Bethel University, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a renowned Christian liberal arts institution that offers a comprehensive education grounded in faith and academic excellence. Established in 1871, the university prides itself on fostering a nurturing and vibrant community where students are encouraged to engage in their studies, explore their faith, and contribute positively to society. The university's motto, "Discovering and Pursuing God's Call," reflects its mission to equip students for meaningful lives and careers. Bethel University emphasizes a holistic approach to education, integrating academic rigor with spiritual development, thereby creating a conducive learning environment that encourages personal growth and ethical leadership.

The campus is characterized by its beautiful natural surroundings and modern facilities, providing students with an inspiring place to study and engage in extracurricular activities. Bethel University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, education, arts, and sciences. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, the university encourages students to participate in internships and practical experiences that enhance their employability. The close-knit campus community, combined with strong faculty support, allows students to establish meaningful relationships with professors and peers alike. As a result, Bethel alumni often report high levels of satisfaction in their educational experience and a strong sense of preparedness for their careers, contributing to impressive graduate employment rates within diverse fields.

Analysis of Tuition, Enrollment Trends, and Graduation Rates

The tuition fees at Bethel University have demonstrated a consistent upward trajectory over the years. For instance, the undergraduate tuition has escalated from $31,760 in 2014 to $42,930 in 2024, highlighting a significant increase of approximately 35.1%. This rise in tuition, while expected in many private institutions, poses a challenge for prospective students, especially in an environment where student loan debt is at an all-time high in the U.S.

In parallel with rising tuition, the student enrollment numbers have shown a downward trend. The number of undergraduate students decreased from 3,280 in 2014 to 2,629 in 2024, reflecting a decline of about 20%. This decline could be attributed to increasing financial burdens and a compact demographic of college-age individuals. The institution may need to reevaluate its strategies in attracting new students amid this downward trend, potentially by enhancing financial aid offerings or marketing its unique programs.

On a more positive note, graduation rates have displayed a recovery, particularly evident in the 150% graduation rate category, which rose from roughly 73% in 2014 to about 74.1% in 2024. Such rates suggest that students, despite the financial challenges, are managing to complete their degrees at Bethel University, potentially due to dedicated support systems in place for students.

Moreover, retention rates indicate the success of the institution in maintaining its students. The retention rate varied between 82.7% and 87.8% during this period, indicating that the majority of students decide to continue their education at the university beyond the first year, which is a positive sign of student satisfaction.

In conclusion, while Bethel University grapples with rising costs and declining enrollment, it has made commendable efforts in fostering student retention and graduation. The university should focus on addressing financial concerns to sustain its enrollment while continuing the support that promotes graduation success.

Analysis of Graduation Trends at Bethel University in 2023

The data from Bethel University for 2023 reveals interesting insights into the graduation patterns for various academic programs. Notably, the Registered Nursing program stands out with the highest number of graduates, producing 91 bachelor's degree holders. This reflects the growing demand for nursing professionals, particularly in the context of ongoing global health challenges and the increased focus on healthcare services.

In the field of education, the Special Education and Teaching program has successfully graduated 52 master's degree students, indicating a strong commitment to training professionals who can address diverse learning needs and challenges in classroom settings. This is particularly significant in light of recent educational reforms focusing on inclusivity and support for students with disabilities.

On the other hand, fields like Exercise Science and Kinesiology, as well as Psychology, show modest graduation rates. Each of these areas produced a handful of graduates, which may reflect the competitive nature of these disciplines or the specific interests of the student body at Bethel University.

Interestingly, there appear to be no international students graduating from most programs, which could suggest either a lack of enrollment from foreign students or a potential opportunity for growth in appealing to a broader international audience.

Overall, the data highlights sector-specific trends, with healthcare and education standing out as critical areas of focus for Bethel University, emphasizing its role in preparing graduates to meet current societal needs. As the university moves forward, addressing the dynamics of enrollment and retention, particularly focused on enhancing international student participation, may further bolster its programs and impact.

Analysis of Bethel University Admission Trends and Rankings

Bethel University has experienced notable fluctuations in its ranking and admission rates over the years. As of 2025, the university is ranked 220th, reflecting a slight recovery from the previous year's ranking of 236th. This trend may indicate that the university is making efforts to improve its academic standing and overall perception among higher education institutions. Examining the admission rates, we see that the percentage of male applicants offered admission has varied significantly over the years, with a notable rate of 86.6% in 2021. Female admission rates have also shown a strong pattern, peaking at 95.5% in 2011. However, in recent years, there has been a decline, with rates at 70.0% for male applicants and approximately 74.3% for female applicants in 2023. Such low acceptance rates can be indicative of a more competitive applicant pool or potentially changing enrollment strategies. The total number of enrollments and the number of denied applications also reveal a troubling aspect of the university's admission process. The number of denied applicants peaked in 2019, demonstrating the challenges the institution faces in managing applicant expectations versus available spots. Conversely, the relatively stable admission numbers could suggest that Bethel is focusing on maintaining its quality of incoming students amid increasing competition in higher education. In light of these trends, it is imperative for Bethel University to maintain a balance between providing accessibility to a diverse student body and ensuring academic excellence, particularly as it aims to improve its standing in national rankings. Enhanced support and resources for prospective students could help fortify Bethel's appeal, encouraging a broader range of applications in the coming years.

Commentary on Bethel University's Admission Test Scores

The admission statistics from Bethel University over the years reveal notable trends in standardized test performance as well as shifts in the submission rates of these tests. The data indicates that the percentage of applicants submitting SAT and ACT scores has seen a significant decline, dropping to as low as 3% in 2024 from around 15% in some years earlier in the timeline. This decrease may reflect a broader shift in college admissions policies, with more institutions adopting test-optional or test-blind policies, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted many colleges to reassess the importance of standardized tests in evaluating student readiness.

Examining the score ranges for both SAT and ACT reveals that the middle 50% of admitted students maintained relatively competitive scores, fluctuating over the years but generally reflecting a strong academic profile. For instance, the SAT reading and mathematics scores demonstrate that over the years, while there are slight variations, the 25th percentile scores generally hover around the low to mid 500s, indicating that students admitted are academically proficient.

Moreover, the embrace of a holistic admission approach, which evaluates candidates beyond numerical scores, will likely aim to diversify the student body and enhance educational opportunities. However, prospective students may still feel pressure to demonstrate their academic capabilities through whatever means are available to them.

In sum, the trends shown in these admission statistics highlight the evolving landscape of college admissions, where test scores are increasingly viewed as just one component in a larger mosaic of a student's potential. This evolution is reflective of ongoing discussions in higher education about equity, access, and the role of standardized assessments in the admissions process.

Bethel University Student Demographics in 2024

The student body at Bethel University for the year 2024 presents insightful demographic trends. Among the students, there are a notable 434 first-year undergraduate students, with a gender distribution of approximately 48.8% male and 51.2% female, reflecting a balanced enrollment in this category. Conversely, the returning undergraduate students number 1,458, which shows a significant gender disparity, with only 41.7% being male and 58.3% female. This trend suggests that females are increasingly opting for higher education paths, possibly due to greater encouragement and support systems available to them currently.

Additionally, the transfer students consist of 120 individuals, with an even more pronounced female representation at 63.3%, compared to 36.7% males. This pattern continues into the graduate demographic, where the 892 graduate students showcase a female majority at 67.2%. This data could indicate a shifting cultural attitude towards women pursuing advanced degrees, highlighting the growing acceptance and importance of women's education in the modern society.

Ethnically, the institution appears to have a strong representation of white students across the various categories. This might suggest areas for potential improvement in diversity and inclusion strategies, as colleges across the nation increasingly focus on fostering diverse educational environments. Overall, the gender ratio trends at Bethel University provide a reflection of shifting dynamics within higher education, where female enrollment appears to outpace male enrollment in several categories.

Student Age Composition at Bethel University 2024

The age distribution of students at Bethel University in 2024 reveals interesting insights into the demographics of the campus population. A majority of undergraduate students fall within the younger age brackets, with over 65% of students under 24 years old. Specifically, the age group under 18 hosts 37% of the total female population and 35% of male students, indicating a vibrant community of high school graduates entering higher education.

As we look at older age brackets, the representation significantly diminishes. The 22-24 age group contributes about 29% of total students, while those aged 25-29 account for just 14%. The trend continues with decreasing numbers as students age, highlighting a traditional student body that primarily consists of individuals who recently transitioned from high school. For instance, only 4% of the students are aged 50 and above, reflecting a common observation in many universities where mature students are less prevalent.

This age composition underscores the challenges that institutions may face in fostering an inclusive environment for non-traditional students. The growing number of adult learners returning to education emphasizes the need for universities to adapt their offerings and support systems, as this demographic may require different resources and engagement strategies to succeed academically.

Additionally, the gender distribution across various age brackets remains relatively balanced, although there is a notable increase in the number of female graduate students in the 25-29 age group, which may indicate a rising trend of women pursuing advanced degrees later in life. As educational pathways evolve, Bethel University stands as a reflection of broader societal patterns in education and age diversity.

Trends and Insights on International Students at Bethel University

Bethel University has experienced a notable decline in the number and proportion of international undergraduate students over the years. From a peak of 15 students in 2005, the figure has dropped significantly, with only 3 international undergraduates reported in 2024, equating to just 0.11% of the total undergraduate population. Such a trend raises concerns regarding the university's appeal to overseas students, especially as many institutions strive to bolster their international profiles.

In contrast, the graduate program has seen fluctuating international enrollment, peaking at 32 students in 2016, which represents a relatively higher percentage of 3.30% of total graduate students. Despite the ups and downs, the percentage has remained significantly higher than that of undergraduates. Yet, the overall numbers still point to potential challenges, as the figures for international grad students are not overwhelmingly strong compared to the total graduate population.

The declining trends in both undergraduate and graduate international admissions could be influenced by factors such as changing immigration policies, health concerns, and competitive offers from other universities seeking to attract global talent. Given the context of post-pandemic recovery in higher education, many institutions are adapting their recruitment and retention strategies for international students. Bethel University might consider revisiting its approach to attract and support this demographic in order to enhance its cultural diversity and global engagement.

Here are some notable universities around Bethel University:

1. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Ranked 54th in 2025, this is a comprehensive university known for its diverse range of programs and strong research initiatives.

2. University of St Thomas - Holding the 148th rank in the US News list, this comprehensive university offers a vibrant campus life and excellent academic opportunities.

3. Macalester College - A highly regarded liberal arts college, ranked 26th, known for its rigorous academics and commitment to internationalism and multiculturalism.

4. Carleton College - Ranked 8th, this liberal arts college is recognized for its challenging education and supportive community.

5. St Olaf College - With a rank of 50, this liberal arts college is famous for its music program and strong emphasis on the liberal arts education.

6. Gustavus Adolphus College - Ranked 66th, this liberal arts college offers a friendly and inclusive atmosphere with a wide range of programs.

7. University of Wisconsin-Madison - Holding a rank of 39, it's a major public research university, renowned for its diverse research and academic programs.

8. Grinnell College - Ranked 19th among liberal arts colleges, known for its commitment to social justice and a curriculum that encourages independent thought.

These institutions provide excellent educational opportunities and contribute to the vibrant academic community of the area.

Analysis of Crime Trends at Bethel University

The crime statistics at Bethel University over the past decade indicate fluctuating rates of various criminal activities. Notably, the rate of recorded offenses per 1000 students reached its peak in 2015 and 2023, with 4.07 and 4.62 respectively. This trend suggests that there are periods of heightened criminal activity, which may require further investigation into the underlying causes.

In particular, weapons-related arrests have consistently sparked concern, reflecting not only campus safety issues but also broader societal trends regarding gun violence. The implications of such arrests can be profound, potentially affecting enrollment and campus atmosphere. Moreover, substance-related arrests have shown a steady presence, which is indicative of ongoing challenges faced by students, often associated with greater stress levels or social issues prevalent on college campuses.

During this period, the university's community has been affected by these incidents, which not only shape the campus experience but also influence perceptions of safety among incoming students and their families. The decline in certain years, like 2020, might correlate with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic leading to reduced campus population density, thereby lowering opportunities for crime.

In essence, while Bethel University has experienced periods of increased crime rates, an ongoing commitment to ensuring campus safety and support for student well-being is critical in fostering a positive educational environment. For an overview of criminal rate calculations and how they reflect campus safety efforts, refer to this resource: Crime Rate Calculation.