Historic private liberal arts college founded in 1840, affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Bethany College offers Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in more than 25 fields, including accounting, biology, business administration, computer science, cybersecurity, game development, nursing, and teacher education. Students may design their own major through the Interdisciplinary program or pursue dual majors. The college also offers graduate programs and study abroad opportunities. Faculty-student relationships are emphasized, with 64 academic staff serving approximately 623 undergraduates.
The college occupies a 1,300-acre rural campus in Bethany, West Virginia, featuring historic buildings contributing to the Bethany Historic District (listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982). The campus includes the Parkinson Forest, designated in 2019 as part of the Old-Growth Forest Network. Student life centers on residential community, with Homecoming Weekend in October as a major annual event. The college hosts 14 intercollegiate varsity sports teams and numerous student organizations and activities.
Bethany College accepts applications for Fall 2027 and beyond through its online application portal. The college offers undergraduate and graduate admissions pathways. Prospective students are encouraged to visit campus and request information through the Enrollment Office. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available to support student enrollment.
According to 2017–18 data, tuition and fees were $28,444 with room and board at $10,270 annually. Approximately 95% of graduates carry student loan debt, averaging $25,704. The college's endowment stood at $51.4 million in 2023. Notable alumni include Supreme Court Justice Joseph Rucker Lamar, Academy Award-winning actress Frances McDormand, and Rice University founder Edgar Odell Lovett. The college participated in the V-12 Navy College Training Program during World War II.