Central Baptist College: 63.9% Acceptance Rate

63.9%Acceptance

$19,680Tuition

477Students

35%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$46,789Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearNAIAData: 2023-24Baptist

About Central Baptist College

Central Baptist College trains future ministers and Christian leaders through hands-on ministry experience and biblical studies. The school enrolls 477 students in Conway, Arkansas, where the Baptist faith shapes both academics and campus culture. Students pursue degrees ranging from ministry and missions to business and education, all grounded in Christian worldview.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $16,664 annually, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,632. Graduates carry a median debt load of $22,250, which translates to monthly payments of $236. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $46,789. The 35% six-year graduation rate means many students take longer than expected to complete their degrees, potentially increasing costs.

Athletics play a significant role on this small campus. The Mustangs field 14 NAIA sports teams with 187 total athletes, meaning nearly 40% of students compete varsally. The school awards $1.6 million in athletic scholarships annually. With only 192 housing spots available, most students live off-campus in Conway. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the 96.8% employment rate shows graduates find work quickly after college.

Academics & Faculty

Central Baptist College centers its academics around ministry preparation and Christian liberal arts education. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship in small classes, though the 35% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges some students face completing their degrees. Ministry and theology programs form the academic core, preparing students for pastoral roles and Christian service. The college also offers education, business, and music programs within a biblical worldview framework. With only 477 students total, every class feels personal and professors know students by name. Academic rigor varies by program, but the focus remains on integrating faith with learning rather than research or advanced scholarship.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 39.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 37.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 35.3%
Retention Rate: 59.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $46,789
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Human Resources Management and Services.	Bachelor	$44,189
Bible/Biblical Studies.	Bachelor	$41,937

View all 28 programs →

Campus Life

Central Baptist College sits on a compact campus in Conway, Arkansas, about 30 miles north of Little Rock. With just 477 students total, this feels more like an extended family than a traditional college. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you miss class. Only 192 students can live on campus, so about 40% of the student body calls the dorms home while others commute from nearby towns.

Conway's humid subtropical climate means you'll need both a winter coat for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for steamy Arkansas summers. The Baptist foundation shapes campus life . Students gather for chapel services and ministry training programs. With 14 varsity sports teams and 187 total athletes, nearly 40% of students compete in NAIA athletics. Weekend activities center around athletic events, campus ministry activities, and trips to Little Rock for shopping or entertainment. The close-knit community means campus traditions and spiritual life create strong bonds among the Mustangs.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 192 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–49°F
July Avg: 69°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 51.2"
Annual Snowfall: 2.3"

Student Demographics

Central Baptist College draws students who want faith-based education close to home. Two-thirds of the 477 students come from Arkansas, reflecting the school's strong ties to local Baptist communities. The student body is 57% white with significant Black and Hispanic representation at 17% and 10% respectively. Men slightly outnumber women at 56%, typical for colleges emphasizing ministry and Christian leadership training. With 42% receiving Pell Grants, the school serves many first-generation college students and families seeking affordable Christian education in their home state.

Men: 56.4%
Women: 43.6%
White: 57.7%
Black: 17.0%
Hispanic: 9.6%
Asian: 0.4%
In-State Students: 66.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 42.2%

Location

Central Baptist College sits in Conway, Arkansas, about 30 miles northwest of Little Rock. The city has around 66,000 residents and serves as home to three colleges, creating a genuine college town atmosphere. Conway anchors the Arkansas River Valley region, where rolling hills meet agricultural plains. The 477-student campus benefits from small-town safety while maintaining access to the state capital's internship and job opportunities. Arkansas's outdoor culture thrives here, with Lake Conway and multiple state parks within driving distance. The Baptist heritage runs deep in this Bible Belt community, where church steeples dot the skyline. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare Central Baptist College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Conway, Arkansas 72034

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $46,789
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,600
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 57.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $236/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Central Baptist College?

Central Baptist College accepts 63.94% of applicants with an average ACT score of 21. The college welcomes students seeking a Christian education focused on ministry training and liberal arts. With only 477 students enrolled, the admissions process emphasizes fit with the college's Baptist mission.

How much does Central Baptist College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $16,664 after financial aid at Central Baptist College. The college charges $19,680 for tuition regardless of residency status. About 42% of students receive Pell Grants, helping make this Christian education more accessible to lower-income families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Central Baptist College?

Central Baptist College maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 477 total students. This small size allows for personalized attention in ministry preparation and liberal arts programs. The intimate campus setting supports close mentoring relationships between professors and students.

What are the career outcomes for Central Baptist College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $46,789 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $236. The college reports a 96.8% employment rate for recent graduates. Many alumni pursue careers in ministry, education, and other service-oriented fields aligned with the college's Christian mission.

Where is Central Baptist College located and what is campus life like?

Central Baptist College sits in Conway, Arkansas, a small city environment with on-campus housing for 192 students. The campus serves 56% male and 44% female students with a diverse population that is 58% white and 17% Black. As a Baptist institution, campus life centers around Christian community and spiritual development.

Does Central Baptist College offer athletic scholarships?

Central Baptist College awards $1,592,042 in athletic scholarships across 14 NAIA varsity sports. The Mustangs field teams with 187 total student-athletes competing at the national level. Sports provide another avenue for Christian character development alongside academic and spiritual growth on this small campus.