Overview
Southwestern Adventist University is a moderately selective private four-year institution in Keene, Texas. The school accepts 53.6% of applicants and enrolls 574 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 53.6%
- Average SAT
- 1,040
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 900–1,180
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 21
- Total Enrollment
- 574
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Southwestern Adventist University requires a statement of faith as part of your application, reflecting the school's Seventh-day Adventist foundation. You need to articulate how your spiritual beliefs align with the university's mission, even if you're not Adventist yourself. The admissions committee expects genuine reflection on faith and service, not generic religious language.
The nursing program stands out as the university's flagship offering, with graduates earning strong salaries and high job placement rates. If you're applying for nursing, emphasize any healthcare experience, volunteer work in medical settings, or shadowing opportunities in your essays. The program maintains close ties with Adventist Health System hospitals, providing direct pathways to employment.
Your application will be stronger if you highlight community service and mission work. Southwestern actively recruits students who have participated in mission trips, community health initiatives, or disaster relief efforts. The campus culture revolves around service learning, with students regularly participating in local outreach programs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The university operates on a rolling admissions basis, so apply early for better financial aid consideration. Students who submit applications before December typically receive more generous aid packages. The small campus size means personal attention from faculty, but it also means fewer resources than larger universities.
Campus life follows Adventist guidelines, including vegetarian dining options, no alcohol, and Sabbath observance from Friday evening to Saturday evening. You'll fit well here if you appreciate a structured environment focused on spiritual growth alongside academics. The student body includes many international students, particularly from countries with strong Adventist communities.
Don't apply here expecting a typical college party scene. Instead, student activities center around outdoor recreation, music performances, and community service projects. The campus sits on 150 acres of Texas countryside, attracting students who prefer a quiet, close-knit environment over urban excitement.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $20,581/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $24,588
- Students Receiving Aid
- 39%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.1%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,946/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 70.4%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Southwestern Adventist University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Southwestern Adventist University typically requires either SAT or ACT scores as part of the application process. Contact the admissions office directly to confirm current testing requirements and any potential test-optional policies.
What is the application deadline for Southwestern Adventist University?
Application deadlines vary by program and semester at Southwestern Adventist University. Check the admissions website or contact the office directly for specific deadline information for your intended start date.
Does Southwestern Adventist University accept transfer credits?
Southwestern Adventist University does accept transfer credits from other accredited institutions. The number of credits that transfer depends on the courses taken and how they align with degree requirements.
What are the strongest programs at Southwestern Adventist University?
Southwestern Adventist University is particularly known for its nursing programs, including registered nursing and nursing administration. These health science programs are among the most popular and well-established at the university.