Southwest Baptist University: 99.6% Acceptance Rate

99.6%Acceptance

$28,320Tuition

1,339Students

51%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$43,112Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Southern Baptist

About Southwest Baptist University

Southwest Baptist University integrates Christian faith into every aspect of campus life, from business classes to biology labs. The university enrolls 1,339 students in the small town of Bolivar, Missouri. With a 99.55% acceptance rate, SBU welcomes nearly every student who applies. The Southern Baptist institution emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement. Students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships.

The financial picture tells a story of accessibility and modest returns. Students pay an average net price of $21,082 after aid, less than the sticker price. Graduates earn a median salary of $43,112 ten years after graduation. Most students graduate with $20,957 in debt and monthly loan payments of $222. The 96.5% employment rate shows strong job placement, though earnings remain below national averages for college graduates.

Women comprise 62.21% of the student body, creating a campus culture that differs from typical coed environments. The Bearcats compete in 18 NCAA Division II sports with $3.6 million in athletic scholarships available. However, the 51.20% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees. Nearly three-quarters of students come from Missouri, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.

Academics & Faculty

Southwest Baptist University integrates Christian faith with traditional liberal arts education across its academic programs. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention from professors who view teaching as ministry. However, only 47% of students graduate in four years, suggesting academic rigor or life circumstances challenge many students. The university is particularly known for its education, nursing, and ministry programs that prepare students for service-oriented careers. With 1,339 students on campus, classes remain small and discussion-based. Faculty emphasize mentorship alongside instruction, creating an environment where Christian worldview shapes every discipline from business to biology. Students often praise the close relationships they build with professors.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 37.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 47.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 51.2%
Retention Rate: 66.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $43,112
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Doctoral	$68,931
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$61,516
Mathematics.	Bachelor	$59,948
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$53,454
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$49,631
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$45,794
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$44,942
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$38,289
Education, General.	Master	$36,776
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$35,060

View all 63 programs →

Campus Life

Bolivar sits 120 miles from Kansas City in the Missouri Ozarks, where students experience four distinct seasons and need both winter coats and summer gear. With housing capacity for 873 students and total enrollment of 1,339, about two-thirds of students live on campus. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate atmosphere where professors know students by name.

Campus life revolves around Christian community and Southern Baptist values. Chapel attendance is required, and faith integration happens across all academic programs. The Bearcats compete in 18 NCAA Division II sports with 430 total athletes, making athletics a visible part of campus culture. Women outnumber men 62% to 37%, and 76% of students are white. Weekend activities center on residence hall programming, intramural sports, and trips to nearby Springfield for shopping and dining. Students often gather for Bible studies, campus ministry events, and outdoor activities in the Ozark foothills. The small-town setting means most social life happens on campus, fostering close relationships within the tight-knit Christian community.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 873 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1878

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Domestic Violence	0	0	5
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	2
Stalking	1	1	0
Rape	0	0	1
Robbery	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–42°F
July Avg: 66°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 93.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Southwest Baptist draws students seeking Christian higher education in a small Missouri town. With 73% of students coming from Missouri, the university has built a strong regional reputation among Baptist families and faith-focused students. Women make up 62% of the student body, reflecting the school's emphasis on education, nursing, and ministry programs that traditionally attract female students. The 35% Pell Grant rate shows SBU serves middle-class families looking for affordable Christian education. The overwhelmingly white student population mirrors rural Missouri demographics and the Southern Baptist denomination's traditional base.

Men: 37.8%
Women: 62.2%
White: 76.0%
Black: 6.5%
Hispanic: 3.6%
Asian: 1.3%
In-State Students: 73.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 35.1%

Location

Southwest Baptist University sits in Bolivar, Missouri, a town of about 10,000 people located roughly 30 miles north of Springfield. The campus serves a student body where 73% come from in-state, reflecting the school's deep Missouri roots. Bolivar maintains a classic small college town atmosphere in the heart of the Ozarks region, with rolling hills and outdoor recreation opportunities nearby. The town centers around the university, creating a close-knit community feel that matches the school's 10:1 student-faculty ratio. With 873 students living on campus out of 1,339 total enrollment, the residential experience dominates campus life. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Southwest Baptist University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bolivar, Missouri 65613-2596

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $43,112
Median Earnings (5 years): $52,213
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 58.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $222/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,957

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Southwest Baptist University?

Southwest Baptist University accepts 99.55% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students seeking a Christian education. The average SAT score is 1038, reflecting the university's commitment to welcoming students with diverse academic backgrounds into its faith-based community.

How much does Southwest Baptist University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,082 annually after financial aid at Southwest Baptist University. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates leave with a median debt of $20,957, which is manageable given the school's focus on practical career preparation.

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

Southwest Baptist University maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,339 total students enrolled. This small class environment allows professors to integrate Christian perspectives into coursework while providing personalized attention in the university's rural Missouri setting.

What are the graduation rates at Southwest Baptist University?

Southwest Baptist University graduates 51% of students within six years and maintains a 96.5% employment rate after graduation. Alumni earn a median salary of $43,112 ten years after graduation, reflecting the university's emphasis on career readiness alongside spiritual development.

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

Southwest Baptist University sits in Bolivar, Missouri, a small town that houses 873 students in campus residence halls. The Bearcats compete in 18 NCAA Division II sports with 430 total athletes, creating a tight-knit community where 73% of students come from Missouri.

Does Southwest Baptist University offer athletic scholarships?

Southwest Baptist University awards $3,633,506 in athletic scholarships across its 18 varsity sports programs. The Bearcats compete in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, and athletics play a significant role in campus culture at this Southern Baptist institution founded in 1878.