SBU named a good college buy

SBU named a good college buy

October 26, 2004

BOLIVAR – Southwest Baptist University has been selected as both one of the 100 best college buys and one of the best Christian colleges in the United States.

It’s the ninth consecutive time SBU has been listed in America’s 100 Best College Buys, and the eighth consecutive time for America’s Best Christian Colleges.

“Once again SBU is among the top universities across the country who were selected for both lists,” said C. Pat Taylor, president of SBU. “SBU is one of 16 colleges and universities that is an outstanding Christian university and also among the best buys. We are the only university in Missouri that was selected for both honors.”

The 2004-2005 annual reports are based on surveys of 1,459 accredited colleges and universities. The top 100 institutions were selected for inclusion in America’s 100 Best College Buys when their costs and the academic quality of freshmen students were compared to other accredited, four-year institutions offering bachelor degrees for both men and women and room and board.

The total cost for the 2004-2005 academic year at SBU is $15,809. The national average based upon the regular cost at a private institution and the out-of-state cost at a public institution is $22,198.

The 2004-2005 America’s Best Christian Colleges report selects institutions based on the high school grade point average and college entrance examination scores of the entering freshmen class. In addition to high academic requirements, selected schools must offer full service residential facilities with room and board, and a full range of financial assistance programs including need-based, merit-based and athletics.

Also schools must be affiliated with a recognized Christian denomination or have a historical association with a recognized Christian denomination and be providing an educational experience incorporating basic Christian principles and beliefs in the instructional curriculum and/or social environment.

The America’s 100 Best College Buys list included six other Missouri institutions. SBU is one of six Southern Baptist related institutions on the list and one of five member institutions of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).