Bethany Lutheran College — Local services in Mankato

I was a student about 10 years ago and transferred out. Beautiful campus but disappointing educational and social body. The student body consisted of many who's parents were professors or alumni so were going on a free ride, entitled or both. There is little diversity and the little that may exist is not very welcomed by the rest who are very clicky. Non-religious courses emphasize too much on their religious beliefs completely disconnecting you from the subject matter, and if you don't attend the daily chapel service you will also be judged by your peers. I think the most asked question during the first few weeks was what my denomination is? And if you're not part of theirs or worst of all non-religious you will be judged for sure. They live segregated from the real world, I remember the entire campus being put on a lockdown where all campus building were innaccessable unless you used your key fob (most buildings were open during the day otherwise) and even had police security, guarding the property from a LGBT group. The professors and students alike basically mocked or preached how they went against their beliefs while literally hiding in their buildings like a zombie apocalypse, (remember Jesus supposedly rose from the dead, ironic). I recently requested transcripts from them and is the most frustrating process. They do not offer them electronically being 2018 but send them out by standard mail. Not only does it take a ridiculous amount of time to be received, you dont even know if it has as there is no tracking info. I had 2 other schools send out transcripts electronically no problem and were received in a day or two. With Bethany it has been almost 3 months and some schools still have not received them even after re-sending multiple copies, this in unacceptable when on an...

I consider myself very blessed to have been able to attend Bethany, first as a PSEO student, and then as a residential student for several years. I met fantastic people on campus - some of my dearest friends - and I know Bethany's education really set me up for success. I was able to double major (and minor), study abroad, get a good internship in Mankato, and land a full-time job before I had even graduated (all while participating in numerous extracurricular activities). Every single one of my professors at Bethany knew me by my first name, and I was able to pursue what I loved in so many areas! Bethany may not have all the bells and whistles of larger universities, but it has something way more important: faculty and staff who pour their hearts and souls into their students and go out of their way to serve you. The community at Bethany is super tight-knit and full of passionate learners, and THAT is the finest thing you can find in higher ed. I wouldn't trade my time at Bethany...

I originally thought I wanted to go to a bigger university, but after receiving a great financial aid package from Bethany, decided to attend here. I had a great experience with my professors: They were knowledgeable, eager to assist me with my goals, great at facilitating critical-thinking discussions, and grounded in Christian values. I believe every student, if they reach out, will be able to easily find at least one professor they identify with! I am still in contact with several. The campus is quiet, beautiful, and friendly. Lots of activities and groups to be involved in. The dorms for women were especially comfortable -- spacious, etc. Having enrolled not entirely convinced, I now consider myself a big supporter of Bethany! If you are looking for a hands-on, personal, Christian-values-based education where it is still ok to ask the difficult questions, BLC is an...