About Criswell College
Criswell College trains future pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders in the heart of Dallas. The school enrolls just 118 students, creating an intimate learning environment focused on biblical studies and ministry preparation. Every applicant gets accepted, reflecting the college's commitment to serving those called to Christian ministry. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and can provide intensive mentoring.
Students pay an average of $12,929 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable Christian colleges in Texas. Graduates earn a median of $43,185 ten years after graduation, which is modest but typical for ministry-focused careers. Students leave with $25,346 in debt and monthly loan payments of $269. The school serves many middle-class families, with net prices dropping to $10,032 for households earning $30,000-$48,000 annually.
The student body is 90% Texan and 55% male, reflecting the college's regional draw and traditional ministry demographics. About 58% of students graduate within four years, though the retention rate of 64% suggests some students transfer or take breaks. The college's Southern Baptist roots shape campus culture, and graduates typically enter pastoral ministry, missionary work, or Christian nonprofit leadership rather than pursuing high-paying secular careers.
Students pay an average of $12,929 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable Christian colleges in Texas. Graduates earn a median of $43,185 ten years after graduation, which is modest but typical for ministry-focused careers. Students leave with $25,346 in debt and monthly loan payments of $269. The school serves many middle-class families, with net prices dropping to $10,032 for households earning $30,000-$48,000 annually.
The student body is 90% Texan and 55% male, reflecting the college's regional draw and traditional ministry demographics. About 58% of students graduate within four years, though the retention rate of 64% suggests some students transfer or take breaks. The college's Southern Baptist roots shape campus culture, and graduates typically enter pastoral ministry, missionary work, or Christian nonprofit leadership rather than pursuing high-paying secular careers.
Academics & Faculty
Criswell College focuses exclusively on biblical studies and Christian ministry preparation. The school trains future pastors, missionaries, and church leaders through intensive theological education. With only 118 students total, classes are extremely small and personal. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio means professors work closely with each student on biblical interpretation, preaching skills, and ministry practice. However, the 58.7% four-year graduation rate suggests the rigorous theological curriculum challenges many students. The college offers degrees in biblical studies, pastoral ministry, and Christian education. Nearly all graduates find employment in ministry roles. Students spend significant time studying Hebrew, Greek, and systematic theology alongside practical ministry training.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 5:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 35.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 58.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 57.1%
- Retention Rate
- 63.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,185
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Bachelor | $30,984 |
Campus Life
This tiny Southern Baptist college sits in the heart of Dallas with just 118 students total. With 90% of students from Texas, you'll find a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. The student-faculty ratio of 5:1 means professors will know your name and your spiritual journey. Housing capacity serves 218 students, though with such low enrollment, finding a dorm room shouldn't be challenging.
Dallas weather means you'll need sunscreen more than winter coats, with hot summers and mild winters perfect for year-round outdoor activities. The urban setting puts you minutes from downtown Dallas restaurants, churches, and internship opportunities at major ministries. With 55% male and 45% female students, the gender balance stays fairly even. Students typically spend weekends at local churches, Bible studies, or exploring Dallas's vast network of Christian organizations. The 63.64% retention rate reflects the challenges of intensive biblical education, but those who stay form lasting bonds through shared faith and rigorous theological study.
Dallas weather means you'll need sunscreen more than winter coats, with hot summers and mild winters perfect for year-round outdoor activities. The urban setting puts you minutes from downtown Dallas restaurants, churches, and internship opportunities at major ministries. With 55% male and 45% female students, the gender balance stays fairly even. Students typically spend weekends at local churches, Bible studies, or exploring Dallas's vast network of Christian organizations. The 63.64% retention rate reflects the challenges of intensive biblical education, but those who stay form lasting bonds through shared faith and rigorous theological study.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 218 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1971
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–57°F
- July Avg
- 77°–96°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.7"
Student Demographics
Criswell College draws students called to Christian ministry from across Texas, with 90% coming from in-state. The Southern Baptist school attracts slightly more men than women, reflecting its focus on pastoral and ministry training programs. About one-third of students qualify for Pell Grants, showing the college serves families of modest means seeking affordable biblical education. The diverse student body includes significant Hispanic and Black representation alongside white students. These future ministers, missionaries, and Christian leaders come seeking intensive biblical training in Dallas's urban environment.
- Men
- 55.1%
- Women
- 44.9%
- White
- 59.3%
- Black
- 12.7%
- Hispanic
- 18.6%
- Asian
- 2.5%
- In-State Students
- 90.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 34.4%
Location
Criswell College sits in Dallas, Texas, one of the nation's largest metropolitan areas with over 7 million residents. The campus operates in an urban setting where students access internships and ministry opportunities across the sprawling metroplex. Dallas serves as a major center for business, technology, and evangelical Christianity, with numerous megachurches and Christian organizations headquartered in the area. The city's diversity mirrors the college's student body, which is 59% White, 19% Hispanic, and 13% Black. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees, while winters remain mild. The region's strong economy and religious community provide networking opportunities for ministry-focused students. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Criswell College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Dallas, Texas 75246-1537
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,185
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,854
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 38.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $269/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,346
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Criswell College?
Criswell College accepts 100% of applicants who apply. This open admissions policy reflects the school's mission to make biblical education accessible to all students called to ministry.
How much does Criswell College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $12,929 annually, with families earning $30,000-$48,000 paying just $10,032. About 34% of students receive Pell Grants, making this Southern Baptist institution affordable for ministry students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Criswell College?
Students enjoy a 5:1 student-faculty ratio with only 118 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for personalized mentorship in biblical studies and Christian ministry training programs.
What are the graduation rates at Criswell College?
The four-year graduation rate is 59% while the six-year rate is 57%. Graduates earn a median salary of $43,185 ten years after graduation, typical for ministry and Christian service careers.
Where do students live at Criswell College?
The campus offers housing for 218 students, nearly double the current enrollment of 118. This creates a close-knit residential community in the heart of Dallas where future ministers can grow together.
Does Criswell College have good job placement?
The college reports a 100% employment rate for graduates. Founded in 1971 for training Southern Baptist ministers, the school maintains strong connections with churches and Christian organizations for career placement.
