Undergraduate Academics
The Royal Bridge Program
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Royal Bridge: get a head start at Bethel
Royal Bridge is a summer program and online course designed to help you start college strong. If you're the first in your family to go to college, new to the Twin Cities, multilingual, or just feeling a little unsure about college life—this program gives you a jumpstart. You’ll get to:
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Take an early college class in a supportive environment
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Get to know campus before everyone else arrives
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Connect with professors, mentors, and future classmates
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Learn what college is really like (but with a smaller group and less pressure)
How it works
Take a class
Introduction to the Bible (BIB101) is a 4-credit class that most Bethel students take during their first semester. But you'll take it early, with built-in support and fewer distractions. You'll do one week of on-campus learning and have through August 12 to complete your course. Online work can be completed whenever it fits with your schedule.
Spend time on campus
You'll live on Bethel's campus July 19-24. You'll do group activities, get to know where things are located, have group discussions about what you're learning in class, and get settled into college life.
Gain skills and confidence
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Tips on managing time, money, and stress in college
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Help with figuring out your major and career goals
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Guidance on how to connect to student clubs, faith groups, leadership, etc.)
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Mentoring connections you'll have throughout your first three semesters at Bethel
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Real talk about faith, growth, and belonging—no pressure, just space to explore
Who it's for
The Royal Bridge program is designed for new Bethel students who have zero or very few college credits. If you’re Pell-eligible (which means you qualify for extra financial help), you’ll get full tuition coverage for the summer class.
What it costs
Free residential week
You’ll get free housing, meals, and activities while you're on campus.
Class tuition
The class (BIB101) costs $2,626, but a scholarship may be available.
Schedule
On campus: July 19-24, 2026
Online: 2.5 weeks (after the on-campus program)
Optional: First-year residential experience in The Bridge LLC (details below)
First three semesters: Stay connected with your mentors and peers as you settle into life at Bethel
Apply to the program
Applications will be reviewed March 1 through June 15, or until the program is full. When you apply, you will receive an automated message letting you know that your application has been received, and decisions will be communicated as quickly as possible. Applications submitted after June 15 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, as space allows.
Living Learning Community (optional)
Students have the option of being part of The Bridge Living Learning Community (LLC), designed for first-year students to build academic skills, form supportive relationships, connect with mentors, and grow spiritually while they transition to college life. Bethel’s LLCs are unique, residential environments that bring together students who share a passion, purpose, or major—with access to special social events, study groups, and experiences. This group is open to anyone, but is an especially good fit for Royal Bridge participants. Learn more
Royal Bridge gave me community before entering college, and provided me with friends and people I knew I could count on. It also prepared me for the rigor of college classes and gave me the confidence to keep going!
Chloe Harvick '28It's a wonderful experience! You're ahead of everyone else. You meet great people, and everyone's friendly and supportive.
Gianni Escoto '28I want to thank you for the amazing experience that my daughter has had with this program and the course. She connected with peers, faculty, and staff in a way that will make her transition into college so much easier. The program is a blessing.
Heather Harvick
