Is Bethel University a Christian college?

Yes. Bethel University is a Christian college.

What is Bethel University’s Compass Score?

84 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

Where is chapel held at Bethel University?

Chapel is listed at Benson Great Hall (also livestreamed on YouTube). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

Is Bethel University Compass Recommended?

Yes. Bethel University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Christian identity and academics.

Christian college

#10 Best Christian colleges for education in America

Bethel University

Saint Paul, MN · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Baptist

Real cost

Average price after aid $28,556 a year

Median debt at graduation: $21,500 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

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Bethel University in Saint Paul, Minnesota, holds chapel on Monday and Wednesday mornings, and a student-led Vespers worship service on Sunday nights during the semester. Every traditional undergraduate takes Introduction to the Bible and Christian Theology, and Campus Ministries runs community groups, first-year Shift leaders, Shape for second-year students and spring break mission trips to several countries.

Faith life at a glance

A week at Bethel University

MonToday
- 10:20AMChapel
TueToday
No set time
WedToday
- 10:20AMChapel
ThuToday
No set time
FriToday
No set time
SatToday
No set time
SunToday
No set time

No set time: Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun

Times as the college publishes them. Check before you plan a visit.

In the college’s own words

“As the focal point of spiritual life on Bethel's campus, Chapel brings us together to worship as a whole community.”
Source: bethel.edu
“At Bethel, we believe faith deepens when we step beyond comfort and serve others in Jesus’ name.”
Source: bethel.edu
“In Community Groups, 4-8 students meet regularly to find a place to belong and to grow in their spiritual life.”
Source: bethel.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Chapel attendance is not required, but the college describes it as a vital part of building community and learning about its shared faith.

Source: bethel.edu

What's a normal week?

Chapel meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:20 to 11 a.m., and Vespers is held on Sunday nights during the semester.

Source: bethel.edu

Where do I find community?

Community Groups bring together 4 to 8 students to grow in their spiritual life, and Shape is a ministry for second-year students.

Source: bethel.edu

Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Bethel sends students on mission trips in the U.S. and around the world through its SMP program.

Source: bethel.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Show 28 more

Academic Excellence

B+

75 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score71%
First-year retention 20% of score86%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreSAT 1,249 · ACT 25
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score14 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$9,737

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

Worship and chapel

79 of 100 points · 6 of 7 found

Partly:
Chapel services during the weekTwice a week (Chapel is held Monday and Wednesday (twice a week) during the term.)
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/worship/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Monday and Wednesday 10:20–11 a.m.”
  Chapel meets Monday and Wednesday from 10:20 to 11 a.m.
Partly:
Chapel attendance expected of studentsEncouraged or partly required (Attendance is encouraged, not required; recorded as encouraged.)
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/worship/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Chapel attendance is not required, but we believe it's a vital part of building community and learning about our shared faith.”
  Chapel attendance is encouraged but not required.
Yes:
Student worship nights or praise servicesEvery week (Student-led Vespers worship every Sunday during the semester, except two dates named.)
Sources (1)
1. Vespers | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/worship/vespers · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Vespers is held every Sunday during the semester except on November 10 and December 1.”
  Student-led Vespers worship is held every Sunday during the semester.
Not enough information:
Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsFull-time campus pastor or chaplain (A named campus pastor, chaplain or dean of chapel serves students on the college staff.)
Sources (1)
1. Meet Our Staff | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/staff · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Nick Cocalis Lead Campus Pastor Pastor Nick has a heart to walk alongside students as we work together to make campus look more like heaven.”
  Nick Cocalis is Lead Campus Pastor on the Campus Ministries staff.
  “Matthew Runion Campus Pastor for Partnerships Pastor Matt’s calling is to engage students in God’s work in themselves and around the world.”
  Matthew Runion is Campus Pastor for Partnerships on the Campus Ministries staff.
  “Sara Richards Campus Pastor for Discipleship Pastor Sara joins the Bethel team with a heart for the spiritual formation and direction of college age students.”
  Sara Richards is Campus Pastor for Discipleship on the Campus Ministries staff.
Yes:
A chapel or worship space on campusYes (Benson Great Hall hosts chapel and Vespers; a prayer chapel is open on campus.)
Sources (1)
1. Prayer Chapel | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/prayer/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The chapel is open to anyone in the Bethel community, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
  The campus prayer chapel is open at all hours, every day.
Partly:
Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer3 or 4 times a week (3 weekly times documented: 2 chapel, 1 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).

Bible and theology

90 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

Partly:
Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students2 courses (Introduction to the Bible (BIB 101) and Christian Theology (THE 201) are both required in the Biblical Foundations theme for every traditional undergraduate, in the standard and the Humanities option. Counted as two distinct courses.)
Sources (2)
1. Themes of the Traditional Undergraduate General Education Curriculum | Bethel University Catalogcatalog.bethel.edu/academic-information/general-education/general-education-requirements/themes-of-traditional-undergradute-general-education · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Traces the journey of God’s people from Abraham and Sarah through the New Testament church, highlighting the unifying self-disclosure of God in the various cultures and types of writing of the Old and New Testament.”
  Introduction to the Bible (BIB 101) covers the Old and New Testaments and is required in the Biblical Foundations theme.
2. Traditional Undergraduate General Education Requirements and Prerequisites | Bethel University Catalogcatalog.bethel.edu/academic-information/general-education/general-education-requirements · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Biblical Foundations: Introduction to the Bible | - | BIB 101 | None 4 | F, J, S | Christian Theology | - | THE 201 | BIB 101 & Sophomore standing | 4 | F, J, S”
  BIB 101 and THE 201 are part of the Biblical Foundations requirement in the 2026-2027 catalog.
Yes:
Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (BIB 101's own description covers the Old and New Testaments and is required of all students.)
Sources (1)
1. Themes of the Traditional Undergraduate General Education Curriculum | Bethel University Catalogcatalog.bethel.edu/academic-information/general-education/general-education-requirements/themes-of-traditional-undergradute-general-education · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Traces the journey of God’s people from Abraham and Sarah through the New Testament church, highlighting the unifying self-disclosure of God in the various cultures and types of writing of the Old and New Testament.”
  Introduction to the Bible (BIB 101) covers the Old and New Testaments and is required in the Biblical Foundations theme.
Partly:
Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses required1 course (The senior Contemporary Christian Issues course. The standard track also takes GES 130 Christianity and Western Culture, which the Humanities option replaces with a three-course sequence; those are not counted. No course counted here is also counted under T1.)
Sources (2)
1. Traditional Undergraduate General Education Requirements and Prerequisites | Bethel University Catalogcatalog.bethel.edu/academic-information/general-education/general-education-requirements · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Senior Capstone: Contemporary Christian Issues1 | P | 4xx | (GES 160 or GES 149) & THE 201 & L-course, G-course, or U-course & Senior standing”
  The senior capstone Contemporary Christian Issues course is required of every traditional undergraduate.
2. Themes of the Traditional Undergraduate General Education Curriculum | Bethel University Catalogcatalog.bethel.edu/academic-information/general-education/general-education-requirements/themes-of-traditional-undergradute-general-education · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Students explore alternative Christian worldviews that can define and guide decision-making and/or developing oneself.”
  Contemporary Christian Issues explores Christian worldviews for decision-making.
Yes:
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (The catalog's statement of Bethel's Christian learning community names Christian faith as the integrative principle for the entire curriculum.)
Sources (1)
1. Bethel University's Philosophy of Higher Education | Bethel University Catalogcatalog.bethel.edu/general-information/philosophy-higher-education · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “We believe Christian faith is relevant to every area of life—the integrative principle for the entire curriculum”
  The catalog names Christian faith as the integrating principle for the entire curriculum.
Yes:
Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies, a major, is listed in the catalog.)
Sources (1)
1. B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies | Bethel University Catalogcatalog.bethel.edu/academic-programs/school-of-theology-and-seminary/undergraduate/biblical-theological-studies/biblical-theological-studies-ba · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Major in Biblical and Theological Studies (B.A.) | | BIB 101 | Introduction to the Bible | 4 | THE 201 | Christian Theology | 4”
  The B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies is a major offered at Bethel.
Yes:
A published statement of faithYes (The catalog publishes An Affirmation of Our Faith.)
Sources (1)
1. An Affirmation of Our Faith | Bethel University Catalogcatalog.bethel.edu/general-information/student-expectations/affirmation-of-faith · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Word of God. We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.”
  Bethel publishes a statement of faith, An Affirmation of Our Faith.

N/A

Christian community

Not enough information · 4 of 7 found

Yes:
Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)5 or more (Five professional ministry staff are listed on the Campus Ministries staff page: three campus pastors, a Director of Worship Development and a Lead Worship Coach.)
Sources (1)
1. Meet Our Staff | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/staff · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Nick Cocalis Lead Campus Pastor Pastor Nick has a heart to walk alongside students as we work together to make campus look more like heaven.”
  Nick Cocalis is Lead Campus Pastor on the Campus Ministries staff.
  “Matthew Runion Campus Pastor for Partnerships Pastor Matt’s calling is to engage students in God’s work in themselves and around the world.”
  Matthew Runion is Campus Pastor for Partnerships on the Campus Ministries staff.
  “Sara Richards Campus Pastor for Discipleship Pastor Sara joins the Bethel team with a heart for the spiritual formation and direction of college age students.”
  Sara Richards is Campus Pastor for Discipleship on the Campus Ministries staff.
  “Chris Mason Director of Worship Development In addition to leading worship at Eagle Brook Church, Chris loves to pour into the lives of college students”
  Chris Mason is Director of Worship Development on the Campus Ministries staff.
  “Emily Cameron Lead Worship Coach Emily is a passionate worship leader with a heart to see the next generation come alive in the presence of God.”
  Emily Cameron is Lead Worship Coach on the Campus Ministries staff.
Not enough information:
Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (Community Groups, Shift, Shape, student-led Student Ministries events and the Catholic Students Association are open to undergraduates.)
Sources (4)
1. Community Groups | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/spiritual-formation/community-groups · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “In Community Groups, 4-8 students meet regularly to find a place to belong and to grow in their spiritual life.”
  Community Groups bring 4 to 8 students together to meet regularly for spiritual growth.
2. Spiritual Formation for First and Second Year Students | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/spiritual-formation/first-year-students · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Shift Leaders are upper-class students committed to investing in the residents on a first-year dorm floor.”
  Shift leaders lead faith formation on first-year dorm floors, with a Bible-based discussion each Wednesday night.
3. Student Ministries | Bethel Student Governmentbethel.edu/undergrad/bsg/student-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “They plan events and partner with various ministries on campus to provide opportunities for students to encounter God in new and profound ways.”
  Student Ministries, a student-led body, plans spiritual events for students throughout the year.
4. Special Interest Clubs | Bethel Student Governmentbethel.edu/undergrad/bsg/clubs-organizations/special-interests · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “We aim to create a safe place for Bethel students to grow in faith and community by sharing the Catholic faith with one another.”
  The Catholic Students Association is a student club open to all Bethel students.
Not enough information:
Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In some halls (Faith life in halls is organized through Shift on first-year floors and Shape for second-year students in named halls.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Formation for First and Second Year Students | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/spiritual-formation/first-year-students · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Shift Leaders are upper-class students committed to investing in the residents on a first-year dorm floor.”
  Shift leaders lead faith formation on first-year dorm floors, with a Bible-based discussion each Wednesday night.
  “Shape is a ministry dedicated to Bethel’s second-year students, designed to foster deeper faith and meaningful relationships.”
  Shape is a faith formation ministry for second-year students meeting in residence halls on Sunday nights.
Not enough information:
Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes (The Christian Formation office provides equipping, training and support for student groups and leaders.)
Sources (1)
1. Community Groups | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/spiritual-formation/community-groups · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Christian Formation staff keeps in touch with all groups for equipping, encouragement, and support and also provides materials, training for leaders, and periodic check-ins with leaders.”
  The Christian Formation office equips and supports student groups and their leaders.

Missions and service

90 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

Yes:
Service or outreach officeYes (The Center for Community Engaged Learning is a staffed service and engagement office.)
Sources (1)
1. Center for Community Engaged Learning | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/community-engaged-learning · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Center for Community Engaged Learning offers the following services:”
  A staffed center for community engaged learning serves students and faculty.
Partly:
Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumAvailable (Community engaged learning courses are available. Service hours are not required of all students.)
Sources (1)
1. Center for Community Engaged Learning | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/community-engaged-learning · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Provides faculty sample syllabi of courses integrating community engaged learning (CEL) theories, methods, and practices.”
  Community engaged learning courses are supported for faculty.
Yes:
Missions trips offered to studentsMany each year (Recorded at the rubric's 'Many each year' level (value 'required' in the rubric). The spring break catalog lists about a dozen trips for the coming year, and the faith page reports 400+ students on spring break trips in five years. Trips are optional for students.)
Sources (2)
1. Faith at Bethel | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/about/faith · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “students serving on spring break missions trips in the last 5 years”
  More than 400 students served on spring break mission trips in five years.
2. Missions and Outreach | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/missions-outreach · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Bethel sends students to be with, learn from, and serve alongside God’s people—in the U.S. and around the world—through our SMP program.”
  Bethel sends student teams in the U.S. and abroad through its missions program.
Yes:
Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceMany (Trip pages name several local churches and ministries as partners (for example Pentecostal Church of God SILOE in Belize, Youthfront in Mexico, and partner churches in Jamaica and Poland).)
Sources (1)
1. Spring Break Mission Trips | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/missions-outreach/spring-break · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Serve alongside Pastora Eriselda Moguel and San Lazaro Pentecostal Church of God SILOE as they meet practical needs and share the hope of the gospel in northern Belize.”
  A spring break trip serves alongside a local church in Belize.
  “Serve alongside Youthfront, which has partnered with the community of Croc near Monterrey, Mexico, for more than 20 years.”
  A trip serves alongside a ministry partner in Mexico.
Yes:
Cross-cultural or global ministry programsMany (Cross-cultural and global ministry trips are offered to several countries each year through the SMP program.)
Sources (2)
1. Missions and Outreach | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/missions-outreach · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Bethel sends students to be with, learn from, and serve alongside God’s people—in the U.S. and around the world—through our SMP program.”
  Bethel sends student teams in the U.S. and abroad through its missions program.
2. Spring Break Mission Trips | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/missions-outreach/spring-break · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Serve alongside Youthfront, which has partnered with the community of Croc near Monterrey, Mexico, for more than 20 years.”
  A trip serves alongside a ministry partner in Mexico.
Yes:
Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Campus Ministries | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “At Bethel, we believe faith deepens when we step beyond comfort and serve others in Jesus’ name.”
  Missions and service are described as part of the Christian faith.

Strengths

Chapel meets twice a week, and student-led Vespers worship is held every Sunday during the semester.
Sources (2)
1. Chapel | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/worship/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Monday and Wednesday 10:20–11 a.m.”
  Chapel meets Monday and Wednesday from 10:20 to 11 a.m.
2. Vespers | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/worship/vespers · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Vespers is held every Sunday during the semester except on November 10 and December 1.”
  Student-led Vespers worship is held every Sunday during the semester.
The prayer chapel is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Sources (1)
1. Prayer Chapel | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/prayer/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The chapel is open to anyone in the Bethel community, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
  The campus prayer chapel is open at all hours, every day.
Every traditional undergraduate takes Introduction to the Bible and Christian Theology.
Sources (2)
1. Themes of the Traditional Undergraduate General Education Curriculum | Bethel University Catalogcatalog.bethel.edu/academic-information/general-education/general-education-requirements/themes-of-traditional-undergradute-general-education · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Traces the journey of God’s people from Abraham and Sarah through the New Testament church, highlighting the unifying self-disclosure of God in the various cultures and types of writing of the Old and New Testament.”
  Introduction to the Bible (BIB 101) covers the Old and New Testaments and is required in the Biblical Foundations theme.
2. Traditional Undergraduate General Education Requirements and Prerequisites | Bethel University Catalogcatalog.bethel.edu/academic-information/general-education/general-education-requirements · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Biblical Foundations: Introduction to the Bible | - | BIB 101 | None 4 | F, J, S | Christian Theology | - | THE 201 | BIB 101 & Sophomore standing | 4 | F, J, S”
  BIB 101 and THE 201 are part of the Biblical Foundations requirement in the 2026-2027 catalog.
Spring break mission trips serve alongside local churches and ministries in several countries.
Sources (1)
1. Spring Break Mission Trips | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/missions-outreach/spring-break · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Serve alongside Pastora Eriselda Moguel and San Lazaro Pentecostal Church of God SILOE as they meet practical needs and share the hope of the gospel in northern Belize.”
  A spring break trip serves alongside a local church in Belize.
  “Serve alongside Youthfront, which has partnered with the community of Croc near Monterrey, Mexico, for more than 20 years.”
  A trip serves alongside a ministry partner in Mexico.

Concerns

Chapel attendance is encouraged; not required.
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/worship/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Chapel attendance is not required, but we believe it's a vital part of building community and learning about our shared faith.”
  Chapel attendance is encouraged but not required.
The core requires one course described as Christian worldview or faith-and-learning (the senior capstone); the Christian worldview courses in the standard track are not required of every student.
Sources (2)
1. Traditional Undergraduate General Education Requirements and Prerequisites | Bethel University Catalogcatalog.bethel.edu/academic-information/general-education/general-education-requirements · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Senior Capstone: Contemporary Christian Issues1 | P | 4xx | (GES 160 or GES 149) & THE 201 & L-course, G-course, or U-course & Senior standing”
  The senior capstone Contemporary Christian Issues course is required of every traditional undergraduate.
2. Themes of the Traditional Undergraduate General Education Curriculum | Bethel University Catalogcatalog.bethel.edu/academic-information/general-education/general-education-requirements/themes-of-traditional-undergradute-general-education · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Students explore alternative Christian worldviews that can define and guide decision-making and/or developing oneself.”
  Contemporary Christian Issues explores Christian worldviews for decision-making.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Bethel Campus Ministries

Address: 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112
Location: On campus
Facilities: Benson Great Hall (chapel and Vespers), prayer chapel (second floor of the CLC), prayer rooms in two residence halls and the seminary

View on map ↗

Source: bethel.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, bethel.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Campus Ministries

Sources (2)

Campus Ministries | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“At Bethel, we believe faith deepens when we step beyond comfort and serve others in Jesus’ name.”
Missions and service are described as part of the Christian faith.
Community Groups | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/spiritual-formation/community-groups · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Christian Formation staff keeps in touch with all groups for equipping, encouragement, and support and also provides materials, training for leaders, and periodic check-ins with leaders.”
The Christian Formation office equips and supports student groups and their leaders.

Christian clubs and student life

9 groups and regular activities · 7 on campus, 2 off campus

Service 2

Spring break mission tripsOff campus
Spring break
Solidarity Missions Partnerships teams serve alongside local churches and ministries in the U.S. and abroad.
bethel.edu, bethel.edu, bethel.edu, bethel.edu
Weekly local service teamsOff campus
Weekly during the fall semester
Student-led teams serve in the Twin Cities, such as packing food for school children.
bethel.edu

Faith formation 3

Shift (first-year spiritual formation)On campus
Wednesday nights on first-year floors
Upper-class Shift leaders host a Bible-based floor discussion for first-year students.
bethel.edu
Shape (second-year spiritual formation)On campus
Sunday nights
Faith formation groups for second-year students, organized by residence floors.
bethel.edu
Pray First prayer teamOn campus
During each Vespers service
Students who pray with anyone who asks, in the hallway beside the Vespers stage.
bethel.edu

Clubs and groups 3

Community GroupsOn campus
Wednesdays, 10:20 to 11 a.m. (primary time)
Groups of 4 to 8 students meet regularly for prayer, Scripture and mutual support.
bethel.edu, bethel.edu
Student MinistriesOn campus
Student-led body that plans spiritual events such as Deeper, Outreach and Testify.
bethel.edu
Catholic Students AssociationOn campus
Student club for Catholic students and anyone interested in the Catholic faith.
bethel.edu

Worship and prayer 1

VespersOn campus
Sundays at 9 p.m. during the semester
Student-led Sunday night worship service in Benson Great Hall.
bethel.edu, bethel.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 1

Monday, Wednesday10:20 AM–11:00 AMBenson Great Hall (also livestreamed on YouTube) · Chapel during the term; attendance is encouraged, not required.

Worship night 1

Sunday9:00 PMBenson Great Hall · Vespers is held every Sunday during the semester except November 10 and December 1; it moves to the RC Gym on November 24 and December 8.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (2)

Chapel | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/worship/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Monday and Wednesday 10:20–11 a.m.”
Chapel meets Monday and Wednesday from 10:20 to 11 a.m.
Vespers | Bethel Universitybethel.edu/campus-ministries/worship/vespers · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Vespers is held every Sunday during the semester except on November 10 and December 1.”
Student-led Vespers worship is held every Sunday during the semester.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Average net price by family income
Family income	Price after aid
Up to $30,000	$22,218
$30,001–$48,000	$22,279
$48,001–$75,000	$20,071
$75,001–$110,000	$24,963
Over $110,000	$33,155

Full cost of attendance before aid: $58,569 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS)	2,629
Men and women College Scorecard, fall 2023	Men 45% · Women 55%
First-generation students College Scorecard	19%
First-year students from another state IPEDS, fall 2023	16%
Total students	3,521
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$28,556
Cost of attendance (per year)	$58,569
Median federal debt at graduation	$21,500
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	71%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients College Scorecard, within 6 years	59%
Graduation rate for first-generation students College Scorecard, within 6 years	55%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years College Scorecard, within 3 years	79%
First-year retention	86%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$63,764
Admission rate	88%
Application fee IPEDS, 2023–24	No application fee
Typical rent HUD fair market rent, FY2026	About $1,405 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants	19%

Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 1190–1300ACT 22–28

Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT	1249
SAT reading & writing	610–650
SAT math	580–650
ACT composite	22–28
Test policy	Considered but not required

Value index: 66 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

Median earnings by major
Major	Median earnings
Human resources	$101,195
Computing and information science	$97,008
Nursing	$87,511
Physics	$85,657
Accounting	$85,036
Business administration	$77,059
Kinesiology and exercise science	$68,202
Allied health	$60,919
Biology	$58,005
Psychology	$55,370
Social work	$54,448
Communication studies	$53,868
Social sciences	$52,907
Secondary education	$51,866
Teacher education	$47,556

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Bible/Biblical Studies, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Counseling and mental health, Data Science, Design, Digital Humanities and Textual Studies, Economics, Electrical engineering, Engineering Science, English, Ethnic and gender studies, Finance, Fine arts, History, Interdisciplinary studies, International relations, Journalism, Linguistics, Management information systems, Mathematics, Mechanical engineering, Music, Natural resources and conservation, Neuroscience, Other theology and religious vocations, Pastoral counseling, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Philosophy, Political science, Rehabilitation and therapy, Romance languages, Sociology, Special education, Teaching English as a second language, Theatre, Writing and rhetoric.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

Most common bachelor’s fields
Field	Share of degrees
Business	25%
Health professions	17%
Education	11%
Biology	8%
Psychology	6%

Campus facts

School colors
Setting	Suburb
Part-time undergraduates	12%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older	10%
On-campus room and board (per year)	$12,170
Sports	NCAA Division III · Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
ROTC	Army · Air Force
Study abroad	Offered
Students per faculty member	14 to 1
Undergraduates registered with the disability office	About 8%IPEDS, 2023–24
Disability services	Visit the office’s pageThe college’s own page
Faculty who are full-time	36%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student	$32,500IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm space	For about 60% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline service	Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field (MSP)About 13 miles away · about 30 minutes by car
Town population	307,284Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or more	St. PaulAbout 8 miles away · about 20 minutes by car
Typical weather	17°F in January · 74°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Vadnais Lake, MN, about 3 miles away

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

On-campus crimes per 1,000 students
Category	This campus	U.S. rate
Rape	0.56	0.07
Robbery	0.00	0.01
Aggravated assault	0.00	0.04
Burglary	0.56	0.08
Motor vehicle theft	0.00	0.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Christian churches nearby

CampusChristian centerOpen a street map ›

No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.

Questions families ask

Is Bethel University a Christian college?: Yes. Bethel University is a Christian college.
What is Bethel University’s Compass Score?: 84 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Bethel University?: Chapel is listed at Benson Great Hall (also livestreamed on YouTube). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.
Is Bethel University Compass Recommended?: Yes. Bethel University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Christian identity and academics.

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About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 173160
Carnegie classification: Doctoral/professional university
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Baptist
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