Institutions of Higher Learning

Education

The Kansas work force offers more high school graduates than you will find in 46 other states. In Harvey County, of the population over 24 years of age, 81.2 percent are high school graduates. Forty-seven and one-half percent have earned college credits and 20.3 percent have completed four or more years of college.

College-bound Kansans perform better on standardized tests than students in 45 other states and students in Harvey County school districts achieve composite ACT scores higher than students in both Kansas and the United States as a whole. Approximately 54 percent of Harvey County high school graduates enroll in four-year colleges, twenty one percent enroll in junior colleges and one percent enroll in vocational technical schools. In addition, since 1984, a mere five tenths of one percent of students in Harvey County have been drop-outs, one of the lowest drop-out rates in the state.

Every school district in Harvey County offers a wide range of programs, including vocational and adult education at the high school level; and special education at all levels of primary and secondary education.

Nearly 60 percent of the public school teachers in Harvey County hold masters' degrees. Approximately 88 percent have taken some graduate level courses. Personal attention to students is ensured by Harvey County's overall 14 to 1 teacher to pupil ratio.

Two private schools at the elementary level, both located in Newton, are also available to Harvey County residents. Enrollment at the two schools combined is approximately 285, with an overall 14 to 1 teacher-pupil ratio.

The importance of post-secondary education has resulted in the establishment of two institutions of higher learning in Harvey County.

BETHEL COLLEGE

North Newton, Kansas

Private, Four Year College

Enrollment - 520

Bethel College was established in 1887. It is a coeducational, church related school affiliated with the General Conference Mennonite Church. Founded by progressive German-speaking Mennonites who came to

America in search of religious freedom and academically recognized as a liberal arts college, Bethel offers 28 majors and six pre-professional programs to cover 48 different areas of interest. The full-time equivalent enrollment in the Fall of 1998 was 520 students.

Bethel students come from 24 states and 13 foreign countries, and represent 33 different religious denominations. The school has achieved an impressive record of academic excellence. Some examples include the fact that social work and nursing programs at Bethel are nationally accredited. Math students have recently ranked first among Kansas colleges. More National Merit Finalists per capita study at Bethel than any other Kansas college and graduates have won a striking number of national awards and scholarships. Bethel College was recognized in 1996 by U.S. News & World Report as a "Top Tier" institution among regional liberal arts colleges in the Midwest. Bethel College ranks first among all colleges and universities in Kansas in the percentage of graduates who go on to earn doctoral degrees.

The 11 to 1 student to faculty ratio at Bethel ensures students personal attention. Approximately eighty percent of the tenured faculty have their doctorate or its equivalent and many have overseas experience in teaching, studying or working in voluntary service.

HESSTON COLLEGE

Hesston, Kansas

Private, Two Year College

Enrollment - 367

Hesston College was established in 1909 by the Mennonite Church. It is a coeducational, traditional liberal arts school which stresses broadly based liberal studies in 40 major areas which fully prepares students for transfer; and has integrated the curriculum to include seven "career tracks" which prepare students for their profession in two years. The full-time equivalent enrollment in the Fall of 1998 was 367 students.

Hesston College students come from 26 states and 28 foreign countries. The student body is 50 percent male and 50 percent female; and approximately 45 percent of the students are from non-Mennonite backgrounds. Hesston offers all the advantages of two-year schools including the earning of an associate degree and the fact that students are taught by professors, not graduate students or teaching assistants. More than 60 percent of the graduates go on to earn their bachelor's degrees compared to 15 percent of students who attend four-year institutions.

There is a 14 to 1 student-faculty ratio at Hesston. Seventy-five percent of the faculty have lived and taught overseas.

Located within a 30 mile radius of Harvey County is a total of nine other colleges and universities including two public two-year schools; five private four-year schools; one private two-year school; and the major four-year State of Kansas Board of Regents school, Wichita State University.

USD 373 - Newton, North Newton, Walton
USD 460 - Hesston
USD 440 - Halstead
USD 439 - Sedgwick
USD 369 - Burrton

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