Bethel University
Bethel University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Bethel University Worth It?
At a value score of 33/100, Bethel University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $47,482 — 12% below average — while paying $12,595/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 35% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 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 $27,249 representing 57% 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 in TN
Ranked #18 of 63 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 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #2 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #3 | Madonna University | 49 | $17,755 | $59,058 |
| #4 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #5 | St. Francis College | 43 | $18,129 | $58,099 |
| #6 | Alma College | 42 | $20,694 | $54,742 |
| #18 | Bethel University | 33 | $12,595 | $47,482 |
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%). 3 in TN.
Best Programs at Bethel University
The highest-earning program at Bethel University is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $50,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $39,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate from Bethel University earns $50,400, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $39,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates carry $28,875 in median debt vs. $40,227 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,595/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $50,400 | $50,400 | $28,875 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $39,600 | $39,600 | $40,227 |
Similar Colleges in TN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- McKenzie, TN
- Student Body
- 1,547 students
- Admission Rate
- 60%
- Graduation Rate
- 35%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,595
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,482
- Median Student Debt
- $27,249