Southwestern Adventist University: 53.6% Acceptance Rate

53.6%Acceptance

$24,588Tuition

574Students

41%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$52,946Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalOtherStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Seventh-day Adventist

About Southwestern Adventist University

Southwestern Adventist University builds its identity around Christian education and service-oriented careers. The school enrolls 574 students in a small Texas town setting where faith integration shapes every academic program. Nursing, education, and business programs draw students who want to blend professional training with Seventh-day Adventist values. The university maintains strong ties to Adventist healthcare systems and schools, creating clear pathways for graduates entering these fields.

Students pay an average net price of $20,581 after financial aid, with costs varying by family income. Graduates earn a median of $52,946 ten years after leaving school, though they typically carry $26,998 in debt. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. About 39% of students receive Pell grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving lower-income families within the Adventist community.

The student body reflects the university's geographic reach and denominational ties. Hispanic students comprise 52% of enrollment, while 66% come from Texas. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio enables close mentoring relationships that define the SAU experience. However, the 41% six-year graduation rate suggests academic challenges, and the 70% retention rate indicates some students struggle to find their fit.

Academics & Faculty

Southwestern Adventist University centers its academics around Christian education with particularly strong nursing, education, and business programs that serve the Seventh-day Adventist community. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and can provide individualized attention across all 574 enrolled students. However, the 41% six-year graduation rate suggests many students face challenges completing their degrees despite this close faculty support. The university's nursing program has built a solid regional reputation, while education graduates often find positions in Adventist school systems nationwide. With 70% of students returning after freshman year, most find the faith-based academic environment engaging enough to continue their studies.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 95.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 44.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 41.1%
Retention Rate: 70.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $52,946
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$66,941

View all 42 programs →

Campus Life

This small Texas campus sits 35 miles south of Dallas-Fort Worth, putting big-city internships and entertainment within reach. The 574 students experience hot summers and mild winters where a light jacket suffices for the coldest months. About 65% of students stay in-state, creating a tight-knit community where the 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name.

Campus housing accommodates 375 students, so roughly two-thirds live on campus in a residential environment shaped by Seventh-day Adventist traditions. Weekends revolve around outdoor activities in the Texas heat, trips to nearby Fort Worth, and campus events that respect the university's Christian mission. The 52% Hispanic enrollment creates a active multicultural atmosphere uncommon at many religious colleges. With only 68 total athletes across five varsity sports, the Knights compete at a smaller scale that emphasizes participation over spectacle. Students often describe the campus as family-like, where the 70% retention rate reflects genuine community bonds rather than academic pressure.

Setting: Town-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 375 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1893

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 32°–57°F
July Avg: 71°–95°F
Annual Precipitation: 37.6"
Annual Snowfall: -1,554.3"

Student Demographics

Southwestern Adventist draws students primarily from Texas, with two-thirds staying in-state for this faith-based education. The student body is majority Hispanic, reflecting the university's commitment to serving diverse communities in its region. Women slightly outnumber men, aligning with the school's strong nursing and education programs that traditionally attract more female students. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves many first-generation and lower-income families seeking affordable Christian higher education. The small enrollment of 574 creates tight-knit campus community bonds.

Men: 45.8%
Women: 54.2%
White: 20.7%
Black: 11.2%
Hispanic: 52.1%
Asian: 5.4%
In-State Students: 65.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 38.9%

Location

Southwestern Adventist University sits in Keene, Texas, about 30 miles southwest of Fort Worth. The 574-student campus occupies a small town setting on the edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Keene has roughly 6,000 residents and maintains a quiet, rural atmosphere despite its proximity to major urban centers. The surrounding area features rolling hills and farmland typical of north-central Texas. Students can reach downtown Dallas in about an hour, offering access to internships and cultural opportunities while studying in a peaceful environment. The town's character aligns with the university's Christian mission and close-knit community feel. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Southwestern Adventist University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Keene, Texas 76059

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $52,946
Median Earnings (5 years): $55,420
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $39,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 52.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,998

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Southwestern Adventist University?

Southwestern Adventist University accepts 53.62% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1040. This Seventh-day Adventist institution in Keene, Texas maintains moderately selective admissions while serving a diverse student body of 574 students.

How much does Southwestern Adventist University cost after financial aid?

Students at Southwestern Adventist University pay an average net price of $20,581 annually. The university charges $24,588 in tuition regardless of residency, with 38.85% of students receiving Pell Grants to help cover the $34,820 total cost of attendance.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Southwestern Adventist University?

Southwestern Adventist University maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with only 574 total students enrolled. The small class sizes support the university's focus on Christian education and strong programs in nursing, education, and business.

What are the graduation rates at Southwestern Adventist University?

Southwestern Adventist University graduates 44.10% of students in four years and 41.10% within six years. Graduates earn a median salary of $52,946 after ten years, with an employment rate of 93.7% showing strong career outcomes despite the graduation challenges.

Where is Southwestern Adventist University located and what is campus life like?

Southwestern Adventist University sits in Keene, Texas, a town-fringe setting with housing capacity for 375 students. The campus maintains a 70.40% retention rate and operates on a semester calendar, creating a close-knit community for the Knights athletics teams.

What makes Southwestern Adventist University unique as a Christian institution?

Southwestern Adventist University has served the Seventh-day Adventist community since 1893 with a diverse student body that is 52.09% Hispanic and 20.73% White. The university offers five varsity sports for 68 total athletes while maintaining its Christian educational mission without offering athletic scholarships.