Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College

$11,250Tuition

74Students

55%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24Free Will Baptist

About Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College

This tiny Bible college dedicates itself to training ministers and church workers for the Free Will Baptist denomination. With just 74 students on a rural campus near Raleigh, Southeastern creates an intimate learning environment focused on biblical studies and ministry preparation. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally. The school draws almost exclusively from North Carolina, with 92% of students coming from in-state.

Students pay an average net price of $13,467 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable Christian colleges in the region. However, graduates earn a median of $25,502 one year after graduation, which reflects the modest salaries typical in ministry work. Only 36% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many families can afford the costs without extensive borrowing. The total cost of attendance sits at just $17,603 including room and board.

The student body retains at 93%, indicating strong satisfaction despite the specialized focus. However, only 44% graduate within four years, and 55% finish within six years. These lower completion rates are common at small religious institutions where students sometimes leave for ministry opportunities before finishing degrees. Every graduate who seeks employment finds work, though mostly in church-related positions.

Academics & Faculty

Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College focuses exclusively on preparing students for ministry and church leadership within the Free Will Baptist denomination. The school trains pastors, missionaries, and other church workers through biblically-centered programs. With just 74 students total, the college offers an intimate learning environment where professors know every student personally. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures individualized attention in biblical studies, theology, and ministry preparation courses. However, 54.5% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenge many face balancing rigorous theological training with practical ministry experience. The college's specialized mission attracts students specifically called to Free Will Baptist ministry rather than those seeking broad liberal arts education.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Graduation Rate (4-year): 43.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 54.5%
Retention Rate: 93.3%
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Transfer)

Campus Life

This tiny Bible college sits in rural North Carolina, about 20 miles east of Raleigh. The campus houses 120 students in dormitories, meaning most of the 74 enrolled students live on campus in this close-knit community. You'll need both winter coats for January lows in the 30s and summer clothes for humid 80-degree days.

The 8:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know every student by name. With 92% of students from North Carolina, many come from Free Will Baptist churches across the state. The student body is 55% male, reflecting the school's focus on training ministers and church workers. Weekend activities center around chapel services, small group Bible studies, and fellowship events rather than typical college parties. Students often travel to nearby Free Will Baptist churches for ministry opportunities and practical experience. The rural setting means trips to Raleigh for shopping or entertainment, but most social life happens on the compact campus where faith and academics blend seamlessly in daily routine.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 120 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 29°–52°F
July Avg: 69°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 52.1"
Annual Snowfall: 3.2"

Student Demographics

Students at this small Bible college come overwhelmingly from North Carolina, with 92% hailing from in-state. The school draws young people committed to Free Will Baptist ministry, creating a tight-knit community of future pastors and church workers. Men slightly outnumber women at 55%, reflecting traditional ministry roles in conservative denominations. The student body is predominantly white at 92%, mirroring the demographics of rural North Carolina and the Free Will Baptist denomination. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves families of modest means seeking affordable theological education.

Men: 55.4%
Women: 44.6%
White: 91.9%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 4.1%
Asian: 1.4%
In-State Students: 92.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 36.5%

Location

Wendell, North Carolina sits about 15 miles northeast of Raleigh in the state's Piedmont region. The town has roughly 6,000 residents and maintains a small-town atmosphere despite its proximity to the Research Triangle. Wake County's rural-fringe setting offers students access to both farmland and suburban development. The area experiences all four seasons with mild winters typical of central North Carolina. Students can reach downtown Raleigh in under 30 minutes for internships or cultural activities. The campus houses up to 120 students in a close-knit community. Over 92% of students come from North Carolina, reflecting the college's regional focus. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Wendell, North Carolina 27591-9072

After College

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body size at Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College?

The college enrolls just 74 students, creating an intimate learning environment focused on ministry training. This small size allows for close mentorship between faculty and students preparing for careers in Free Will Baptist churches. The student-faculty ratio of 8:1 ensures personalized attention in biblical and theological studies.

How much does Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,467 annually, with tuition set at $11,250 for all students regardless of residency. About 36% of students receive financial aid, and those from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $12,681. The total cost of attendance including room and board is $17,603.

What is the graduation rate at Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 54.5%, while 43.9% of students complete their degree in four years. Despite these modest completion rates, the college maintains a strong 93.3% retention rate, indicating students are satisfied with their biblical education experience. Graduates achieve 100% employment, typically entering ministry roles within the Free Will Baptist denomination.

Where is Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College located?

The college sits in Wendell, North Carolina, a rural-fringe community that provides a quiet setting for theological study. About 92% of the 74 students come from within North Carolina, reflecting the school's regional focus on training ministers for local Free Will Baptist churches. The campus houses up to 120 students in its residential facilities.

What type of education does Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College provide?

This specialized Bible college focuses exclusively on training ministers and church workers within the Free Will Baptist denomination. The curriculum emphasizes biblical studies, theology, and practical ministry skills rather than traditional liberal arts subjects. With 55% male and 45% female students, the college prepares both men and women for various roles in Free Will Baptist ministry.

What are the post-graduation earnings for Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College alumni?

Graduates earn a median salary of $25,502 one year after completing their degree, reflecting the modest compensation typical of ministry positions. The college achieves 100% employment rates as graduates typically enter pastoral roles, church administration, or other ministry positions within Free Will Baptist congregations. This specialized training leads directly to career placement within the denomination's network of churches.