Bethany College
Bethany College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Bethany College at a Glance
Bethany College is a private liberal arts college in Bethany, West Virginia, United States. Founded in 1840 by minister Alexander Campbell of the Restoration Movement, who gained support by the Virginia legislature, Bethany College was the first institution of higher education in what is now West Virginia. The college has an enrollment of approximately 620 students.
1840
186 years old
$51M
$51.4 million (2023)
623
72
1,300 acres
Identity
Is Bethany College Worth It?
At a value score of 28/100, Bethany College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,512 — 17% below average — while paying $18,605/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 47% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $27,000 representing 61% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Bethany College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Bethany College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #25 of 73 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #3 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #4 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #5 | Wesleyan College | 43 | $12,724 | $44,317 |
| #6 | Boricua College | 43 | $15,245 | $35,348 |
| #25 | Bethany College | 28 | $18,605 | $44,512 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Bethany College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Bethany College
The highest-earning program at Bethany College is Communication and Media Studies at $24,900/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Communication and Media Studies graduate from Bethany College earns $24,900, while a Communication and Media Studies graduate earns $24,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Communication and Media Studies graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Communication and Media Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $18,605/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies | $24,900 | $24,900 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in WV
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Bethany, WV
- Student Body
- 614 students
- Admission Rate
- 59%
- Graduation Rate
- 47%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $18,605
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,512
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000