Tuition Rates for 2017-18 Announced for College of Arts & Sciences

Tuition rates for traditional undergraduate students will increase by 3%, effective fall 2017, bringing the annual tuition rate for full-time students (taking 12-18 credits per semester) in the College of Arts & Sciences to $36,060.

In years past, Bethel has announced tuition rates for the next academic year in February. However, a federal financial aid change allows families to apply for financial aid earlier. By deciding on tuition rates earlier, Bethel was able to start sending out complete financial aid packages to prospective students this month—three months earlier than normal. (Returning students will receive their financial award letters in the spring.)

Financial aid can significantly reduce the average tuition price that students actually pay, and nearly all degree-seeking Bethel freshmen receive financial aid through scholarships and grants. Money magazine recently mentioned Bethel’s generous financial aid package for incoming freshman by listing Bethel fifth in “91 Great Colleges that Give Every Freshman a Scholarship.”

In recent years, Bethel has substantially increased the amount of internal gift aid given to students. In 2015-16, students enrolled in the College of Arts & Sciences received $35.68 million in grants and scholarships from Bethel, up from $19.58 million in 2007-08.

Meal plan rates will increase by 2.27% for the next academic year. These costs vary based on the plan selected. The most popular meal plan for residential students will cost $4,510 for the 2017-18 year. Freshmen living on campus will continue to be required to purchase one of these plans. As in the past, the room rate for continuing students will not increase while they are enrolled at Bethel, provided they live in campus housing every semester. Room rates for new students will be $5,830, an increase of 2.28%.

The Bethel Student Government (BSG) fee will remain the same at $150 for the year, a price decided upon by currently enrolled students. The comprehensive fee—tuition, room, board, and BSG fee—for the 2017-18 academic year will be $46,550 for full-time students in their first year in campus housing, up 2.83% from last year.

Tuition rates for Bethel Seminary, College of Adult & Professional Studies, and Graduate School programs will be announced in the spring. The most up-to-date tuition rates for students can be found on the financial aid websites for each school: College of Arts & Sciences, Bethel Seminary, College of Adult & Professional Studies, and Graduate School.