Bethany College Highlights Impact of Good Life Scholarship

LINDSBORG, Kan. May 19, 2026 - Bethany College today announced the impact of the college’s expanded opportunities for students across central Kansas through the Good Life Scholarship, a program designed to make a private college education both accessible and affordable for local students and families.

The Good Life Scholarship provides incoming students with a scholarship equal to the cost of tuition during the year they enter Bethany College. That scholarship amount remains locked in for all four years the student attends Bethany. To qualify, students must be admitted to Bethany College, live on campus, maintain a meal plan, and graduate from a high school located in McPherson or Saline County. “The Good Life Scholarship reflects Bethany College’s longstanding commitment to making a transformative college education affordable and attainable for students close to home,” said Dr. Laura Crawley, President of Bethany College. “Local students are choosing Bethany College not only because 

of affordability, but because of the personal, high-quality education and opportunities they can experience here.”

The scholarship allows students to pursue a wide variety of academic programs while continuing involvement in athletics, music, art, and other extracurricular opportunities beyond high school. Bethany College has enabled hundreds of Saline and McPherson County students to pursue an education that for many would not have been possible otherwise. With 48 percent of Good Life Scholarship recipients being first-generation, the program also changes the future for families.

“The Good Life Scholarship gave me more than financial support. It gave me confidence, encouragement, the opportunity to grow, dream bigger, build a future I’m proud of and the chance to pursue my goals fearlessly,” shared Alexa ’29, Bethany College student and future alumna.

Past recipients of the Good Life Scholarship have gone on to make meaningful contributions in their professions and communities. Many graduates have become educators in local elementary and secondary schools, particularly in music, art, and classroom education. Others have pursued careers in banking and finance or continued their education through professional programs, including medical school.

In addition to supporting students, the scholarship benefits surrounding communities by encouraging students to remain connected to their hometowns and the region. Families stay engaged with campus activities, athletic events, and arts programming, strengthening the relationship between Bethany College and the communities it serves.

“As local students choose Bethany, it creates a stronger connection between the College and our surrounding communities,” said President Crawley. “Students and their families continue contributing to the vibrancy of campus life while preparing to make an impact in their careers and communities after graduation.”

As of May 15, more than 22 students have committed to Bethany College and accepted the Good Life Scholarship for the incoming Fall 2026 class. Scholarship recipients must be admitted to Bethany College, live on campus, and maintain a 15-meal plan to ensure they have the opportunity to participate fully in residential campus life.

Students receiving the scholarship for the upcoming academic year are graduating from schools including Smoky Valley High School, Salina High School South, Salina High School Central, Sacred Heart High School, McPherson High School, and Moundridge High School. For more information about the Good Life Scholarship and admissions opportunities at Bethany College, visit Bethany College Admissions.

About Bethany College

Bethany College (bethanylb.edu) is a higher educational institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas. Bethany College was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For more than 140 years, Bethany College has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany College, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.



CONTACT: 

Christie Denniston, APR

Vice President of Strategic Engagement

303-827-5164 

Bethany College

335 East Swensson Street

Lindsborg, KS 67456