Christian college
#3 Best Christian colleges for theology in TexasNelson 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
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
Source: nelson.edu“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.”
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.eduWhat's a normal week?
Chapel meets Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:15 a.m., and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.
Source: nelson.eduWhere do I find community?
Entire sections of residence halls meet for group worship at regular intervals.
Source: nelson.eduCan 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.eduRankings
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
- Christian colleges with the strongest Bible and theology in America#1 of 132
- Christian colleges with the strongest Christian community in America#1 of 106
- Best Christian colleges for NAIA athletes in America#9 of 51
- Best small Christian colleges in America#20 of 104
- Best Christian colleges for criminal justice in America#20 of 99
- Christian colleges that require the most Bible and theology in America#28 of 125
In Texas
- Christian colleges with the strongest Bible and theology in Texas#1 of 15
- Christian colleges with the strongest Christian community in Texas#1 of 9
- Best Christian colleges for criminal justice in Texas#2 of 12
- Best Christian colleges for music in Texas#2 of 10
- Best small Christian colleges in Texas#2 of 10
- Best Christian colleges for business in Texas#3 of 14
Show 16 more
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- Best Christian colleges for history in Texas#3 of 12
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- Best Christian colleges in Texas#4 of 15
- Best Christian colleges for education in Texas#4 of 15
- Best Christian colleges for psychology in Texas#4 of 15
- Christian colleges with the strongest missions and service in Texas#4 of 14
- Best Christian colleges for accounting in Texas#3 of 10
- Best Christian colleges for marketing in Texas#3 of 10
- Christian colleges where the most freshmen return in Texas#4 of 13
- Lowest net price for middle-income families in Texas#4 of 13
- Best Christian colleges for theology in Texas#3 of 9
Academic Excellence
Each measure counts for the share shown.
- Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.42%
- First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.75%
- Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 980
- Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.15 to 1
- Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence 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: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.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)
- Chapel - Nelson Universitynelson.edu/campus-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Wednesday & Friday: Chapel, 10:15 – 11:15 AM”
“Thursday: Chapel, 9:30 – 10:30 AM”
- 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).”
- Chapel - Nelson Universitynelson.edu/campus-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.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)
- 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.”
“Full-time students (enrolled 12 or more hours) attend chapel four days per week (three chapel services and one Devo).”
- Chapel - Nelson Universitynelson.edu/campus-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“chapel attendance is a required and meaningful part of student life”
- Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Student worship nights or praise servicesNow and then (Special evening services are held each semester.)
Sources (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.”
- Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.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)
- 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.”
- 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.”
- Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsPart-time (Named Dorm Pastors serve each residence hall.)
Sources (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”
- Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.A chapel or worship space on campusYes
Sources (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.”
“ID Scanners located at the exits of the Sheaffer Center auditorium record chapel attendance.”
- Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.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: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.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)
- 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.”
“General Biblical Studies: 18 hours”
“REL 1173 Introduction to Biblical Literature”
“THE 2333 Pentecostal Doctrine and History”
- Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes
Sources (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.”
- Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes
Sources (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”
- Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.A published statement of faithYes
Sources (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.”
- Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Christian community
100 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.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)
- 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”
“Meredith Jones Director, Chapel Worship”
- Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearSeveral (Spiritual Emphasis Week each semester, Spiritual Saturation Week and a Missions Convention.)
Sources (2)
- 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.”
- 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.”
- Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany
Sources (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.”
“The purpose of SMA is to extend the Gospel of the Kingdom of God at home and abroad”
- 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”
- Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.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)
- 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.”
“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”
“Savell and Kendrick Halls - 972.923.5553”
- 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.”
- Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.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)
- 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.”
- Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Missions and service
81 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Service or outreach officeYes
Sources (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”
“The purpose of SMA is to extend the Gospel of the Kingdom of God at home and abroad”
- Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Missions trips offered to studentsSome (Student-led teams travel over spring and summer breaks.)
Sources (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.”
“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 Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceSome (One named partnership (Daymark Living) plus several community outreach ministries.)
Sources (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”
- Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.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)
- 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.”
- 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”
“The Nelson University Missions Department offers students the opportunity for an “In-Context Experience” semester.”
“Our programs in Intercultural Studies and Humanitarian Relief and Development hold students to demanding standards”
- Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (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”
- Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
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)
- Chapel - Nelson Universitynelson.edu/campus-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Wednesday & Friday: Chapel, 10:15 – 11:15 AM”
- 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.”
“Full-time students (enrolled 12 or more hours) attend chapel four days per week (three chapel services and one Devo).”
- Chapel - Nelson Universitynelson.edu/campus-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- The Hugh P. Jeter World Prayer Center is open daily, and student prayer groups meet weekly.
Sources (2)
- 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.”
- 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.”
- Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Named dorm pastors serve residence halls, with devotions held in each dorm.
Sources (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”
“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.”
- Student Handbook 2026-27nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/StudentHandbook_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Every bachelor's student takes General Biblical Studies, at least 18 hours (six courses), and a Bible and Theology major is offered.
Sources (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.”
“General Biblical Studies: 18 hours”
“The Bible and Theology degree provides foundational study in the Bible and Christian theology”
- Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Concerns
- No official page found says that faculty affirm the statement of faith.
Sources (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.”
- Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027nelson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UndergraduateCatalog_26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
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
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”
- 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.”
“The purpose of SMA is to extend the Gospel of the Kingdom of God 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 campusUsually weeklyStudent 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.
- World Outreach mission teamsOff campusSpring and summer breaksStudent-led domestic and international mission trips, organized through the Student Missions Association.
Faith formation 2
- Student Missions Association (SMA) prayer ministriesOn campusWeekly prayer meetings, in the Jeter World Prayer roomStudent-led prayer groups for the campus, the nations and the Muslim community, among others.
- Dorm devotionsOn campusTuesday nights at 9 pmWeekly devotions with each residence hall under its Dorm Pastor and Resident Assistants.
Clubs and groups 1
- Lions UnitedOn campusStudent-athlete group affiliated with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes in Action.
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”
“Thursday: Chapel, 9:30 – 10:30 AM”
“Tuesday: Off Campus Devos, 9:30 AM, Dorm Devos, 9:00 PM”
“Tuesday: Off Campus Devos, 9:30 AM, Dorm Devos, 9:00 PM”
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.
| Family income | Price after aid |
|---|---|
| Up to $30,000 | |
| $30,001–$48,000 | |
| $48,001–$75,000 | |
| $75,001–$110,000 | |
| Over $110,000 |
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.
| 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% |
| 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).
| Major | Median earnings |
|---|---|
| Marketing | |
| Business administration | |
| Education (general) | |
| Liberal arts | |
| Bible/Biblical Studies | |
| Criminal justice | |
| Pastoral counseling |
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).
| Field | Share of degrees |
|---|---|
| Theology and religious studies | |
| Business | |
| Liberal arts and general studies | |
| Education | |
| Public administration and social service |
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.
| 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.
Christian churches nearby
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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Reach out
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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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