Bethel University

  • 3/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • McKenzie, TN
  • 0 reviews
#18 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee
Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

2,936
Bethel University overview
Bethel University overview
  • Size Small
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Bethel University is located in McKenzie, Tennessee, approximately 120 miles west of Nashville in the rural northwestern region of the state. Established in 1842 as a Cumberland Presbyterian institution, the campus spans 247 acres featuring a mix of historic and modern academic buildings. The private liberal arts university maintains a selective admissions process and offers undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular emphasis on business, education, nursing, and criminal justice studies. Bethel competes in the Mid-South Conference of the NAIA, where its athletic programs, particularly basketball and bass fishing, have achieved national recognition. The university provides traditional dormitory housing and apartment-style residences for its undergraduate population.

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Ratings

Bethel is rated within the lower 28% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 3 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    3 out of 10
  • Academics
    4 out of 10
  • Resources
    3 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    3 out of 10
  • Value
    4 out of 10
Learn how ratings are calculated

Rankings

Rankings for Bethel University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Extremely Easy
Bethel University admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 830/1120
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 15/21
  • GPA 3.6

Acceptance Rate

60.2%
Bethel University applications overview
  • Applications Due -
  • Enrollment Rate 32.2%
  • Application Fee $30

Applicant Competition Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$18,712
Costs for Bethel University
Fee Cost
Tuition $18,712
Books and Supplies $1,295
Other Fees $1,336
Room and Board $10,538
Budget for Other Expenses $1,920
Total One Year Cost $33,801
View Tuition & Financial Aid Details

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$42,700 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

32% within 6 years
View Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Bethel University are Business, Education, and Biology. 78% of students major in Business, 5% in Education, and 3% in Biology.

  • Business 78%
  • Education 5%
  • Biology 3%
  • Health Professions 3%
  • Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies 2%
View All 27 Majors

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering Bethel University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=219718.

GPA calculator: Bethel University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026