Campus Vibe
Known for health sciences — close-knit campus
Southwest Baptist University is a private institution in Bolivar with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1084, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 1.3K undergraduates with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
51% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $43,112 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $21,082.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Southwest Baptist University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1084
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
52.9%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$14,000
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
9
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (63)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
66%
- •66% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •Maupin founded Southwest Baptist College in 1878 in Lebanon, Missouri.
- •In 1879, the state of Missouri chartered the school and it moved to Bolivar.
- •Southwest Baptist University was granted an exception to Title IX in 2015, allowing it to legally discriminate against LGBT students for religious reasons.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average