Williams Baptist University: 59.3% Acceptance Rate

59.3%Acceptance

$20,330Tuition

490Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,484Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Southern Baptist

About Williams Baptist University

Williams Baptist University builds tight-knit community among its 490 students in rural Arkansas. The Christian liberal arts college emphasizes close faculty relationships with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Southern Baptist values shape campus culture and academic programs. The Eagles compete in 16 NAIA sports with 282 total athletes receiving $1.8 million in athletic scholarships.

Students pay an average net price of $15,875 after financial aid, less than the $30,560 sticker price. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, and 47% get federal loans. Graduates earn a median of $38,484 ten years after leaving school. Monthly loan payments average $231 for those with debt. The financial picture suggests moderate value given the rural setting and career outcomes.

Retention tells a concerning story about student satisfaction. Only 50% of freshmen return for sophomore year, well below national averages. The four-year graduation rate of 40% reflects the challenges many students face completing their degrees. However, those who do graduate find work readily, with a 94% employment rate. The close-knit environment works well for students who thrive in small, faith-based communities but may feel limiting for others seeking broader diversity or urban opportunities.

Academics & Faculty

Williams Baptist University delivers a traditional Christian liberal arts education with personal attention that comes from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The small college focuses on integrating faith with learning across disciplines like business, education, and ministry studies. However, the 35.90% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees despite the close mentoring relationships. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and character development rooted in Southern Baptist values. Students can expect to know their professors personally and receive individualized academic support. The liberal arts curriculum prepares graduates for diverse careers while strengthening their Christian worldview through required Bible courses and chapel attendance.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 39.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 35.9%
Retention Rate: 49.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,484
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

Williams Baptist sits in the Arkansas countryside, 90 miles northeast of Little Rock and two hours from Memphis. The 490 students experience true small-town life in Walnut Ridge, population 3,000. Nearly all students live on campus since housing capacity reaches 480. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and story.

Arkansas weather demands both winter coats and sunscreen. Summers reach the 90s with heavy humidity, while winters dip into the 30s with occasional snow. The 282 student-athletes make up more than half the student body, so game days drive weekend social life. The Eagles compete in 16 NAIA sports with athletic scholarships totaling $1.8 million. Chapel attendance remains mandatory at this Southern Baptist institution. Students often head to nearby Crowley's Ridge State Park for hiking or drive to Jonesboro for shopping and restaurants. The retention rate of 49.65% reflects the challenge some students face adjusting to rural isolation, but those who stay build tight bonds in this close-knit Christian community.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity: 480 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1941

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–45°F
July Avg: 69°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 51.5"
Annual Snowfall: 6.3"

Student Demographics

Williams Baptist draws students who want a tight-knit Christian community in rural Arkansas. Nearly 80% come from in-state, reflecting the university's strong roots in local Baptist communities across Arkansas. The student body splits evenly between men and women, typical for a liberal arts college that balances traditional programs with growing athletic opportunities. About half receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking affordable Christian higher education. With only 490 students total, everyone knows each other on this small campus where faith and academics intersect daily.

Men: 49.8%
Women: 50.2%
White: 74.7%
Black: 12.5%
Hispanic: 3.3%
Asian: 0.6%
In-State Students: 79.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 47.2%

Location

Williams Baptist University sits in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, about 120 miles northeast of Little Rock. The campus serves a rural community of roughly 3,000 residents in the Arkansas Delta region. Students experience true small-town life where nearly 80% of the student body comes from within Arkansas. The surrounding area features farmland and small communities typical of northeast Arkansas. Walnut Ridge itself revolves around agriculture and railroad history, offering few urban amenities but plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. The nearest larger city is Jonesboro, about 45 miles south. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare Williams Baptist University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Walnut Ridge, Arkansas 72476

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,484
Median Earnings (5 years): $43,180
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 61.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $231/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,820

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Williams Baptist University?

Williams Baptist University accepts 59% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small Christian college. The average SAT score is 1065, and students typically need strong faith commitment alongside decent academics to gain admission.

How much does Williams Baptist University cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $15,875 after aid, lower than the $30,560 sticker price. Nearly half of students receive federal Pell Grants, and the college works to make Christian education affordable for working-class families.

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

Williams Baptist maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with only 490 total students enrolled. This small size allows professors to know students personally and integrate faith into classroom discussions across all disciplines.

What are the graduation rates at Williams Baptist University?

Only 36% of students graduate within six years, which is low even for small colleges. The 50% retention rate suggests many students transfer or struggle to adjust to the rural Arkansas setting and Baptist culture.

Where is Williams Baptist University located?

The campus sits in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, a small town in the rural Delta region. Nearly 80% of students come from Arkansas, and the remote location appeals to those seeking a tight-knit Christian community away from big city distractions.

Does Williams Baptist University have strong athletics programs?

The Eagles compete in 16 NAIA sports with 282 total athletes, meaning over half the student body plays varsity athletics. The college awards $1.8 million in athletic scholarships, using sports as a major recruitment tool for this Southern Baptist institution.