Private Cumberland Presbyterian university in Tennessee, founded 1842, offering 40+ undergraduate and graduate programs.
Bethel University offers nearly 40 undergraduate programs and 5 graduate/professional programs across three colleges. The curriculum spans business, natural sciences, mathematics, music, religion, humanities, social sciences, education, and nursing. The university awards associate, bachelor's, master's degrees and certificates. Students may pursue honors programs with $10,000 annual scholarships or compete for the Hendrix Scholarship Competition offering full tuition and board. The university is accredited to award degrees up to the master's level.
The main campus in McKenzie features the Ray and Linda Morris Science Complex, Vera Low Center for Student Enrichment, Rosemary and Harry L. Crisp Arena, and multiple residence halls. Students engage in 20+ organizations, 14 fraternities and sororities, and the Renaissance performing arts program offering scholarships for music, theater, and production participation. The university hosts intramural sports and maintains a strong athletic tradition with 21 NAIA varsity teams competing in the Mid-South Conference.
Bethel welcomes first-year, transfer, dual enrollment, adult degree, graduate, and international students. The university offers regular decision admissions and maintains an inclusive application process. Approximately 98% of students receive financial aid. The university provides a net price calculator and multiple scholarship opportunities including merit-based and need-based aid.
Established in 1842 as Bethel Seminary in McLemoresville, the institution moved to McKenzie in 1872 and became Bethel College in 1847, finally assuming its current name in 2009. The university has maintained its affiliation with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church since founding. Its mission emphasizes equipping individuals for service through academic, spiritual, social, and experiential learning to transform the world.