Traditional Undergraduate Programs
To apply for admission to Bethel University's traditional undergraduate programs, the following steps are required in most cases:
New Freshmen, Transfers, and Nontraditional Students
- Submit the Bethel Application.
- For high school students: a transcript complete through the most recent semester (if grades are not determined on a 4.0 scale, a transcript evaluation may be required).
- For high school students: Submit ACT, CLT, or SAT test scores. Test scores are required from all applicants unless "No" is selected on the "Should Bethel consider your standardized test scores in the admissions process" question on the application. In that case, students would be applying "Test Optional." NOTE: References and test scores may be requested in certain cases
- For transfer applicants, all transcripts from any secondary and postsecondary institutions attended. A high school transcript is required if the student has less than one year of college experience.
Admissions Standards
- Graduation from an accredited secondary school or equivalent
- GPA Requirements:
- First Year Students: GPA: 3.0 (unweighted)
- Transfer Students: GPA: 2.8 or higher
- International Students: GPA, on a 4.0 scale, same as entrance classification
- Transcript evaluation required
- Test Scores (optional)
- First Year Students: ACT: 21+; SAT: 920+; CLT: 68-70
- Students with a GPA below stated requirements may be considered for admission as a “Provisionally Admitted Student”
Completed applications will be reviewed and considered on an individual basis. References and additional information may be requested in certain cases.
If there is reason to doubt the validity of the student's high school diploma or recognized equivalent, Bethel University will follow the institution's procedures to verify completion of high school, recognized equivalent of a high school diploma or college coursework.
Provisionally Admitted Students
Students whose past academic performance falls below Bethel’s requirements for admission may be admitted on a provisional basis. These students must attain good academic standing at the end of their first year at Bethel in order to continue at Bethel. To support these students, Bethel requires all provisionally admitted students to participate in the Spark program. This program is taken during the first Fall semester of the student's enrollment at Bethel; it includes GES 109 Orientation to College Studies (for first-time college students) and GES 130 Christianity and Western Culture, group tutoring sessions for GES 130 Christianity and Western Culture, and a specialized academic advisor who will monitor students’ progress.
PSEO Students
For an application for admission to be considered, Bethel University must receive the following by May 1st:
- Your completed online application must be received in the Office of Admissions by May 1.
- Official or unofficial transcripts by May 1.
Admissions Standards
- Be a junior or senior in high school by the time classes begin
- Be a resident of the state of Minnesota
- GPA of at least 3.0 OR submit a qualifying test score: ACT: 24+; SAT: 1160; CLT: 76-77
Completed applications will be reviewed and considered on an individual basis. References and additional information may be requested in certain cases.
If there is reason to doubt the validity of the high school diploma or recognized equivalent, Bethel University will follow the institution's procedures to verify completion of high school, recognized equivalent of a high school diploma or college coursework.
NOTE: Early College seats are limited. Qualified applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Students with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered for admission.
Adult Undergraduate Programs
To apply for admission to Bethel University's online undergraduate programs, the following steps are required in most cases:
- Submit a completed application form.
- Submit official transcripts from all U.S. schools attended for college credit.
- Submit official evaluations of foreign transcripts from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member organization, an Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE) member organization, or an Academic Report official evaluation from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (TruMerit) if applicable to program admission requirements. Visit www.naces.org or aice-eval.org for lists of member organizations.
- Submit an official high school transcript or GED, unless at least 30 credits have been accepted in transfer.
- Indicate acceptance of Bethel Community Expectations by signing the application form.
- Complete an interview, if requested by the admissions review committee.
Students who have not achieved the minimum GPA, grade standards, or other assessment criteria may still apply to be considered for provisional acceptance. See Admission Categories.
Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to all majors. Specific programs may also require additional program-specific admission requirements which accompany these general admission requirements. Each programs' specific admission requirements are found within the program's page in this catalog.
Conditional Acceptance
The student has not met all admission requirements. Remaining requirements must be met prior to deadlines stated in the acceptance letter.
Provisional Acceptance
Students entering Bethel with a cumulative high school or college GPA below 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) are provisionally admitted. In addition, students entering with below 45 transfer credits are provisionally admitted.
- The college GPA will be used to determine provisional acceptance if 12 or more college credits have been completed in A-F letter-graded courses;
- The high school GPA will be used if fewer than 12 college credits have been completed in A-F letter-graded courses.
Students admitted provisionally with fewer than 45 transfer credits and below a 2.5 cumulative college GPA will not be allowed to proceed until the Foundations of Math Readiness (FMR) requirement is met. These students should work with their Student Success Advisor in order to fulfill the FMR requirements at the beginning of their course of study.
Provisional Evaluation
Provisional evaluation provides an early assessment of academic success specific to provisionally-admitted students. Provisional evaluation occurs at the end of the term in which a provisionally-admitted student has completed 12 credits in A-F graded courses at Bethel.
If the student meets the minimum required cumulative Bethel GPA for provisionally-admitted students (1.70) at the time of their provisional evaluation the student will be allowed to continue in their program of study and will then fall under the regular Academic Standing requirements.
If the student does not meet the minimum required cumulative Bethel GPA for provisionally-admitted students (1.70) at the time of their provisional evaluation, the student will be academically dismissed
Some Bethel University programs may have more stringent policies for continued enrollment than those expressed in the university Provisional Evaluation policy. Such program specific requirements are listed with program information and/or the student handbook
Fall Term
- The Office of Admissions will begin reviewing applications and notifying students of admission decisions as they are made and will continue as space allows.
- It is important that admitted students save their spot in the incoming class by submitting a $300 enrollment deposit.
- The enrollment deposit is refundable until May 1 of each year. Requests for refund of the deposit must be received in writing by May 1. After May 1, the deposit is non-refundable.
- Housing and course registration processes will begin after the enrollment deposit is received.
Spring Term
Regular Admission
- The Office of Admissions will begin reviewing applications and notifying students of admission decisions as they are made and will continue as space allows.
- It is important for admitted students to save their spot in the incoming class by submitting a $300 enrollment deposit.
- Housing and course registration processes will begin after enrollment deposit is received.
Admissions Calendar for PSEO Students
Each year Bethel accepts a limited number of high school students into the PSEO program for enrollment. All materials must be received in the Office of Admissions by May 1 of the student's junior year of high school.
To learn more about PSEO application requirements, www.bethel.edu/undergrad/admissions/apply/pseo/
Send all materials to:
Bethel University
CAS Office of Admissions
3900 Bethel Drive
St. Paul, MN 55112-6999
Email inquiries can be sent to: undergrad-admissions@bethel.edu.
Apply online by visiting the admissions website: apply.bethel.edu
