Bob Jones University: $23,400 Tuition

$23,400Tuition

2,209Students

70%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,354Earnings

#5 in South CarolinaPrivate nonprofit4-yearOtherData: 2023-24Evangelical Christian

About Bob Jones University

Bob Jones University operates under some of the strictest conduct codes in American higher education, requiring students to follow fundamentalist Baptist principles in everything from dress to dating. The 2,209 students navigate detailed rules about campus behavior while pursuing degrees at this evangelical Christian institution in Greenville, South Carolina. The university built its reputation on unwavering conservative theology and traditional values that permeate every aspect of campus life.

Students pay an average net price of $17,529 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable for a Christian university. Graduates earn a median of $44,354 ten years after graduation, though they typically leave with $16,585 in debt. The 82.56% loan repayment rate suggests most alumni can handle their monthly payments of $176. Only 29.23% of students receive federal Pell grants, indicating families often have moderate incomes but still qualify for the university's institutional aid.

The student body draws from across the country, with just 33.17% coming from South Carolina. Students compete in nine varsity sports as the Bruins, though athletic scholarships aren't available. The 69.60% six-year graduation rate reflects the academic rigor and strict environment that leads some students to transfer elsewhere.

Academics & Faculty

Bob Jones University operates as a conservative Christian university where fundamentalist Baptist theology shapes every academic program. Students work closely with faculty through a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention and mentoring. The university offers programs across liberal arts, business, and fine arts, but all coursework integrates biblical worldview and Christian doctrine. About 69% of students complete their degrees within four years, reflecting the structured environment and academic support systems. The school is particularly known for its education and ministry preparation programs, along with strong music and art departments. Students should expect rigorous academic standards combined with mandatory chapel attendance and Bible courses regardless of their major.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 93.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 69.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 69.6%
Retention Rate: 81.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,354
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$60,240
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$46,589
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$35,594
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$34,908
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Bachelor	$30,409
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$29,995
Design and Applied Arts.	Bachelor	$29,685
Theological and Ministerial Studies.	Bachelor	$28,598
Culinary Arts and Related Services.	Associate	$25,194

View all 135 programs →

Campus Life

Bob Jones University sits in Greenville, a city of about 70,000 people in upstate South Carolina. You'll need both a winter coat and sunscreen here, as temperatures range from the 40s in winter to the 90s in summer. The campus houses up to 3,998 students, meaning most of the 2,209 enrolled live on campus in residence halls with strict visitation rules.

Daily life revolves around required chapel services, curfews, and detailed dress codes that ban everything from contemporary music to movies. Students must sign a conduct pledge that governs dating, entertainment, and personal behavior. About 67% of students come from out of state, creating a tight-knit community bound by shared conservative values. Weekends center on supervised activities, ministry opportunities, and trips to nearby attractions like Falls Park. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and often serve as spiritual mentors. Campus traditions include daily prayer meetings and strict academic honor codes that reflect the university's fundamentalist Baptist heritage.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 3,998 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	1	1	0	0
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 34°–53°F
July Avg: 71°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.0"
Annual Snowfall: 1.9"

Student Demographics

Bob Jones attracts students from across the nation who seek a fundamentalist Christian education, with two-thirds coming from outside South Carolina. The student body is predominantly white at 74%, reflecting the traditional evangelical demographic the university has historically served. Women make up 54% of students, typical for many Christian colleges. Nearly 30% receive Pell Grants, showing the school draws middle- and lower-income families who prioritize the university's strict biblical worldview over financial considerations. Students choose BJU specifically for its uncompromising conservative theology and discipleship-focused campus culture.

Men: 46.4%
Women: 53.6%
White: 74.4%
Black: 1.6%
Hispanic: 8.5%
Asian: 3.9%
In-State Students: 33.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.2%

Location

Bob Jones University sits in Greenville, South Carolina, about 100 miles northwest of Columbia and 150 miles southwest of Charlotte. The campus occupies 225 acres in this small city of roughly 70,000 residents in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Greenville has transformed into a cultural center with a revitalized downtown, though the university maintains its own insular campus community. The area offers mild winters and access to outdoor recreation in nearby state parks. About two-thirds of BJU's 2,209 students come from out of state, drawn to the fundamentalist Christian environment rather than regional proximity. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Bob Jones University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Greenville, South Carolina 29614-0001

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $44,354
Median Earnings (5 years): $43,001
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 82.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $176/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $16,585

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student-faculty ratio at Bob Jones University?

Bob Jones University maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its 2,209 students. This relatively small class size supports the university's emphasis on close mentoring relationships between faculty and students within its conservative Christian framework.

How much does Bob Jones University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Bob Jones University is $17,529, down from the total cost of $34,600. Only 29.23% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the university's approach to keeping base tuition relatively affordable for families committed to fundamentalist Christian education.

What is the graduation rate at Bob Jones University?

Bob Jones University has a 69.60% six-year graduation rate with an 81.33% retention rate. The university is known for its strict conduct codes and rigorous academic standards rooted in Baptist theology, which contribute to these completion rates.

How much do Bob Jones University graduates earn after graduation?

Graduates earn a median of $44,354 ten years after completing their degree, with a 98.4% employment rate. The university emphasizes preparing students for careers that align with conservative Christian values and service-oriented professions.

Where do Bob Jones University students come from geographically?

Only 33.17% of students are from South Carolina, with the majority traveling from across the country to attend. The university draws families nationwide who specifically seek its fundamentalist Baptist approach to higher education and strict campus lifestyle.

Does Bob Jones University offer athletic scholarships?

Bob Jones University provides $0 in athletic scholarships despite fielding 9 varsity sports with 227 total athletes. The university prioritizes academic merit and need-based aid over athletic recruitment, consistent with its focus on spiritual and academic development over competitive athletics.