Important Update About Bethel College Closure

Bethel College, which sought to place three previously existing schools (Bethel Conservatory of the Arts, Bethel School of Technology, and Bethel School of Music) under one institutional covering, is sad to announce its closure at the end of July 2025. Over the course of the school’s development and accreditation process, Bethel College operated in conjunction with partner schools with pre-existing accreditations and access to federal funding, allowing the college to legally co-educate students while working towards independent accreditation. Bethel College received their own accreditation from TRACS in November 2022. 

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However, also in 2022, the Department of Education’s policies shifted, hindering Bethel College’s ability to operate in cooperation with these other schools. In addition to this, the DOE changed the timeline on the college’s previously submitted application for student access to Title IV (for which full independent accreditation is required). Title IV is regularly utilized by many students for loans, grants, and other forms of funding for higher education. These changes in government policy significantly challenged the ability of students to enroll in programs and sustain attendance at the college. Bethel Church stepped in to financially support and sustain the college’s efforts in the interim, believing that approval was on its way.

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In 2025, changes to the Department of Education indefinitely delayed the possibility of students receiving access to Title IV, at which time the college’s board began evaluating the future of Bethel College in its current form. In the end, the decision was made in mid-March to close the college while also working to find paths forward for current students through transfer opportunities, credits to other independent institutions, and more.

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As a community rooted in faith and kingdom purpose, we grieve this loss together while also knowing that these staff members and students are sons and daughters of God, empowered to lead with nobility, creativity, and hope wherever He plants them next. We deeply appreciate the integrity, hard work, and dedication of those who worked to create and champion the college, and are believing for their best.