Bethel’s programs, faculty, and outcomes align with your long-term aspirations. Financially, consider whether a clear and transparent approach to cost supports your values, goals, and hopes for the future.
Take your next step toward understanding Bethel’s cost
Navigating college costs can feel complex, but you do not have to do it alone. Bethel is committed to helping students and families make informed, thoughtful decisions. With a clear tuition model, tools like the net price calculator, personalized support from financial aid staff, and a wide range of scholarships and grants, you can explore Bethel with confidence.
“We acknowledge that getting an education is a significant financial commitment, and we want students and parents to understand that,” Crotty says. “With our approach to clear tuition, we want to be a place where students and families feel comfortable coming to the financial aid office to ask questions. At Bethel, we partner with departments across campus to ensure students understand, experience, and feel the value of their education.”
To learn more about financial aid options and next steps, visit Bethel’s financial aid page.
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