Understanding Bethel University Tuition Costs
Bethel University is dedicated to providing students with an accessible and transformative education within a Christ-centered community. To that end, the university has taken steps to make tuition costs clearer and more transparent, allowing students and families to plan confidently for their future. This article breaks down the tuition structure at Bethel University, the types of financial aid available, and other associated costs.
Clear Tuition Initiative
Bethel University recognized the confusion and frustration surrounding higher education pricing, characterized by inflated sticker prices and hidden discounts. To address this, Bethel made a bold decision to reposition its tuition, eliminating inflated figures to provide a straightforward price you can trust. The clear tuition price applies to all undergraduate students in Bethel’s College of Arts and Sciences. If you’re an incoming undergraduate, you’ll start your Bethel journey under this clear tuition rate. Other programs-such as BUILD, graduate, seminary, and adult undergraduate programs-have their own tuition rates, which are also clear and competitive.
For the 2026-27 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences is $26,700. This initiative aims to give students and families the true cost from the start, free of inflated figures and hidden discounts, empowering them to make informed decisions.
Tuition Rates for Undergraduate Programs
Below are the tuition rates for the 2025-2026 year effective August 1, 2025. Please note that other costs and fees are associated with attending.
College of Arts and Sciences
For the 2026-27 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences is $26,700.
Read also: Navigating Bethel
Part-Time Student Tuition
Part-time Undergraduate Tuition (1-11 credit hours): $525 per credit hourIncidental Fee Part Time: $57 per credit hourDrop/Add Fee: $25 per formAudit a class: $263 per credit hour (Free if over age 65)Challenge Exam Credit: $80 per credit hourBethel Books Program: $34 per credit hour
Additional Costs
Room Deposit: $175Graduation Fee: $100Drop/Add Fee: $25 per formAudit a class: $263 per credit hour (Free if over age 65)Challenge Exam Credit: $80 per credit hour
Bethel Books Program: $34 per credit hour. Bethel University offers course material delivery through our bookstore flagship partner Barnes & Noble. The plan is affordable, accessible, and convenient for students. Undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Arts & Sciences on the McKenzie campus will easily receive all their course material on the first day of class. The fee is set at $34 per registered credit hour. Students are automatically enrolled in the plan to accommodate preparedness on the first day of class. To opt out of the plan, go to the student ePortal.
Housing for Undergraduate On-Campus Students
Private (Single) Room (West, McDonald): $5,066 per semester, $10,132 annuallyPrivate (Single) Room (Prosser, University, and Heritage): $5,260 per semester, $10,520 annuallyDouble Room (West, McDonald, and Wildcat Cove): $3,114 per semester, $6,228 annuallyDouble Room (Prosser, University, and Heritage): $3,238 per semester, $6,476 annually
Private rooms must be paid in full by financial aid or out of pocket prior to moving in. Visit Housing
Read also: Tradition of Bethel Football
Meals Rates for Undergraduate On-Campus Students
Mandatory if in dorm: $2,290 per semester, $4,580 annuallyOther meal plan options are listed below. If classes are confirmed in the student ePortal before selecting a meal plan, the default plan rate will be automatically selected and cannot be changed.
- Full Meal Plan:
- Meals per Week: 19
- Dining Bucks: $0.00
- Cost per Semester: $2,290.00
- 100 Block Meal Plan:
- Total Meals: 100
- Dining Bucks: $130.00
- Cost per Semester: $1,245.00
- 50 Block Meal Plan:
- Total Meals: 50
- Dining Bucks: $60.00
- Cost per Semester: $660.00
- 15 Meal Plan:
- Meals per Week: 15
- Dining Bucks: $80.00
- Cost per Semester: $2,190.00
- 10 Meal Plan:
- Meals per Week: 10
- Dining Bucks: $200.00
- Cost per Semester: $2,215.00
- 5 Meal Plan:
- Meals per Week: 5
- Dining Bucks: $475.00
- Cost per Semester: $1,915.00
Dining Bucks can be used at any dining location on campus and expire at the end of each semester with no rollover.
Health Insurance
Students who cannot provide satisfactory proof of insurance will be charged an annual insurance cost. Students MUST OPT OUT ONLINE to avoid this charge. Print out of save the confirmation page!
Financial Aid Opportunities
Bethel University is committed to making education attainable and offers various forms of financial aid to help students cover the cost of tuition and other expenses. Research shows that 70% of families eliminate a college from consideration based on financial reasons-often because of high published prices alone. By providing clarity and transparency, we can better serve students who may have thought a Bethel education was out of reach. Your financial aid counselor can guide you through the aid process and help you plan for your Bethel education.
Types of Aid Available
Explore the types of aid available-including meaningful scholarships and grants-to make your Bethel education accessible. Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.
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- Scholarships: Scholarships are a type of funding that you don’t need to pay back. Some students receive enough in scholarship money to cover their tuition and living expenses.
- Grants: Grants don’t need to be paid back.
- Loans: Loans must be paid back.
- Work-Study Programs: Working while in school can help lessen the burden of your student loans.
Merit-Based Scholarships
At Bethel, your academic success is recognized with automatic merit scholarships based on your GPA, and almost all incoming students receive financial aid to lower out-of-pocket costs. Merit-based aid, also called non-need-based aid, is awarded for a specific talent or academic achievement. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Bethel University (IN) - excluding any athletic scholarships, if applicable - was $16,900.
Need-Based Financial Aid
Need-based scholarships take a student’s financial status into account. You might also qualify for a scholarship based on your community service involvement, unique hobbies or traits, your personal background, or a parent’s employer or military affiliation.
How to Apply
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to unlock financial aid opportunities.
Financial Aid for Veterans
Institution is G.I. Bill certified: YesInstitution participates in Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes
Graduate and Professional Programs Tuition
Bethel University also offers graduate and professional programs with their own tuition rates. These rates are also clear and competitive.
2025-2026 Per Credit Hour Tuition Rates for Graduate Programs
Below are the tuition rates for the 2025-2026 year effective August 2025. Please note that other costs and fees are associated with attending. These amounts are estimated costs that a student could incur while attending Bethel.
Master of Business Administration
- 36 Hour Program
- Tuition for 2025-2026: $650 per credit hour (includes all course fees, all required textbooks and course materials, and 24/7 tutorial support)
- Military and 911 students receive a discounted tuition rate of $488 per credit hour.
- Cost of Attendance per Term:
- Tuition: $5,850
- Living Expenses: $13,776
- Misc. Personal Expenses: $1,440
- Internet: $300
- Loan Fees: $50
- Total: $21,416
- Other Fees:
- Application Fee: $75
- Graduation Fee: $100
- Challenge Exam Credit: $80
- Portfolio Credit: $80
- Drop/Withdrawal Fee: $25
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- 36 Hour Program
- Tuition for 2025-2026: $541 per credit hour (includes all course fees, all required textbooks and course materials)
- Military and 911 students receive a discounted tuition rate of $405 per credit hour.
- Cost of Attendance per Term:
- Tuition: $4,869
- Living Expenses: $12,054
- Misc. Personal Expenses: $1,260
- Internet: $262.50
- Loan Fees: $50.00
- Total: $18,495.50
- Other Fees:
- Application Fee: $75
- Graduation Fee: $100
- Challenge Exam Credit: $80
- Portfolio Credit: $80
- Drop/Withdrawal Fee: $25
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
- Tuition for 2025-2026: $14,000 per semester
- Cost of Attendance per Term:
| Expense | Didactic Semester Cost | Clinical Semester Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $14,000 | $14,000 |
| Books & Fees | $1,550 | $1,550 |
| Living Expenses | $8,985 | $8,985 |
| Health Insurance | $875 | $875 |
Additional Expenses
The cost of attendance (COA) provides a comprehensive estimate of what you'll pay to attend Bethel Graduate School. Your COA will include tuition (per-credit prices), fees, living expenses, and an allowance for books and supplies. Your actual final costs may differ based on your program, coursework, and personal spending choices. If you do not receive financial aid, you can still use the cost of attendance figures to estimate your costs to attend school.
- Tuition
- Loan and course fees
- Housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses
- Books and supplies
Please note: Bethel bills you for tuition and course-related fees. Bethel does not bill you for housing and living expenses.
Total Cost vs. Net Price
As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. Your net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.
Average Net Price
Average Net Price: $20,606 per year
Other Costs
Books and Supplies: $1,288 per yearPersonal Expenses: $1,920 per year
Student Loan Debt
How much student loan debt you accumulate can affect your financial life long after college ends. Ideally, your total student loan debt should fall below your anticipated starting salary once you graduate.
At Bethel University (IN), the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $25,000. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $265.
Additionally, 15% of graduating students at Bethel University (IN) took out private loans. Students with private loans had an average of $45,293 in private loan debt at graduation.
Average Total Indebtedness of 2024 Graduating Class: $32,290Graduating students who have borrowed (any loan type, 2024): 66%
Bethel Career Commitment
Through the Bethel Career Commitment, you'll receive embedded career coaching and preparation during your journey and meaningful support after graduation, giving you confidence in your next step.
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