Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Saint Paul, Minnesota |
| Online | bethel.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Religious Affiliation | Baptist |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Located in the suburban Arden Hills area of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Bethel University operates as a private evangelical Christian institution approximately 20 minutes from the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan center. The 247-acre wooded campus features modern academic buildings and residential facilities surrounding Lake Valentine. Founded in 1871 as a Baptist seminary in Chicago, Bethel relocated to St. Paul in 1914 and evolved into a comprehensive university offering programs across four schools: arts and sciences, adult and professional studies, graduate studies, and seminary. The university maintains selective admission standards and is recognized for its programs in nursing, business, education, and ministry preparation. Students are required to live on campus for their first two years, with housing options including traditional residence halls and apartment-style accommodations.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Bethel University is rated within the top 37% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Bethel University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#320 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#233 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#13 in Best Colleges in Minnesota
#11 in Best Private Colleges in Minnesota
#415 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#14 in Best Value Colleges in Minnesota
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1065/1240 |
| ACT | 23/29 |
| GPA | 3.6 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | May 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,340 |
| Other Fees | $170 |
| Room and Board | $12,090 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,030 |
| Total One Year Cost | $59,390 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 24% |
| Health Professions | 18% |
| Education | 10% |
| Communication | 8% |
| Psychology | 5% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Bethel University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=173160 IPEDS survey data for Bethel University.
Current students may use the Bethel University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025