Accounting at Bethel University

Bethel's accounting graduates start at $65,587—substantially above the national median and competitive with Minnesota's top programs. While the debt figure of roughly $27,000 is estimated from similar Minnesota schools rather than Bethel-specific data, those comparable programs typically see debt levels in that range for bachelor's degrees. What matters more is the relationship: a 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would need about five months of gross income to cover their educational debt, which is manageable territory for a professional field.

The earnings picture is particularly strong nationally, landing this program in the 90th percentile—better than nine out of ten accounting programs across the country. Within Minnesota's competitive accounting landscape, Bethel holds its own alongside established names like St. Thomas and Augsburg. The practical advantage here is entering a field with clear professional pathways while avoiding the debt loads that often accompany private education.

For a family evaluating this program, the combination works: strong first-year earnings that outpace most accounting programs nationally, estimated debt levels consistent with peer Minnesota schools, and outcomes that suggest Bethel's CPA exam preparation and employer relationships deliver tangible value. The 91% admission rate means access won't be a barrier for motivated students, and the relatively low Pell percentage suggests families who enroll tend to have financial capacity—which may help explain the manageable debt picture.