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FAQs for Parents

• Can my son or daughter complete an application online?

  Yes! We have online applications tailored to first-time freshmen, international students and transfer students. Downloadable, printable applications are also available. The $20 application fee is refunded if you submit the application prior to February 1 or if you join us for a campus visit.

• How can my son or daughter request more information on Bethel?

  After your child completes the online Request Info form, he or she will receive a profile booklet shortly.

• How can my son or daughter schedule a visit?

  We highly recommend a campus visit to truly get a taste of what Bethel offers. Parents are welcome, and encouraged, to take part in the campus visit.

• Can I afford to send my child to Bethel?

  Don’t let the term "private college" scare you. More than 98 percent of Bethel students receive some form of financial aid, including scholarships, grants and loans. Read the Financial Aid FAQs or contact the financial aid office to learn more about the financial aid process.

• How do I make a payment on my child’s account?

  Contact Karen Garcia in the financial aid office by sending her an e-mail or calling (316) 283-5233.

• When can my child move in to his or her residence hall?

  Dates change from year to year. Check the latest dates on move-in/move-out, orientation, important deadlines, special events and more.

• What if my child has a problem with a roommate?

  We encourage students to contact their resident director, who will attempt to mediate and resolve problems. If you need to find out how the situation is being addressed or for additional information, please contact your child’s resident director. For more information on residence hall life, read the Living on Campus FAQs.

• Will my child be safe at Bethel?

  Not only is the campus virtually crime-free, the relaxed, small-town living and low crime rate of the North Newton and Newton communities make a Bethel College experience safe. Read more in the Health, Safety and Well-being section.

• Is my child required to live on campus?

  Students are allowed to live off campus if they are 23 or older, married, have dependent children living with them or are commuting from home. Most students agree, however, that living on campus is vital to the Bethel College experience. For more information on residence hall life, read the Living on Campus FAQs.

• What if my child gets sick or hurt?

  Your child can schedule an appointment with Bethel’s Academic Health Center, located in Memorial Hall on campus and staffed by Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNPs). In case of an emergency, your child should visit the emergency services at Newton Medical Center. Read more about how Bethel addresses your child’s health, safety and well-being.

• How can I find out what’s happening at Bethel?

  View the Bethel College Calendar for upcoming events that are open to the public, including parents and family.

• Who are the Mennonites?

  Though Mennonites represent the largest single Christian denomination at Bethel, more than half of our students come from backgrounds other than Mennonite. Bethel College integrates faith and learning, empowering you to view questions and dilemmas from multiple perspectives. Learn more about Mennonites and how Bethel’s Mennonite background will affect your child’s learning experience.

• How can I become involved with my child’s life at Bethel?

  We encourage you to keep in touch with your child by phone, e-mail and mail — how frequently you communicate is up to you and your child. Some parents like to send care packages filled with cookies, snacks, playing cards or other goodies. To do so, send the package to your child in care of Bethel College, 300 East 27th Street, North Newton, KS 67117-1716. Another way to get involved at Bethel is to join the Parents Association.