Acceptance Rate
59%
Avg. SAT
1140
75th percentile
“Small liberal arts college in northern West Virginia founded by a pioneering preacher, emphasizing close-knit community and personal teaching.”
Bethany, WV
Location
Rural
Campus Setting
Bethany College traces its roots to 1840, when Alexander Campbell, a leader in the Disciples of Christ movement, established it as one of the first coeducational colleges west of the Appalachians. Nestled in the tiny village of Bethany, West Virginia, the campus occupies rolling 83 acres near the Ohio border, about 10 miles from Wheeling. Students who thrive here seek individualized attention in a family-like setting, where professors know your name and classmates become lifelong friends. The school's personality reflects its religious heritage through chapel services and ethical discussions, without mandating faith practices. You'll find a rural pace that fosters reflection, but tradeoffs include isolation from urban amenities and a limited social pool due to the 500-student size.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Classes average under 20 students, letting you engage directly with faculty who prioritize discussion over lectures. Strengths lie in education, business, biology, and forensic science, where hands-on labs and field experiences prepare you for practical careers. You'll dissect specimens in the science hall or analyze mock crime scenes in forensics courses, building skills employers notice. Research opportunities arise early, often paired with professors on local environmental projects. Competitive admission to education certification tracks means planning ahead, and the small size limits niche electives or graduate-level seminars.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
615 undergrad • 25 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
48%
Black / African American
18%
Hispanic / Latino
4%
Asian
1%
Other / Multi-racial
30%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Bethany, WV
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life revolves around residence halls where freshmen bond during mandatory orientation hikes and bonfires. A typical week mixes classes, club meetings, and Bison athletic games, with weekends featuring movie nights or trips to Wheeling's malls. Traditions include candlelight vespers in the historic Old Red Chapel and spirited Division III football tailgates. Greek organizations provide social structure for about a third of students. The rural setting keeps the party scene subdued, focusing energy on intramurals and service trips; cold, snowy winters encourage indoor gatherings, while low cost of living eases budgets.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Presidents' Athletic Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$7,793
$30K – $48K
$10,794
$48K – $75K
$11,705
$75K – $110K
$14,055
$110K+
$10,825
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
54%
4 Years Graduation Rate
43%
6 Years Graduation Rate
52%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$44,512
54% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Bethany College and return in the fall. 43% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 52% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
43%
4-5 years
9%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
47%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$30,720
Acceptance
59%
Undergrads
615
4-Year Grad Rate
43%
Endowment
$55M
Bethany, WV 26032