BETHANY, W.Va. (July 11, 2025) — Bethany College has been recognized in a recent MSN feature as one of the 50 colleges in the United States experiencing the largest surge in applicants over the past five years, underscoring the historic institution’s ambitious growth strategy and renewed momentum.
The national spotlight follows two consecutive years of strong enrollment gains at Bethany, which has seen significant increases in both applications and overall student numbers. According to institutional data, applications for undergraduate admission rose by nearly 40%.
College leaders credit the surge to a deliberate strategy that includes expanding academic offerings, forming new partnerships, exceeding fundraising goals through a recent comprehensive campaign, and investing in targeted marketing designed to showcase Bethany’s distinctive student experience.
“Inclusion in this national listing validates the tremendous progress our campus community has made in recent years,” said Bethany President Dr. Jamie Caridi. “We have worked intentionally to grow our academic programs, deepen our partnerships, secure vital resources, and tell our story in a compelling way. The result is clear interest and excitement among prospective students.”
Recent academic additions include new bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice, healthcare administration, and digital marketing, along with minors in game development and esports management. The College also launched Bethany Online, which offers MBA and M.Ed. graduate programs, along with certifications in artificial intelligence (AI) and computer hacking and forensic investigation. Two additional programs—AI cybersecurity and sport management—are pending HLC approval, aiming to further expand Bethany’s academic portfolio.
Bethany has forged academic pathway partnerships with institutions such as West Virginia Wesleyan College, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Appalachian School of Law, Saint George’s University in Grenada, West Indies, and West Liberty University, providing clear routes for graduates to continue their education in medicine, law, pharmacy, nursing, education, and physical therapy.
At the same time, the College recently completed a comprehensive campaign that surpassed its fundraising goal, strengthening its financial foundation and enabling investments in academic innovation, facilities, and student support. Strategic marketing efforts have further amplified Bethany’s visibility across the region, promoting its 185-year legacy of liberal arts excellence while emphasizing new opportunities and personalized education.
“This growth is not accidental,” Caridi said. “It is the result of a focused, collaborative effort to ensure Bethany College remains a vibrant, relevant, and accessible choice for today’s students. We are honored to be recognized for this momentum and look forward to welcoming even more students to our historic campus in the years ahead.”
For more information about Bethany College and its academic programs, please contact the Enrollment Office at enrollment@bethanywv.edu or 304.829.7611. Apply today!
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