About John Brown University
John Brown University builds engineers and business leaders through a Christian lens in Arkansas's northwest corner. The 1,415 students gather in Siloam Springs, a small town that shapes campus culture around close-knit community values. Engineering and business programs anchor the academic experience, while the university maintains its founding commitment to integrating faith with rigorous academics. Students typically score around 1245 on the SAT, with 57% of applicants gaining admission.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for middle-class families. While sticker price hits $41,890, the average student pays $21,144 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $53,907 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $21,250 manageable with monthly payments around $225. Families earning under $110,000 see meaningful price reductions, with the lowest-income students paying just $17,732 annually.
The Golden Eagles compete in NAIA athletics with 184 student-athletes across nine sports, creating tight bonds in a campus where 81% of freshmen live on campus. Women make up 58% of students, and the 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures professors know their students personally. The 96% employment rate reflects strong industry connections, particularly in engineering fields where John Brown has built a solid regional reputation.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for middle-class families. While sticker price hits $41,890, the average student pays $21,144 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $53,907 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $21,250 manageable with monthly payments around $225. Families earning under $110,000 see meaningful price reductions, with the lowest-income students paying just $17,732 annually.
The Golden Eagles compete in NAIA athletics with 184 student-athletes across nine sports, creating tight bonds in a campus where 81% of freshmen live on campus. Women make up 58% of students, and the 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures professors know their students personally. The 96% employment rate reflects strong industry connections, particularly in engineering fields where John Brown has built a solid regional reputation.
Academics & Faculty
John Brown University combines Christian liberal arts education with standout professional programs, particularly engineering and business. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates small classes where professors know students personally and integrate faith with academics. With a 69% four-year graduation rate, students receive strong academic support throughout their studies. The engineering program attracts students seeking technical training within a Christian worldview, while business majors benefit from practical, ethics-focused curriculum. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world application across disciplines. Faculty mentor students closely, reflecting the school's commitment to developing both professional competence and Christian character in a supportive academic environment.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 95.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 69.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 66.8%
- Retention Rate
- 84.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,907
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $74,105 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $65,573 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $65,517 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $55,813 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $42,402 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $39,009 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $37,748 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
Campus Life
Siloam Springs sits in northwest Arkansas, about an hour from Fayetteville and two hours from Little Rock. With housing for 1,145 students and total enrollment of 1,415, nearly everyone lives on campus during their first few years. The small town setting means most social life revolves around campus activities and the tight-knit Christian community that defines JBU culture.
Students need both winter coats and summer gear for Arkansas weather. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates close mentoring relationships that extend beyond academics into spiritual development. With 57.53% women and 42.47% men, the campus maintains traditional Christian values while building strong engineering and business programs. Weekend activities center around Golden Eagles athletics, outdoor adventures in the Ozark foothills, and campus ministry events. The "Christ Over All" motto shapes daily chapel services and residence hall life. Students often describe the atmosphere as genuinely caring but academically challenging. Most find jobs quickly after graduation, with a 96.1% employment rate reflecting the university's practical approach to Christian education.
Students need both winter coats and summer gear for Arkansas weather. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates close mentoring relationships that extend beyond academics into spiritual development. With 57.53% women and 42.47% men, the campus maintains traditional Christian values while building strong engineering and business programs. Weekend activities center around Golden Eagles athletics, outdoor adventures in the Ozark foothills, and campus ministry events. The "Christ Over All" motto shapes daily chapel services and residence hall life. Students often describe the atmosphere as genuinely caring but academically challenging. Most find jobs quickly after graduation, with a 96.1% employment rate reflecting the university's practical approach to Christian education.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,145 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1919
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 28°–49°F
- July Avg
- 69°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 12.5"
Student Demographics
John Brown University draws students seeking a Christ-centered education in a close-knit environment. Women make up 58% of the student body, reflecting strong interest in the university's education and nursing programs alongside its engineering offerings. About two-thirds of students come from outside Arkansas, showing the school's regional appeal across the Bible Belt and beyond. The 21% Pell Grant rate indicates JBU serves middle-class families rather than predominantly low-income students. White students represent 68% of enrollment, with growing Hispanic representation at 12%, mirroring the university's expanding reach in diverse Christian communities.
- Men
- 42.5%
- Women
- 57.5%
- White
- 68.5%
- Black
- 1.1%
- Hispanic
- 11.9%
- Asian
- 1.8%
- In-State Students
- 37.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.4%
Location
Siloam Springs sits in northwest Arkansas near the Oklahoma border, about 20 miles from Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas. The town of roughly 17,000 residents provides a classic small college community atmosphere. With 1,145 students living on campus out of 1,415 total enrollment, the university creates a close-knit residential experience. The Ozark Mountains and Illinois River offer outdoor recreation opportunities just minutes from campus. Northwest Arkansas has grown into a major business center thanks to Walmart's headquarters in nearby Bentonville. The region blends small-town charm with corporate opportunities, giving students both peaceful study environments and internship prospects. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare John Brown University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Siloam Springs, Arkansas 72761
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,907
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,645
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $45,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $225/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at John Brown University?
John Brown University accepts 56.64% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1245. This Christian liberal arts university in Arkansas draws students who value faith-based education alongside solid academics.
How much does John Brown University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $21,144 annually at John Brown University, well below the sticker price of $30,832. The university keeps costs manageable for families, with graduates carrying a median debt of just $21,250.
What is John Brown University known for academically?
John Brown University operates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across 1,415 students. The school built its reputation on combining Christian liberal arts education with strong engineering and business programs.
What do graduates of John Brown University earn after college?
John Brown University graduates earn a median salary of $53,907 ten years after graduation. The school maintains a 96.1% employment rate, reflecting strong career preparation in its faith-based academic environment.
Where is John Brown University located and what is campus life like?
John Brown University sits in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, housing 1,145 students in a close-knit campus community. With 184 student athletes competing in 9 NAIA sports as the Golden Eagles, the school maintains strong school spirit in its small town setting.
Does John Brown University have a strong retention rate?
John Brown University retains 84.21% of students from freshman to sophomore year. The school graduates 68.98% of students in four years, reflecting the supportive Christian community atmosphere that has defined the university since 1919.
