Bethel makes history with 1,124 new undergraduate students

Bethel University is making history this fall, welcoming 1,124 new undergraduate students—the largest incoming class ever. This record-breaking enrollment includes year-over-year growth in new students, transfer students, and students in the BUILD and Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) programs. Together, this has fueled a 7.6% overall increase in the total number of undergraduates at 2,523 and a 19% increase in new freshmen.

“Our record enrollment reflects a deep hunger for education that integrates faith, learning, and purpose. Families are choosing Bethel because they see a mission that truly transforms lives,” says Bethel President Ross Allen. “We are celebrating this growth not for its own sake, but because it means more students are being equipped to make a kingdom impact.” 

These numbers tell a bigger story: families are seeking more than a degree. They want a Christ-centered education that prepares students to make a difference in the world—and Bethel is committed to delivering on that mission with clarity, purpose, and impact.

Leading the way with clear tuition and career commitment

Bethel is answering the questions families are asking about the value of college: “What will it cost?” and “Is it worth it?” At Bethel, the answer is clear: yes, college is worth it. And yes, you’ll know what your education costs—and where it’s taking you.

Last week, Bethel introduced the Bethel Career Commitment—a bold investment in students’ futures that provides clarity and confidence about life after college. The commitment is: if you haven't secured a job offer or graduate school acceptance within six months of graduation, Bethel will step in with meaningful support to help you get there. Anchored in The Studio for Vocation and Calling, this commitment makes career exploration and preparation a visible, integrated part of every student’s educational experience at Bethel—not just an add-on. Students will connect with mentors, gain real-world experience, and get the support they need to launch with confidence.

This career commitment builds on Bethel’s tuition clarity initiatives announced last fall. Bethel took a bold step to break away from industry norms and introduce a new, clear tuition. This repositioning gives families transparency around what they can really expect to pay at Bethel—$26,700, helping them in their college decision-making process. Bethel is pushing back on what has become a confusing industry standard: increasing list prices and providing significant price discounts labeled as scholarships.

Bethel is excited to give more and more students like Nick the opportunity to receive a Christ-centered education in a community where students belong and are empowered to become who they’re meant to be. “Students and families now have a clear price and clear outcomes,” says Paul McGinnis, vice president of enrollment and marketing. “This growth is possible thanks to the incredible collaboration across campus—from the admissions and marketing teams who help students find their way to Bethel, to the faculty, coaches, and staff who continue walking with them once they get here. Together, they prepare students to lead and serve as employees, citizens, and community members.”

Momentum across academics, faith, and community

Bethel’s Career Commitment and clear price provide students with the clarity and confidence they need—starting with a known cost and ending with a supported launch into life after college. Along the way, students follow a purposeful path shaped by transformational academics, personal faith formation, and a Christ-centered community. It’s all designed to prepare them for what comes next—and to launch into their futures with confidence. Across campus, exciting momentum is building as more students experience the full promise of a Bethel education.

Academics

• The Anderson Family College of Health Sciences was recently launched with a $20 million dollar gift, positioning Bethel to grow as a leader in excellent faith-based healthcare education in the Midwest.
• A new academic structure, guided by four deans, will foster innovation, advance research, and strengthen collaboration across all programs at Bethel.
• Four new undergraduate majors and three minors, including speech-language pathology, were introduced this fall—in response to student interest as well as workforce demand.
• BUILD celebrated its 10-year anniversary as one of a few comprehensive transition and postsecondary (CTP) programs in the country for students with intellectual disabilities.

Faith formation

• 96% of students say Bethel helps them live out their faith, and 92% say they experience spiritual growth at Bethel. 
• Campus Ministries launched a new app—EngageBU—that houses Bible studies, Chapel messages, and other curricula for spiritual development and growth.

Community life

• 93% of recent Bethel alumni say they are satisfied with their overall experience, and 91% of seniors rank their Bethel education as good or excellent. 
• 74% of undergraduate students are living on campus—the highest percentage in more than 12 years—reflecting the excitement for what's happening in Bethel's community. 
• In athletics, Bethel now boasts 36 MIAC championships, two consecutive NCAA Women of the Year nominees from the MIAC, and 74 Royal athletes who earned Academic All-MIAC honors last year.

Together, these markers of momentum affirm that Bethel’s recent efforts are making a tangible difference in the student experience—strengthening both the value and clarity of what it means to be a Bethel student. “We are excited to see the positive response to investments we’ve made to bring clarity to the cost and value of a Bethel student experience,” says Ross. “As a Bethel alum, I know God works amazingly and wonderfully through Bethel to prepare students to live a life of meaning and purpose.”