First-Year Students

How to Apply

Application Deadlines

Application Checklist

Important Deadlines

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 $1,667 for the 2025-2026 academic school year.

  
  

  The last day to opt out of the insurance purchase is August 31, 2025. 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 2025-2026 academic school year is $1,667. 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.