Southwest Baptist University
Southwest Baptist University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Southwest Baptist University at a Glance
Southwest Baptist University (SBU) is a private university in Bolivar, Missouri, United States. It is affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention, which is part of the Southern Baptist Convention. In 2023, it had a total enrollment of 2,168 students.
1878
148 years old
2,168
152 acres
Identity
Is Southwest Baptist University Worth It?
At a value score of 26/100, Southwest Baptist University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $43,112 — 20% below average — while paying $21,677/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 53% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Southwest Baptist University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Southwest Baptist University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #50 of 109 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Evansville | 49 | $18,499 | $53,770 |
| #2 | Illinois College | 45 | $18,298 | $52,575 |
| #3 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #4 | Louisiana Christian University | 42 | $13,113 | $51,700 |
| #5 | Huntington University | 40 | $19,310 | $46,672 |
| #6 | Gardner-Webb University | 40 | $17,674 | $48,039 |
| #50 | Southwest Baptist University | 26 | $21,677 | $43,112 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Southwest Baptist University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in MO.
Best Programs at Southwest Baptist University
The highest-earning program at Southwest Baptist University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $51,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at $27,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Southwest Baptist University earns $51,000, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas graduate earns $27,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $22,520 in median debt vs. $21,500 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,677/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $51,000 | $51,000 | $22,520 |
| Psychology, General | $28,100 | $28,100 | $27,360 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $28,000 | $28,000 | $22,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $27,900 | $27,900 | $21,500 |
Similar Colleges in MO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Bolivar, MO
- Student Body
- 1,341 students
- Admission Rate
- 68%
- Graduation Rate
- 53%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,677
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $43,112
- Median Student Debt
- $20,957