
100 Hillcrest Drive, Keene, TX 76059, USA


Southwestern Adventist University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring its overall academic standards meet regional and national criteria. This accreditation allows the university to confer associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees, reflecting a comprehensive approval of its educational programs.
The university also maintains program-specific accreditations that confirm the quality and rigor of certain fields of study, although detailed information on specialized accreditations was not provided. For prospective students, this regional accreditation confirms that the institution has undergone rigorous evaluation processes regarding faculty qualifications, curriculum quality, and institutional effectiveness.
Accreditation by SACSCOC is significant for students seeking federal financial aid, transfer of credits, and recognition of their degrees by employers and graduate programs. It demonstrates that Southwestern Adventist University adheres to standards designed to support continuous institutional improvement and student learning outcomes.
Southwestern Adventist University requires applicants to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) or equivalent high school diploma. Submission of a secondary school record and a minimum GPA is mandatory, while providing secondary school rank and recommendations is encouraged but not compulsory. Prospective students must submit TOEFL scores to demonstrate English proficiency. Although standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT are not explicitly mandated, other admission tests are recommended to strengthen the application. The university does not follow an open admission policy and does not offer dual credit opportunities. Credit transfer and Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted to some extent.
The university's acceptance rate stands at 56%, placing it in the lower quarter compared to other institutions. The average admitted student has an SAT score around 1015, which is considered low and falls into the bottom 20 percent nationally. The average ACT score is 21, also categorized as low and in the bottom 25 percent. The total applicant pool numbered approximately 1,468, with about 815 offers of admission, and a final enrollment of roughly 159 students, reflecting selective admission standards.
Southwestern Adventist University requires prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their admissions materials. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications. However, the university offers fee waivers in certain circumstances, making it more accessible for applicants facing financial constraints.
Fee waivers can be granted based on specific eligibility criteria, which generally include financial need or participation in qualifying programs. Applicants seeking a waiver must provide appropriate documentation to demonstrate their eligibility. This approach allows Southwestern Adventist University to support a diverse range of students by reducing barriers related to application costs.
Those interested in applying are encouraged to consult the university's admissions office for detailed information on how to request an application fee waiver and to understand which conditions apply. The institution aims to facilitate the application process while maintaining a fair and thorough evaluation of all candidates.
Southwestern Adventist University does not offer on-campus ROTC programs directly. Prospective students interested in ROTC training typically participate through cross-enrollment arrangements with nearby institutions that host Army, Navy, or Air Force ROTC units. These partnerships allow students to pursue military training and leadership development while completing their academic coursework at Southwestern Adventist University.
Given the absence of an ROTC detachment on campus, students considering a military commission are advised to explore affiliated universities in the region that provide comprehensive ROTC curricula. Such options enable students to benefit from structured military education programs alongside their primary degree studies.
Southwestern Adventist University welcomes transfer students during the fall, spring, and summer terms, offering multiple opportunities throughout the academic year. The university is open to accepting credit from various examination programs, including CLEP general and subject exams, as well as DANTES tests. Transfer applicants face a minimally difficult entrance process, indicating that admission criteria are relatively accessible. Additionally, the institution considers recommendation letters as part of the application review. Transfer credit acceptance is confirmed, which can facilitate a smoother transition for students moving from other colleges or universities.
Southwestern Adventist University provides students with opportunities to participate in various study abroad experiences that complement their academic and personal growth. These programs are designed to foster global awareness and intercultural competence by allowing students to immerse themselves in diverse cultural settings while pursuing their coursework.
The university offers short-term mission trips and service-oriented programs that enable students to engage directly with communities overseas. These initiatives are typically integrated with the institution's religious and service-oriented mission, providing practical experience in international service projects.
Additionally, Southwestern Adventist University supports semester-long or summer study abroad options through partnerships with institutions in other countries. These programs allow students to enroll in foreign universities or participate in faculty-led international courses, enhancing their academic portfolio with a global dimension.
While details vary for each academic year, students interested in studying abroad are encouraged to consult with the university's international programs office to explore available destinations, program durations, and course equivalencies. This office also assists with logistical considerations such as visa requirements, travel arrangements, and cultural preparation.
Median composite SAT score
1015Median composite ACT score
21Percent of students submitting ACT scores
24%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
78%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
EasyGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer