Jarvis Christian University: $11,720 Tuition

$11,720Tuition

730Students

15%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$32,992Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCUChristian Church (Disciples of Christ)

About Jarvis Christian University

Jarvis Christian University serves 730 students on a rural campus in East Texas, building on more than a century of Christian education rooted in the Disciples of Christ tradition. This historically black college specializes in preparing graduates for careers in education, business, and professional fields through intimate classroom settings. The student-faculty ratio stands at 10:1, ensuring personalized attention that larger universities cannot match. Nearly two-thirds of students are Black (62.47%), with growing Hispanic enrollment at 18.90%.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for families seeking affordable education. Students pay an average net price of $10,409 after aid, well below the sticker price. Low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $8,342 annually. Graduates face a median debt load of $27,000 and earn $32,992 ten years after graduation. The employment rate hits an impressive 95.6%, though only 17.49% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans.

Athletics provide another avenue for student engagement, with 277 athletes competing across 12 NAIA sports as the Bulldogs. The university awards over $1 million in athletic scholarships annually. However, academic persistence remains challenging, with graduation rates of 15.55% after four years reflecting the support needs of the student population.

Academics & Faculty

Jarvis Christian University operates as a historically black Christian college with a strong focus on education and business programs. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes, though this support doesn't always translate to completion success. Only 15.1% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many students face despite the intimate academic environment. The university particularly emphasizes teacher preparation and business training, staying true to its mission of developing Christian leaders. With 730 students on campus, professors know their students by name and can provide individualized mentoring. The college's semester system allows for deep engagement in coursework, especially beneficial for first-generation college students who make up much of the student body.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 33.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 15.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 15.1%
Retention Rate: 48.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $32,992
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$23,456
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$21,234

View all 24 programs →

Campus Life

Jarvis Christian University sits in rural East Texas, about 100 miles east of Dallas. With 730 students and housing for 750, nearly everyone lives on campus in this close-knit HBCU community. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and story. You'll need both winter coats for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for blazing Texas summers that reach the 90s.

Campus life revolves around Christian fellowship and Bulldog athletics. With 277 athletes competing in 12 NAIA sports, games draw crowds from the entire campus. Weekend activities center on campus events, church services, and trips to nearby Marshall or Longview for shopping and dining. The 48.78% retention rate reflects the challenges some students face adjusting to rural campus life and academic demands. But those who stay find a supportive environment where 62.47% of students are Black and the Disciples of Christ tradition emphasizes service and community engagement. Greek organizations and campus ministries provide additional social outlets in this tight-knit environment.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity: 750 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1912

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Dating Violence	2	2	0	0
Aggravated Assault	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 32°–55°F
July Avg: 70°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Students at this small historically black Christian college come primarily from Texas, with over 80% choosing to stay close to home. The student body is majority Black with a growing Hispanic population, reflecting the changing demographics of East Texas. More than half receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves students from lower-income families who might not otherwise afford college. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for education-focused institutions. The Disciples of Christ affiliation attracts students seeking a faith-based education rooted in social justice values.

Men: 47.3%
Women: 52.7%
White: 2.5%
Black: 62.5%
Hispanic: 18.9%
Asian: 0.1%
In-State Students: 80.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 52.3%

Location

Jarvis Christian University sits in Hawkins, Texas, about 120 miles east of Dallas in the rural Piney Woods region. The campus serves 730 students in a small East Texas town surrounded by forests and farmland. Over 80% of students come from within Texas, drawn to this close-knit community where everyone knows each other. The rural setting means fewer distractions and a tight campus culture, though students need cars to reach larger cities for internships or entertainment. The nearest significant urban area is Marshall, Texas, about 20 minutes away. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Jarvis Christian University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Hawkins, Texas 75765-1470

J.N. Ervin Center, Jarvis Christian College IMG

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $32,992
Median Earnings (5 years): $37,647
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $22,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 17.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements like at Jarvis Christian University?

Jarvis Christian University maintains a 48.78% retention rate, suggesting they accept students with varying academic backgrounds. This historically black Christian college focuses on giving students opportunities regardless of test scores or perfect GPAs. The small student body of 730 creates an intimate environment where admissions counselors can evaluate each applicant individually.

How much does Jarvis Christian University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,409 annually at Jarvis Christian University. Over half of students (52.26%) receive Pell Grants, making this HBCU accessible to low-income families. The same tuition rate of $11,720 applies to both in-state and out-of-state students.

What is the academic environment like at Jarvis Christian University?

Jarvis Christian University offers a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in every class. The college operates on a semester system and emphasizes preparing students for careers in education and business. This Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) institution combines faith-based learning with professional development.

What career outcomes can graduates expect from Jarvis Christian University?

Graduates earn a median salary of $32,992 ten years after graduation, with a 95.6% employment rate. The 15.10% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face, but those who complete their degrees find steady work. Monthly loan payments average $286 for the typical graduate debt of $27,000.

Where is Jarvis Christian University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in rural Hawkins, Texas, with housing capacity for 750 students in a close-knit community setting. About 81% of the 730 students come from within Texas, creating strong regional connections. The Bulldogs compete in 12 NAIA varsity sports with 277 total athletes receiving over $1 million in athletic scholarships.

Is Jarvis Christian University a historically black college?

Yes, Jarvis Christian University is an HBCU founded in 1912, with 62.47% of students identifying as Black. The student body also includes 18.90% Hispanic students and reflects the changing demographics of East Texas. Women make up 52.74% of enrollment, and the college maintains its mission of serving underrepresented communities through Christian higher education.