September 15th, 2020
As colleges everywhere had a “different start” to the fall 2020 semester, one thing remained the same for Bethel – an enrollment increase.
As of the first day of classes, the enrollment stood at 475, compared to 466 a year ago, an increase of 2% (unofficial census).
“This year’s increased enrollment is a product of a strong class of new students and the improved retention of our returning students,” said Eric Preheim, interim director for admissions.
“It is a testament to the hard work of the entire Bethel community – admissions, athletics, faculty, fine arts and so many more. Everyone plays a role in recruitment and retention.”
Classes began Aug. 19. Bethel will announce its final enrollment numbers for the year on the official 20th day of class, Sept. 16.
Bethel is a four-year liberal arts college founded in 1887 and is the oldest Mennonite college in North America. Known for academic excellence, Bethel ranks at #14 in the Washington Monthly list of “Best Bachelor’s Colleges” and #26 in U.S. News & World Report, Best Regional Colleges Midwest, and earned its third-straight NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Gold Award, based on student service and academic achievement, all for 2020-21; is Zippia.com’s highest ranked Kansas small college with the highest earning graduates; has the #10 RN-to-BSN program in Kansas according to RNtoBSN.com; and is #57 among 829 U.S. colleges and universities named by lendEDU.com as “Best for Financial Aid,” as well as #23 “Safest College Towns in the U.S.,” ranked by lendEDU.com for 2020-21. For more information, see www.bethelks.edu