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Bethel University

McKenzie, TN·Private·www.bethelu.edu/

Campus Identity

NAIAGraduate Programs

Bethel University is a small private nonprofit university in McKenzie, TN. Approximately 1,547 students are enrolled. Admissions are moderately selective with a 60% acceptance rate. Kentucky Lake is about 25 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 38/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

At a Glance

Bethel University is a small private nonprofit university in McKenzie, TN. Approximately 1,547 students are enrolled. Admissions are moderately selective with a 60% acceptance rate. Kentucky Lake is about 25 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 38/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

60%
Acceptance Rate
1,486 applications
18
ACT Score (50th %ile)
Range: 15–21
$18,712
2024-25 Tuition
$12,595
Avg Net Price
What students actually pay
$10,590
Room & Board
19 meals/week
1,547
Total Enrollment
Undergraduate students
32%
Yield Rate
Admitted students who enrolled
35%
Graduation Rate
Within 150% of normal time
Selectivity60% · Open
Highly SelectiveOpen

SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)

SAT Evidence-Based Reading

410460570

SAT Math

420460550

Campus Lifestyle

Bethel University is a 1,000–4,999, small-town school with NAIA athletics. The campus is 198 miles from Cloudmont Ski.

Athletics

NAIA

Mid South

School Size & Setting

1,000–4,999

Town setting

Ski Access

198 miles

Cloudmont Ski

Weather

Warm Climate

53°F avg school-year

Nearby Ski Resorts

Bethel University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Cloudmont Ski, 198 miles away. All are within 203 miles of campus.

198 mi away
200 mi away
65 skiable acres8 lifts
203 mi away
30 skiable acres7 lifts

Nearby Lake

Kentucky Lake is 25 miles from campus, giving Bethel University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.

Kentucky Lake

Lake access within 24.7 miles

25 mi away

Average Monthly Temperature

1991–2020 Climate Normals · McKenzie, TN

McKenzie has a mild climate, with winters averaging 38°F in Jan and summers peaking around 79°F in Jul.

38°Jan41°Feb50°Mar59°Apr68°May76°Jun79°Jul78°Aug71°Sep60°Oct49°Nov41°Dec

Station: HUNTINGDON WATER PLANT · Source: NOAA NCEI

On Campus Safety Score

2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students

Bethel University in TN earns a composite safety score of 38/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.

38/100
Less Safe
PersonalSafetyPropertySafetyParty SceneSafety344144
34/100
Personal
assault, rape, stalking, dating and domestic violence
41/100
Property
burglary, vehicle theft, arson
44/100
Party Scene
drug, alcohol & weapons enforcement

On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.

Cost Breakdown

2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.

Tuition
$18,712
Fees
$1,260
Room & Board
$10,590
Total
$30,562
App Fee: $30
Meal Plan: 19 meals/week
$12,595avg net price / year

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.

Calculate your personalized net price

Fields of Study

49 programs offered

Most Popular Programs

Business Administration, Management and OperationsBachelor's
254 grads/yr$60,102
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment ProfessionsMaster's
147 grads/yr$135,391
Business/Commerce, GeneralAssociate's
117 grads/yr
Criminal Justice and CorrectionsAssociate's
92 grads/yr$57,864
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBachelor's
85 grads/yr$80,794

Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Master's147 grads$135,391
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Bachelor's85 grads$80,794
Homeland Security
Bachelor's65 grads$79,079
Business/Commerce, General
Master's grads$70,110
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Bachelor's65 grads$62,967
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Bachelor's254 grads$60,102
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Master's56 grads$59,965
Education, General
Master's grads$58,122
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Associate's92 grads$57,864
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
Bachelor's57 grads$48,730

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bethel University located?

Bethel University is located in McKenzie, TN. The main campus address is 325 Cherry Ave, McKenzie, TN. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.

What is the acceptance rate at Bethel University?

Bethel University has an acceptance rate of 60%, making it moderately selective. Out of 1,486 applicants, 895 were admitted in the most recent year. 1,547 students enrolled.

What ACT score do you need for Bethel University?

The middle 50% of enrolled students at Bethel University scored between 15 and 21 on the ACT, with a median of 18. About 88% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.

How much does it cost to attend Bethel University?

For the 2024-25 academic year, Bethel University charges $18,712/year in tuition. Including room and board ($10,590/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $17,482/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $12,595/year — what students actually pay. Use Bethel University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

What is the application fee for Bethel University?

The undergraduate application fee at Bethel University is $30. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.

Does Bethel University have college sports?

Yes — Bethel University competes at the NAIA level in the Mid South. Division III programs emphasize academic achievement alongside athletic competition, without athletic scholarships.

Is Bethel University the right fit for me?

Whether Bethel University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (60% admit rate), avg net price ($12,595/year after aid), campus culture in McKenzie, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Bethel University against similar schools side-by-side.

Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Bethel University directly for the most current information.

Ready to apply?

Start your application at the official website.

Apply NowVisit Official Website

Quick Facts

Type
Private
Location
McKenzie, TN
Size
1,000–4,999
Degrees Offered
Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Certificates
NCAA
NAIA
Conference
Mid South
School Year Weather
Warm · 53°F avg
App Fee
$30
On Campus Safety Score
38/100
Nearest Airport
Jackson, TN (MKL) · 43 mialso PAH (65 mi), HOP (68 mi)

Location

McKenzie, TN

Data Sources: Admissions, cost, and enrollment data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) (NCES, 2024 survey year). Fields of Study data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. On Campus Safety Score computed from Clery Act data (U.S. Dept. of Education, 3-year average normalized per 1,000 students). Data may not reflect most recent changes. Always verify with the institution directly.