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52.5%Acceptance
$19,530Tuition
371Students
61%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$40,650Earnings
#14 in IowaPrivate nonprofit4-yearOtherStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Baptist

About Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary

Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary prepares students for Christian ministry and missions work through intensive biblical and theological training. The school serves 371 students on its suburban campus in Ankeny. Founded in 1921, this Baptist institution focuses on equipping future pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders. The college accepts 52% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1085. Students come from across the nation, with only 32% from Iowa.

The financial picture shows reasonable costs for specialized ministry training. Students pay an average net price of $17,819 after aid, well below the sticker price of $28,720. Graduates earn a median salary of $40,650 ten years after graduation. Students graduate with a median debt load of $12,971, resulting in manageable monthly loan payments of $138. The 87% loan repayment rate suggests graduates can handle their debt obligations.

The student body reflects the school's Baptist heritage, with 84% identifying as white. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio enables close mentorship in ministry preparation. The Eagles compete in nine varsity sports with 101 total athletes. The 61% six-year graduation rate aligns with the specialized nature of ministry education, where some students may leave for immediate ministry opportunities.

Academics & Faculty

Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary centers its academics around biblical studies, theology, and ministry preparation. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio allows for intensive mentoring relationships between professors and the 371 students training for pastoral work, missions, and Christian education. Students pursue degrees in biblical studies, theology, Christian education, and ministry leadership through hands-on practicum experiences. The 58.6% four-year graduation rate reflects the rigorous nature of theological education combined with many students taking time for ministry internships. Faculty are practicing ministers and theologians who bring real-world experience to classroom discussions about biblical interpretation, church leadership, and cross-cultural missions work.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1
Full-Time Faculty
41.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
58.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
61.1%
Retention Rate
80.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,650
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

Faith Baptist's 371 students gather on a compact campus in Ankeny, a Des Moines suburb just 15 minutes from Iowa's capital city. With housing for 323 students, nearly all undergraduates live on campus in a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and ministry calling.

Iowa winters demand heavy coats and boots for trudging between buildings, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor chapel services and campus events. Students balance rigorous Bible study with practical ministry training, often heading to local churches for weekend service opportunities. The Eagles compete in 9 varsity sports with 101 total athletes, creating school spirit despite the small size. With 69% of students coming from out of state, weekends blend ministry activities with trips to Des Moines for shopping and dining. Campus life revolves around chapel services, dormitory Bible studies, and preparation for future mission work. The seminary atmosphere means conversations often shift from homework to theology and calling.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
323 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1921

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
11°–30°F
July Avg
64°–86°F
Annual Precipitation
36.1"
Annual Snowfall
-750.2"

Student Demographics

Students come to Faith Baptist from across the country, with only 32% from Iowa, reflecting the school's national reputation for training Christian ministers and missionaries. The student body is 53% female, typical for ministry-focused programs where women often pursue Christian education and youth ministry roles. With 37% receiving Pell Grants, the college serves many students from modest backgrounds called to ministry work. The predominantly white student body mirrors many evangelical institutions, though the school draws committed Christians regardless of economic status who prioritize biblical training over campus diversity.
Men
47.4%
Women
52.6%
White
83.8%
Black
0.8%
Hispanic
4.6%
Asian
1.6%
In-State Students
31.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
37.4%

Location

Faith Baptist Bible College sits in Ankeny, Iowa, a suburb about 10 miles north of Des Moines. The campus serves 371 students in Iowa's central corridor, where rolling farmland meets expanding suburban development. Ankeny has grown rapidly as part of the Des Moines metropolitan area, offering small-town community feel with access to bigger city amenities. The area attracts families and young professionals working in Des Moines' insurance and finance sectors. Students can reach downtown Des Moines in 20 minutes for internships or cultural events. The suburban setting provides a quiet environment for theological study while remaining connected to Iowa's capital region. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare Faith Baptist Bible College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Ankeny, Iowa 50023-2152

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,650
Median Earnings (5 years)
$32,128
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$32,000
Loan Repayment Rate
86.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$138/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,971

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary?

Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary accepts 52.45% of applicants. The school focuses on training students for Christian ministry and missions work, making it moderately selective for those called to evangelical service.

How much does Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $17,819 annually after financial aid. The school keeps costs accessible for ministry students, with 37.40% receiving financial aid and graduates leaving with a median debt of just $12,971.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary?

The student-faculty ratio is 15:1 with total enrollment of 371 students. This small Baptist institution emphasizes personal mentorship and biblical training, creating close relationships between professors and future ministers.

What are the career outcomes for Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $40,650 ten years after graduation with a 100% employment rate. The school's focus on ministry preparation leads to careers in pastoral work, missions, and Christian education rather than high-paying corporate roles.

Where is Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in suburban Ankeny, Iowa, with housing capacity for 323 students. Founded in 1921, the Baptist institution maintains a traditional evangelical atmosphere where 80% of students return each year and the Eagles compete in 9 varsity sports.

Does Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary offer athletic scholarships?

The school offers $0 in athletic scholarships despite fielding 9 varsity sports teams with 101 total athletes. As a Bible college focused on ministry training, the institution prioritizes academic and need-based aid over athletic recruitment.