Acceptance Rate
98%
Avg. SAT
1150
75th percentile
“Faith-infused liberal arts at a small Indiana campus fostering personal growth and service.”
Mishawaka, IN
Location
Small City
Campus Setting
Founded in 1947 as Mishawaka College by leaders of what became the Missionary Church, Bethel University grew from a local Bible institute into a full liberal arts institution emphasizing Christian vocation. The campus in Mishawaka, a modest suburb of South Bend, delivers a suburban feel with tree-lined streets and river views, just minutes from bigger-city shops and events. Students who thrive here prioritize spiritual development alongside academics, drawn to a supportive environment where faith guides discussions and decisions.
Others might find the small scale limiting if they crave diverse viewpoints or extensive extracurricular options. Classmates often hail from Midwestern families, creating a familiar, low-pressure atmosphere. Winters bring snow and cold typical of northern Indiana, while housing fills up fast for upperclassmen.
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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
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
You'll sit in seminars of 15-20 students where professors weave biblical principles into subjects from biology to business, prioritizing mentorship over lectures. Nursing, teacher education, and business programs stand out, with clinical placements and internships starting early. Biblical and ministry studies anchor the core, alongside majors in music and psychology.
Research opportunities suit undergrads through faculty-guided projects rather than massive labs, though popular tracks like nursing fill quickly. The intimate scale means personalized advising but fewer electives or niche courses than at larger schools.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,065 undergrad • 102 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
70%
Black / African American
6%
Hispanic / Latino
9%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
13%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Mishawaka, IN
Varsity Athletics
A typical week mixes morning chapel gatherings, club meetings, and evening hall Bible studies, with weekends open for service outings or South Bend explorations. Residence life centers on four main halls where freshmen bond over shared meals and events, building lasting friendships. Intramurals and missions trips energize the calendar, while the social scene stays wholesome, centered on coffeehouse nights rather than late parties.
The compact campus encourages walking everywhere, but chilly weather confines much activity indoors. Mishawaka's low-key vibe suits focused students, though some head to nearby South Bend for variety.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
NCAA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
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
$13,023
$30K – $48K
$12,453
$48K – $75K
$16,816
$75K – $110K
$23,540
$110K+
$23,823
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA to unlock grants, scholarships, and federal loans.
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
72%
4 Years Graduation Rate
58%
6 Years Graduation Rate
65%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$48,860
72% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Bethel University and return in the fall. 58% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 65% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
58%
4-5 years
7%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
34%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$31,480
Acceptance
98%
Undergrads
1,065
4-Year Grad Rate
58%
Endowment
$19M
Mishawaka, IN 46545-5591
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