Bethel University
Bethel University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Bethel University at a Glance
Bethel University is a private Christian university in Mishawaka, Indiana, United States. It was established in 1947 and is affiliated with the evangelical Christian Missionary Church.
1947
79 years old
$11M
$11.4 million
1,167
1,065 undergrad · 102 grad
75 acres
Identity
Is Bethel University Worth It?
At a value score of 36/100, Bethel University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $48,860 — 9% below average — while paying $18,610/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 55% 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 a 98% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $25,000 representing 51% 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 Bethel University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Bethel University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #20 of 89 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 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #3 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #4 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #5 | Waynesburg University | 50 | $18,235 | $58,537 |
| #6 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #20 | Bethel University | 36 | $18,610 | $48,860 |
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%). 2 in IN.
Best Programs at Bethel University
The highest-earning program at Bethel University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $50,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $28,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Bethel University earns $50,600, while a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate earns $28,300. 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 $27,000 in median debt vs. $22,803 for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $18,610/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 | $50,600 | $50,600 | $27,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $45,500 | $45,500 | $28,297 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $33,900 | $33,900 | N/A |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $28,300 | $28,300 | $22,803 |
Similar Colleges in IN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Mishawaka, IN
- Student Body
- 1,008 students
- Admission Rate
- 98%
- Graduation Rate
- 55%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $18,610
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,860
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000