Overview of Bethany College
Bethany College, located in Bethany, West Virginia, is a private liberal arts college with roots dating back to 1840. Founded by Alexander Campbell, a prominent figure in the Restoration Movement, Bethany College has a rich history and a commitment to providing a well-rounded education in the liberal arts and sciences. The college is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and its mission is grounded in the principles of academic excellence, spiritual development, and community engagement.
Academic Programs: Bethany College offers a range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines, including the arts, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and business. The college follows a liberal arts curriculum, emphasizing critical thinking, effective communication, and a broad understanding of human knowledge. The academic programs are designed to foster intellectual curiosity and prepare students for lifelong learning.
Small Class Sizes and Personalized Attention: With a commitment to providing a personalized educational experience, Bethany College maintains small class sizes. This allows for meaningful interactions between students and faculty, promoting a collaborative and engaging learning environment. Professors at Bethany are dedicated educators who often serve as mentors, guiding students through their academic and personal development.
Campus and Facilities: Bethany College’s campus is characterized by historic architecture, including iconic buildings such as Old Main and Campbell Mansion. The college provides modern facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, and recreational spaces. The serene and picturesque campus creates a conducive environment for learning, personal reflection, and community engagement.
Service-Learning and Community Engagement: Bethany College places a strong emphasis on service-learning and community engagement. The college encourages students to actively participate in service projects, volunteer opportunities, and community outreach programs. This commitment aligns with Bethany’s mission to develop socially responsible and civic-minded individuals who contribute positively to society.
Spiritual Life and Faith-Based Values: As a college affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Bethany emphasizes spiritual development and the exploration of faith-based values. The campus community provides opportunities for worship, prayer, and discussions on matters of faith. Bethany College welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
Global Education: Bethany College recognizes the importance of global perspectives in the 21st century. The college offers study abroad programs and encourages students to engage in international experiences. These programs provide students with the opportunity to explore different cultures, broaden their horizons, and develop a global understanding.
Athletics: Bethany College competes in NCAA Division III athletics as a member of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC). The college offers a variety of athletic programs, including basketball, soccer, football, and more. Athletics contribute to the campus community, fostering school spirit and providing opportunities for teamwork and physical fitness.
Greek Life: Bethany College has a tradition of Greek life on campus, with several fraternities and sororities contributing to the social and community life of the college. Greek organizations often engage in philanthropic activities, leadership development, and community service.
Alumni Success: Bethany College takes pride in the achievements of its alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. The college’s network of graduates spans diverse professions, reflecting the impact of a Bethany education in preparing individuals for successful and meaningful careers.
Arts and Culture: Bethany College supports a vibrant arts and culture scene on campus. The college hosts events, performances, and exhibitions that showcase the talents of students and faculty. The creative expression and artistic endeavors are valued as essential components of the college experience.
Admissions and Financial Aid: Bethany College is committed to making higher education accessible. The college offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support students in their academic journey. The admissions process considers factors such as academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and a commitment to Bethany’s values.
Bethany College stands as an institution with a strong commitment to academic excellence, spiritual development, and community engagement. With a rich history, a supportive campus community, and a dedication to the liberal arts, Bethany College provides students with a transformative educational experience that prepares them for a life of learning, service, and contribution to society.
PO Box 419 Bethany, WV 26032
Phone: (304) 829-7611
Email: admission@bethanywv.edu
Web site: http://www.bethanywv.edu
Rankings: Bethany College
Located in Bethany, WV, Bethany College is one of the best universities in the state of West Virginia. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Bethany College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Bethany College.
Bethany College is highly ranked for its academic achievements, with an impressive ranking of #3 in the state of Pennsylvania. Bethany College has also been named a “Best Value” college by Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report, and is ranked among the top 25 colleges in the region. The college has also been recognized for its commitment to providing students with a quality education and preparing them for successful careers after graduation. The college offers more than 40 majors, allowing students to pursue their chosen field of study while also taking advantage of experiential learning opportunities. In addition to academic excellence, Bethany College prides itself on providing a supportive and welcoming environment that encourages student engagement and collaboration within the campus community. A strong emphasis is placed on ethical behavior and respect for diversity, as well as a commitment to service learning initiatives that allow students to put their knowledge into practice in the real world. Furthermore, Bethany College has numerous clubs and organizations that help foster an atmosphere of collaboration and camaraderie among its students. These clubs offer invaluable experiences that help build leadership skills, provide networking opportunities, and give students the chance to explore their interests outside the classroom.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.2 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 157 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 70.2% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 63.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 53% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | 10 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 163 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 75.8% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.3% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 14:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 90.2% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 236 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 840-1060 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 7% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 26% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 94.0% |
| Financial resources rank: | 166 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 195 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 15.4% |
Essential Facts: Bethany College
- The Bethany campus buildings and grounds were put up for sale by the regional leadership of the Assemblies of God denomination.
- Bethany College’s ranking in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges is National Liberal Arts Colleges, #164-#215.
- If a major does not appeal to a student, Bethany offers students the opportunity to design their own major through the Interdisciplinary program.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 95% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 44% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 45% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 60% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 80% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited, smoking prohibited, other |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, model UN, music ensembles, musical theater, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper, student film society, television station, yearbook |