Leading the next generation to discover who they are in Christ, find their place in community, and live out their purpose in God’s world.
Bethel University (Indiana) and North Platte Berean Church are partnering to bring you a unique higher education opportunity right here in western Nebraska. At BU@NP you will:
Grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ by experiencing Him relationally and intellectually. (Discipleship)
Experience intentional community with mentors, peers, and the larger church family. (Community)
Grow in understanding how the Lord has uniquely gifted you to serve His Kingdom, both inside and outside the church. (Gifting)
Be challenged academically and take steps in your educational career. (Education)
Why Bethel University @ North Platte Berean?
Flexibility
As a BU@NP student, you’ll have the flexibility to still work a part-time job and participate actively in the local community while earning a college degree.
Affordability
Bethel University offers discounted tuition to students at extension sites. BU@NP students earn up to 34 credit hours a year for just $10,500.
Experience
BU@NP offers you hands-on experience and mentoring in your field of study, along with personal discipleship and Christian community.
Get your degree at a fraction of the cost
For students starting college in August 2023, BU@NP offers 10 degree options (depending on enrollment), including:
A.A. = Associate of Arts | B.A. = Bachelor of Arts | B.S. = Bachelor of Science
A.A./B.A. in Ministry Leadership
B.S. in Behavioral & Social Science
B.A. in Business Administration
B.A. in Business Marketing
B.S. in Cybersecurity
B.A. in Worship Arts
Degree program details (including course lists) are on the BU-X website.
Your next steps
1. Apply with us at NPBC.
You must complete this step and obtain NPBC’s acceptance before filling out a Bethel application.
2. Apply with Bethel.
Students should transfer FAFSA, SAT/ACT scores, and school transcripts to Bethel University*.
*All students must meet the admission criteria for Bethel University.
3. Acceptance & enrollment.
Bethel University’s admission team will notify you of acceptance and begin your enrollment at BU@NP.
4. Select your classes.
You will work with your advisor to select the appropriate classes pertaining to your degree.
Frequently asked questions
BU@NP is for recent or soon-to-be high school graduates looking to discover and embrace their God-given mission within a platform of vocational ministry or the marketplace.
Students are admitted in either the fall (classes begin in August) or spring (classes begin in January) semesters.
Yes, this program partners with Bethel University in Indiana – they are a fully accredited institution authorized to award associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.
Students attend on-site for approximately 3-4 days per week to work on coursework and engage in spiritual formation. Students also participate in practicum experiences to receive mentoring and hands-on training related to their field of study.
Bethel University provides a quality curriculum taught by Bethel-hired faculty, delivered digitally to our site. Students participate in online classes together at NPBC.
There are both two-year associate degrees and four-year bachelor’s degrees available from Bethel University. Both degrees offer valuable life experience, leadership development, and hands-on ministry training.
Most general classes will transfer in or transfer out to other schools – Bethel University will help you with this (see contact and transfer info here). In addition, you can easily start with your core classes and practicum experience at BU@NP and then transition to Bethel University to finish your degree.
Unfortunately, housing is not available at this time, but we'd definitely love to help you find something to fit your situation if needed.
Because the degrees are regionally accredited, federal financial aid is available to those who qualify – to determine eligibility, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) at studentaid.gov and maintain ≥12 credit hours each semester.
Also, Bethel University has made the program more affordable by offering it at a deep discount – just $10,500 per year – and many scholarships received from organizations outside of Bethel University can be applied to the cost of your education, too.
Bethel University will assist you in understanding all of your financial options – see their Financial Aid page for more info.