Bethel University

In 2005, tuition for full-time students at Bethel University was $12,721 a year.

In 2023, tuition increased 3%–from $12,351 the prior year. On average, colleges raise tuition about 3% each year.

Remember, the "sticker price" of tuition does not always tell the full story. Many students find the actual cost of college is a lot less than the sticker price after grants, scholarships, and tuition discounts kick in. Plus, student loans can make the amount you do have to pay out of pocket more manageable until you're done with college.

Bethel University meets 88.9% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates. The average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student at Bethel University is around $36,674 a year.

Graduates in the class of 2023 had an average of $36,197 in student loans per borrower.

In-state vs. Out-of-state Tuition at Bethel University

Bethel University is a private, religious institution, so it has the same tuition for residents of Tennessee as it does for residents from other states.

Public schools receive funds from the state to help them cover costs. Public, state schools can offer lower tuition for students who meet the requirements for in-state residency.

Choosing a school where you are eligible for in-state tuition can save significant money on the overall cost of college. Take the time to check your state's criteria for in-state residency. Every state has its own rules about what makes someone eligible for in-state tuition. In many states, students must have lived in the state for 12 months before starting school to qualify for in-state tuition. There may be additional requirements too, depending on where you live.

Explore other Tennessee colleges

Tuition for International Students at Bethel University

Bethel University has the same tuition for international students as for those from out of state.

Students from outside of the U.S. usually do not qualify for for loans or grants from the U.S. government, but should research private or Bethel University-specific aid and scholarships.

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Bethel University Room, Board, Fees, and More

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Tuition is not the only cost of attending college; there are other costs associated with college, like room and board, facility fees, and books and supplies. Let's take a look at what impacts these costs, and what to expect at Bethel University.

Room and Board Costs at Bethel University

Housing and campus dining at Bethel University costs $9,368 a year. This covers the cost of living in dorms or other on-campus housing, plus a meal plan that allows you to eat in the Bethel University's on-campus cafeterias and dining halls.

Board costs vary based on on how many meals are included in the plan you choose.

Cost of Books at Bethel University

The cost of books often surprises first-year college students. The actual cost of books and supplies depends on the courses you take and the textbooks, computer programs, or other materials are required.. To save money, many students choose to use books from the library or buy books from students who have already taken the course.

Yearly Fees

Most schools also have fees to help cover the cost of facilties, like the library, gym and computer labs.

Keep in mind, there could also be other costs associated with participating in special activities, like joining a fraternity or sorority, or playing on an intramural sports team. Most colleges offer resources so that those who may struggle to participate because of cost can get help covering these fees.

Transportation costs

The total cost of getting around in college depends on a few key factors. Will you drive, fly, or take public transportation to school? Is on-campus parking free, or will you need to budget for parking? Is the campus walkable? Do you plan to bring a car or will you need to use busses, subways, or other modes of transportation? All of these questions can drastically impact your transportation budget. Keeping in mind, first-year students are allowed to park a car on campus.

Where are a college is located can also have a big effect on the amount you'll have to spend just to get around. Small, rural schools may be easier to get around, but the cost of getting to campus may be higher. On the other hand transportation in an urban area can be expensive, but cities may offer more trains, busses or affordable flights to actually get to school. Bethel Universityis located in a town in Tennessee.

Other Costs

When creating a budget for college, be sure to consider the cost of things like going out to eat or see shows, furnishing your living space, and things like haircuts, clothes and, yes, even toilet paper and shampoo.

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Financial Breakdown for Bethel University

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Now, let’s look at the breakdown of all expenses, to get a better idea of how much students can expect to shell out for Bethel University.

Total Cost of Bethel University

What will the cost of attending Bethel University be? Here is a breakdown of tuition and expenses.

2023 Total Tuition and Expenses
Tuition	$12,721
Room and Board	$9,368
Other expenses	$4,620

The total estimated cost will vary depending on whether you are going to live on-campus or off-campus.

Total Estimated Costs
On-Campus	$29,169
Off-Campus	$19,801

The breakdowns above provide a good estimate of the total cost of attendance before financial aid and scholarships. Tuition and fees may vary depending on program, course level, location, and more.

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Bethel University Financial Aid

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In 2023, 1,251 of the 3,457 undergrads enrolled received financial aid. Bethel University meets 88.9% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates.

The average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student is around $36,674 a year. Around 67% of Bethel University undergrads take out student loans to cover any remaining costs. Bethel University graduates who have student loans graduate with an average of $36,197 of student loan debt.

The average debt for each loan type varies.

Average Debt By Loan Type
Federal Loans	$22,201
State Loans	$32,252
Private Loans	$37,052

Most Common Loans for Bethel University Students
Federal Loans	67%
State loans	3%
Private loans	23%

Most students take out institutional or government loans, because they tend to have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. Loans from the federal government can be subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest during school, while unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest at the time the loan is issued. If students do no qualify for enough federal loans to cover the cost of tuition, some take out private loans. Parents can also take out ParentPLUS loans, which are government loans for parents who are helping their children pay for college.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps colleges determine how much financial need students and their familes have, so they can offer a financial aid package that meets, or come close to meeting, their need. For more information on Bethel University financial aid, keep reading, or visit their financial aid website.

Scholarships at Bethel University

Some students may receive grants and scholarships to help pay for college. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not have to be paid back.

In 2023, Bethel University awarded 1,247 need-based scholarships to students, giving away total of $30.3 million to help students with financial need cover the cost of school. An additional $12.84 million in merit-based scholarship money was awarded to students without demonstrated financial need.

Bethel University Net Cost

The net price of college is the actual cost of attending a school for one year. Net cost is calculated by subtracting any scholarships, grants or other aid that does not need to be paid back from the total cost. Student loans are not part of the calculation, because they need to be repaid.

Now that we have a sense of the total estimated costs for Bethel University students, we can subtract the average financial aid package to find the estimated net cost. Net cost can vary depending on a students’ need and the financial aid award received.

When considering whether a school fits your budget, it is important to consider the estimated net cost, not just the sticker price of tuition. Often, schools with the highest tuition also offer the most generous aid packages, so estimate your net cost before eliminating a school because it does fit your budget.

The average amount of financial aid received by a full-time first year student with demonstrated need at Bethel University was $36,674 in 2023. By substracting the average financial aid package from the estimated costs, we get a number that may make the cost of Bethel University seem more manageable.

Estimated Net Cost for Full-Time Students
Off-Campus	$-16,873

Note: a negative number can indicate that a refund will be given to use toward other expenses such as housing, fees, and books. In such cases, be sure to reach out to the school directly for any clarification or questions.

What will attending Bethel University really cost you? The answer depends on several factors.

As of 2011, colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their website to help prospective students and their families make more informed decisions about the actual cost of attending that school, based on their financial situation. You can find the Bethel University's net cost calculator on their website.

Bethel University Tuition Payment Plans

Some students choose to use payment plans to make the cost of tuition fit more comfortably in their budget.

Students cannot pay tuition in installments. Contact the financial aid office to verify this and discuss options.

Does Bethel University Offer Tuition Waivers?

Schools sometimes offer tuition waivers to certain groups, to offset the cost of attending. Some colleges offer tuition waivers for employees and their family members, underrepresented students, or military students. Even if you qualify for a waiver, students are usually responsible for housing, meal plans, and other expenses.

Check the financial aid website for more information on payment plans and tuition waivers.

Bethel University's Endowment

An endowment is the total value of a school's investments, donations, and assets. Endowment is not necessarily an indicator of the quality of a school, but it can give you a sense of how much money a college can afford to invest in expanding programs, improving facilities, and supporting students.

Bethel University's endowment was valued at $2.9 million in 2023, compared to a national average of $905 million. For each full-time student, Bethel University spends about $7,327 a year.

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Learn More About Bethel University

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To learn more about Bethel University, choose from the options below:

Overview

Student Life

Academics

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