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Bethany Lutheran College

Mankato, MN

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

ΕΝΟΣ ΕΣΤΙΝ ΧΡΕΙΑ(One Thing Needful)

1927
Founded
Private liberal arts college
Type
682
Total Students
$42M
Endowment
(2020)
$30K
Tuition (In-State)
$30K
Tuition (Out-State)
$18K
Avg Net Price
51%
Acceptance Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
6-year
80%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Gene Pfeifer

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Bethany Lutheran College

Bethany Lutheran College: A close-knit liberal arts community rooted in Lutheran tradition.

Nestled in a vibrant academic community, Bethany Lutheran College stands as a distinguished private liberal arts institution, deeply rooted in the rich traditions of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. With a close-knit student body of approximately 750 individuals, Bethany offers a personalized educational experience where students are known by name and encouraged to thrive both intellectually and spiritually. Its enduring motto, 'ΕΝΟΣ ΕΣΤΙΝ ΧΡΕΙΑ' (One Thing is Needful), encapsulates a commitment to essential learning and holistic development.

Bethany's journey began in 1911 as Bethany Ladies College, later evolving into a comprehensive educational hub when the Norwegian Synod acquired the campus in 1927. This pivotal moment marked its dual role as both a high school and a junior college. Over the decades, Bethany transformed, establishing Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary as a department before it became an independent entity, and ultimately expanding its academic offerings to include full baccalaureate degrees. This rich history reflects a continuous dedication to educational excellence and spiritual formation.

Today, Bethany Lutheran College empowers students through a robust liberal arts curriculum, leading to Bachelor of Arts degrees since 2001 and, more recently, Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees starting in 2019. This expansion highlights Bethany’s responsiveness to contemporary educational needs while maintaining its core values. Prospective students and their families will find an environment that fosters critical thinking, service, and a strong sense of community, preparing graduates not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and leadership in an ever-changing world.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1927 as a junior college, with a legacy extending to Bethany Ladies College in 1911.
  • A private liberal arts college with an intimate student body of approximately 750 students.
  • Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, guiding its mission and values.
  • Offers Bachelor of Arts degrees, first awarded in 2001, providing a strong liberal arts foundation.
  • Expanded its academic offerings to include Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees, first awarded in 2019.
  • Guided by the meaningful motto: "ΕΝΟΣ ΕΣΤΙΝ ΧΡΕΙΑ" (One Thing is Needful).
  • Led by President Gene Pfeifer since 2015.

Timeline

1911
Bethany Ladies College opened
1927
Norwegian Synod purchased campus; Bethany Lutheran High School and Junior College established
1946
Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary (BLTS) began as a department of the college
1969
Bethany Lutheran High School closed
1975
Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary became a separate institution
2001
Bethany awarded its first Bachelor of Arts degrees
2019
Bethany awarded its first nursing baccalaureate degrees
🏛️
99 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Bethany Lutheran College

🏫

Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary

Began as a department of the college in 1946, becoming a separate institution in 1975.

Leadership

Gene Pfeifer
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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