Bethel University is excited to announce its largest new student class since 2021, with more than a 20% increase in freshmen and transfers over last year. Its 300 new students represent 23 countries and 24 states/territories, with U.S. students from as far away as Alaska, Puerto Rico and Hawaii, and 91% hailing from the Midwest.
“There’s a vibrancy on our campus that’s palpable, and it’s led by our new student class. The professors feel it. The returning students feel it. These students are engaged and excited. They want to be here,” says Dr. Dee McDonald, president. “God’s incredible blessing on Bethel University is evident, and we can’t wait to see what He will do through these students and in our community.”
Bethel’s total headcount of 1,118 students includes traditional, adult and graduate and extension studies students. Its growing extension studies program includes 19 extension sites in 6 states, including virtual sites for Youth for Christ and Immerge Network.
Top majors for Bethel’s incoming class include Business Management, Nursing, Exercise Science, Sport Management and Psychology, with 81% of students living on campus.
Bethel University’s nursing program has been ranked No. 1 in the nation and State of Indiana for three years in a row, based on 100% of graduates passing the BSN NCLEX (national licensure exam). Bethel’s education program is also leading the way for literacy, as the first undergraduate institution in the nation to offer Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP) certification for bachelor of arts in education graduates. New this year – Bethel is launching a Master’s in Reading Science program designed for teachers looking to transform lives through literacy. It can be completed in two years through a flexible, online asynchronous format designed for working teachers.
Additional 2026 Class Notes:
States represented in Bethel’s 2026 incoming class include Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
Countries represented include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, France, Georgia, Germany, Honduras, Italy, Kazakhstan, Liberia, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Portugal, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States.