Bethel University is a Christian higher education institution with approximately 6,000 students from 36 countries enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs. The main campus is located in Arden Hills, Minnesota, and the school has satellite seminary locations on both coasts. The university has a performing arts program, including Benson Great Hall, a concert hall, and The Bethel Choir, the university's 75-voice concert choir which has performed throughout Europe and Scandinavia. Fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission—North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the university is also a member of the Christian College Consortium. Bethel University is affiliated with and supported by the congregations of the Baptist General Conference. Bethel University began in Chicago, Illinois as a seminary for Baptist immigrants from Sweden. John Alexis Edgren opened a department for Scandinavian theological students in the fall of 1871 in the basement of First Swedish Baptist Church in Chicago starting in 1871. The seminary merged with Bethel Academy in Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1914. In 1931 the Academy became Bethel Junior College.