About Baptist University of Florida
This small Christian university trains future ministers and ministry leaders in rural northwest Florida. Baptist University of Florida enrolls just 248 students who come primarily for biblical studies, Christian education, and pastoral training. The intimate campus sits in the tiny town of Graceville, where students know their professors personally. With a 92% acceptance rate, the school welcomes most applicants who share its Southern Baptist mission. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means classes feel more like Bible study groups than lecture halls.
Students pay an average net price of $8,829 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable Christian colleges in the South. Graduates earn a median of $42,836 ten years after leaving school. The typical monthly loan payment sits at $250, which most ministry-bound graduates can manage. Only 34% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many families can afford the modest $13,800 tuition without significant borrowing.
The 69% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's focus on preparing students for vocational ministry rather than maximizing completion statistics. Three-quarters of students come from Florida, creating a tight-knit community where Southern Baptist values shape daily campus life. The Eagles compete in small-college athletics, though most students focus more on spiritual development than sports.
Students pay an average net price of $8,829 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable Christian colleges in the South. Graduates earn a median of $42,836 ten years after leaving school. The typical monthly loan payment sits at $250, which most ministry-bound graduates can manage. Only 34% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many families can afford the modest $13,800 tuition without significant borrowing.
The 69% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's focus on preparing students for vocational ministry rather than maximizing completion statistics. Three-quarters of students come from Florida, creating a tight-knit community where Southern Baptist values shape daily campus life. The Eagles compete in small-college athletics, though most students focus more on spiritual development than sports.
Academics & Faculty
Baptist University of Florida operates as a small Christian liberal arts college where faith and academics intersect in every classroom. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and can provide intensive mentoring throughout their academic journey. The university is particularly known for its ministry and theological programs, preparing future pastors and church leaders for Southern Baptist congregations across the Southeast. Business and education programs also draw students seeking practical career preparation within a Christian worldview. With a 65% four-year graduation rate, students receive the personal attention needed to complete their degrees, though the rural setting and tight-knit community of just 248 students isn't for everyone.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 64.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.2%
- Retention Rate
- 84.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,836
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $27,765 |
Campus Life
With only 248 students total, Baptist University of Florida creates an intimate campus where everyone knows each other. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic goals personally. Just 58% of students can live in the limited on-campus housing for 144 residents, so many commute from nearby towns or rent off-campus apartments.
Graceville sits in rural northwest Florida, about two hours from Tallahassee and three hours from Jacksonville. Students pack sunscreen year-round rather than winter coats, though light jackets work for occasional cool snaps. The Southern Baptist foundation shapes campus life through required chapel services, faith-based student organizations, and strict behavioral codes. Weekend activities center around intramural sports, outdoor recreation at nearby lakes, and campus ministry events. With 75% of students coming from Florida, many head home on weekends. The Eagles compete in NAIA athletics, drawing small but enthusiastic crowds. Students often describe the atmosphere as family-like, where missing class gets noticed and academic struggles receive immediate support.
Graceville sits in rural northwest Florida, about two hours from Tallahassee and three hours from Jacksonville. Students pack sunscreen year-round rather than winter coats, though light jackets work for occasional cool snaps. The Southern Baptist foundation shapes campus life through required chapel services, faith-based student organizations, and strict behavioral codes. Weekend activities center around intramural sports, outdoor recreation at nearby lakes, and campus ministry events. With 75% of students coming from Florida, many head home on weekends. The Eagles compete in NAIA athletics, drawing small but enthusiastic crowds. Students often describe the atmosphere as family-like, where missing class gets noticed and academic struggles receive immediate support.
- Setting
- Rural-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 144 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 38°–62°F
- July Avg
- 72°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 60.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Baptist University of Florida draws primarily from Florida and the Southeast, with three-quarters of students coming from in-state. The school serves a working-class student population, with over one-third receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Students come seeking an affordable Christian education rooted in Southern Baptist values. The nearly even gender split reflects the university's broad liberal arts mission rather than specialized programs. Most students are white, mirroring the demographics of rural north Florida where the university has built strong ties with local Baptist churches and communities.
- Men
- 52.4%
- Women
- 47.6%
- White
- 63.3%
- Black
- 5.7%
- Hispanic
- 1.2%
- Asian
- 1.6%
- In-State Students
- 75.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 34.0%
Location
Graceville sits in the Florida Panhandle, about 90 miles northwest of Tallahassee. The town has fewer than 2,500 residents and lies near the Alabama border in Jackson County. This rural setting gives Baptist University's 248 students a small-town atmosphere far from Florida's tourist corridors. The campus sits among rolling hills and farmland typical of north Florida's agricultural region. With 75% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with Florida's rural communities. The nearest significant city is Dothan, Alabama, roughly 30 miles away. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Baptist University of Florida with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Graceville, Florida 32440
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,836
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $39,891
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $250/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,590
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Baptist University of Florida?
Baptist University of Florida accepts 92% of applicants, making admission highly accessible for students seeking a Christian education. The average SAT score is 1065, with most admitted students scoring between 930 and 1200.
How much does Baptist University of Florida cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $8,829 after aid, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $48,000 pay around $4,260, while the published tuition is $13,800 for all students.
What are the class sizes like at Baptist University of Florida?
With just 248 total students and an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, classes are exceptionally small and personal. The university operates as a Southern Baptist institution focused on biblical education and ministry preparation.
How do graduates of Baptist University of Florida perform after college?
Graduates earn a median salary of $42,836 ten years after graduation, with a 95.5% employment rate. About 64% of students graduate within four years, and the typical graduate leaves with $23,590 in debt.
Where is Baptist University of Florida located and what is campus life like?
The rural campus in Graceville, Florida houses 144 students in a close-knit community setting. With only 248 total students, the Eagles compete in athletics while maintaining the intimate atmosphere of a small Christian college.
Does Baptist University of Florida offer good financial aid to low-income students?
About 34% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant low-income enrollment. The university keeps costs manageable with an average net price under $9,000, though only 34% of students receive any financial aid.
