
Courtesy of Corban University
Corban University is a private Christian university in Salem, Oregon, with roots dating to 1935. It began as a Bible institute in Phoenix, Arizona, later operated in California, and moved to Salem in 1969. Its development from a Bible-focused school into a university helps explain why Christian studies remain part of its identity alongside programs in business, education, health-related fields, and the liberal arts.
The institution previously used the names Western Baptist Bible College and Corban College before becoming Corban University. For applicants, the practical point is that Corban's current academic offerings extend beyond ministry preparation, while its religious commitments still shape the curriculum and campus experience.
Corban offers undergraduate and graduate study across several academic fields rather than operating solely as a Bible college. Undergraduate options include business, education, psychology, biology, communication, and biblical studies. Graduate applicants should evaluate the specific degree they want: program format, admission standards, clinical or fieldwork requirements, and professional outcomes can differ substantially.
Academic organization and program names can change between catalogs. The current university catalog is the appropriate place to confirm a major's required courses, available concentrations, online or in-person format, and whether courses are offered often enough to support a student's intended graduation schedule. Students considering teaching or another regulated profession should also check the program's stated pathway to the credential they seek.
Corban University's main campus is in Salem, Oregon's capital city. Its setting gives students access to state-government offices, schools, employers, and community organizations that may be relevant to internships or service activities, without placing the campus in a large-city downtown.
Commuting is part of the student experience: the reported share of students living off campus is larger than the share living on campus. Prospective commuters should consider their route, parking needs, and the timing of evening classes or activities. Portland International Airport is the main regional air-travel option, but getting to campus from the airport requires additional ground transportation.
Corban states its mission in explicitly Christian terms: educating Christians to make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ. That religious purpose is relevant to applicants regardless of major because it informs the university's approach to learning and community life.
Students comparing Corban with secular or differently affiliated colleges should review the current catalog and student handbook for specific expectations concerning Christian coursework, chapel or other community activities, and conduct. A mission statement describes the university's aims; it does not, by itself, establish that every student will have the same academic or personal experience.
Name of the institution
Corban UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: MidsizeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999Religious affiliation
Protestant (Baptist Church)School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1935Corban University is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Doctor's degree - otherData last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.