Founded in 1871 by John Alexis Edgren as a seminary for Baptist immigrants from Sweden, Bethel University continues to be a leader in Christian higher education. The seminary merged with Bethel Academy to form Bethel Junior College and after a few name changes, it finally gained the status of a university in 2004. The main campus is located in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the university operates additional seminaries on both coasts. To this day, Bethel remains true to the vision of its founder – to develop largely educated, strategically thinking Christians, changing the world through leadership and service in Christ’s name.
Bethel University
Academics
Bethel University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission – North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The institute is a member of the Christian College Consortium and is affiliated with the congregations of the Baptist General Conference. CLC offers more than 100 different undergraduate and advanced academic degree programs through four different schools. Students can choose majors and minors from the following areas of study: accounting and finance, media communication, mathematics, modern world languages, political science, chemistry, business, physics, reconciliation studies, and religious studies.
Bethel offers a variety of pre-professional degrees and students are encouraged to discuss their interest in a pre-professional degree with an academic advisor to create a program that best suits their interests. Some of the programs are Pre-Law, Pre-Chiropractic Medicine, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Physician’s Assistant, and Pre-Podiatry.
Bethel’s graduate school offers a variety of certificate programs for professionals looking to advance their careers. Many of the advanced certificate programs are based on education. These include autism spectrum disorders, international baccalaureate education, literacy education, nursing education, nursing leadership, and postsecondary teaching. Additional certificate programs are also offered through the College of Adult and Professional Studies.
Schools and Colleges
Bethel University offers graduate, undergraduate, post graduate and special programs through the following four academic units: College of Arts & Sciences; College of Adult & Professional Studies; Graduate School; and Bethel Seminary.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at Bethel University.
Each year, Bethel University enrolls more than 6,000 students from over 45 states and more than 28 countries. Students seeking admission to Bethel must submit their completed application form along with a personal statement (essay), an academic reference, and a spiritual reference. Applicants must also send all of their official transcripts and scores for any of the following tests: SAT, ACT, or PSAT. The institute also requires freshman students to sign a commitment to ‘A Covenant for Life Together’. Getting a transfer to the institute is fairly easy. Applicants must submit their official transcripts from all previously attended institutes.
Financial Aid
Bethel University believes in providing equal educational opportunities for all and offers financial aid programs for the students who are unable to meet their educational expenses. Students seeking financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The institute offers financial aid through four different mediums: scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment. Scholarships are like gifts and they do not require any repayment. Students may be eligible for federal, state, and private scholarships offered at Bethel. Some of these scholarships are the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship, Minnesota Indian Scholarship, Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, Ambassadorial Scholarships, Institute of International Education, Blandin Foundation, Daniels Fund Scholarship, Scholarship America, and Twin Cities Adult Education Alliance.
Grants are another type of gift aid offered to students. Some of the private, state, and federal grants are Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, Minnesota State Grant, Minnesota GI Bill Program, Bethel Housing Grant, Bethel Grant, Bethel Opportunity Grant, Canadian Student Grant, International Student Grant, and Transfer Housing Grant.
Bethel also offers a variety of loan programs for its students. Some of the loans include Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Perkins Loan, Direct PLUS Loan (Parent Loan) and Private Loans. The university also provides financial aid opportunities through government programs intended exclusively for veterans and their dependents or those currently serving in the military. Eligible students may also opt for work-study programs that enable them to take on part-time jobs to help pay for college. More than 1,000 students are employed on campus to aid with their college expenses.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
Bethel University 1111th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best Minnesota scholarships and financial aid
Student life at Bethel University is welcoming, active, and sometimes a little exhausting. The campus environment is perfect to nurture tomorrow’s leaders, fighters for justice, anime geeks, movie buffs, political activists, research biologists, and competitive athletes. The student-run clubs and organizations are sponsored by the Bethel Student Association (BSA). The on-campus clubs are divided into Academic & Honor Societies, Club Sports, and Special Interest Clubs. Some of the popular clubs are Nurses Christian Fellowship, Omicron Delta Kappa, Psychology Club, Tri-Beta (Biological Honor Society), Lambda Pi Eta, Hockey Club, Acting on Aids College Republicans, and International Justice Mission.
Media and Publications
The Clarion is a biweekly newspaper managed by the Bethel students.
The Coeval is Bethel’s bi-annual fine arts journal publishing non-fiction, fiction, poetry, and other types of text, such as political persuasion, geometrical proofs, and business plans.
The Bethel Table Tent is a weekly publication containing the upcoming events, polls, quotes, random facts, and satirical articles.
Campus Facilities
Bethel University offers housing options for the students who wish to live on campus. The residence life department aims to develop the overall personality and outlook of the students. It offers academic and spiritual development, small-group discipleship social and intercultural opportunities. Residence life presents a supportive, healthy, Christ-centered home for everyone. The residence halls are well-furnished and equipped with modern amenities including wireless internet access, TV lounges, study areas, private bathrooms, multiple kitchens, and game rooms. Students can choose from a variety of residence halls including Arden Village East, Bodien Hall, Fountain Terrace, Edgren Hall, Getsch Hall, Heritage Hall, Lissner Hall, Nelson Hall, and North Village.
Bethel also presents a well-equipped dining center that offers a variety of regional and international delicacies such as American hamburgers, Asian stir fry, deli sandwiches, Italian pastas, and home-style food. The dining centers include the two-story dining space overlooking the serene Lake Valentine, the 3900 Grill campus restaurant, and the new Royal Grounds for late-night snacks.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at Bethel University?
Bethel University’s athletic department sponsors a variety of men’s and women’s teams participating in sports such as baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, ice, hockey, soccer, tennis, and track and field. The athletic teams are nicknamed the Royals. Bethel competes at the NCAA Division III level in more than 15 intercollegiate sports. The school is also a member of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC).
Intramural Sports
BU sponsors several intramural sports for the recreation and enjoyment of students, faculty and staff. Students are encouraged to compete at the club level for certain sports such as men’s rugby (club), men’s and women’s lacrosse (club), and men’s volleyball (club).
Alumni
Prominent Bethel University alumni include:
Harvey L. Wollman, former Governor of South Dakota
Joel Hodgson, creator of Mystery Science Theatre
Cameron Anderson, founder of Foot Locker
Chris Larson, noted artist
Doug Ohlson, noted abstract artist
Bibliography
Bethel University. 2011.
Snider, Mark D. How to Get Money for College. Peterson’s, 2010. Print.
Demographics – Main Campus and Surrounding Areas
Reported area around or near Saint Paul, MN 55112-6902
Surrounding community
Large suburb (inside urban area but outside city, pop. over 250,000)
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Saint Paul, MN 55112-6902
p. 651-638-6400
w. www.bethel.edu