First-Generation Scholarship

The First-Generation Scholarship program is designed to make a Bethel College education affordable to a wider range of deserving applicants. These scholarships are only available to students who don’t plan to play a sport in college. Athletes are encouraged to speak with the coaching staff about athletic scholarships. There are two different scholarships available to students.

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Level 1 First-Generation Scholarship

• Full-tuition scholarship
• Recipients must live on-campus
• Only 20 available

Level 2 First-Generation Scholarship

• 75% tuition Scholarship
• Recipients can live off campus

What are the Criteria?

• Only high school applicants are considered; not transfers
• Completed FAFSA
• Parents don't have a bachelor's (4-year) degree
• Live in Kansas or attend a Mennonite high school
• A high school cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher

What's the process?

• Complete your Bethel admission — including the application and transcript requirements
• Send your FAFSA to Bethel, after Oct. 1 — Bethel’s code is 001905
• Submit your scholarship application
• Interview with the committee

If you have questions, contact Eric Preheim ‘16, Associate Director for Admissions, at epreheim@bethelks.edu

“With the first generation scholarship, it became possible for me to attend college… This scholarship is truly a huge opportunity for potential first generation college students to attend college, without as much financial stress.” - Chris S., Class of 2023

“The 1st Generation Scholarship helped me afford Bethel because it gave me the opportunity to actually go to college. My decision was made after I applied and was accepted because of the opportunity Bethel was offering me that nowhere else could compete with!” Lindsey P., Class of 2023