Southwest Baptist University
About Southwest Baptist University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Southwest Baptist University is a private university in Bolivar, MO. It has a 99.6% acceptance rate and a 43.1% graduation rate, serving approximately 1,475 students.
Founded
1878
Location
Bolivar, Missouri
Students
1,830
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
68.4%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
55.3%
Below national average
Tuition
$30,566
Per year
Avg Net Price
$21,677
After financial aid
SAT Average
1088
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$43,112
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
68.4 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$30
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Southwest Baptist University accepts 68.4% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1088/ 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
55.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
64.8%
4-Year Grad
39%
6-Year Grad
50%
Teaching Quality
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
39.2%
$/Student
$10.4K
Class Size
Medium
The 39% graduation rate is below average, but 64.8% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$30,566
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$9,776
Books & Supplies
$980
Total Cost of Attendance
$40,301
After Financial Aid
$21,677
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$21,978
Receive Grants
36.3%
Take Loans
50.3%
The total cost of attendance runs about $40,301/yr, including $9,776 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $21,677.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Southwest Baptist University fund their education.
While in School
36.3%
Get Grants
Free money
50.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$35,563
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$20,957
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$222/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $20,957 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Southwest Baptist University.
Gender
62.1%
Female
38%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,341
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
489
Graduates
35.5%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
16.5%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 62% of the student body. 35.5% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
1,341
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Southwest Baptist University fields 12 varsity teams with 584 student athletes, about 44% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Great Lakes Valley
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
584
44% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
58% / 42%
338
Men
246
Women
8
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Southwest Baptist Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$43,112
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$69K
51 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$31K
47 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$27K
35 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$31K
29 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$62K
21 grads
4yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$56K
19 grads
4yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $39K six years out, growing to $43K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Southwest Baptist University
What is the acceptance rate at Southwest Baptist University?▾
How much does Southwest Baptist University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Southwest Baptist University?▾
How much do Southwest Baptist University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.