Is Nelson University a Christian college?

Yes. Nelson University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Several districts of the Assemblies of God.

What is Nelson University’s Compass Score?

79 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

Where is chapel held at Nelson University?

Chapel is listed at Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

Christian college

#3 Best Christian colleges for exercise science and kinesiology in Texas

Nelson University

Waxahachie, TX · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Several districts of the Assemblies of God · Assemblies of God and Pentecostal

Real cost

Average price after aid $21,662 a year

Median debt at graduation: $24,725 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Honor Roll badge

Nelson University is an Assemblies of God university in Waxahachie, Texas. Chapel meets three times a week, attendance is required of undergraduates, and students on campus also attend weekly devotions with their residence hall. Bachelor's students take at least six general biblical studies courses, and the university offers a Bible and Theology major.

Faith life at a glance

A week at Nelson University

MonToday
No set time
TueToday
No set time
WedToday
- 10:15AMChapel
ThuToday
- 9:30AMChapel
FriToday
- 10:15AMChapel
SatToday
No set time
SunToday
No set time

No set time: Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun

Times as the college publishes them. Check before you plan a visit.

In the college’s own words

“The Hugh P. Jeter World Prayer Center is open daily to inspire intercessory prayer for all regions of the world as well as personal needs.”
Source: nelson.edu
“A Spiritual Emphasis Week is planned each semester at which time Christian stewardship and consecration are stressed.”
Source: nelson.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Full-time students attend chapel or devotions four days a week, and regular chapel attendance is required for undergraduates on campus.

Source: nelson.edu

What's a normal week?

Chapel meets Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:15 a.m., and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.

Source: nelson.edu

Where do I find community?

Entire sections of residence halls meet for group worship at regular intervals.

Source: nelson.edu

Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Nelson is committed to fulfilling the Great Commission, through student-led domestic and international mission trips.

Source: nelson.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

In Texas

Show 16 more

Academic Excellence

B-

51 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score42%
First-year retention 20% of score75%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreSAT 980
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score15 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$8,441

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

Worship and chapel

74 of 100 points · 7 of 7 found

Yes:
Chapel services during the week3 or more a week (Chapel on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (three services a week), plus weekly devotions on Tuesday.)
Sources (2)
1. Chapel - Nelson Universitynelson.edu/campus-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Wednesday & Friday: Chapel, 10:15 – 11:15 AM”
  Chapel is held on Wednesday and Friday at 10:15 AM.
  “Thursday: Chapel, 9:30 – 10:30 AM”
  Chapel is held on Thursday at 9:30 AM.
2. Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Full-time students (enrolled 12 or more hours) attend chapel four days per week (three chapel services and one Devo).”
  Full-time students attend chapel four days a week: three chapel services and one devotion.
Yes:
Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Required of undergraduates taking on-campus courses; the handbook sets an attendance scale for each semester.)
Sources (2)
1. Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Regular Chapel attendance will be required of all undergraduate students taking courses on campus.”
  Regular chapel attendance is required of undergraduates taking on-campus courses.
  “Full-time students (enrolled 12 or more hours) attend chapel four days per week (three chapel services and one Devo).”
  Full-time students attend chapel four days a week: three chapel services and one devotion.
2. Chapel - Nelson Universitynelson.edu/campus-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “chapel attendance is a required and meaningful part of student life”
  The chapel page says chapel attendance is required.
Partly:
Student worship nights or praise servicesNow and then (Special evening services are held each semester.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The University plans and conducts special evening services each semester.”
  Special evening worship services are held each semester.
Yes:
Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Daily or always open (The Hugh P. Jeter World Prayer Center is open daily; student prayer meetings also meet weekly.)
Sources (2)
1. Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Hugh P. Jeter World Prayer Center is open daily to inspire intercessory prayer for all regions of the world as well as personal needs.”
  The Hugh P. Jeter World Prayer Center is open daily.
2. Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Revival weekly prayer meeting focuses on needs and issues in the United States.”
  Student prayer ministries include a weekly prayer meeting, among others.
Partly:
Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsPart-time (Named Dorm Pastors serve each residence hall.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Dorm Pastors Bridges Hall Tallon & Alysen Ralstin 972-923-5550 Collins Hall Taylor & Reed Lewis 972-923-5551 Guynes Hall Zack & Christina Formby 972-923-5554 Savell Hall Ryan & Lyssa Tilus 972-923-5553 Teeter Hall Maddie & Kyle Lynch 972-923-5552”
  Named Dorm Pastors serve Bridges, Collins, Guynes, Savell and Teeter halls.
Yes:
A chapel or worship space on campusYes
Sources (1)
1. Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “All prayer meetings are conducted in the Jeter World Prayer room on the second floor of the Sheaffer Center.”
  Prayer meetings are held in a prayer room on the second floor of the Sheaffer Center.
  “ID Scanners located at the exits of the Sheaffer Center auditorium record chapel attendance.”
  Chapel is held in the Sheaffer Center auditorium.
Partly:
Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer5 or 6 times a week (5 weekly times documented: 3 chapel, 0 worship night, 2 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).

Bible and theology

100 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

Yes:
Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (Every bachelor's student must take General Biblical Studies. The 2026-27 catalog lists 18 hours (six 3-credit courses) for a B.A. such as Child and Family Studies; the B.A. in Bible and Theology lists 24 hours. The count uses the minimum of 18 hours, which is six courses.)
Sources (1)
1. Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “All full-time students are to include at least one course from the General Biblical Studies component of General Education Studies per semester of enrollment until their requirement is satisfied.”
  Full-time students must take General Biblical Studies courses until the requirement is met.
  “General Biblical Studies: 18 hours”
  The B.A. Child and Family Studies requires 18 hours of General Biblical Studies.
  “REL 1173 Introduction to Biblical Literature”
  One of the General Biblical Studies courses is REL 1173 Introduction to Biblical Literature.
  “THE 2333 Pentecostal Doctrine and History”
  THE 2333 Pentecostal Doctrine and History is one of the General Biblical Studies courses.
Not enough information:
Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes
Sources (1)
1. Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “committed to the authority of the Bible and the integration of biblical values in all academic disciplines.”
  The university's Bible-based education core value commits it to integrating biblical values in all academic disciplines.
Yes:
Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes
Sources (1)
1. Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Bible and Theology degree provides foundational study in the Bible and Christian theology”
  A Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Theology is offered.
Yes:
A published statement of faithYes
Sources (1)
1. Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Nelson University embraces and supports the doctrinal teaching of the General Council of the Assemblies of God as set forth in Article V, Statement of Fundamental Truths of its Constitution.”
  The university publishes a statement of faith based on the Assemblies of God doctrines.

Christian community

100 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

Yes:
Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)5 or more (11 people named as dorm pastors in the 2026-27 handbook (five couples, plus one off-campus pastor), and the Director of Chapel Worship.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Dorm Pastors Bridges Hall Tallon & Alysen Ralstin 972-923-5550 Collins Hall Taylor & Reed Lewis 972-923-5551 Guynes Hall Zack & Christina Formby 972-923-5554 Savell Hall Ryan & Lyssa Tilus 972-923-5553 Teeter Hall Maddie & Kyle Lynch 972-923-5552”
  Named Dorm Pastors serve Bridges, Collins, Guynes, Savell and Teeter halls.
  “Meredith Jones Director, Chapel Worship”
  Meredith Jones is listed as Director of Chapel Worship.
Yes:
Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearSeveral (Spiritual Emphasis Week each semester, Spiritual Saturation Week and a Missions Convention.)
Sources (2)
1. Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “A Spiritual Emphasis Week is planned each semester at which time Christian stewardship and consecration are stressed.”
  A Spiritual Emphasis Week is planned each semester.
2. Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The President’s office provides many special spiritual services each semester, such as Spiritual Saturation Week and Missions Convention.”
  Special spiritual services, including Spiritual Saturation Week and a Missions Convention, are held each semester.
Yes:
Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany
Sources (2)
1. Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Revival weekly prayer meeting focuses on needs and issues in the United States.”
  Student prayer ministries include a weekly prayer meeting, among others.
  “The purpose of SMA is to extend the Gospel of the Kingdom of God at home and abroad”
  The Student Missions Association exists to extend the gospel at home and abroad.
2. Student Organizations - Nelson Universitynelson.edu/campus-life/student-organizations · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Lions United is an affiliated student organization with the purpose of uniting all student-athletes on campus”
  Lions United is a student organization for athletes that is affiliated with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes in Action.
Not enough information:
Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In every hall (Dorm pastors are named for Bridges, Collins, Guynes, Savell (with Kendrick Hall) and Teeter halls; devotions are held in each residence.)
Sources (2)
1. Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Students who take on-campus classes are to attend devotions on Tuesday nights at 9 pm with their dorm under the direction of the Dorm Pastor and Resident Assistants.”
  On-campus students meet with their dorm for devotions on Tuesday nights under the Dorm Pastor.
  “Dorm Pastors Bridges Hall Tallon & Alysen Ralstin 972-923-5550 Collins Hall Taylor & Reed Lewis 972-923-5551 Guynes Hall Zack & Christina Formby 972-923-5554 Savell Hall Ryan & Lyssa Tilus 972-923-5553 Teeter Hall Maddie & Kyle Lynch 972-923-5552”
  Named Dorm Pastors serve Bridges, Collins, Guynes, Savell and Teeter halls.
  “Savell and Kendrick Halls - 972.923.5553”
  Kendrick Hall is listed with Savell Hall for residence hall direction.
2. Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “At regular intervals entire sections of the residence halls meet for group worship.”
  Residence hall sections meet for group worship at regular intervals.
Not enough information:
Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes (The Missions Department runs approved mission-field programs. The Office of Spiritual Life is not separately named.)
Sources (1)
1. Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Nelson University Missions Department offers students the opportunity for an “In-Context Experience” semester.”
  The Missions Department offers a semester of study abroad or in intercultural U.S. locations.

Missions and service

81 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

Yes:
Service or outreach officeYes
Sources (1)
1. Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “This group of student-led ministries reach out to the Waxahachie and greater Dallas/Fort Worth community in evangelism”
  Student-led Community Outreach ministries serve the Waxahachie and Dallas/Fort Worth area in evangelism and service.
  “The purpose of SMA is to extend the Gospel of the Kingdom of God at home and abroad”
  The Student Missions Association exists to extend the gospel at home and abroad.
Not enough information:
Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Missions trips offered to studentsSome (Student-led teams travel over spring and summer breaks.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Nelson University is committed to fulfilling the Great Commission and this is evident through student-led domestic and international mission trips.”
  Student-led domestic and international mission trips are offered.
  “Team Leaders and Assistant Team Leaders are appointed during the first half of the Fall Semester to recruit and lead teams to various nations of the world over the Spring and Summer Breaks.”
  Student teams travel to various nations over spring and summer breaks.
Partly:
Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceSome (One named partnership (Daymark Living) plus several community outreach ministries.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “In partnership with Daymark Living, a special-needs assisted living”
  The Friend to All outreach works in partnership with Daymark Living in Waxahachie.
Yes:
Cross-cultural or global ministry programsMany (World Outreach mission teams, the Engage in Missions program, an in-context semester abroad and the Intercultural Studies programs.)
Sources (2)
1. Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Nelson University is committed to fulfilling the Great Commission and this is evident through student-led domestic and international mission trips.”
  Student-led domestic and international mission trips are offered.
2. Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Engage in Missions is an option for mature first-time only Nelson University students who feel a call to missions”
  Engage in Missions is an option that places students with Assemblies of God missionaries on the mission field.
  “The Nelson University Missions Department offers students the opportunity for an “In-Context Experience” semester.”
  The Missions Department offers a semester of study abroad or in intercultural U.S. locations.
  “Our programs in Intercultural Studies and Humanitarian Relief and Development hold students to demanding standards”
  Intercultural Studies and Humanitarian Relief and Development programs are offered.
Yes:
Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The purpose of SMA is to extend the Gospel of the Kingdom of God at home and abroad”
  The Student Missions Association exists to extend the gospel at home and abroad.

Strengths

Chapel meets three times a week and is required of undergraduates taking on-campus courses, with a set attendance scale each semester.
Sources (2)
1. Chapel - Nelson Universitynelson.edu/campus-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Wednesday & Friday: Chapel, 10:15 – 11:15 AM”
  Chapel is held on Wednesday and Friday at 10:15 AM.
2. Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Regular Chapel attendance will be required of all undergraduate students taking courses on campus.”
  Regular chapel attendance is required of undergraduates taking on-campus courses.
  “Full-time students (enrolled 12 or more hours) attend chapel four days per week (three chapel services and one Devo).”
  Full-time students attend chapel four days a week: three chapel services and one devotion.
The Hugh P. Jeter World Prayer Center is open daily, and student prayer groups meet weekly.
Sources (2)
1. Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Hugh P. Jeter World Prayer Center is open daily to inspire intercessory prayer for all regions of the world as well as personal needs.”
  The Hugh P. Jeter World Prayer Center is open daily.
2. Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Revival weekly prayer meeting focuses on needs and issues in the United States.”
  Student prayer ministries include a weekly prayer meeting, among others.
Named dorm pastors serve residence halls, with devotions held in each dorm.
Sources (1)
1. Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Dorm Pastors Bridges Hall Tallon & Alysen Ralstin 972-923-5550 Collins Hall Taylor & Reed Lewis 972-923-5551 Guynes Hall Zack & Christina Formby 972-923-5554 Savell Hall Ryan & Lyssa Tilus 972-923-5553 Teeter Hall Maddie & Kyle Lynch 972-923-5552”
  Named Dorm Pastors serve Bridges, Collins, Guynes, Savell and Teeter halls.
  “Students who take on-campus classes are to attend devotions on Tuesday nights at 9 pm with their dorm under the direction of the Dorm Pastor and Resident Assistants.”
  On-campus students meet with their dorm for devotions on Tuesday nights under the Dorm Pastor.
Every bachelor's student takes General Biblical Studies, at least 18 hours (six courses), and a Bible and Theology major is offered.
Sources (1)
1. Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “All full-time students are to include at least one course from the General Biblical Studies component of General Education Studies per semester of enrollment until their requirement is satisfied.”
  Full-time students must take General Biblical Studies courses until the requirement is met.
  “General Biblical Studies: 18 hours”
  The B.A. Child and Family Studies requires 18 hours of General Biblical Studies.
  “The Bible and Theology degree provides foundational study in the Bible and Christian theology”
  A Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Theology is offered.

Concerns

No official page found says that faculty affirm the statement of faith.
Sources (1)
1. Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Nelson University embraces and supports the doctrinal teaching of the General Council of the Assemblies of God as set forth in Article V, Statement of Fundamental Truths of its Constitution.”
  The university publishes a statement of faith based on the Assemblies of God doctrines.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Nelson University Chapel (Sheaffer Center)

Address: 1200 Sycamore St., Waxahachie, TX 75165
Location: On campus
Facilities: chapel, prayer room

View on map ↗

Source: nelson.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, nelson.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, nelson.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, nelson.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (2)

Chapel - Nelson Universitynelson.edu/campus-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Wednesday & Friday: Chapel, 10:15 – 11:15 AM”
Chapel is held on Wednesday and Friday at 10:15 AM.
Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“ID Scanners located at the exits of the Sheaffer Center auditorium record chapel attendance.”
Chapel is held in the Sheaffer Center auditorium.
“The purpose of SMA is to extend the Gospel of the Kingdom of God at home and abroad”
The Student Missions Association exists to extend the gospel at home and abroad.

Christian clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 3 on campus, 2 off campus

Service 2

Community Outreach ministriesOff campus
Usually weekly
Student ministries in Waxahachie and Dallas/Fort Worth, including an after-school program, a ministry to adults with special needs and a weekly outreach to the homeless of downtown Dallas.
nelson.edu, nelson.edu
World Outreach mission teamsOff campus
Spring and summer breaks
Student-led domestic and international mission trips, organized through the Student Missions Association.
nelson.edu, nelson.edu

Faith formation 2

Student Missions Association (SMA) prayer ministriesOn campus
Weekly prayer meetings, in the Jeter World Prayer room
Student-led prayer groups for the campus, the nations and the Muslim community, among others.
nelson.edu, nelson.edu
Dorm devotionsOn campus
Tuesday nights at 9 pm
Weekly devotions with each residence hall under its Dorm Pastor and Resident Assistants.
nelson.edu

Clubs and groups 1

Lions UnitedOn campus
Student-athlete group affiliated with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes in Action.
nelson.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 2

Wednesday, Friday10:15 AMChapel · Chapel runs to 11:15 AM; per the chapel page and the 2026-27 handbook.
Thursday9:30 AMChapel · Chapel runs to 10:30 AM.

Prayer 2

Tuesday9:00 PMResidence halls · Dorm devotions (weekly devotional meeting in each residence hall, led by the Dorm Pastor). Listed as a regular prayer time.
Tuesday9:30 AMHCC 1050 · Off-campus and married students' devotions, as stated in the 2026-27 handbook.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)

Chapel - Nelson Universitynelson.edu/campus-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Wednesday & Friday: Chapel, 10:15 – 11:15 AM”
Chapel is held on Wednesday and Friday at 10:15 AM.
“Thursday: Chapel, 9:30 – 10:30 AM”
Chapel is held on Thursday at 9:30 AM.
“Tuesday: Off Campus Devos, 9:30 AM, Dorm Devos, 9:00 PM”
Devotions are held on Tuesday at 9:30 AM (off campus) and 9:00 PM (in the residence halls).
“Tuesday: Off Campus Devos, 9:30 AM, Dorm Devos, 9:00 PM”
Devotions are held on Tuesday at 9:30 AM (off campus) and 9:00 PM (in the residence halls).

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Average net price by family income
Family income	Price after aid
Up to $30,000	$17,583
$30,001–$48,000	$18,396
$48,001–$75,000	$21,731
$75,001–$110,000	$23,883
Over $110,000	$25,474

Full cost of attendance before aid: $34,504 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS)	1,413
Men and women College Scorecard, fall 2023	Men 51% · Women 49%
First-generation students College Scorecard	38%
Total students	1,725
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$21,662
Cost of attendance (per year)	$34,504
Median federal debt at graduation	$24,725
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	42%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients College Scorecard, within 6 years	40%
Graduation rate for first-generation students College Scorecard, within 6 years	38%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years College Scorecard, within 3 years	53%
First-year retention	75%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$46,238
Admission rate	89%
Application fee IPEDS, 2023–24	$35
Typical rent HUD fair market rent, FY2026	About $1,648 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants	48%

Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 890–1090

Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT	980
SAT reading & writing	460–550
SAT math	430–540
ACT composite	—
Test policy	Required

Value index: 40 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

Median earnings by major
Major	Median earnings
Marketing	$66,477
Business administration	$52,229
Education (general)	$50,491
Liberal arts	$47,277
Bible/Biblical Studies	$43,808
Criminal justice	$43,110
Pastoral counseling	$39,707

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Accounting, Business (general), Classical and Ancient Studies, Clinical and counseling psychology, Communication studies, Counseling and mental health, Criminology, English, Family and human development, Film and video, History, Human resources, Human services, Kinesiology and exercise science, Mathematics, Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Music, Other communications technologies/technicians and support services, Other theology and religious vocations, Philosophy and Religious Studies, Psychology, Religious Education, Religious Music and Worship, Secondary education, Social work, Teacher education, Theatre, Theology.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

Most common bachelor’s fields
Field	Share of degrees
Theology and religious studies	31%
Business	17%
Liberal arts and general studies	12%
Education	11%
Public administration and social service	11%

Campus facts

School colors
Setting	Suburb
Part-time undergraduates	13%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older	16%
On-campus room and board (per year)	$9,598
Sports	NAIA · Sooner Athletic Conference
Students per faculty member	15 to 1
Disability services	Visit the office’s pageThe college’s own page
Faculty who are full-time	46%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student	$9,236IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm space	For about 60% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline service	Dallas Love Field (DAL)About 30 miles away · about 45 minutes by car
Town population	45,347Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or more	ArlingtonAbout 26 miles away · about 45 minutes by car
Typical weather	45°F in January · 84°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Waxahachie, TX

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

On-campus crimes per 1,000 students
Category	This campus	U.S. rate
Rape	0.00	0.07
Robbery	0.00	0.01
Aggravated assault	0.00	0.04
Burglary	0.28	0.08
Motor vehicle theft	0.56	0.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Christian churches nearby

CampusChristian centerOpen a street map ›

No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.

Questions families ask

Is Nelson University a Christian college?: Yes. Nelson University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Several districts of the Assemblies of God.
What is Nelson University’s Compass Score?: 79 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Nelson University?: Chapel is listed at Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

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Contact details for Chapel office (Questions about chapel (Director of Chapel Worship: Meredith Jones)) and 2 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 228325
Carnegie classification: Master's university (small programs)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Assemblies of God Church
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