Southwest Baptist University (SBU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Southwest Baptist University
Set in the Missouri Ozarks, Southwest Baptist University blends faith-informed learning with a friendly small-town feel. The university is known for strong teaching across health and human services, business, education, arts and sciences, and technology fields, with professors who know students by name. Campus resources include a central library, collaborative labs and studios, well-kept residence halls, a fitness and recreation center, and student services like advising, tutoring, counseling, and spiritual life support.
Student life leans active and community-minded. You'll find student organizations, music and theatre, intramurals, outdoor rec, and regular service opportunities. The campus culture feels close-knit, reflective, and welcoming, with chapel gatherings and campus-wide service traditions anchoring the year. It's the kind of place where a hello turns into a conversation. Career preparation shows up in internships, practicums, and real-world projects, plus ties to regional employers. Bolivar adds coffee shops, local events, and quick access to lakes and trails.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Southwest Baptist University (SBU) offers 41 degree programs across 19 major academic fields, graduating approximately 612 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (4 programs, 236 graduates), Education (9 programs, 163 graduates), Business (5 programs, 51 graduates), Kinesiology (2 programs, 41 graduates) and Psychology (1 programs, 34 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Health (4 programs, 236 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 142 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51.3801 |
| Physical Therapy | 68 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
51.2308 |
| Radiologic Technology | 20 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0911 |
| Health and Medical Administration | 6 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
51.0799 |
Education (9 programs, 163 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Education | 70 |
|
Master's
|
13.0101 |
| Elementary Education | 30 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
13.1202 |
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 23 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
13.0401 |
| Superintendency and Educational Administration | 22 |
|
Master's
|
13.0411 |
| Music Teacher Education | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1312 |
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1314 |
| Social Science Teacher Education | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1317 |
| Middle School Education and Teaching | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1203 |
| Art Education | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1302 |
Business (5 programs, 51 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 35 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0201 |
| Accounting | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
| Business Administration | 5 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
52.0101 |
| International Business and Trade | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1101 |
| Marketing | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1499 |
Kinesiology (2 programs, 41 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 33 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0505 |
| Sport and Fitness Management | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0504 |
Psychology (1 programs, 34 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 34 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Computer & IT (2 programs, 19 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0701 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0101 |
Theology (2 programs, 11 graduates)
Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | 10 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
39.0699 |
| Sacred Music | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
39.0501 |
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 9 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies | 9 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0102 |
Security & Safety (1 programs, 9 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice Administration | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0103 |
Mathematics (1 programs, 8 graduates)
Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Computational Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
27.0101 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Southwest Baptist University (SBU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Southwest Baptist University (SBU)
How much does it cost to attend Southwest Baptist University (SBU)?
The annual tuition at Southwest Baptist University (SBU) is $28,320 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $40,772 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $8,952 (on) / $7,884 (off) and books and supplies $1,500.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Southwest Baptist University offer?
Southwest Baptist University (SBU) offers 41 academic programs across 19 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional).
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (4 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (9 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (5 programs)
- Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation (2 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Southwest Baptist University?
Southwest Baptist University (SBU) has an 99.7% acceptance rate and a 25.6% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 1,057
- Students admitted: 1,054
- Students enrolled: 270
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Southwest Baptist University?
Southwest Baptist University (SBU) provides financial aid to 15% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $18,334 and average loans of $8,802.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,106
- State/Local grants: $4,713
- Institutional grants: $18,222
- Federal loans: $7,132
The university supports 255 students with grants and 138 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Southwest Baptist University graduates?
Southwest Baptist University (SBU) graduates earn a median salary of $38,855 after 6 years and $43,112 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $28,512 (25th percentile) to $67,324 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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