Is Southwest Baptist University a Christian college?

Yes. Southwest Baptist University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Missouri Baptist Convention.

What is Southwest Baptist University’s Compass Score?

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

Where is chapel held at Southwest Baptist University?

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

Christian college

#22 Christian colleges with the strongest missions and service in America

Southwest Baptist University

Bolivar, MO · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Missouri Baptist Convention · Baptist

Real cost

Average price after aid $21,677 a year

Median debt at graduation: $20,957 (all students)

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

Southwest Baptist University is a Baptist university in Bolivar, Missouri, sponsored by the Missouri Baptist Convention and governed by a Statement of Faith based on the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. Required chapel meets on Mondays and Wednesdays, and the Center for Global Connections lists about 30 mission projects a year. The DISCOVER core requires Old Testament History and New Testament History, and Biblical Studies majors are offered.

Faith life at a glance

A week at Southwest Baptist University

MonToday
- 10:00AMChapel
TueToday
No set time
WedToday
- 10:00AMChapel
ThuToday
- 10:00PMWorship night
FriToday
No set time
SatToday
No set time
SunToday
No set time

No set time: Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun

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

In the college’s own words

“The primary (but not only) opportunity for discipleship at SBU comes through the SBU D-Groups.”
Source: sbuniv.edu
“An average of 30 projects are offered each year across the U.S. and around the world during the January term, spring break and summer.”
Source: sbuniv.edu
“Most projects are formed through a connection already established with a church, alum, or mission organization.”
Source: sbuniv.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Students are required to attend at least 75% of the Chapel services offered during the semester.

Source: sbuniv.edu

What's a normal week?

Chapel meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 to 10:50 a.m., and a student-led prayer and worship service meets Thursdays at 10 p.m.

Source: sbuniv.edu

Where do I find community?

D-Groups are the primary, though not the only, way students get discipleship at SBU.

Source: sbuniv.edu

Can I serve or go on mission trips?

About 30 projects are offered each year across the U.S. and abroad, and most are formed through a church, alumni or mission connection.

Source: sbuniv.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

Academic Excellence

61 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score55%
First-year retention 20% of score65%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreSAT 1,088 · ACT 21.5
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score10 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$10,376

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

75 of 100 points · 7 of 7 found

Partly:
Chapel services during the weekTwice a week (Chapel on Mondays and Wednesdays (two services a week during the semester).)
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | University Chapel and Discipleship Ministriessbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/chapel.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Chapel services will be held each Monday and Wednesday from 10:00–10:50 a.m. in Pike Auditorium, which is located inside Mabee Chapel.”
  Required chapel services meet on Monday and Wednesday mornings in Pike Auditorium inside Mabee Chapel.
Yes:
Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Residential students must attend at least 75% of the chapel services offered each semester, tracked by ID scan.)
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | University Chapel and Discipleship Ministriessbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/chapel.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of the Chapel services offered during the semester.”
  Full-time residential students must attend at least 75% of chapel services each semester.
Yes:
Student worship nights or praise servicesEvery week (Locamente student-led prayer and worship service every Thursday at 10 p.m.)
Sources (1)
1. Faith & Life | Spiritual Lifesbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/index.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Student-led prayer and worship service held weekly on Thursdays at 10 p.m. at Randolph Chapel.”
  Locamente, a student-led prayer and worship service, is held weekly on Thursdays at 10 p.m. at Randolph Chapel.
Partly:
Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Weekly (Weekly Locamente prayer service; residence halls also have prayer rooms.)
Sources (2)
1. Faith & Life | Spiritual Lifesbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/index.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Student-led prayer and worship service held weekly on Thursdays at 10 p.m. at Randolph Chapel.”
  Locamente, a student-led prayer and worship service, is held weekly on Thursdays at 10 p.m. at Randolph Chapel.
2. Landen Hall | Residence Halls | Southwest Baptist Universitysbuniv.edu/campus-life/living/residence-halls/landen.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Two dedicated prayer/study rooms”
  Landen Hall has two dedicated prayer and study rooms.
Partly:
Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsPart-time (Recorded at the level the page supports.)
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | University Chapel and Discipleship Ministriessbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/chapel.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “complete a book report (assigned by the campus pastor)”
  A campus pastor assigns chapel makeup book reports; the pastor is not named on the page.
Yes:
A chapel or worship space on campusYes
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | University Chapel and Discipleship Ministriessbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/chapel.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Chapel services will be held each Monday and Wednesday from 10:00–10:50 a.m. in Pike Auditorium, which is located inside Mabee Chapel.”
  Required chapel services meet on Monday and Wednesday mornings in Pike Auditorium inside Mabee Chapel.
Partly:
Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer3 or 4 times a week (3 weekly times documented: 2 chapel, 1 worship night, 0 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

80 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

Partly:
Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students2 courses (Values Required block of the DISCOVER core (2026-27 Undergraduate Catalog): BIB 1013 and BIB 1023.)
Sources (1)
1. DISCOVER Core Curriculum | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogcatalog.sbuniv.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=629 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Values Required: 6 Credits BIB 1013 - Old Testament History or BIB 1023 - New Testament History”
  The required Values core is Old Testament History and New Testament History (two Bible courses).
Yes:
Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (Old Testament History (BIB 1013) and New Testament History (BIB 1023) are both required of all students.)
Sources (1)
1. DISCOVER Core Curriculum | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogcatalog.sbuniv.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=629 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Values Required: 6 Credits BIB 1013 - Old Testament History or BIB 1023 - New Testament History”
  The required Values core is Old Testament History and New Testament History (two Bible courses).
Partly:
Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNone required (The core's required Values items are the two Bible courses; spiritual formation courses are listed as options (2 credits).)
Sources (1)
1. DISCOVER Core Curriculum | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogcatalog.sbuniv.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=629 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Values Required: 6 Credits BIB 1013 - Old Testament History or BIB 1023 - New Testament History”
  The required Values core is Old Testament History and New Testament History (two Bible courses).
Yes:
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (Core mission statement: the DISCOVER core is committed to fostering a Biblically informed Christian worldview.)
Sources (1)
1. DISCOVER Core Curriculum | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogcatalog.sbuniv.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=629 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The DISCOVER Core Curriculum is committed to fostering a Biblically informed Christian worldview”
  The core curriculum states it is committed to a Biblically informed Christian worldview.
Yes:
Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (Biblical Studies B.A. and B.S., plus Church Ministry and Student Ministry majors, in the Courts Redford Division of Christian Ministry.)
Sources (1)
1. Programs of Study | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogcatalog.sbuniv.edu/content.php?catoid=7&navoid=180 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Biblical Studies, B.A.”
  Biblical Studies is offered as a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science major.
Yes:
A published statement of faithYes (Statement of Faith: the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.)
Sources (1)
1. Statement of Faith | What We Believe | Southwest Baptist Universitysbuniv.edu/about/statement-of-faith.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The University is committed to the teachings of the Holy Bible, God’s inerrant Word, as articulated in the “The Baptist Faith and Message, 2000” (BFM 2000)”
  The university publishes a Statement of Faith based on the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.

Christian community

61 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

Partly:
Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (Two associate directors who oversee D-Groups are counted; the vice president for student life is general student life and is not counted.)
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | University Chapel and Discipleship Ministriessbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/chapel.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Jonathon Woodyard Vice President for Student Life (417) 328-5281 jonathon.woodyard@sbuniv.edu”
  The Vice President for Student Life is a named contact for chapel and discipleship.
  “The primary (but not only) opportunity for discipleship at SBU comes through the SBU D-Groups. These SBU D-Groups are student-led and overseen by Luke Stockton and Allie Weaver, our Associate Directors of Residence Life.”
  Student-led D-Groups are the main discipleship small groups and are overseen by two residence life associate directors.
Partly:
Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (A Bible or missions conference opens each semester (two a year).)
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | University Chapel and Discipleship Ministriessbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/chapel.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The first week of each semester will begin with a special Bible or missions conference.”
  A Bible or missions conference opens each semester.
Partly:
Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsA few (Student-led D-Groups, Locamente, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bible studies, and peer-led Bible and theology sessions.)
Sources (4)
1. Chapel | University Chapel and Discipleship Ministriessbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/chapel.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The primary (but not only) opportunity for discipleship at SBU comes through the SBU D-Groups. These SBU D-Groups are student-led and overseen by Luke Stockton and Allie Weaver, our Associate Directors of Residence Life.”
  Student-led D-Groups are the main discipleship small groups and are overseen by two residence life associate directors.
2. Clubs and Activities | Southwest Baptist Universitysbuniv.edu/campus-life/student-activities/index.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Fellowship of Christian Athletes—SBU student-athletes, coaches, and other students are invited to participate in Bible studies and activities through FCA.”
  Fellowship of Christian Athletes runs Bible studies for students on campus.
3. Faith & Life | Spiritual Lifesbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/index.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Student-led prayer and worship service held weekly on Thursdays at 10 p.m. at Randolph Chapel.”
  Locamente, a student-led prayer and worship service, is held weekly on Thursdays at 10 p.m. at Randolph Chapel.
4. Residence Halls | Southwest Baptist Universitysbuniv.edu/campus-life/living/residence-halls/index.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Attend peer-led Bible and theology sessions.”
  Students can attend peer-led Bible and theology sessions.
Yes:
Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithAll faculty (Board resolution: the university seeks to employ faculty who subscribe to the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. Recorded as the stated hiring policy.)
Sources (1)
1. Statement of Faith | What We Believe | Southwest Baptist Universitysbuniv.edu/about/statement-of-faith.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “WHEREAS as an institution of the Missouri Baptist Convention, Southwest Baptist University is guided by a board of trustees elected by the Convention in its annual meeting.”
  The university is an institution of the Missouri Baptist Convention and seeks to employ faculty who subscribe to the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
Not enough information:
Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
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 (Center for Global Connections coordinates mission projects; the Vice President for Student Life leads discipleship.)
Sources (1)
1. Center for Global Connections | Southwest Baptist Universitysbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/cgc.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Southwest Baptist University’s Center for Global Connections (CGC) coordinates domestic and international ministry projects, giving you an opportunity to experience diverse cultures, serve others, and share”
  The Center for Global Connections coordinates domestic and international service and mission projects.

Missions and service

90 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

Yes:
Service or outreach officeYes (Center for Global Connections, an organized service office in Goodson Student Union.)
Sources (1)
1. Center for Global Connections | Southwest Baptist Universitysbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/cgc.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Southwest Baptist University’s Center for Global Connections (CGC) coordinates domestic and international ministry projects, giving you an opportunity to experience diverse cultures, serve others, and share”
  The Center for Global Connections coordinates domestic and international service and mission projects.
Partly:
Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumAvailable (Students on CGC teams enroll in an Intercultural Studies course; service-learning is not required of all students.)
Sources (1)
1. Center for Global Connections | Southwest Baptist Universitysbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/cgc.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “When you choose to participate in a CGC project you are enrolled in a course that fulfills an Intercultural Studies academic credit.”
  Taking part in a CGC project carries an Intercultural Studies academic credit.
Yes:
Missions trips offered to studentsMany each year (An average of 30 mission projects a year in the U.S. and abroad (value label: many each year).)
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | University Chapel and Discipleship Ministriessbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/chapel.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “An average of 30 projects are offered each year across the U.S. and around the world during the January term, spring break and summer.”
  About 30 mission projects are offered each year.
Yes:
Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceMany (Most CGC projects are formed through connections with churches, alumni and mission organizations.)
Sources (1)
1. Center for Global Connections | Southwest Baptist Universitysbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/cgc.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Most projects are formed through a connection already established with a church, alum, or mission organization.”
  Most service projects are formed through church and mission partnerships.
Yes:
Cross-cultural or global ministry programsMany (Projects are offered year-round both domestically and internationally, including a year-long overseas Contact program.)
Sources (1)
1. Center for Global Connections | Southwest Baptist Universitysbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/cgc.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The CGC offers projects year-round in a variety of locations both domestically and internationally.”
  Mission projects are offered year-round in the U.S. and abroad.
Yes:
Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Center for Global Connections | Southwest Baptist Universitysbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/cgc.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Southwest Baptist University’s Center for Global Connections (CGC) coordinates domestic and international ministry projects, giving you an opportunity to experience diverse cultures, serve others, and share”
  The Center for Global Connections coordinates domestic and international service and mission projects.

Strengths

Required chapel services are held twice a week, on Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | University Chapel and Discipleship Ministriessbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/chapel.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Chapel services will be held each Monday and Wednesday from 10:00–10:50 a.m. in Pike Auditorium, which is located inside Mabee Chapel.”
  Required chapel services meet on Monday and Wednesday mornings in Pike Auditorium inside Mabee Chapel.
The Center for Global Connections offers about 30 mission projects a year, domestically and abroad.
Sources (2)
1. Chapel | University Chapel and Discipleship Ministriessbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/chapel.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “An average of 30 projects are offered each year across the U.S. and around the world during the January term, spring break and summer.”
  About 30 mission projects are offered each year.
2. Center for Global Connections | Southwest Baptist Universitysbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/cgc.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The CGC offers projects year-round in a variety of locations both domestically and internationally.”
  Mission projects are offered year-round in the U.S. and abroad.
Old Testament History and New Testament History are required of all students in the core.
Sources (1)
1. DISCOVER Core Curriculum | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogcatalog.sbuniv.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=629 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Values Required: 6 Credits BIB 1013 - Old Testament History or BIB 1023 - New Testament History”
  The required Values core is Old Testament History and New Testament History (two Bible courses).
Biblical Studies majors (B.A. and B.S.) are offered in the Courts Redford Division of Christian Ministry.
Sources (1)
1. Programs of Study | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogcatalog.sbuniv.edu/content.php?catoid=7&navoid=180 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Biblical Studies, B.A.”
  Biblical Studies is offered as a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science major.

Concerns

Chapel meets on two days a week.
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | University Chapel and Discipleship Ministriessbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/chapel.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Chapel services will be held each Monday and Wednesday from 10:00–10:50 a.m. in Pike Auditorium, which is located inside Mabee Chapel.”
  Required chapel services meet on Monday and Wednesday mornings in Pike Auditorium inside Mabee Chapel.
The core requires no separate Christian worldview course; spiritual formation courses are options.
Sources (1)
1. DISCOVER Core Curriculum | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogcatalog.sbuniv.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=629 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Values Required: 6 Credits BIB 1013 - Old Testament History or BIB 1023 - New Testament History”
  The required Values core is Old Testament History and New Testament History (two Bible courses).

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

University Chapel and Discipleship Ministries

Address: 1600 University Avenue, Bolivar, MO 65613
Distance from campus: 0.2 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
Facilities: chapel (Pike Auditorium, inside Mabee Chapel)

View on map ↗

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

Campus ministry

Sources (2)

Chapel | University Chapel and Discipleship Ministriessbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/chapel.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Chapel services will be held each Monday and Wednesday from 10:00–10:50 a.m. in Pike Auditorium, which is located inside Mabee Chapel.”
Required chapel services meet on Monday and Wednesday mornings in Pike Auditorium inside Mabee Chapel.
Center for Global Connections | Southwest Baptist Universitysbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/cgc.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Southwest Baptist University’s Center for Global Connections (CGC) coordinates domestic and international ministry projects, giving you an opportunity to experience diverse cultures, serve others, and share”
The Center for Global Connections coordinates domestic and international service and mission projects.

Christian clubs and student life

4 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 1 off campus, 2 location not published

Service 1

Center for Global Connections mission projectsOff campus
January term, spring break and summer
About 30 domestic and international mission projects a year.
sbuniv.edu

Worship and prayer 1

LocamenteOn campus
Thursdays 10 p.m.
Student-led prayer and worship service at Randolph Chapel.
sbuniv.edu

Clubs and groups 2

D-Groups
Student-led discipleship small groups, overseen by two residence life associate directors.
sbuniv.edu
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Bible studies and activities for student-athletes, coaches and other students.
sbuniv.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 1

Monday, Wednesday10:00 AMPike Auditorium, inside Mabee Chapel · Required chapel, during the semester.

Worship night 1

Thursday10:00 PMRandolph Chapel · Locamente, student-led prayer and worship.

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 (2)

Chapel | University Chapel and Discipleship Ministriessbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/chapel.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Chapel services will be held each Monday and Wednesday from 10:00–10:50 a.m. in Pike Auditorium, which is located inside Mabee Chapel.”
Required chapel services meet on Monday and Wednesday mornings in Pike Auditorium inside Mabee Chapel.
Faith & Life | Spiritual Lifesbuniv.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/index.php · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Student-led prayer and worship service held weekly on Thursdays at 10 p.m. at Randolph Chapel.”
Locamente, a student-led prayer and worship service, is held weekly on Thursdays at 10 p.m. at Randolph Chapel.

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	$21,978
$30,001–$48,000	$17,947
$48,001–$75,000	$19,633
$75,001–$110,000	$22,016
Over $110,000	$23,857

Full cost of attendance before aid: $40,301 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)	1,622
Men and women College Scorecard, fall 2023	Men 38% · Women 62%
First-generation students College Scorecard	35%
Total students	2,155
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$21,677
Cost of attendance (per year)	$40,301
Median federal debt at graduation	$20,957
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	55%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients College Scorecard, within 6 years	49%
Graduation rate for first-generation students College Scorecard, within 6 years	47%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years College Scorecard, within 3 years	59%
First-year retention	65%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$43,112
Admission rate	68%
Application fee IPEDS, 2023–24	$30
Financial aid priority deadline College website, 2026-27	February 1
Typical rent HUD fair market rent, FY2026	About $883 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants	36%

Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 810–1210ACT 17–26

Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT	1088
SAT reading & writing	430–610
SAT math	380–600
ACT composite	17–26
Test policy	Considered but not required

Value index: 52 / 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
Nursing	$78,525
Computer science	$62,016
Kinesiology and exercise science	$58,770
Business administration	$56,182
Psychology	$43,058
Secondary education	$41,618
Teacher education	$36,697

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Accounting, Allied health, Applied mathematics, Bible/Biblical Studies, Biology, Business (general), Chemistry, Clinical laboratory science, Communication studies, Computing and information science, Criminal justice, Design, Education (general), English, Finance, Fine arts, Health administration, History, Interdisciplinary studies, International business, Marketing, Mathematics, Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Music, Other english language and literature/letters, Physics, Political science, Public relations, Religious Education, Religious Music and Worship, Religious studies, Romance languages, Social work, Sociology, 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
Education	18%
Parks, recreation and fitness	16%
Health professions	16%
Business	13%
Psychology	12%

Campus facts

School colors
Setting	Town
Part-time undergraduates	21%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older	17%
On-campus room and board (per year)	$9,776
Sports	NCAA Division II · Great Lakes Valley Conference
ROTC	Army
Study abroad	Offered
Students per faculty member	10 to 1
Faculty who are full-time	39%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student	$20,034IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm space	For about 54% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline service	Springfield Branson National Airport (SGF)About 25 miles away
Nearest major airport	Kansas City International Airport (MCI)About 137 miles away
Town population	11,170Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or more	Kansas CityAbout 122 miles away
Typical weather	32°F in January · 78°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Bolivar 1 NE, MO

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	0.11	0.07
Robbery	0.00	0.01
Aggravated assault	0.00	0.04
Burglary	0.00	0.08
Motor vehicle theft	0.00	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 Southwest Baptist University a Christian college?: Yes. Southwest Baptist University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Missouri Baptist Convention.
What is Southwest Baptist University’s Compass Score?: 73 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Southwest Baptist University?: Chapel is listed at Pike Auditorium and inside Mabee Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

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About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 179326
Carnegie classification: Master's university (larger programs)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Southern Baptist
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