Maranatha Baptist University: 75.1% Acceptance Rate

75.1%Acceptance

$20,280Tuition

566Students

66%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,593Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Baptist

About Maranatha Baptist University

Maranatha Baptist University weaves biblical principles into every corner of its academic program, from business classes to biology labs. The 566-student campus sits in small-town Watertown, Wisconsin, where students find a tight-knit community centered on Christian discipleship. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know their students by name and integrate faith with learning across all disciplines. The university accepts 75% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1115.

Students pay an average net price of $24,659 after financial aid, which represents solid value for a private Christian education. Graduates earn a median of $45,593 ten years after leaving school, while carrying manageable debt loads of just $14,143. The numbers work in students' favor with monthly loan payments averaging only $150. About 34% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves families across income levels.

Campus life revolves around the Sabercats athletic teams, with 126 student-athletes competing in 10 NCAA Division III sports. The 4-year graduation rate of 60% reflects the school's commitment to helping students finish what they start. Women outnumber men 60% to 40%, and the student body draws primarily from Wisconsin and surrounding Midwest states.

Academics & Faculty

Maranatha Baptist University operates as a Christian liberal arts college where biblical principles shape every academic program. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention from professors who integrate faith with learning. Students pursue majors in areas like education, business, and ministry while taking required Bible courses each semester. The 60% four-year graduation rate reflects the school's demanding academic standards combined with its supportive Christian community. Faculty members serve as mentors who know students by name. The curriculum emphasizes preparing graduates for careers that align with Christian values. Small class sizes foster discussion-based learning where students engage directly with professors rather than teaching assistants.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 61.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 60.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 65.7%
Retention Rate: 75.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,593
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$36,134
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General.	Bachelor	$25,194
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$18,315

View all 48 programs →

Campus Life

This small Baptist university sits in southeastern Wisconsin, about an hour from Milwaukee and two hours from Madison. With just 566 students, nearly everyone knows each other on the compact campus. The student body is 60% women and nearly 80% white, creating a close-knit community where Christian faith shapes daily interactions.

Wisconsin winters demand heavy coats and snow boots, while summers bring comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. The housing capacity of 768 beds means most students live on campus, fostering strong relationships through residence hall programming and campus ministries. Only 31% of students come from Wisconsin, so weekends often center around campus rather than going home.

Students gather for chapel services, intramural sports among the 10 varsity programs, and faith-based social events. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and often join them for meals or campus activities. Small class sizes create an intimate academic environment where biblical worldview integration happens through discussion rather than lecture halls.

Setting: Town-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 768 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1968

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 9°–26°F
July Avg: 60°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 36.0"
Annual Snowfall: 34.1"

Student Demographics

Students come from across the Midwest and beyond, with 70% traveling from out-of-state to attend this Baptist university. The student body skews female at 60%, typical for liberal arts colleges that emphasize education and ministry programs. About one-third receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to making Christian education accessible to working-class families. White students make up nearly 80% of enrollment, though Asian students represent 7% of the campus. Most students share the Baptist faith tradition and seek an education grounded in biblical principles.

Men: 39.9%
Women: 60.1%
White: 79.2%
Black: 1.6%
Hispanic: 5.8%
Asian: 7.1%
In-State Students: 31.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 34.0%

Location

Watertown, Wisconsin sits about 60 miles west of Milwaukee and 45 miles east of Madison, placing Maranatha Baptist University in the heart of Wisconsin's lake country. The town of roughly 24,000 residents offers a classic small-town atmosphere with tree-lined streets and historic downtown architecture. Wisconsin's Glacial Lake Country surrounds the campus, featuring over 50 lakes within a 15-mile radius that provide year-round recreation opportunities. The 30.95% of students who come from Wisconsin often appreciate staying close to home while experiencing the university's tight-knit community of 566 students. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare Maranatha Baptist University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Watertown, Wisconsin 53094

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,593
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,042
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 78.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $150/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $14,143

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Maranatha Baptist University?

Maranatha Baptist University accepts 75% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small Christian institution. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 990-1240 on the SAT, reflecting the university's focus on integrating biblical worldview across all academic disciplines.

How much does Maranatha Baptist University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $24,659 annually at Maranatha Baptist University. About 34% of students receive financial aid, and graduates leave with a median debt of just $14,143, which is relatively low for private college education.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Maranatha Baptist University?

Maranatha Baptist University maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 566 total students enrolled. This small size allows for personalized attention in a Christian liberal arts environment where professors integrate biblical principles into their teaching.

What do graduates of Maranatha Baptist University earn after college?

Maranatha Baptist University graduates earn a median salary of $45,593 ten years after graduation. The employment rate is strong at 93%, though earnings reflect the university's emphasis on ministry and service-oriented careers rather than purely financial outcomes.

Where is Maranatha Baptist University located and what is campus life like?

The university sits in Watertown, Wisconsin, a small town setting that houses 768 students on campus. With 60% women and 40% men, the close-knit community includes 126 student-athletes competing in 10 NCAA Division III sports as the Sabercats.

How long does it take to graduate from Maranatha Baptist University?

Maranatha Baptist University has a 60% four-year graduation rate and 66% six-year graduation rate. The 76% retention rate reflects the university's Baptist foundation and tight-knit community, though some students may transfer to larger institutions or take longer to complete their degrees.