Bethel College, Kansas
The distinction of being the oldest Mennonite College in North America belongs to Bethel College located at East 27th Street, North Newton in South Central Kansas. The charter for Bethel College was signed in May 1887 on the efforts of the representatives of the Newton community and the Kansas Conference of Mennonite. Their goal was to establish a nonsectarian but religious college that would work for the advancement of post secondary education in a Christian community. At present, Bethel is a four-year liberal arts college affiliated with Mennonite Church USA.
The college’s curriculum is based on a general education program in the liberal arts and sciences. It offers degrees in Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Social Work. The programs of study consists of 17 majors, 15 minors, 5 certificate courses, 3 pre-professional courses and 2 specialized programs for Financial Economics as well as Management and Marketing. Study and travel abroad programs provide learning opportunities in 19 colleges and universities found in 17 countries all over the world. Forming part of the graduation requirements for any program are the undergraduate research project and public performance and/or internship in the students’ particular field of study.
Bethel’s academic calendar consists of two 16-week terms for fall and spring, a 4-week January interterm and the summer term. Enrolment number is 437 coming from at least 24 states and 13 foreign countries. The faculty is made up of 40 full-time and 20 part-time teachers. Student/faculty ratio is 9:1 while the average class size is 20.
Educational cost for an academic year in Bethel amounts to approximately $ 26,440.00 inclusive of tuition, minimal rate for room and board and the liability deposit. Room and board options are comprised of the Worketin Court, Haury Hall and the Voth Hall. Estimated variable cost is $ 1,550.00 for books and health insurance. Meal plans cost about $ 1,575.00 per semester for a total of 20 meals per week.
For more information about admissions, financial aid or online learning opportunities such as distance education degree programs or online classes, please contact Bethel College.
