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Southwestern Adventist University: SWAU Library
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Christian college

#4 Christian colleges with the strongest missions and service in Texas

Southwestern Adventist University

Keene, TX · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Seventh-day Adventist Church · Seventh-day Adventist

Real cost

Average price after aid $22,778 a year

Median debt at graduation: $26,998 (all students)

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

Southwestern Adventist University is a Seventh-day Adventist university in Keene, Texas. Its Spiritual Life and Development office offers a required Thursday assembly, Wednesday worship, weekly Friday night worship, small groups and service and mission programs. The 2026-27 bulletin requires four religion courses for every undergraduate, chosen from a list of options.

Faith life at a glance

A week at Southwestern Adventist University

  1. MonToday

    No set time

  2. TueToday

    No set time

  3. WedToday

    • 6:00PMChapel

  4. ThuToday

    • 1:00PMChapel

  5. FriToday

    • 7:30PMWorship night

  6. SatToday

    No set time

  7. 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

  • “Each year, SWAU students participate in service domestically and internationally.”

    Source: swau.edu

  • “We host service projects each year that impact churches, schools, and charities across Tarrant and Johnson Counties”

    Source: swau.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Assemblies are required for students taking six or more semester hours, and two absences are allowed each semester.

Source: swau.edu
What's a normal week?

Knights Worship meets Wednesdays at 6 p.m., assemblies meet Thursdays at 1 p.m., and Friday night worship is at 7:30 p.m.

Source: swau.edu
Where do I find community?

Afterglow Bible Study and Friday evening Vespers are part of the weekly schedule.

Source: swau.edu
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Service trips have included a spring break ministry serving the Navajo Nation, and students serve domestically and internationally.

Source: swau.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 1 more

Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
60 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.52%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.73%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,031 · ACT 21
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.12 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$11,363

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.

BWorship and chapel: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Worship and chapel

70 of 100 points · 7 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel services during the weekTwice a week (Two weekday chapel services: Wednesday Knights Worship in Barron Chapel and the Thursday assembly in Keene Church. Friday night worship is recorded under S3.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Student Handbook (updated February 16, 2026) | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/assets/Student-Handbook__-__Updated_2-16-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Regular assemblies are scheduled on Thursdays at 1pm in the Keene Church.”
      The regular campus assembly meets on Thursdays at 1 p.m. in Keene Church.
      “Assemblies (including Week of Prayer) are required for all students taking six or more semester hours.”
      Assemblies are required for students taking six or more hours.
    2. Spiritual Life Development | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Take a break in the middle of the week and join us on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the Barron Chapel for a reflective worship experience.”
      Knights Worship meets on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in Barron Chapel.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Assembly attendance is required for students taking six or more hours; two absences per semester are allowed, with a fine after that.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook (updated February 16, 2026) | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/assets/Student-Handbook__-__Updated_2-16-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Assemblies (including Week of Prayer) are required for all students taking six or more semester hours.”
      Assemblies are required for students taking six or more hours.
      “Two (2) absences are allowed per semester to cover unexpected emergencies”
      Two assembly absences per semester are allowed; a fine applies after that.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesEvery week (Friday night worship meets every Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Keene Church.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life Development | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Friday night worship meets each Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Keene Church.”
      Friday night worship meets every Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Keene Church.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Now and then (A Prayer Meeting is listed among the office's programs.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook (updated February 16, 2026) | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/assets/Student-Handbook__-__Updated_2-16-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Literature Evangelism Outreach and In-Reach Prayer Meeting”
      Outreach, a prayer meeting and small group ministries are among the office's programs.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsPart-time (The vice president is assisted by a Chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook (updated February 16, 2026) | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/assets/Student-Handbook__-__Updated_2-16-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The vice president is assisted by the Chaplain and the student directors in the various ministerial roles and functions.”
      The vice president for spiritual development is assisted by a chaplain and student directors.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook (updated February 16, 2026) | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/assets/Student-Handbook__-__Updated_2-16-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BARRON BUILDING was built in 1974 and houses the Religion Department and the Barron Chapel.”
      Barron Chapel is in Barron Building on campus.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    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).
BBible and theology: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

77 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (Recorded for students who start at SWAU: the Religion General Education Requirement is 12 credits, four courses, one at the 300 level or above. Transfer students from non-SDA colleges complete at least two courses (one in Biblical Studies); the transfer minimum is two.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Undergraduate Bulletin | Southwestern Adventist Universitycatalog.swau.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/202627-undergraduate-bulletin.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Religion General Education Requirement Credits: 12”
      The Religion general education requirement is 12 credit hours.
      “RELB 328 Survey of the Old Testament 3”
      Survey of the Old Testament (RELB 328) is one of the religion courses students may choose from.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsOne choice among others (Survey of the Old Testament (RELB 328) and Introduction to the New Testament (RELB 335) are among the options; students choose four courses from the list.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Undergraduate Bulletin | Southwestern Adventist Universitycatalog.swau.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/202627-undergraduate-bulletin.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “RELB 328 Survey of the Old Testament 3”
      Survey of the Old Testament (RELB 328) is one of the religion courses students may choose from.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNone required (No worldview course is required. Philosophy and the Christian Worldview (RELT 360) is one of the options in the religion requirement.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Undergraduate Bulletin | Southwestern Adventist Universitycatalog.swau.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/202627-undergraduate-bulletin.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “RELT 360 Philosophy and the Christian 3”
      Philosophy and the Christian Worldview (RELT 360) is one of the religion course options.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (A theology major (senior theology exit interview) and a Religion department on campus are described in the 2026-27 bulletin.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Undergraduate Bulletin | Southwestern Adventist Universitycatalog.swau.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/202627-undergraduate-bulletin.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “via a Senior Theology Major Exit Interview (administered”
      Theology majors complete a senior theology exit interview.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    A published statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
CChristian community: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Christian community

66 of 100 points · 4 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (Two professional ministry positions are named by role (Vice President for Spiritual Development and a Chaplain).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook (updated February 16, 2026) | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/assets/Student-Handbook__-__Updated_2-16-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The vice president is assisted by the Chaplain and the student directors in the various ministerial roles and functions.”
      The vice president for spiritual development is assisted by a chaplain and student directors.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (Week of Prayer is named as part of required assemblies.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook (updated February 16, 2026) | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/assets/Student-Handbook__-__Updated_2-16-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Assemblies (including Week of Prayer) are required for all students taking six or more semester hours.”
      Assemblies are required for students taking six or more hours.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (Bible study, small groups, Women at the Well, Afterglow, prayer meetings and Sabbath School are listed.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Spiritual Life Development | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Gather with like-minded individuals to study and discuss a topic each of you shares a passion for.”
      Small groups meet to study and discuss topics students share a passion for.
      “Ladies, every Wednesday, you are invited to join us for lunch and inspiration.”
      Women at the Well meets every Wednesday.
    2. Student Handbook (updated February 16, 2026) | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/assets/Student-Handbook__-__Updated_2-16-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Literature Evangelism Outreach and In-Reach Prayer Meeting”
      Outreach, a prayer meeting and small group ministries are among the office's programs.
  • 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.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • 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: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook (updated February 16, 2026) | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/assets/Student-Handbook__-__Updated_2-16-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Vice President for Spiritual Development coordinates, develops and implements the spiritual programming of the campus.”
      A Vice President for Spiritual Development coordinates the campus spiritual programming.
      “The vice president is assisted by the Chaplain and the student directors in the various ministerial roles and functions.”
      The vice president for spiritual development is assisted by a chaplain and student directors.
BMissions and service: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Missions and service

81 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes (The Spiritual Life and Development office coordinates community service projects and a food bank.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life Development | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “provides students with a college campus life full of worship, service, and missions.”
      The Spiritual Life and Development team provides worship, service and missions opportunities.
      “Each year, SWAU students participate in service domestically and internationally.”
      Students serve domestically and internationally each year.
  • 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: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Missions trips offered to studentsSome (An annual Navajo Mission Trip over spring break, plus a short-term mission trips program and Fall Missions Week.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life Development | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “This spring, join the ministry serving the Navajo Nation over spring break.”
      The Navajo Mission Trip takes place each spring over spring break.
      “Each year, SWAU students participate in service domestically and internationally.”
      Students serve domestically and internationally each year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceMany (A monthly food bank with Keene Church and service projects across churches, schools and charities at dozens of locations.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life Development | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Every third Saturday of the month, we join our Keene Church family in sharing food and resources”
      A food bank with Keene Church runs on the third Saturday of each month.
      “We host service projects each year that impact churches, schools, and charities across Tarrant and Johnson Counties”
      Ignite Service projects each year serve churches, schools and charities in the area.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsSome (Service is described as domestic and international, and the Navajo Nation mission trip serves a cross-cultural setting.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life Development | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each year, SWAU students participate in service domestically and internationally.”
      Students serve domestically and internationally each year.
      “This spring, join the ministry serving the Navajo Nation over spring break.”
      The Navajo Mission Trip takes place each spring over spring break.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
    Sources (2)
    1. 2026-27 Undergraduate Bulletin | Southwestern Adventist Universitycatalog.swau.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/202627-undergraduate-bulletin.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Inspiring knowledge, faith, and service through Christ-”
      The university's mission is to inspire knowledge, faith and service through Christ-centered education.
    2. Spiritual Life Development | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “provides students with a college campus life full of worship, service, and missions.”
      The Spiritual Life and Development team provides worship, service and missions opportunities.

Strengths

  • Chapel-style worship meets on Wednesday in Barron Chapel and at the required Thursday assembly in Keene Church.
    Sources (2)
    1. Spiritual Life Development | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Take a break in the middle of the week and join us on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the Barron Chapel for a reflective worship experience.”
      Knights Worship meets on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in Barron Chapel.
    2. Student Handbook (updated February 16, 2026) | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/assets/Student-Handbook__-__Updated_2-16-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Regular assemblies are scheduled on Thursdays at 1pm in the Keene Church.”
      The regular campus assembly meets on Thursdays at 1 p.m. in Keene Church.
      “Assemblies (including Week of Prayer) are required for all students taking six or more semester hours.”
      Assemblies are required for students taking six or more hours.
  • Friday night worship meets every week in Keene Church and is open to the whole university family.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life Development | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Friday night worship meets each Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Keene Church.”
      Friday night worship meets every Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Keene Church.
  • Small groups, Women at the Well, Afterglow and a prayer meeting are among the programs the office lists.
    Sources (2)
    1. Spiritual Life Development | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Gather with like-minded individuals to study and discuss a topic each of you shares a passion for.”
      Small groups meet to study and discuss topics students share a passion for.
      “Ladies, every Wednesday, you are invited to join us for lunch and inspiration.”
      Women at the Well meets every Wednesday.
    2. Student Handbook (updated February 16, 2026) | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/assets/Student-Handbook__-__Updated_2-16-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Afterglow Bible Study Friday Evening Vespers”
      The office's programs include Afterglow, Bible study, Friday evening Vespers and a prayer meeting.
      “Literature Evangelism Outreach and In-Reach Prayer Meeting”
      Outreach, a prayer meeting and small group ministries are among the office's programs.
  • The Spiritual Life and Development office coordinates service projects, a monthly food bank and an annual Navajo mission trip.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life Development | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “provides students with a college campus life full of worship, service, and missions.”
      The Spiritual Life and Development team provides worship, service and missions opportunities.
      “Every third Saturday of the month, we join our Keene Church family in sharing food and resources”
      A food bank with Keene Church runs on the third Saturday of each month.
      “We host service projects each year that impact churches, schools, and charities across Tarrant and Johnson Counties”
      Ignite Service projects each year serve churches, schools and charities in the area.
      “This spring, join the ministry serving the Navajo Nation over spring break.”
      The Navajo Mission Trip takes place each spring over spring break.

Concerns

  • The religion requirement lets students choose four courses from a list; the Old and New Testament surveys are options, not required courses.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Undergraduate Bulletin | Southwestern Adventist Universitycatalog.swau.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/202627-undergraduate-bulletin.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Religion General Education Requirement Credits: 12”
      The Religion general education requirement is 12 credit hours.
      “RELB 328 Survey of the Old Testament 3”
      Survey of the Old Testament (RELB 328) is one of the religion courses students may choose from.

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

Spiritual Life and Development

  • Address: 100 W. Hillcrest St, Keene, TX 76059
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel

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

Campus ministry

Sources (2)
  1. Spiritual Life Development | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “provides students with a college campus life full of worship, service, and missions.”
    The Spiritual Life and Development team provides worship, service and missions opportunities.
  2. Student Handbook (updated February 16, 2026) | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/assets/Student-Handbook__-__Updated_2-16-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “The Vice President for Spiritual Development coordinates, develops and implements the spiritual programming of the campus.”
    A Vice President for Spiritual Development coordinates the campus spiritual programming.

Christian clubs and student life

7 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 3 off campus, 2 location not published

Service 3

  • LIFT food bankOff campus
    Third Saturday of each month
    Sharing food and resources with community members in need, with Keene Church.
    swau.edu
  • Ignite ServiceOff campus
    Service projects with churches, schools and charities across Tarrant and Johnson Counties.
    swau.edu
  • Navajo Mission TripOff campus
    Spring break
    A mission trip serving the Navajo Nation, offered since 2003.
    swau.edu

Faith formation 1

  • Women at the WellOn campus
    Wednesdays at noon
    Lunch and inspiration for women; meets in the Hopps Museum.
    swau.edu

Worship and prayer 1

  • Dorm worshipOn campus
    Thursday evenings
    A coed worship opportunity for resident students in Dilts Chapel.
    swau.edu, swau.edu

Clubs and groups 1

  • Small groups
    Groups that study and discuss a topic students share a passion for.
    swau.edu

Social life 1

  • Afterglow
    After Friday night worship
    Fellowship and praise after Friday night worship.
    swau.edu, swau.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

  • Wednesday6:00 PMBarron Chapel · Knights Worship, a midweek worship experience.
  • Thursday1:00 PMKeene Church · Regular campus assembly; required for students taking six or more hours.

Worship night 1

  • Friday7:30 PMKeene Church · Friday night worship; open to the whole university family.

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)
  1. Spiritual Life Development | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Take a break in the middle of the week and join us on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the Barron Chapel for a reflective worship experience.”
    Knights Worship meets on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in Barron Chapel.
    “Friday night worship meets each Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Keene Church.”
    Friday night worship meets every Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Keene Church.
  2. Student Handbook (updated February 16, 2026) | Southwestern Adventist Universityswau.edu/assets/Student-Handbook__-__Updated_2-16-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Regular assemblies are scheduled on Thursdays at 1pm in the Keene Church.”
    The regular campus assembly meets on Thursdays at 1 p.m. in Keene Church.

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 incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$16,725
$30,001–$48,000$21,462
$48,001–$75,000$15,441
$75,001–$110,000$27,439
Over $110,000$31,475

Full cost of attendance before aid: $35,592 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)
813
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 44% · Women 56%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
34%
First-year students from another state
IPEDS, fall 2023
21%
Total students817
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$22,778
Cost of attendance (per year)$35,592
Median federal debt at graduation$26,998
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
52%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients
College Scorecard, within 6 years
48%
Graduation rate for first-generation students
College Scorecard, within 6 years
46%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
52%
First-year retention73%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$52,946
Admission rate78%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
$25
Priority filing deadline
College website, 2026-27
March 1
Typical rent
HUD fair market rent, FY2026
About $1,648 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants42%
Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 910–1200ACT 17–25
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1031
SAT reading & writing465–610
SAT math445–590
ACT composite17–25
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 48 / 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).

MajorMedian earnings
Nursing$88,324

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Accounting, Biochemistry, Biology, Broadcasting, Business administration, Chemistry, Clinical and counseling psychology, Clinical laboratory science, Communication studies, Computer science, Criminal justice, Ecology and evolutionary biology, Education (general), English, Finance, History, International business, International relations, Kinesiology and exercise science, Liberal arts, Marketing, Mathematics, Music, Psychology, Public relations, Religious studies, Secondary education, Social sciences, Teacher education, Theology.

What students study most

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

FieldShare of degrees
Health professions40%
Business11%
Psychology9%
Education6%
Parks, recreation and fitness5%

Campus facts

SettingTown
Part-time undergraduates7%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older15%
On-campus room and board (per year)$9,400
Study abroadOffered
Students per faculty member12 to 1
Undergraduates registered with the disability officeAbout 6%IPEDS, 2023–24
Faculty who are full-time96%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$34,467IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm spaceFor about 46% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceDallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)About 38 miles away · about 1 hour 5 minutes by car
Town population6,691Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreArlingtonAbout 24 miles away · about 45 minutes by car
Typical weather45°F in January · 84°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Cleburne, TX, about 7 miles away

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

Campus safety reports

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

CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.000.07
Robbery0.000.01
Aggravated assault0.000.04
Burglary0.000.08
Motor vehicle theft0.000.15

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

Questions families ask

Is Southwestern Adventist University a Christian college?
Yes. Southwestern Adventist University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Seventh-day Adventist Church.
What is Southwestern Adventist University’s Compass Score?
70 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Southwestern Adventist University?
Chapel is listed at Barron Chapel and Keene Church. 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 228468
  • Carnegie classification: Baccalaureate college (diverse fields)
  • 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): Seventh Day Adventist
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