Private nonprofit Institution

Southwest Baptist University — Bolivar, Missouri

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Annual Tuition $28,320

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 99.7%

Open Admission

Enrollment 1,339

Active Students

Avg. Salary $43,112

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Bolivar, Missouri
Institution type Private nonprofit
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Southwest Baptist University stands as a pillar of higher education in Bolivar, providing a robust academic foundation for 1,339 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Southwest Baptist University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Southwest Baptist University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Health Professions
42.4%

Enrollment Share

Education
11%

Enrollment Share

Parks & Recreation
10.7%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
8.6%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
6.3%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
6.3%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at Southwest Baptist University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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What is the acceptance rate at Southwest Baptist University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 99.7%
Difficulty Low

Southwest Baptist University maintains an acceptance rate of 99.7%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 37.8%
Women Enrollment 62.2%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 500 - 600
SAT Mathematics 460 - 600
ACT English 17 - 25
ACT Mathematics 17 - 24
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Southwest Baptist University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $28,320
Out-of-State Tuition $28,320

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 35.1%
Median Student Debt $20,957

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $28,320, graduates see a median starting salary of $43,112, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Missouri.

What salary can Southwest Baptist University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $43,112

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 51.2%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $21,082
Median Salary (6yr) $38,855
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar?

1,339 Students

Gender Comparison

37.8% Men
62.2% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

66.4%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.5%
Asian
1.3%
Black
6.5%
White
76%
Unknown
6.5%
Hispanic
3.6%
Two or More Races
3.4%
International
2.2%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 23
🎓
First-Generation 35.5%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 69.7%
💍
Married Students 17.7%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 57.1%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $49,841
Average Family Income $46,658
Median Family Income $35,563

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

50.5%
49.5%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Bolivar Campus Environment

Located at 1600 University Ave, Southwest Baptist University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Missouri. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps
⚖️

How does Southwest Baptist University compare?

Direct Comparison Southwest Baptist University vs Bolivar Technical College →

Common Questions about Southwest Baptist University

Is Southwest Baptist University a good college in Bolivar, Missouri?
Southwest Baptist University is a recognized institution in Bolivar with an enrollment of 1,339 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Missouri based on Department of Education data.
Is Southwest Baptist University worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Southwest Baptist University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $43,112. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Southwest Baptist University cost for Missouri residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Southwest Baptist University is approximately $28,320. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $28,320. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Southwest Baptist University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Southwest Baptist University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 69.7% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Southwest Baptist University good for Health Professions and Education programs?
Southwest Baptist University is highly regarded for its Health Professions and Education programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Southwest Baptist University?
Graduates of Southwest Baptist University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $43,112, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Southwest Baptist University?
Southwest Baptist University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Southwest Baptist University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Southwest Baptist University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Southwest Baptist University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Southwest Baptist University earn a median salary of $43,112 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Southwest Baptist University a good investment compared to other MO colleges?
Southwest Baptist University stands out as a high-value investment in Missouri. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Southwest Baptist University located and what is the campus like?
Southwest Baptist University is located at 1600 University Ave in Bolivar, MO. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 1,339 learners.
Who typically attends Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO?
The student body at Southwest Baptist University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 35.5% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Missouri

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Southwest Baptist University with other leading institutions in Missouri across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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