Bethlehem College and Seminary
General Information — Bethlehem College and Seminary
About (Overview)
Bethlehem College and Seminary is a private Christian institution located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, affiliated historically with Bethlehem Baptist Church. Its educational philosophy emphasizes close discipleship, theological formation, and rigorous biblical and liberal arts training. Students at Bethlehem are intended to be shaped not only academically but spiritually, through “life on life” mentoring in small classes and close community. The institution offers undergraduate and graduate theological programs, including Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Theology, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts (Exegesis & Theology), and evening degree options.
Bethlehem avoids a large campus style or impersonal structure, choosing to remain small to preserve its ethos of relational education. It also endeavors to make education affordable; degree-seeking students receive a “Serious Joy Scholarship” intended to lower out‑of‑pocket cost and minimize student debt. The institution does not rely on federal financial aid or state grants, but rather on donor-supported scholarship structures. Bethlehem’s mission is shaped by a commitment to train pastors, teachers, missionaries, and church workers in a robust theological and Christian worldview framework within a close-knit community.
Contact Information
Address: 720 13th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415‑1793
Phone: 612‑455‑3420
Email / General Inquiries: info@bcsmn.edu
School Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | (Historical roots in mid-20th century; specific founding date not widely published) |
| Type | Private, non-profit Christian college & seminary |
| Religious Affiliation | Conservative Reformed / Baptist (Christ-centered theological stance) |
| Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) |
| Student Enrollment | ~194 total (92 undergraduate, 102 graduate, academic year 2023‑24) |
| Gender Ratio | ~77% male, ~23% female in 2023‑24 cohort |
| Tuition Philosophy | Offers $10,000 “Serious Joy Scholarship” to degree-seeking students |
| Campus Setting | Urban campus in Minneapolis; small, relational community |
| Net Price (after scholarship) | Generally low, subsidized by donors; student share ~$8,000/year |
Bethlehem College and Seminary Rankings
| Category | Ranking / Position |
|---|---|
| National / U.S. | Ranked ~#8939 among world institutions (EduRank) |
| Global | #8939 of ~14,131 (EduRank) |
| Regional / Specialty | #44 of 48 colleges in Minnesota (EduRank) |
Bethlehem College and Seminary Academics
Bethlehem College and Seminary Faculties / Departments
Given the theological and liberal arts focus, Bethlehem organizes instruction into distinct departmental or functional divisions rather than wide faculties. Departments or divisions include:
- Biblical & Theological Studies
- Exegesis & Biblical Languages (Greek, Hebrew)
- Christian Ministry & Pastoral Studies
- Worship & Church Music
- Academic General Education / Liberal Arts (English, History, Philosophy)
- Graduate Studies / Seminary Division
- Evening / Part-time Programs
- Institutional Effectiveness & Student Formation
Bethlehem College and Seminary Courses and Programs / Majors
Bethlehem offers degree programs across undergraduate and graduate levels. Key offerings include:
- Associate of Arts (liberal arts undergirding theological training)
- Bachelor of Arts (Theological or liberal arts emphasis)
- Bachelor of Theology (evening / extension track)
- Master of Divinity (full pastoral, ministerial training)
- Master of Arts in Exegesis & Theology
- Evening degree programs tailored for working adults
- Seminary apprenticeships, pastoral internship, church training tracks
Online Learning
Bethlehem College and Seminary explicitly states that it does not offer online classes. The institution affirms that education is discipleship and believes that face-to-face, life-to-life teaching is essential to its model. Students are shaped in community, under professors, in relational and mentoring contexts, not via remote instruction. Thus, all coursework is delivered in-person on campus or in designated evening settings.
Average Test Scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, etc.)
| Test | Score Requirement / Notes |
|---|---|
| SAT | 1060 minimum required for applicants with fewer than 24 college credits |
| ACT | 21 minimum required (for same class of applicants) |
| GRE | Not generally required (graduate seminary admission relies on other criteria) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Bethlehem’s graduation and retention statistics reflect challenges common to small, mission-driven institutions. The institution reports that in the class of 2021, it awarded 48 degrees (across undergraduate and seminary), with respondents indicating a 75% rate of being either employed or continuing education 9 months later. Placement in ministry or Christian service was 75% for M.Div./M.A. grads and 21% for undergraduates. The institution’s published retention metrics and standard graduation rate (4‑year) are more modest, partly due to its small scale, adult learners, part-time evening cohorts, and mission-driven transitions.
Bethlehem College and Seminary Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Bethlehem requires prospective students who have fewer than 24 college credits to submit standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, or CLT). The minimum thresholds are: SAT 1060, ACT 21, or CLT 70. Those with at least 24 college credits (with “C” or better) are exempt from testing. No strict published GPA floor is cited; admissions emphasize holistic assessment and spiritual alignment in addition to academic preparation.
Bethlehem College and Seminary Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 100% (open admission policy as reported) |
Bethlehem College and Seminary Application Requirements
Applicants must complete an online application and pay a non-refundable fee (e.g. $25 or $40). They must submit official high school transcripts (or GED equivalent) and transcripts from any college coursework. Applicants are required to provide recommendations (one pastoral and one academic or employer reference). A writing sample may be required (a previous academic essay). Students also complete an interview with staff or faculty. International applicants submit TOEFL or IELTS if English is not their first language, and have transcripts evaluated via credential evaluation.
Application Process
- Submit the online application and pay application fee
- Provide transcripts from high school and any colleges attended
- Submit required recommendation letters
- Submit writing sample or essay
- Undergo an admissions interview with faculty or staff
- For international applicants, provide English proficiency and evaluated transcripts
- Receive admission decision and enroll in chosen program
Bethlehem College and Seminary Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term / Item | Deadline / Date |
|---|---|
| Early Action Deadline | November 1 |
| Regular Decision / Fall Deadline | July 15 |
| International Seminary Application Deadline | March 1 |
| Rolling Admissions | Yes (many programs accept applications year-round) |
Essay Prompt (if applicable)
Bethlehem requires or invites a writing sample or essay for applicants. The prompt typically asks students to submit a previously graded academic essay, or to write a personal statement reflecting their faith, calling, academic goals, and how their theological education aligns with their ministry or service aspiration.
Bethlehem College and Seminary Scholarships
While the institution does not participate in state or federal financial aid (no FAFSA, no federal grants), all degree-seeking students receive a $10,000 “Serious Joy Scholarship” funded by donors. This scholarship aims to reduce student debt burden and make education affordable. Bethlehem’s model depends heavily on donor support to sustain low net cost and subsidized tuition.
Bethlehem College and Seminary Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Category | Cost / Notes |
|---|---|
| Tuition (per academic year) | Approximately $6,944 (base tuition for full-time) |
| Room & Board | ~$7,000 per year |
| Books & Supplies | ~$500 per year |
| Other Fees | ~$200 |
| Sticker Cost (all in) | ~$15,144 annual total for full package |
| Net Cost After Scholarship | Student share ~$8,000/year after $10,000 “Serious Joy Scholarship” |
Bethlehem College and Seminary Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
In the 2023–2024 academic year, Bethlehem enrolled 194 students total: 92 undergraduates and 102 graduate (seminary) students. Among these, 150 are male (≈77%) and 44 are female (≈23%). Racially, 152 identify as White, 9 as Asian, 6 as Hispanic, 2 as Black, and smaller numbers as American Indian, Pacific Islander, or multiracial/unknown. The student body includes both traditional under-25 students and graduate/older learners; approximately 98 are under age 25 and 93 are over age 25.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Bethlehem emphasizes reducing financial burden by offering the “Serious Joy Scholarship” to all degree-seeking students, aiming to allow many to graduate debt-free, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. The institution reports offering minimal institutional grants beyond that donor-funded scholarship and does not utilize federal student aid, so many students’ affordability is tied to this internal model. The school provides accommodations through a student development office for students with documented disabilities, ensuring access to necessary support consistent with its relational education ethos.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 194 |
| Undergraduate Students | 92 |
| Graduate / Seminary Students | 102 |
| Male Students | 150 (77%) |
| Female Students | 44 (23%) |
| White Students | 152 |
| Asian Students | 9 |
University Diversity
Bethlehem College and Seminary, while relatively homogenous in racial composition (predominantly White), manifests diversity in student life through age, vocational calling, theological background, and global reach. Many students come from church settings in varied denominational contexts, bringing cultural and regional differences into classroom interaction. Graduate and seminary cohorts often include older ministers, missionaries, or career-switching individuals, enriching discussions with life experience. The institution seeks to cultivate spiritual and doctrinal diversity within its Reformed theological commitments, inviting students from varied ethnic and geographical backgrounds. Although small, Bethlehem fosters cross-cultural immersion through church partnerships, missionary training, and biblical language studies.
Average Earnings
Because many of Bethlehem’s graduates proceed into ministry, church leadership, or non-profit Christian service roles, measured earnings are often modest, especially in the early career stage. Alumni in pastoral, missionary, or theological education roles may accept lower compensation for vocational calling, but over time those in larger congregations or institutions may see more stable income. Some graduates may transition into Christian education, campus ministries, or teaching roles where compensation is somewhat higher. Because the institution emphasizes low-cost education to minimize debt burden, graduates may have greater freedom to serve without excessive financial pressure, potentially increasing long-term financial sustainability.
Bethlehem College and Seminary Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Faculty and staff at Bethlehem comprise full-time professors of theology, biblical studies, ministry, English, philosophy, and general studies. Supporting staff include admissions, student development, registrar, library/archives, institutional effectiveness, maintenance, and administrative offices. Due to its small size, faculty often serve dual roles in teaching and student mentorship. Staff emphasize relational work—walking with students in spiritual formation as well as academic support.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Bethlehem’s faculty are scholars, pastors, missionaries, and teachers often holding advanced degrees (Ph.D., Th.M., M.Div.). Many remain active in ministry or church leadership, bringing real-world pastoral experience to classes. Some contribute to theological publications, conference speaking, or local church engagement. Faculty in biblical languages, exegesis, and doctrinal theology typically publish or lecture, while ministry faculty often mentor students into internships, church placements, or pastoral apprenticeships.
Bethlehem College and Seminary Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Bethlehem supports residential life in Minneapolis for degree-seeking students. Students typically live in housing proximate to campus or in neighborhood residences integrated into the Christian community. Given its small size and theological culture, student life revolves around chapel, discipleship groups, spiritual mentoring, community dinners, prayer and worship gatherings, theological discussion, and ministry outreach. Social life centers around classroom, communal worship, study, and local church engagement more than entertainment or big campus events.
Transportation
The campus is situated in Minneapolis; students may commute by city transit, biking, walking, or local driving depending on housing location. On-campus mobility is compact, with classrooms, offices, library, chapel, and common spaces in walking distance. Because the institution discourages remote education, most daily life happens on site, so student commuting patterns tend to cluster around shared housing near campus or transit access. For off-campus ministry placements or internships, students may rely on public transit, personal vehicles, or carpooling arrangements coordinated through the school.