Bethesda University

Bethesda University is a private, nonprofit Christian university at 730 N. Euclid Street in Anaheim. Its programs combine theological study with business, music, early childhood education, and information technology, with options from bachelor’s degrees through doctoral ministry study as well as certificates and online coursework. The university emphasizes a Pentecostal Christian mission. Applicants should review that faith-based environment alongside the curriculum, cost, and program outcomes.

Programs and application route

The current program directory lists bachelor’s degrees in business administration, sport management, music, early childhood education, information technology, and religion; master’s degrees in business administration, biblical studies, music, and divinity; and the Doctor of Ministry. A preschool teacher/director certificate is also listed. Some programs have online options. Entry requirements depend on the degree and may include transcripts, English proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English, and program-specific materials. Use the university’s complete program directory to compare degrees, and submit questions or an application through the official admissions pages before making plans to relocate.

Tuition, scholarships, and financial aid

Bethesda publishes per-unit tuition rates that vary by field and level: the current schedule lists $235 per unit for undergraduate religion, $290 for other undergraduate study and certificates, $280 for graduate religion, $350 for other master’s programs, and $320 for doctoral study. Its tuition page gives an average annual tuition range of $6,500–$9,000, but that is not a complete individual price; units required, fees, books, housing, and personal costs affect the total. The university’s scholarship page lists merit, music, ministry, athletic, family, alumni, and student-leadership awards. Students generally submit a new scholarship application each semester; awards are not automatically renewed. Eligible students may also explore federal Pell Grants and Direct Loans, California Cal Grant, work-study, outside funding, and payment plans. Request a written degree-specific budget and aid offer, and check renewal conditions before relying on an award. The official tuition and fees page and scholarship details provide the current rules.

Accreditation: read the latest actions, not only the older status page

Accreditation needs particular attention here. The university’s website describes its TRACS institutional accreditation as active through 2031, based on a 2021 reaffirmation, and lists ABHE accreditation for several religion and ministry programs. Later public actions changed the risk picture: TRACS placed Bethesda on Warning in May 2025 and continued the Warning in October 2025. In May 2026, ABHE placed the listed biblical studies, Christian education, missions, pastoral ministry, M.A. Biblical Studies, M.Div., and D.Min. programs on probation, while retaining their programmatic accreditation through February 2027. ABHE cited concerns including overdue reporting, financial resources and operating deficits, and sustainable enrollment. Its appeal action also discussed the failure to submit a required progress report and public outcome information. These sanctions do not mean those programs immediately lost accreditation, but they are material to a student’s decision and may affect future recognition if unresolved. The university’s accreditation page does not clearly reconcile all of these later actions. Before enrolling, ask Bethesda in writing for its latest TRACS status, ABHE progress report outcome, and a program-specific teach-out plan; verify the answer with the accreditors. See the [ABHE’s May 2026 action](https://www.abhe.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026.AXN-Bethesda-University-CA-May_Redacted.pdf) and the [California BPPE public enforcement record](https://www.bppe.ca.gov/enforcement/final_actions.shtml).

Anaheim campus and visiting

The main campus is at 730 N. Euclid Street, Anaheim, CA 92801. The main phone is (714) 683-1212; admissions is admissions@buc.edu, and financial aid is financialaid@buc.edu or (714) 683-1390. Bethesda’s contact page lists office hours Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., while its site footer lists 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; call ahead to confirm before visiting. Tours are offered on selected weekdays by appointment. Bethesda reports no on-campus residence halls, so students should plan for off-campus housing and commuting costs. The school lists no additional campuses in the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education’s 2024 annual report.

Student comments and questions worth asking

There are few independent student reviews, so available comments do not establish a reliable overall consensus. Two graduate reviews posted in 2021 describe online classes as largely reading- and assignment-based, with limited live lecturing; they are older snapshots from the pandemic period and may not describe current online delivery. Bethesda’s own program pages include positive student testimonials, but those are selected by the university. Ask to observe a current class, speak with a student in your intended program, and get clear answers about instructor interaction, advising, class format, completion and retention rates, and what happens to credits if an accredited program cannot continue. This is especially important given the accreditation actions and enrollment concerns.