Field Scholar Program

The Field Scholar Program is a partnership with local employers to provide a low- or no-debt option for students to obtain a bachelor’s degree from Bethel University.

Student reading book in library

Important Dates

The first cohort will begin in the fall of 2019. Apply now!

Prospective Employers

If you would like the opportunity to hire and shape reliable young workers, give Bethel University students a hands-on experience and help them cut costs associated with their college career.
 
Bethel’s goal is to match students with a job that will provide income and field experience relevant to their academic studies. You will help them graduate ready to enter the workforce. 
 
In 2017, 70% of Bethel students had an internship, field placement or on-site clinical. This program builds on this experiential learning focus, and allows students to receive enough compensation to cover tuition costs.

The program is designed for commuter students who will take about half of their coursework online and be paired with an employer who will guarantee work (15-20 hours per week during academic year and 40 hours per week during the summer).

Student Applicants

Program Features

Each student will also have an alumni mentor and will participate in twice-per-semester courses with their cohort, on life skill topics such as financial management.

  • Two tracks
    • No debt
      • Combination of 50% bethel discount, student work, tuition assistance through employer, federal & state aid                                         
    • Low debt (Less than $10k cumulative loans over 4 years)
  • Students work 15-20 hours per week during the school year and 40 hours per week during the summer. 
  • Student retains $3,000 - $5,000 per year for personal spending
  • Class format
    • Half online & half in-class
  • Eight fully online format degrees available (Business, Nursing, Marketing, Behavioral Sciences, Organization Management, & Christian Leadership). 
  • Support services include financial, mentoring, résumé writing & work-life seminars

Program Requirements

High school GPA of 2.8 or greater

FAFSA application

Letter of recommendation by employer

Campus interview (March/April)

Ongoing Program Requirements

  • Maintain Bethel GPA of 2.8 or greater
  • Chapel attendance per commuter policy
  • Monthly mentoring meeting
  • Meet employer requirements
  • Meet Bethel payment requirements
  • Twice annual financial stewardship coaching seminars

Sample Field Scholarship Financial Breakdown

   

Tuition & Fees 

 $30,500
Bethel Scholarship -$13,920
Field Scholarship

-$3,000
Employer Tuition Reimbursement:

-$3,000
Federal & State Grants/Family Contribution:

-$5,000
Student Wages After Taxes:

-$11,700
Student Debt: $0
Annual Student Retained Wages: $6,210

Take the Next Step

Contact Us

Whether you are a student, parent, school advisor or employer, contact us to learn more about our Field Scholar Program.

Contact Field Scholar Director Travis Beam for more information, Travis.Beam@BethelUniversity.edu.