First-Year Students | Bethel University Admissions & Aid First-Year Students First-Year Students Admissions & Aid Your journey starts here: apply now for first-year admission. First-Year Students Tuition & Aid Meet Your Admissions Team Visit Admissions & Aid How to Apply The Office of Admissions is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you're just starting your college search or ready to hit submit on your application, we’re here to help make things simple. If you have any questions along the way, your admissions counselor is your go-to resource. You can apply to Bethel University using our Online Application or through The Common Application© —whichever works best for you! Application Deadlines Semester Deadline Fall July 31 Spring December 15 Summer May 15 Application Checklist Complete the Undergraduate Application for Admission Complete the entire Undergraduate Application thoroughly and submit the non-refundable application fee of $30. You can apply using the following methods: Bethel Online Application The Common Application© Official Transcripts Request that official transcripts be sent from the high school directly to the Office of Admissions. For a transcript to be official, it may not be marked “Issued to Student." Bethel will accept official transcripts via mail, email from school counselor, Parchment , or Clearinghouse. The mailing address is: Bethel University Office of Admissions 325 Cherry Ave. McKenzie, TN 38201 Test Scores Bethel University is test optional for applicants with a weighted GPA of 2.25 or above. Applicants may choose whether or not to have their ACT or SAT scores considered as part of the admission process. Students with a weighted GPA below a 2.25 are required to submit either ACT or SAT scores. If you elect to submit test scores, official score reports should be sent directly to Bethel University by the appropriate testing agency. Bethel's ACT code: 3948 Bethel's SAT code: 1079 Scores listed on an official high school transcript will also be accepted. Please note that Bethel does not consider the Writing section of either the ACT or SAT. The University does super-score both exams, taking the highest section scores across multiple test dates for admission and scholarship evaluation. Important Deadlines Date Event August 1, 2025 Application Opens October 1, 2025 FAFSA Opens December 1, 2025 Application Deadline for Top Scholarships February 1, 2026 FAFSA Priority Deadline May 1, 2026 National Decision Day (Priority Deadline for $250 Enrollment Deposit) Frequently Asked Questions Admissions Criteria Applicants are considered based on the total picture of the materials submitted to the University. To be eligible for admission, students must complete the minimum high school credits required. High school students are considered competitive for admission if they have at least an average cumulative grade point average and rank in the top half of their graduating classes. A strong correlation between high school grades and test scores (if submitted) is expected. Each application is considered on an individual basis as no two students will present the same credentials. Bethel also considers demonstrated interest as part of our admissions process. Students are encouraged to schedule a visit to campus, engage with our online events, and connect with their admissions counselors. The more you engage with Bethel, the more we can get to know you. High School Curriculum Each student admitted to Bethel University must have earned the minimum high school units as follows, or submit a passing combined score on the GED or the HISET: English—4 units (Journalism, speech, or business communications may not be substituted.) Mathematics—2 units (Preferably algebra I and II. Pre-algebra, arithmetic, applied mathematics, business mathematics, computer technology, or accounting I and II may not be substituted.) Natural/Physical Science—2 units (One unit must be a laboratory science. Computer science may not be substituted.) Social Science—2 units (Foreign language is not required; however, it is highly recommended.) High School Diploma Alternatives A high school equivalency diploma (GED) or (HISET) may be accepted in lieu of a high school diploma. A passing GED or (HISET) combined score is considered to be a 2.0 GPA. A special education diploma or high school certificate is not acceptable. Immunization Requirements As required by Bethel University and the State of Tennessee, the following immunizations are required of all traditional students prior to the first day of classes, at campus housing check-in, or check-in at mandatory activity participation—whichever occurs first: A Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap) shot that must be within the last ten years Two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine Two doses of the varicella vaccine given at least 28 days apart or documentation from a health care provider of a history of chicken pox Two doses of the Meningococcal serogroups ACWY Vaccine. Please note if the first dose was administered before the age of 16, a booster shot will be needed. Although Bethel University does not require the Meningitis B Vaccine, COVID Vaccine or Flu Shot, they are highly recommended. Health Insurance Requirements Due to the vast array of classroom and extra-curricular activities associated with the McKenzie campus, it is Bethel University’s policy that ALL full-time students attending in-person classes must have valid health insurance. Insurance coverage must be documented by providing a valid copy of the current insurance card to the Student Insurance Coordinator AND COMPLETING THE ELECTRONIC OPT OUT PROCESS. Students will not be allowed to attend classes or participate in activities without valid insurance. Insurance can be purchased through Bethel University for $2,114 for the 2026-2027 academic school year. The last day to opt out of the insurance purchase is August 31, 2026 . An email from Academic Health Plans will be sent to the student’s Bethel email address to waive the student health insurance. International student health insurance must be purchased from Bethel University. The charge for international insurance for the 2026-2027 academic school year is $2,114. The student must pay this charge prior to arriving on campus. Students are automatically enrolled when they arrive on campus. No international student will be allowed to participate in any intercollegiate athletic program until the insurance charge is added to their account. Need Help? We’ve got folks ready to help. Call (731) 352-4000 or send us an email