Barclay College: 52.7% Acceptance Rate

52.7%Acceptance

$26,590Tuition

161Students

55%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$36,355Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindOtherStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Friends

About Barclay College

Barclay College operates as a Christian liberal arts institution rooted in the Friends (Quaker) tradition. The school serves just 161 students in rural Kansas, creating an intimate academic environment where faith and learning intersect. Founded in 1917, Barclay emphasizes practical ministry preparation and liberal arts education. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship relationships. Students come from diverse backgrounds, with 47% identifying as white, 19% as Black, and 18% as Hispanic.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $28,827 after aid, while the sticker price reaches $39,890 with room and board. Graduates earn a median of $36,355 ten years after graduation, which creates challenges for loan repayment. With median debt at $27,000 and monthly payments around $286, the return on investment is modest. About 65% of students receive financial aid, though only 18% get institutional grants averaging $11,564.

The retention story tells of a school where fit matters greatly. Only 48% of students return for sophomore year, and 55% graduate within six years. The Bears compete in five varsity sports with 34 total athletes. Students who thrive here value small community settings and appreciate the Quaker emphasis on service and social justice.

Academics & Faculty

Barclay College operates as a Christian liberal arts institution where faith and learning intersect in small classroom settings. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student by name and can provide individualized mentoring. The college emphasizes practical ministry training alongside traditional liberal arts education, preparing students for careers in pastoral ministry, Christian education, and nonprofit leadership. However, only 47.69% of students graduate within four years, suggesting the demanding combination of academic and spiritual formation challenges many. The Quaker heritage shapes the college's approach to education, emphasizing peace studies, social justice, and community service as core academic values.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Full-Time Faculty: 51.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 47.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 55.2%
Retention Rate: 47.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $36,355
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

Campus life at Barclay unfolds on a small Quaker campus where the 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name by the second week. With only 161 students, this feels more like an extended family than a typical college. Housing accommodates 200 students, though many choose off-campus options in tiny Haviland, population 701. The nearest major city is Wichita, about 90 minutes away across wheat fields and cattle ranches.

Kansas winters demand a solid coat, with temperatures often below freezing from December through February. Summers hit the 90s regularly. The Bears compete in five varsity sports with just 34 total athletes, making game day an intimate affair where half the campus shows up to cheer. Founded in 1917 by Quakers, the college maintains its Friends tradition of simplicity and community service. Students create their own entertainment on weekends, often gathering for pickup games, movie nights, or trips to nearby Greensburg. The 98.8% employment rate suggests graduates leave well-prepared despite the rural setting.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Housing Capacity: 200 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1917

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 19°–43°F
July Avg: 66°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 26.0"
Annual Snowfall: 16.3"

Student Demographics

Barclay draws students from across the Midwest seeking an affordable Christian education, with 57% coming from outside Kansas. The student body is diverse for rural Kansas, with roughly half being students of color. Two-thirds qualify for Pell Grants, reflecting the college's commitment to serving first-generation and lower-income families. The near-even gender split mirrors the school's balanced approach to liberal arts and practical programs. Students tend to be those looking for personal attention in a close-knit faith community rather than big campus amenities.

Men: 49.7%
Women: 50.3%
White: 47.2%
Black: 19.3%
Hispanic: 18.0%
Asian: 1.2%
In-State Students: 42.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 65.1%

Location

Haviland, Kansas sits in the southwest corner of the state, about 130 miles from Wichita. The town has fewer than 700 residents and represents classic rural Great Plains farming country. Students here experience wide open spaces, wheat fields stretching to the horizon, and the kind of small-town atmosphere where everyone knows each other. With only 161 students enrolled, Barclay College creates an intimate campus environment that mirrors its agricultural surroundings. The nearest amenities require a drive to Dodge City, 30 miles away. This remote setting appeals to students seeking a close-knit Christian community away from urban distractions. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Barclay College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Haviland, Kansas 67059-0288

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $36,355
Median Earnings (5 years): $30,541
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 56.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Barclay College?

Barclay College accepts 52.68% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small Christian liberal arts school. The college seeks students who align with its Quaker values and mission of practical ministry training.

How much does Barclay College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $28,827 annually, with 65.13% receiving financial aid. The college charges the same $26,590 tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students, reflecting its focus on serving a national Christian community.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Barclay College?

Barclay maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio with just 161 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention and mentorship that reflects the college's emphasis on character development alongside academic learning.

What are the graduation rates at Barclay College?

The college graduates 55.20% of students within six years and 47.69% within four years. Graduates earn a median salary of $36,355 ten years after starting college, often pursuing careers in ministry, education, and social services.

Where is Barclay College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in rural Haviland, Kansas, housing up to 200 students in a close-knit community setting. With only 34 student athletes across 5 varsity sports, the Bears compete at a small scale that emphasizes participation over athletic scholarships.

Does Barclay College serve a diverse student body?

The student body is 47.20% White, 19.25% Black, and 18.01% Hispanic, creating notable diversity for a rural Kansas college. With 65.13% of students qualifying for Pell Grants, Barclay serves many first-generation and lower-income families seeking Christian higher education.