Southwestern Christian University: $21,316 Tuition

$21,316Tuition

351Students

13%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,391Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearNAIAData: 2023-24Pentecostal Holiness

About Southwestern Christian University

Southwestern Christian University builds leaders through Pentecosal Holiness values in suburban Oklahoma City. This small Christian university enrolls just 351 students, creating an intimate community where faith and academics intersect. The school operates on NAIA athletics and maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Students here pursue ministry preparation alongside traditional degree programs, with the Eagles competing in 11 varsity sports.

The financial picture tells a challenging story. Students pay an average net price of $19,692 after aid, but graduates earn a median of $40,391 ten years after graduation. The 6-year graduation rate sits at just 12.70%, meaning most students don't finish their degrees. Those who do graduate carry a median debt of $20,715 with monthly payments around $220. Only 37% of borrowers successfully repay their loans.

The student body reflects regional diversity with 45% white students and significant representation from Black and Hispanic communities. About 72% come from Oklahoma, and the campus houses 221 students in residence halls. With 199 total athletes out of 351 students, sports play a major role in campus life. The school awards over $1.5 million in athletic scholarships, making it a pathway for student-athletes seeking Christian higher education.

Academics & Faculty

Southwestern Christian University operates as a small Pentecostal Holiness institution emphasizing ministry preparation and Christian service. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom settings where professors know each student personally. However, only 12.7% of students graduate within six years, reflecting significant academic and retention challenges. The university traditionally focuses on theology, ministry studies, and teacher education programs designed to prepare students for church leadership and Christian school teaching. With 351 total students, classes are discussion-based rather than lecture-heavy. Students receive intensive mentoring but must navigate limited resources and support systems that contribute to the 50% retention rate between freshman and sophomore years.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 43.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 14.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 12.7%
Retention Rate: 50.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,391
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.	Bachelor	$47,260
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$36,668
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$33,993
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$23,649

View all 20 programs →

Campus Life

This small campus in Bethany houses just 221 students in on-campus housing, about 63% of the total enrollment of 351. Oklahoma City sits just 10 miles southeast, giving students easy access to internships, entertainment, and city life without the urban campus feel. You'll need both winter coats for January lows in the 20s and plenty of sunscreen for summer temperatures that regularly hit the 90s.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles. With 199 total athletes across 11 varsity sports, nearly 57% of students compete for the Eagles in NAIA athletics. The Pentecostal Holiness affiliation shapes campus culture through required chapel services and community service expectations. Students often gather for intramural sports, campus ministry events, and trips to nearby Bricktown for Thunder games or concerts. The 50% retention rate suggests the intense religious environment and small-town setting aren't for everyone, but those who stay form tight-knit communities around shared faith and athletic pursuits.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 221 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1946

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	2	0	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–48°F
July Avg: 71°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 32.4"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

This Pentecostal Holiness university draws students primarily from Oklahoma and surrounding states who value faith-centered education. The student body reflects the school's mission to serve working-class families, with many students receiving Pell Grants and need-based aid. Men slightly outnumber women, likely reflecting strong programs in ministry and athletics. The diverse racial composition includes significant Black and Hispanic populations alongside white students. Most students come seeking affordable Christian education with personal attention in a small campus environment where faith and academics intersect.

Men: 57.0%
Women: 43.0%
White: 45.0%
Black: 13.1%
Hispanic: 8.8%
Asian: 1.1%
In-State Students: 72.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 41.1%

Location

Southwestern Christian University sits in Bethany, Oklahoma, a suburb just 10 miles northwest of Oklahoma City. The campus serves 351 students in the heart of the Great Plains region, where wide-open spaces and conservative values define the landscape. Bethany itself was founded as a Christian community in 1909 and maintains strong religious roots today. The town offers a quiet, faith-centered environment away from urban distractions but close enough to access Oklahoma City's internships and cultural opportunities. With 72% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with Oklahoma's plains and moderate climate. Students considering colleges in Oklahoma may also compare Southwestern Christian University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bethany, Oklahoma 73008

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,391
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,575
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 37.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $220/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,715

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the graduation rate at Southwestern Christian University?

Only 14.28% of students graduate within four years at Southwestern Christian University. This Pentecostal Holiness institution has a retention rate of just 50%, meaning half of first-year students don't return for their second year. The university serves a small community of 351 students with a focus on Christian ministry preparation.

How much does Southwestern Christian University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $19,692 per year at Southwestern Christian University. The total cost of attendance reaches $32,716, but 41.09% of students receive Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates typically leave with $20,715 in debt and monthly loan payments of $220.

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

Southwestern Christian University maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio across its 351 enrolled students. This small Christian university operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on biblical studies and ministry training. The intimate class sizes reflect the school's commitment to personalized Christian education.

What are the career outcomes for Southwestern Christian University graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $40,391 ten years after graduation, with 91.9% finding employment. However, only 37.35% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on time. The university's focus on ministry and Christian service often leads to careers in churches and religious organizations where salaries tend to be modest.

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

The campus sits in Bethany, Oklahoma, a large suburb that houses 221 students in on-campus housing. Nearly 200 student-athletes compete in 11 NAIA sports as the Eagles, with $1.5 million in athletic scholarships available. The student body is 56.98% male and draws primarily from Oklahoma, with 72.06% of students coming from in-state.

Does Southwestern Christian University have a religious affiliation?

Southwestern Christian University operates as a Pentecostal Holiness institution founded in 1946. The university integrates faith-based education throughout its programs, serving students who seek both academic training and spiritual formation. This religious foundation shapes campus culture, academic offerings, and student life activities.