Admissions
BUILD Students
Join an innovative college experience offering a comprehensive education for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through BUILD, you’ll receive career-focused instruction and specialized mentorship all within a supportive Christian environment.
If you are still wondering if the BUILD program is a good fit for you, visit our requirements page for students in BUILD.
How to apply
Submit your online application.
Applications are accepted starting August 1 through December 15 for the cohort that starts the following calendar year (e.g. apply in the fall of 2026 to start in the fall of 2027).
To help you prepare, here’s the essay prompt you’ll see in the application:
- Describe your relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Describe why you want to attend Bethel University.
Also included in the online application is the Covenant for Life Together, which all students must review and agree to honor.
Submit your Transcript/IEP/Evaluation Request form and supporting documents.
If you have the most recent individualized education plan (IEP) and evaluation report, these can be uploaded to your application or emailed to build-program@bethel.edu. Transcripts must be submitted through a secure online portal or in a sealed envelope to the BUILD Program. Your application will not be complete—and cannot be reviewed—until all admissions materials have been received.
Admissions process
- December 15 is the deadline for completed applications.
- Admissions interviews, if selected, are held throughout the month of January for those who have completed an application and fit program criteria.
- Admissions decisions are mailed within one month of completing an interview.
Each admission decision is the result of a comprehensive review process that considers multiple factors. This process includes careful evaluation of the information provided in the application, school records—including the most recent evaluation report and individualized education plan—and all other submitted materials.
All available information is reviewed and considered by the BUILD admissions committee. The goal of this process is to determine whether a student is likely to succeed and thrive at Bethel based on the criteria of the BUILD program.
Note: Due to the nature of the BUILD program, all students start in the fall.
Why BUILD?
Innovative programming
Our two-year BUILD program offers a unique college experience not found at most universities.
On-campus living
Live on campus in a supportive, Christian environment.
Career-focused instruction
Build skills to live as independently as possible and maintain meaningful employment.
College credentials
Earn an Certificate in Applied Studies with your choice of concentration.
Ask the BUILD team
Questions about admissions? Contact our BUILD team to get your questions answered and learn about the next steps.
It is the policy of Bethel not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, gender, or disability.
