Students at Bethel University benefit from earning more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting the value of the university's personalized approach to education.
The institution successfully serves first-generation students while maintaining strong loan repayment outcomes for graduates.
Bethel University is a small private nonprofit institution in McKenzie, Tennessee, serving students who value personal attention and a tight-knit campus community. With about 31% of students receiving Pell Grants and over half being first-generation college students, Bethel provides access to higher education for many students who might not otherwise attend college. The university's 6-year graduation rate of 35% reflects the challenges that many small private institutions face in supporting students through completion.
Bethel's graduates earn a median of $47,482 ten years after enrollment, which places the university in the lower tier nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. However, graduates do earn slightly more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions, showing some positive value-added impact. The university's strength lies in business administration and corrections programs, which together account for a significant portion of graduates.
As an "Opportunity Builder" institution, Bethel serves students from diverse economic backgrounds but faces ongoing challenges in translating that access into consistently strong completion and earnings outcomes. For students who thrive in small, personal environments and are drawn to the university's mission and community, Bethel offers a distinctive educational experience in rural Tennessee.
Bethel University's program portfolio centers on practical, career-oriented fields that connect directly to regional employment opportunities. Business Administration stands out as both the largest program and the one with the highest aggregate economic impact, graduating 242 students annually with median earnings of $39,950. This program serves as the university's primary economic engine, preparing students for management and entrepreneurial roles across Tennessee and surrounding states.
Corrections Administration represents one of Bethel's higher-earning pathways, with 153 graduates earning a median of $50,022 in early career. This program reflects the university's strength in criminal justice and public safety fields, which offer stable employment opportunities in both public and private sectors. The combination of these two major programs accounts for a significant portion of Bethel's graduates and demonstrates the institution's focus on fields that provide direct pathways to employment.
As a small institution, Bethel's program scale allows for personalized attention and close faculty-student relationships, which can be particularly valuable in professional fields where mentorship and networking matter for career development.
Graduates of Bethel University earn a median of $47,482 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution below national averages for long-term earnings. However, graduates do earn about $2,577 more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions, indicating that Bethel provides some positive value beyond what the raw earnings numbers might suggest. This earnings premium, while modest, reflects the university's ability to help students achieve outcomes that exceed predictions based on their incoming characteristics.
The university's strongest programs center on business administration and corrections. Business Administration graduates 242 students annually with median earnings of $39,950, making it both the largest program and the one with the highest aggregate economic impact. Corrections Administration, with 153 graduates earning a median of $50,022, represents one of the higher-earning pathways available at Bethel. These programs reflect the university's focus on practical, career-oriented fields that connect directly to regional employment opportunities in Tennessee and surrounding areas.
While earnings outcomes are modest compared with larger research universities, Bethel's graduates enter careers that provide stable employment in fields like business management, criminal justice, and public service. The university's small size and personal attention can help students build the professional networks and practical skills needed for success in these sectors.
Bethel University's net pricing varies modestly across income levels, with low-income students paying about $22,495 annually, middle-income families paying $21,838, and higher-income families paying $19,450. These prices place Bethel in the lower tier nationally for affordability, reflecting the financial challenges that many small private institutions face in keeping costs accessible while maintaining operations.
Debt levels are a significant consideration for Bethel students. Typical graduates leave with about $27,249 in federal student loan debt, which is substantial relative to the university's median earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $8,563, adding to the total family debt burden. The combination of moderate earnings and higher debt levels means that graduates need to carefully manage their financial obligations after college, though the university's 0% federal loan default rate suggests that most borrowers are able to meet their repayment responsibilities over time.
Bethel University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
