Bethel’s clear tuition and the career commitment are uncommon in higher education—only a handful of schools nationwide offer both. “These two initiatives set us apart from other universities in Minnesota and across the region,” McGinnis says. Together, they signal Bethel’s continued investment in students’ success, providing clarity about the cost of college today and confidence in their futures after graduation.
Support built in
The career commitment will be anchored in The Studio for Vocation and Calling, which launched earlier this year. It makes career exploration a visible, integrated part of every student’s journey. “The Studio is where students explore career paths, connect with mentors, and gain real-world experience,” says Director of Vocation, Pathways, and Partnerships Stan Thompson. “It’s designed to ensure every student has the preparation and support they need—not only for graduation but for what comes next.” This preparation continues after graduation through the Bethel Career Commitment, ensuring every graduate has support in the critical months after college.
The Studio also connects students with Bethel’s Royal Network, a community of professors, alumni, parents, and employers who open doors to meaningful opportunities. In the past year alone, Bethel brought more than 60 employers to campus, and alumni played a vital role by mentoring students, conducting informational interviews, and hiring Royals into internships and full-time positions. The result is a powerful network that strengthens opportunities for every student. “This Royal Network is powerful,” Daniels says. “Royals hire Royals.”
The Career Commitment builds on this foundation, ensuring students are supported as they prepare for life after college. The requirements tied to the Career Commitment were carefully chosen to give students confidence in their preparation and the path ahead. Key steps—like meeting with a career coach, completing internships, and preparing résumés or graduate school applications—are scaffolded across a student’s journey, ensuring they receive the right preparation at the right time. “I hope students from their first day will see how we come alongside them immediately to begin thinking through what life after college looks like—to encourage them and show them that if we break this into small, meaningful steps along their journey, they will be confident and prepared for the next chapter,” McGinnis says.