
3900 Bethel Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55112, USA


Bethel University supports a broad athletics program that competes primarily in NCAA Division III. The institution offers student-athletes the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports, with men's and women's teams representing the university across multiple competitive events. These teams include traditional sports such as basketball, soccer, and volleyball, as well as track and field, cross country, and swimming.
Participation in athletics at Bethel provides students with avenues for physical development, teamwork, and leadership skills while balancing their academic commitments. The university emphasizes personal growth through sport and encourages an inclusive environment where students can engage in intercollegiate competition regardless of their level of prior experience.
Facilities supporting these athletic programs include gymnasiums, fields, and training centers geared toward promoting both competitive and recreational activities. Additionally, Bethel's athletic teams compete as members of conferences that foster regional rivalry and camaraderie among similar institutions.
Bethel University hosts a diverse student body with a total enrollment of 1,916 students, comprising 849 men and 1,067 women.
Bethel University draws a predominantly in-state student body, with approximately 82% of students coming from within Minnesota, placing it in the top 30% nationally for in-state enrollment. Out-of-state students make up a smaller portion, around 16%, which ranks in the lower 35% compared to other institutions. The vast majority of students are U. S. citizens, accounting for 98% of the population, while international representation is minimal, with less than 1% of students coming from foreign countries.
The freshman and transfer student cohorts at Bethel University are moderate in size. There are 434 freshmen and 120 transfer students, both numbers falling in the bottom 40% when examined against national benchmarks. Overall, the total new student enrollment remains average and suggests steady but not rapid growth.
Age distribution data highlights a young undergraduate population, with most undergraduates between 18 and 21 years old. Specifically, 816 students fall into the 18-19 age range and 808 are aged 20-21. There are smaller but notable numbers of undergraduates older than 22, while graduate students tend to be older, clustering primarily in the 22-49 age bracket. Mature learners aged 50 and above also comprise part of the graduate community, reflecting some diversity in age among advanced degree seekers.
Regarding racial and ethnic diversity, Bethel University maintains a varied but relatively modest demographic mix. White students form the largest group, totaling 1,434, an average figure that lies in the lower 45% nationally. Hispanic and African American students are represented by 136 and 117 individuals respectively, both within the lower 40% range. Other groups such as Asian students (93) and those identifying with two or more races (63) also contribute to the campus's multicultural fabric, although all categories fall within mid to lower national percentiles.
Student life at Bethel University offers a variety of extracurricular activities and support services that contribute to a well-rounded campus experience. The university supports vibrant arts engagement, featuring opportunities in drama and chorus, as well as a campus newspaper and a radio station that encourage student participation and creative expression.
The expansive 289-acre campus provides ample space for students to explore both academic and social interests. Health and wellness are addressed through available on-campus health clinic services and psychological counseling, ensuring students have access to essential support during their studies.
With a total enrollment of 3,487 students, the university maintains a student-faculty ratio of 11 to 1, which can facilitate more personalized academic interaction. Although the institution does not participate in NCAA athletics, this may suggest a focus on other forms of student engagement beyond competitive sports.
Bethel University offers access to a single main library, the Bethel University Library, which provides both physical and digital resources. This library operates with established hours and employs trained staff to assist students. While there are no additional branch libraries on campus, students benefit from access to shared collections, enhancing the range of materials available for study and research.
The library maintains an average-sized collection with approximately 154,150 books and 508,174 eBooks. Its subscriptions include around 733 physical and 81,200 digital subscriptions, along with access to 97 databases, reflecting a moderate level of offerings compared to other institutions. Service availability extends to 58 hours weekly, and the facilities include study rooms that students can use for focused work. However, the library does not offer all-day access at this time.
Total enrollment
3487Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
409Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
142 full time, 257 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
Bethel University LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
1Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes