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70.9%Acceptance
$33,122Tuition
1,452Students
48%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$46,660Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Baptist

About Missouri Baptist University

Missouri Baptist University builds future nurses, teachers, and business leaders through a Christian lens. The 1,452 students study on a suburban St. Louis campus where faith shapes academics and campus life. Known for strong nursing, business, and education programs, this Baptist university has equipped graduates for service-oriented careers since 1957.

Students pay an average net price of $25,807 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $46,660 ten years after leaving, while typical student debt sits at $22,500. The monthly loan payment of $239 reflects manageable borrowing relative to earning potential. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to $23,437, showing the university's commitment to affordability.

Athletics dominate campus culture with 782 student-athletes competing across 23 NAIA sports. The Spartans receive over $14.6 million in athletic scholarships, meaning more than half the student body plays varsity sports. This creates an energetic campus where games matter and school spirit runs high. The 66.56% retention rate suggests students find their community, though the 48.20% six-year graduation rate indicates academic challenges that require persistence and support.

Academics & Faculty

Missouri Baptist University centers its academics around Christian values while offering practical career preparation. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than typical small colleges, but faculty still know students personally. The university has built a strong reputation for its nursing program, which prepares graduates for Missouri's growing healthcare sector. Business and education programs also attract many students seeking direct pathways to employment. The 44% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work and studies. MBU emphasizes hands-on learning and internships that connect classroom theory to real-world application. Students appreciate the integration of faith perspectives across academic disciplines.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
21:1
Full-Time Faculty
26.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
44.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
48.2%
Retention Rate
66.6%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,660
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Education, Other. Doctoral $72,796
Educational Administration and Supervision. Master $56,641
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $53,358
Curriculum and Instruction. Master $44,418
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Master $38,721
Educational/Instructional Media Design. Master $38,289
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $37,478
Health and Physical Education/Fitness. Master $36,848
Student Counseling and Personnel Services. Master $36,448
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $35,274

View all 62 programs →

Campus Life

Missouri Baptist University sits on a 65-acre suburban campus in west St. Louis County, about 20 minutes from downtown St. Louis. With housing capacity for just 398 students and total enrollment of 1,452, only about 27% of students live on campus. Most students commute from the surrounding metro area, since 69% are Missouri residents.

St. Louis brings hot, humid summers where you'll definitely need air conditioning and cold winters requiring a solid coat. The 782 student-athletes across 23 NAIA sports create much of the campus energy, representing over half the student body. Weekend activities often center around Spartans games or trips into St. Louis for Cardinals baseball, Blues hockey, or the city's famous barbecue scene. The Baptist foundation means chapel services and faith-based programming shape campus life. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name in this tight-knit community. Many students work part-time jobs in the area, contributing to the 95.7% employment rate among graduates.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
398 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1957

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
21°–40°F
July Avg
69°–88°F
Annual Precipitation
42.3"
Annual Snowfall
8.1"

Student Demographics

Missouri Baptist draws primarily local students, with 69% coming from Missouri. The student body reflects the university's mission to serve working families in the St. Louis area. Only 13% receive Pell Grants, suggesting middle-class enrollment rather than low-income students. Women outnumber men 54% to 27%, typical for schools strong in nursing and education programs. The demographics show 73% white and 14% Black students, mirroring greater St. Louis demographics. Students choose MBU for its Christian environment and practical career preparation in healthcare and business fields.
Men
45.7%
Women
54.3%
White
73.3%
Black
13.9%
Hispanic
0.4%
Asian
1.1%
In-State Students
69.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
12.7%

Location

Missouri Baptist University sits in suburban St. Louis, Missouri, just outside the city limits in one of America's major metropolitan areas. The campus draws 69% of its students from within Missouri, reflecting its strong regional appeal. St. Louis offers students access to professional sports, cultural attractions, and internship opportunities while maintaining a more affordable cost of living than coastal cities. The university's location in the Midwest provides a central center with easy travel access to other major cities. The suburban setting allows for a traditional college campus experience while keeping urban amenities within reach. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Missouri Baptist University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Saint Louis, Missouri 63141-8698

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,660
Median Earnings (5 years)
$46,891
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$31,500
Loan Repayment Rate
50.9%
Monthly Loan Payment
$239/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Missouri Baptist University?

Missouri Baptist University accepts 70.90% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1060-1200 on the SAT, making this a moderately selective Christian university that welcomes students with solid academic preparation.

How much does Missouri Baptist University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $25,807 after aid, down from the full cost of $48,760. The typical graduate leaves with $22,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $239, which is manageable given the school's focus on career-oriented programs.

Does Missouri Baptist University have small class sizes?

With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio and just 1,452 total students, classes tend to be intimate. This Baptist university emphasizes personal attention and mentorship, particularly in its well-regarded nursing, business, and education programs.

What are job prospects like for Missouri Baptist University graduates?

Graduates achieve a 95.7% employment rate and earn a median of $46,660 ten years after graduation. However, only 48.20% complete their degree within six years, reflecting the challenges many students face at this working-class institution.

Where do Missouri Baptist University students live?

The campus houses just 398 students in residence halls, so most of the 1,452 students commute from the greater St. Louis area. About 69% of students come from Missouri, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the suburban setting.

Is Missouri Baptist University strong in athletics?

The Spartans compete in 23 NAIA sports with 782 total athletes, making athletics a major part of campus life. The university awards $14,680,845 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating a serious commitment to recruiting competitive student-athletes across multiple sports.