Bethany College (West Virginia) Admissions

Bethany College Admissions Overview:

Bethany is largely open, admitting around 65% of applicants. Test scores are a required part of Bethany's application, with both the SAT and ACT accepted. Students can fill out an application online, and then send in a high school transcript and a recommendation letter from a guidance counselor. Admission at Bethany are "rolling," meaning that a student can apply for admission to either the fall or spring semester. Students are encouraged to visit the campus, or to contact the admissions office with any questions they have.

Admissions Data (2016):

• Bethany College Acceptance Rate: 65%
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: 380 / 500
  • SAT Math: 380 / 500
  • SAT Writing: - / -
    • What these SAT numbers mean
  • ACT Composite: 17 / 23
  • ACT English: 15 / 23
  • ACT Math: 16 / 23
    • What these ACT numbers mean

Bethany College (West Virginia) Description:

The oldest college in West Virginia, Bethany College was founded in 1840. Located in the northern panhandle of West Virginia, the town of Bethany is very close to both Ohio and Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh is only an hour away. Set among the hills of the Allegheny Plateau, Bethany offers students a quiet natural setting, with larger cities and culture nearby.

Bethany College offers a range of Majors for students to choose from--a student may even create his or her own major, if there is not one offered in his or her area of interest. The Bisons compete in the NCAA Division III President's Athletic Conference, and there are many opportunities for students to participate in the athletic teams on campus. Popular sports include football, softball, track and field, swimming, and basketball. From the clubs and organizations, to the diverse academic offerings, to the proximity to large cities, Bethany College has something to offer everyone. 

Enrollment (2016):

• Total Enrollment: 680 (645 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 61% Male / 39% Female
• 99% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

• Tuition and Fees: $27,696
• Books: $1,000 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $9,924
• Other Expenses: $2,600
• Total Cost: $41,220

Bethany College Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 100%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 100%
  • Loans: 87%
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $17,007
  • Loans: $5,869

Academic Programs:

• Most Popular Majors: Psychology, Communication, Journalism, Education, Chemistry, Biology, Accounting

Transfer, Graduation and Retention Rates:

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 68%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 29%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 41%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

• Men's Sports: Football, Track and Field, Baseball, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Swimming and Diving
• Women's Sports: Softball, Soccer, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Basketball, Golf, Swimming and Diving, Track and Field

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

If You Like Bethany College, You May Also Like These Schools:

Other great (and small) colleges in West Virginia include Alderson Broaddus University, Davis and Elkins College, Wheeling Jesuit University, and Salem International University.

For students interested in a school with a great athletic programs, other schools in the President’s Athletic Conference include Chatham University, Thiel College, Washington and Jefferson College, Grove City College, and Westminster College.