Bethel University
Bethel University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Bethel University at a Glance
Bethel University is a private Baptist university and seminary in Arden Hills, Minnesota, United States.
1871
155 years old
$40M
$39.5 million (2021)
6,532
2,800 undergrad
544
Identity
Is Bethel University Worth It?
Bethel University offers moderate value at $28,556/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $63,764, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 73% graduation rate means roughly 27% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Bethel University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MN
Ranked #38 of 119 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 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Regis University | 60 | $18,397 | $72,105 |
| #5 | Valparaiso University | 58 | $18,578 | $63,191 |
| #6 | Saint Johns University | 56 | $25,672 | $76,786 |
| #38 | Bethel University | 41 | $28,556 | $63,764 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Bethel University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in MN.
Best Programs at Bethel University
The highest-earning program at Bethel University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $63,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $26,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Bethel University earns $63,600, while a Biology, General graduate earns $26,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $24,200 in median debt vs. $21,500 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $28,556/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $63,600 | $63,600 | $24,200 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $59,300 | $59,300 | $22,187 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $45,100 | $45,100 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $37,200 | $37,200 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $36,900 | $36,900 | $27,000 |
| Social Work | $36,800 | $36,800 | $21,773 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $33,700 | $33,700 | $23,250 |
| Psychology, General | $28,700 | $28,700 | $21,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $27,400 | $27,400 | $25,992 |
| Biology, General | $26,500 | $26,500 | $21,500 |
Similar Colleges in MN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Saint Paul, MN
- Student Body
- 1,871 students
- Admission Rate
- 88%
- Graduation Rate
- 73%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $28,556
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $63,764
- Median Student Debt
- $21,500