Bethel University
Saint Paul, United States • Founded 1871 • World Rank #4609
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Founded in 1871, the Bethel University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the medium city of Saint Paul (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Minnesota.
This institution also has a branch campus in San Diego. Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Bethel University (BU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Baptist religion.
Bethel University (BU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 153-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. BU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
The geographic and contact details below cover where Bethel University is and how to reach its administrative offices. Campus emergency contact is typically distinct from general inquiries.
Academic Details
The academic indicators below give context on how Bethel University operates at scale. A lower staff-to-student ratio generally signals more faculty access, though research-heavy institutions skew the read.
Academic Structures
Browse the academic-unit structure of Bethel University. Multi-faculty programmes exist but are usually administered by a lead faculty that handles admissions and credentialing.
Unit 4 items
- Bethel Seminary
- College of Adult and Professional Studies
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Graduate school
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes Bethel University offers is searchable and grouped by level below. Some programmes accept rolling applications; others run on annual cycles — check before applying.
130 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 75 programmes
Showing 10 of 75.
Master's Degree 22 programmes
Showing 10 of 22.
Doctorate 2 programmes
Professional Doctorate 3 programmes
Associate's Degree 13 programmes
Showing 10 of 13.
Certificate 3 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 12 programmes
Showing 10 of 12.
How to apply to Bethel University
A practical five-step guide to applying to Bethel University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
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1
Research programmes at Bethel University
Bethel University's catalogue includes 130 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Bethel University's admissions process.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Lodge your application
Submit your completed application through Bethel University's official website at www.bethel.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (651) 638 6400. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bethel University
Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Bethel University, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.
How old is Bethel University?
The institution opened in 1871 (approximately 155 years ago).
Where is Bethel University located?
Bethel University is located in Saint Paul, United States.
What is Bethel University's control type?
Bethel University is a private institution.
What is the student enrolment at Bethel University?
Student enrolment at Bethel University is around 3,000-3,999.
How is Bethel University ranked?
It ranks #4609 globally and #483 in United States.
Is Bethel University affiliated with a religion?
Bethel University operates within the Christian-Baptist tradition.
How is Bethel University organised academically?
Bethel University has 4 academic units.
Is Bethel University officially recognised?
Bethel University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
Where can I learn more about Bethel University?
The institution's website is www.bethel.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
These are the most highly ranked universities in the United States. Putting Bethel University alongside them gives a clearer picture of where it sits in the national academic landscape, especially when reputation matters for credential portability.
Members of Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)
Fellow Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) members alongside Bethel University are gathered below — useful if institutional networks matter to your decision. Networks shape exchange opportunities, joint degrees, and credential recognition across borders.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Baptist
The institutions below share Bethel University's Christian-Baptist tradition and operate with comparable spiritual frameworks. Spiritual frameworks shape institutional decisions on student life, curriculum, and community engagement.
Faculties at nearby universities
Below are universities sharing regional libraries and consortia with Bethel University. Library reciprocity and shared databases can extend research access beyond what any single institution offers alone.
Where Else to Study Religious Studies
Accreditation portability differs for Religious Studies programmes across the United States. Professional accreditation (where applicable) matters more than institutional accreditation for regulated career paths.
Universities Compared with Bethel University
Peer universities to Bethel University by academic scale and prestige are listed below. These often share comparable faculty depth, research output, and graduate outcomes, making the comparison more meaningful than ranking alone.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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