“A Christ-centered research university in the Twin Cities combining academic excellence with faith-integrated learning.”
Bethel University is a Christ-centered liberal arts university founded in 1871 by the Converge denomination (formerly Baptist General Conference) and located on a 247-acre campus in the northern suburbs of Saint Paul, Minnesota. With approximately 4,200 students across undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs, Bethel provides an academically rigorous, faith-integrated education distinguished by its emphasis on intellectual curiosity and Christian formation. The university's wooded campus on the shores of Lake Valentine offers a tranquil setting just minutes from the resources of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Academically, Bethel offers more than 100 undergraduate majors through its College of Arts and Sciences, with particular strengths in nursing, business, engineering, physics, education, and the health sciences. The Department of Physics and Engineering has a nationally recognized reputation, offering degrees in applied physics, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and software engineering — rare breadth for a university of Bethel's size. Nursing is consistently one of the most popular and competitive programs, and the university's new tuition model — reducing list price from $44,050 to $25,990 starting in 2025-26 — reflects a commitment to price transparency and accessibility that sets Bethel apart from peers. Campus life at Bethel is shaped by a vibrant faith community, with over 30 student-led clubs, Division III athletics as the Royals, and eight residence halls offering traditional to apartment-style living. The Twin Cities provide unmatched access to Fortune 500 internship employers — including Target, 3M, UnitedHealth Group, and General Mills — as well as a thriving arts, dining, and outdoor recreation scene. Bethel graduates are well-prepared for both career and graduate study, with particularly strong outcomes in healthcare, education, engineering, and ministry.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
National Universities
US News 2026
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceRolling Admission
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis; earlier applications receive earlier scholarship notifications
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$25,990
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Bethel's core undergraduate college offering more than 100 majors and emphases across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health professions, education, and pre-professional programs. Home to the nationally recognized Department of Physics and Engineering.
A standout department offering Applied Physics, Physics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Software Engineering — an unusually comprehensive engineering offering for a liberal arts university of Bethel's size. Known for small class sizes and strong industry mentorship.
Flexible degree completion and continuing education programs designed for working adults, offering associate degrees, bachelor's degree completion programs, and certificates across business, healthcare, leadership, and education fields.
Offers master's and doctoral programs in education, counseling, nursing, business, and theological studies through Bethel Seminary. Programs are designed for working professionals seeking advanced credentials with a faith-integrated perspective.
4 years
One of Bethel's most competitive programs, integrating clinical preparation with a holistic, faith-centered approach to patient care. Strong clinical placements in the Twin Cities' world-class healthcare system including Mayo Clinic Health System affiliates and large regional hospital networks.
4 years
Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, and Software Engineering degrees offered within a liberal arts context — a unique combination that produces graduates who excel at both technical problem-solving and ethical, humanistic reasoning. Strong ABET-candidacy and Twin Cities employer recruitment.
4 years
Comprehensive business program with access to the Twin Cities' exceptional Fortune 500 corporate ecosystem including Target, 3M, and General Mills. Concentrations in accounting, finance, marketing, and management with strong internship placement.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $44,226
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
