Hannibal-LaGrange University: 67.1% Acceptance Rate

67.1%Acceptance

$26,880Tuition

381Students

44%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,643Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAData: 2023-24Southern Baptist

About Hannibal-LaGrange University

Hannibal-LaGrange University brings Southern Baptist values to a small college experience in Mark Twain's hometown. The university enrolls 381 students in a close-knit Christian community that emphasizes faith-based education. With a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and provide individualized attention. The university accepts 67% of applicants, welcoming students with an average ACT score of 21. Founded in 1858, the school has deep roots in preparing students for ministry and service careers.

Students pay an average net price of $21,123 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of nearly $37,500. Graduates earn a median salary of $42,643 ten years after graduation with median debt of just $18,599. The monthly loan payment averages $197, making the debt load manageable relative to earnings. Nearly 44% of students receive federal loans, while 24% get institutional grants averaging $16,439.

The Trojans compete in eight NAIA sports with 197 total athletes receiving $1.6 million in athletic scholarships. About 80% of students come from Missouri, creating a tight regional community. The 44% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many small Christian colleges face, but 98% of graduates find employment after leaving.

Academics & Faculty

Hannibal-LaGrange University operates as a small Christian liberal arts college where faith integration shapes every academic program. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and can provide intensive mentoring. The university is particularly known for its nursing program, education degrees, and business studies, all taught from a Southern Baptist perspective. With only 381 students, class sizes remain intimate and discussion-based. However, the 44% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face completing their degrees. The school emphasizes practical ministry training alongside traditional academics. Students benefit from close relationships with faculty but must be self-motivated to succeed in this demanding faith-based environment.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 41.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 44.3%
Retention Rate: 79.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,643
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$52,733
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Campus Life

Mark Twain's hometown of Hannibal sits along the Mississippi River, about two hours from St. Louis. With 381 students and housing for 311, this feels like a tight-knit community where most undergraduates live on campus. Missouri's continental climate means you'll need both winter coats for snowy January days and shorts for humid August move-in. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio creates classroom environments where professors know your name and track your progress personally.

Southern Baptist roots shape campus culture, though students come from diverse backgrounds with 68% identifying as white and significant Black and Hispanic populations. With 197 athletes competing in 8 NAIA sports, Trojans games draw campus-wide support. Weekends often center around athletic events, campus ministry activities, and trips to nearby historic downtown Hannibal. The remote town setting means most social life happens on campus, fostering close friendships among the student body. Students frequently gather in residence halls or attend campus-sponsored events rather than venturing to off-campus entertainment.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 311 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1858

Campus Safety (2023)

2 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

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–34°F
July Avg: 66°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 41.4"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Hannibal-LaGrange draws primarily from Missouri, with four out of five students coming from in-state. The university serves a working-class student base, with nearly 30% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Students graduate with relatively modest debt loads of $18,599, reflecting the school's commitment to affordability within Christian higher education. The gender split runs nearly even, typical for a small Baptist university offering both traditional liberal arts and career-focused programs. White students make up about two-thirds of the campus, with growing diversity among Black and Hispanic populations.

Men: 51.4%
Women: 48.6%
White: 68.2%
Black: 10.2%
Hispanic: 7.1%
Asian: 1.1%
In-State Students: 80.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.4%

Location

Hannibal sits along the Mississippi River in northeastern Missouri, about 100 miles northwest of St. Louis. The town of 17,000 residents embraces its connection to Mark Twain, who grew up here and set Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn in this river community. With 80% of students coming from Missouri, most arrive familiar with the small-town atmosphere where historic riverfront districts meet rolling farmland. The campus houses 311 students in a setting where everyone knows everyone. Beyond Twain's legacy, the area offers caves, river recreation, and the kind of tight-knit community feel that defines rural Missouri. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Hannibal-LaGrange University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Hannibal, Missouri 63401

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,643
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,011
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 60.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $197/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $18,599

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Hannibal-LaGrange University?

Hannibal-LaGrange admits 67% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small Christian university. Admitted students typically score around 1191 on the SAT or 21 on the ACT, reflecting the school's commitment to accessible higher education rooted in Southern Baptist values.

How much does Hannibal-LaGrange University cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $21,123 annually, lower than the full tuition of $26,880. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,571 on average, demonstrating the university's dedication to making Christian education affordable for working families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Hannibal-LaGrange University?

With a 7:1 student-faculty ratio among its 381 students, Hannibal-LaGrange offers highly personalized attention typical of small Christian colleges. This intimate learning environment allows professors to mentor students closely in both academic and spiritual development.

What are the career outcomes for Hannibal-LaGrange University graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $42,643 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 97.8% employment rate. However, the 44% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges common among smaller regional universities serving first-generation college students.

Where is Hannibal-LaGrange University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in historic Hannibal, Missouri, the boyhood home of Mark Twain, with housing for 311 students in this close-knit community of 381 total enrollment. Nearly 200 students participate in eight NAIA sports as the Trojans, creating a strong athletic culture despite the small size.

Does Hannibal-LaGrange University offer good financial aid?

About 44% of students take federal loans with manageable monthly payments of $197 and median debt of $18,599 upon graduation. The university awards institutional grants averaging $16,439 to nearly 24% of students, helping maintain affordability within its Southern Baptist mission.