BETHANY, W.Va. — Bethany College has been recognized as one of 50 colleges throughout the United States to have experienced the largest surge in applicants during the last five years, according to a recent feature written on the Microsoft Network. The national spotlight follows two consecutive years of strong enrollment gains, which has seen significant increases in applications and student numbers. According to institutional data, applications for undergraduate admission rose by nearly 40 percent. The total applicants for the 2022-23 school year was 2,651 students, a 130.5 percent increase than in 2019, according to MSN.

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,” stated Bethany President 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.”

Academic additions have included new bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice, healthcare administration and digital marketing, along with minors in game development and e-sports management. The college launched Bethany Online, which offers MBA and M.Ed. graduate programs, along with certifications in artificial intelligence and computer hacking and forensic investigation. Two addition of AI cybersecurity and sport management received approval, expanding Bethany’s academic portfolio, officials noted.

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.

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, while emphasizing new opportunities and personalized education, officials said.

“This growth is not accidental,” Caridi concluded. “It is the result of a focused, collaborative effort to ensure Bethany 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.”