Bethel celebrates record incoming undergraduate class for second year in a row

For the second consecutive year, Bethel has welcomed the largest incoming undergraduate class in university history. This fall, 1,179 incoming undergraduate students are starting their Bethel experience through traditional undergraduate, Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO), early college, and BUILD programs. 

Among them are 583 new students entering Bethel’s traditional undergraduate programs, 579 PSEO and early college students, and 17 students in BUILD. This marks 5% growth, building on last year’s 19% growth. Bethel’s traditional degree-seeking undergraduate population grew to 2,473. 

“We're seeing students and families respond to what Bethel offers: purposeful faith formation combined with excellent academics in a community that cares deeply for students,” says Paul McGinnis, vice president of enrollment and marketing. “This record incoming class reflects the hard work happening across Bethel to be innovative, clear, and bold."

The number of high school students who experienced Bethel through PSEO and chose to continue as traditional undergraduates increased 77% to 117 students. These students gained an early look at what it means to be part of Bethel and decided they wanted to stay—learning from faculty who invest in their growth, exploring how faith connects with their studies, and finding a place to belong.

Momentum is building

The momentum goes beyond enrollment numbers with growth and success evident throughout the Bethel community. In the classroom, unique hands-on experiences and research opportunities give students the chance to work alongside faculty. Bethel’s student-managed Royals Investment Fund, LLC is one example. The fund—which has grown to more than $3.2 million in independent investor dollars—gives business students a chance to apply the financial, investment, and marketing knowledge they’re learning.

Meanwhile, physics and engineering students can spend their summers at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Geneva, working with faculty on high-energy particle physics. In fact, 93% of Bethel seniors graduate with two or more of these types of high-impact learning experiences. Bethel is also expanding its academic offerings to prepare students to meet growing needs in their communities. A master’s program in speech-language pathology is already recruiting its first class for summer 2027.

Through The Studio for Vocation and Calling, students receive coaching, mentoring, networking, and hands-on experiences that help them discover their calling and prepare for what’s next. And through the Bethel Career Commitment, graduates who haven’t secured a job offer or graduate school acceptance within six months of graduation receive additional support to take their next step.

“We are grateful for the students God continues to bring to Bethel and encouraged by the momentum we are seeing across the university,” says President Ross Allen. “This growth reflects the work of so many people who care deeply about our students and our mission. It gives us confidence as we continue investing in a Christ-centered education that prepares students to live with purpose and serve wherever God calls them.”