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Southwest Baptist University

1600 University Avenue, Bolivar, MO 65613, USA

Southwest Baptist University award
Southwest Baptist University award
US ranking
position: 1211
Tuition & fees per year: N/A
Acceptance rate: 100.00%
Median alumni salary: $43,499
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1105 SAT, 22 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What is the accreditation of Southwest Baptist University?

Southwest Baptist University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which is a widely recognized regional accrediting agency. This accreditation signifies that the university meets established standards of quality and effectiveness in higher education. Additionally, certain programs within the university have received specialized accreditation, ensuring that specific fields of study adhere to industry or professional educational standards. Prospective students should consider these accreditations as indicators of the institution's commitment to maintaining academic rigor and providing credible degree programs.

What are the admission requirements at Southwest Baptist University?

Southwest Baptist University requires applicants to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) credential or an equivalent high school diploma. Prospective students must submit their secondary school academic records and maintain a minimum secondary school GPA, though specific GPA thresholds are not detailed. While recommendations and demonstration of certain competencies are advised, these are not strictly mandated. Admission tests such as the SAT and ACT are not explicitly required data points; however, the university does mandate TOEFL scores for applicants for whom English is a second language. Additional standardized tests beyond TOEFL are recommended but not compulsory.

The university does not operate an open admission policy, indicating some selectivity in its admission process. Dual credit opportunities are not available, though it recognizes prior college-level coursework and Advanced Placement (AP) credits toward degree requirements. Although a computer is not required for admission and there is no computer lease program, a college preparatory program is recommended to strengthen applicants' profiles.

Southwest Baptist University reports an exceptionally high acceptance rate, effectively admitting nearly all applicants. The average SAT composite score among enrolled students is approximately 1105, placing them in the lower 40 percent nationally, with the math and writing components averaging 565 and 540 respectively. The average ACT score for enrolled students stands at about 22, which is also in the lower 30 percent nationally. Enrollment and admission percentages by gender show a balanced distribution with a modestly higher representation of women.

What are the application fees and waivers at Southwest Baptist University?

Southwest Baptist University requires prospective students to pay an application fee as part of the admissions process. The fee amount is established to help cover administrative costs related to reviewing applications. However, the university offers fee waivers under certain conditions to ease the financial burden for applicants who qualify.

Fee waivers are typically available for students who demonstrate financial need or meet specific eligibility criteria, such as participation in certain educational programs or holding particular status indicators. These waivers are intended to promote accessibility and ensure that the application fee does not become a barrier to enrollment.

Students interested in obtaining a fee waiver should contact the admissions office or consult the university's official admissions resources for detailed information on the eligibility requirements and application procedures. The process usually involves submitting documentation or evidence to support the waiver request.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Southwest Baptist University?

Southwest Baptist University does not host its own ROTC program on campus. Instead, it provides access to ROTC training through a partnership with a cooperating host institution that administers the ROTC branch unit. This arrangement allows students enrolled at Southwest Baptist University to participate in ROTC programs by attending the designated host university for their military training and leadership development.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Southwest Baptist University?

Southwest Baptist University accepts transfer students for enrollment in all academic terms including fall, winter, spring, and summer sessions. The institution admits transfer credits from previous colleges and universities, allowing students to continue their education without unnecessary repetition.

The university recognizes credits earned through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) in specific subjects, facilitating the advancement of students who have demonstrated competency through these exams. Additionally, transfer applicants need to provide recommendations as part of the admission process, which suggests a holistic review beyond just academic transcripts.

Gaining admission as a transfer student is moderately difficult, indicating that while competitive, it is accessible to qualified candidates. This balance ensures that students who meet the criteria have a reasonable chance of acceptance, reflecting the university's approach to maintaining academic standards while supporting transfer pathways.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Southwest Baptist University?

Southwest Baptist University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' academic and cultural experiences. Programs are available across multiple continents, allowing students to immerse themselves in diverse environments while earning academic credit. Options include semester-long exchanges, short-term faculty-led trips, and summer study abroad experiences tailored to specific disciplines.

Students can participate in programs that focus on language acquisition, international business, global health, and cultural studies, among others. These opportunities aim to provide practical experience complemented by classroom learning. Faculty-led trips often integrate service learning and internships, giving students hands-on experience in international contexts.

The university emphasizes preparing students for global citizenship by encouraging participation in programs that foster cross-cultural understanding and professional development. Support services such as pre-departure orientations and on-site assistance are provided to ensure students maximize their study abroad experiences. Additionally, Southwest Baptist University maintains partnerships with multiple institutions abroad to facilitate smooth academic credit transfers and diverse program offerings.

Southwest Baptist University Admissions Factors

Avg. SAT score 1105
SAT Composite median score for all enrolled full-time and part-time first-year degree-seeking students
Avg. ACT score 22
ACT Composite median score for all enrolled full-time and part-time first-year degree-seeking students.
Acceptance rate 100%

ACT scores of enrolled students

ACT in range 6-11
ACT in range 12-17
ACT in range 18-23
ACT in range 24-29
ACT in range 30-36

Southwest Baptist University Admissions

Applicants Total: 1,057
Admission Total: 1,054
Enrolled Total: 270
Women
Men

Southwest Baptist University Admission Requirements

Median composite SAT score

1105

Median composite ACT score

22

Percent of students submitting ACT scores

64%

Percent of students submitting SAT scores

9%

High school completions

General Educational Development (GED) required

Computer required

No

Computer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution

No

Secondary school GPA

Required

Secondary school rank

Data not available

Secondary school record

Required

Completion of college-preparatory program

Recommended

Recommendations

Recommended

Formal demonstration of competencies

Recommended

Admission test scores

Data not available

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language

Required

Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Recommended

Open admission policy

No

Dual credit

No

Credit for life experiences

Yes

Advanced placement (AP) credits

Yes

Special learning opportunities

Orientation program

Yes

Disabilities services

Yes

Off-campus study

Yes

ROTC-Army

ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institution

Study abroad

Yes

Weekend/evening college

Yes

Student can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

Yes

Preparation at another institution required

No

Approved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher

Yes

Southwest Baptist University Transfer Acceptance Rate

Entrance difficulty for transfer students

Moderate

Generally accepts credits

Yes

Accept ACE recommendation for credit

Yes

Possible transfer

Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer