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Bethany College

Bethany, WV·Private nonprofit·642 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. freshman retention is below 65%. generous financial aid cuts net price well below sticker.

60%
Accept
642
Students
$15,306
Net Price
46%
Grad Rate
$44,200
Earnings
10 yr
$23,750
Debt

About This School

Bethany College is a private nonprofit institution located in Bethany, West Virginia with approximately 642 undergraduate students enrolled. Bethany College has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 60%. The average net price after financial aid is $15,306 per year. The graduation rate is 46%, and the typical graduate earns $44,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Bethany College may refer to:

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the $15,306 average net price is genuinely affordable, but a 46% graduation rate and 63% freshman retention rate suggest that nearly half of students who start here don't finish — a real red flag worth discussing. Median earnings of $44,200 a decade out are modest, so if you do graduate, the $23,750 median debt is manageable, but only if you stay enrolled and complete your degree. Worth considering if you're drawn to a very small, tight-knit liberal arts experience in rural West Virginia and have a clear plan for staying on track — but ask hard questions about academic support before committing.

Founded
1840
Setting
Fringe rural

Popular Programs

Psychology25%
Education17%
Business & Marketing11%
Communications10%
Physical Sciences7%
Social Sciences4%
Computer Science4%
Biological Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Frances McDormandWilliam H. MacyShane DouglasTom PostonWilliam FerrelJames SchuylerThomas BuergenthalChamp Clark

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite22

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$34,816
Out-of-State Tuition
$34,816
Avg Net Price
$15,306
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants41%
Median debt at graduation$23,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
46%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
63%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$23,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$23,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$32,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.9x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White48%
Black18%
Hispanic/Latino4%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (642 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Bethany College

31 E Campus Dr

Bethany, WV 26032

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in West Virginia

Browse all West Virginia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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