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Southwest Baptist University Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Southwest Baptist University reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Southwest Baptist University. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Southwest Baptist University reviews, or contribute your own Southwest Baptist University review if you're a current student there.

  • 9 out of 9 people found this review useful.

    Jennifer from Springfield, MO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I have been able to learn quite a bit in the past year that I have attended here. The wonderful thing about SBU is that the faculty care about you learning about life, and not just their subjects.
    Am enjoying being here

    I absolutely love it at SBU!! Both students and staff are wonderful and tons of fun! There is a higher concentration of warm, friendly and caring people here, than I have ever seen anywhere else. It's summer vacation right now, and I have never missed being in school so much in my entire life because it's so wonderful there!
    Bang for the buck

    For a private college, SBU offers great programs for a relatively small price, which is why it has been named in America’s 100 Best College Buys® and schools with Americas Best College Scholarships®. I personally think SBU is still fairly expensive, at $22,000 per year for tuition, fees, room and board; however, if you bear in mind that it is a private school, this is a very affordable price.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be ready to study, but also to have the time of your life! Don't be afraid to make new friends, because the friendships I've made here have been very deep, and have developed quickly.
    Great for these types of students

    Being a Christian college, SBU is a wonderful school for students wishing to deepen their relationships with God, and see how everything they learned in church applies to real life. If you are interested in missions or ministry, this is also and excellent school for you!
    SBU is not limited to only Christian students, however. It also has excellent programs in education, business and accounting, and biology and physical therapy.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Abigail from West Plains, MO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    As a double major I began taking the maximum load possible my second semester of freshman year. One of my majors is Graphic Design and the other is General Music. Both require a rather large number of pre-requisites and I was kind of overwhelmed by the road ahead of me. To tell you the truth, it still seems overwhelming at times because I'm only one year into school and about to start my second and two majors can really take it out of you. I'm even taking summer courses so that I can try to complete both degree programs within four years. But every single teacher I have there is understanding of what I'm trying to accomplish. Every single class I have taken here has been informative and relevant to the degree program to which it applied and up to date! I ended the year with a 3.7 GPA and I know that the knowledge I gained from the year will carry over into the next three years and inevitably into my career!
    Am enjoying being here

    Part of Southwest Baptist University's credo is that they are caring. This is a completely true statement. I am a rather shy person at first and I always felt welcome every time I came to visit before school started last year. The students waved to me. The ambassadors were warm and friendly. Several times, doors were opened for me by gentlemanly students here. The teachers make you feel comfortable and are very engaging. Yes it is a small school and yes it is in a tiny community, but the education and the social experiences you have here are worth it! I'm making memories and gaining to knowledge to last a life time! I love the chapel services. I love the Thursday night worship service in the tiny chapel in the middle of campus. Assassins week was a blast! And all of the student faculty (RA's, etc.) really make an effort to make you feel like you're a part of a family. By the way, they have an amazing city park in Bolivar. Seriously, it's gorgeous in summer and they decorate it up really well in the winter. You are going to enjoy it a lot.
    Bang for the buck

    Southwest Baptist University is a private university and therefore the price to go there looks steeper than your average state school. Coming in as a freshman last fall, the price tag was a whopping $23,000. But amazingly, the cost of my education was far less than that of some of my friends at state schools! SBU has fantastic scholarship programs. The scholarships you get for your high school academics alone make a huge dent. On top of that, I had a church matching scholarship, a dependent of minister scholarship, and music scholarship for both flute and voice. By the time it was all said and done, I only had a couple thousand more to come up with on my own. I'm so glad I was able to come here! I'm getting a great education and having a wonderful college experience and its very affordable too!
    Tips for prospective students

    I only have a few tips for prospective students:
    1) Bring rain boots and a large umbrella. You wouldn't believe how much it rains in the spring. I thought I was living in Seattle there for a while!
    2) You may want to allot some money for you to buy staple food items to keep in your dorm room. SBU does a pretty good job with their food at Mellars (the cafeteria) but it is cafeteria food and you get bored with it after a while. Don't rely on the wide variety of fast food restaurants that are conveniently nearby. Make use of the kitchen available in every dorm.
    3) Get to know your professors outside of class. They are wonderful people and have lots of things to teach you within and outside of the classroom walls.
    4) You don't need to bring your whole closet with you the first day. You've got time to go home and get the things you discover you still need before the weather becomes too dramatic to handle. I learned this the hard way.
    5) Don't date anyone the first couple of months. This is the time to make friends.
    6) Bring a bike/longboard/skateboard/rollerskates(?) because there will be mornings you run late.
    7) Keep your grades up. You don't want to lose your scholarships.
    8) Second semester is tougher than first semester in every single way possible.
    9) Call whoever helped you make it to college, at least once a week that first semester. They REALLY want to hear how you are.
    10) You are about to get a whole ton of freedom with your time. Don't abuse it. Don't sleep in until 2pm (missing your first three classes). Don't be stupid.
    Great for these types of students

    This school is great for all types. There's something here for everyone. There's a friend here for everyone. It's a small school so you get that community feel without having to know every single person on the campus. Everyone fits in somewhere and some people fit in everywhere. It's wonderful! I love the atmosphere. I'm sure you will too.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    happy student

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    There are many academic opportunities at Southwest Baptist. Specifically, I want to talk about the Dutile Honors Program, which has provided me personally with many opportunities. As part of the honors program, I have to upgrade a certain amount of my general education courses into an honors version. For example, instead of taking Introduction to Economics, I will be taking Honors Economics. These honors courses are not designed to be filled with busywork to make them seem more difficult. Rather, they encourage us to think critically about the subject.
    Am enjoying being here

    I really enjoy SBU, and the dorm life is great. While we do not have fraternities and sororities, people in each dorm building become very close. I have made some very good friendships with other girls who live in my hall. One thing that we do together as a dorm is we have dorm activities such as joining a coffee house night or watching a movie. Each year at Homecoming, we show off our dorm pride by participating in the dorm competitions. My favorite of the dorm competitions is the Bed Races. That is an event in which each dorm building has a representative team. The team pushes one of its members on a wheeled bed as quickly as they can. The winning team gets points, and the team with the most points after all of the Homecoming events are over gets bragging rights and a prize.
    Bang for the buck

    SBU is a private Christian school. It has quality academics paired with fun activities, Christian development, and nice dorms. That being said, its sticker price is going to a bit higher than an in-state public school. However, it offers many types of merit scholarships, both for freshmen and transfer students. These scholarships can bring down the expected cost. Even if you are not sure about paying for the school’s cost, apply anyway and see how the scholarships come out.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be excited about starting college because it is a wonderful time of transition and personal growth. Don’t sweat the small things before you get there. On the more practical side, if you are living in a dorm, you might want to invest in some under-the-bed storage units. Those really come in handy.
    Great for these types of students

    SBU is good for Christian students who want to be grown spiritually and academically. The school will challenge them as it prepares them for their career. However, it’s not only Christians that come here because the school is welcome for anyone to come.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Kara from Bolivar, MO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    As a biology/pre-med major at SBU, I have been taught by excellent professors both in my field of study as well as the general education courses I have taken. I have learned life lessons as well as a great deal of knowledge from my classes.
    Am enjoying being here

    The faculty and students are very friendly and encouraging. I have been able to excel in my studies due to their willingness to help and genuine concern for the success of their students.
    Bang for the buck

    SBU is a private school, and therefore can be very expensive. However, the financial aid has been very generous and the scholarships requirements have recently been changed to allow more students to become eligible.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take advantage of SBU's events for prospective students, namely Bearcat Days and Fall Visitation. This will give you an opportunity to meet with faculty and determine if the atmosphere fits your particular needs and preferences.
    Great for these types of students

    Because SBU is a Christian institution, students of that faith may feel most comfortable there. Also, there are many opportunities for those who would like to major in Biblical studies or similar disciplines. However, SBU is a great school for those interested in other fields of study as each department has excellent professors.

  • 1 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Lisa Hart

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    The academics at SBU are very good. I learnt alot, and while the expecations for homework are high, it's still very good.
    Did enjoy being here

    I hated the atomosphere. Bolivar is boring, and the SBU campus offers nothing to do. Honestly, Bolivar is pretty much a ghost town aside from the kids on campus. There is also tendancies for students to be treated like children.
    Bang for the buck

    Horribly expensive, and there are better, cheaper Christian schools
    Tips for prospective students

    If you are looking to still be treated like a highschool or middle school kid, checked up on where ever you are going, be unable to have fun, be expected to be a perfect rold model, then SBU is your school. They have very very high Christan expectation, and have next to impossible rules to follow. The staff are rude and arrogant. You are forced to attend Chapel twice a week, so if Christianity being stuffed down your throat doesnt intrest you, SBU isn't the school for you.
    Great for these types of students

    SBU is great for kids who want to be treated as kids, hard core Christians, non partiers, students who want to learn all about God and Jesus, those who want to attend every class, and do homework most of the time. SBU has a very strict attendance policy, as well as Chapel attendance policy.

  • Debra from Springfield, MO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I recently completed my first semester at SBU. The instructors take an interest in your learning, they don't act like teaching is just a job. I would recommend SBU to anyone looking to further his education.
    Tips for prospective students

    Like any college or school, you have to study to get good grades.
    Academic Rigor

    SBU's curriculum is challenging, you earn what you put forth.

    Dorm Life

    I personally do not know, I live local. Dorm rooms are offered though to those in need.
    Food and Dining

    Unknown, I live local and not on campus.
    What to do for fun

    Many things that one is accustomed to in larger cities.
    Bang for the buck

    I am really glad I chose SBU. Class sizes are smaller and instructors are hands on.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    I go to the affiliate campus in Springfield so unsure what the main campus has to offer.
    Clubs and Activities

    SNA- Student Nurses Association at the Springfield Campus. Bolivar has many more clubs and activities.
    Greek Life

    Unknown, possibly at the main campus in Bolivar.
    Campus Safety

    I know their is security at both campus's.

  • Anonymous

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Academic Rigor

    According to their numbers, 95% of SBU seniors pass the MFAT exam (about business)
    Dorm Life

    These are some of the places to live: Beasley, Landen, Leslie, Maupin, Memorial, Meyer, Plaster, Woody/Gott, and Casebolt Apartments (for upperclassmen). They encourage students not to stay locked up in their dorm rooms, but to get involved.
    Food and Dining

    There are 20, 15, 10 meal plans. The 20 meal plan includes $50 bearcat bonus bucks.

  • from Bolivar, MO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    SBU is located in a small Missouri town. It is a private school with about 3,000 students. They have a lot of personal requirements for your life.
    Tips for prospective students

    Try to get scholarships--administration is relentless about getting their money.
    Academic Rigor

    The teachers are first-rate. They really make the school a quality one. Overall, I've felt they really care.
    Dorm Life

    The dorms are old and provide your real basics. Nothing really exciting, and they cut corners. But the dorms have some activities, so that may help with boredom.
    Food and Dining

    Mellers has a reputations for not great food, but the times I ate there haven't been bad.
    What to do for fun

    Get creative! Small town=limited passive entertainment. Get to know people and make your own fun!
    Bang for the buck

    With scholarships reducing the costs, I believe it has a pretty good value.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Dorms have dance parties every once in a while, although ironically in some places on campus it was contracted with the rule of no dancing allowed. There are bed races for homecoming.
    Great for these types of students

    -Want small classes where teachers generally help you well
    -Looking for spiritual growth on top of academic and social

    Clubs and Activities

    They have the typical sports and SIFE, a big business club, and a lot of computer tech-y opportunities
    Greek Life

    None
    Campus Safety

    Not a lot of crime happens, and when it does it's not usually violent types

  • Dante' from Dayton, OH

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I liked the visit very much. The tour guides were very friendly. I liked the way they explained class size, and what you can do if you need academic help.
    Tips for prospective students

    Check out the campus. They offer a lot of majors.
    Academic Rigor

    They help you transcend to college.
    Dorm Life

    They have several different choices coe dorm rooms.
    Food and Dining

    They food was excellent. A lot of variety, and all you can eat.
    What to do for fun

    There was a ;arge variety of clubs and activities.
    Bang for the buck

    The facilites on the campus were wlee maintained.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The campus was located in a small town, and the whole town seemed supportive of the college students.
    Great for these types of students

    All students seemed welcome.
    Clubs and Activities

    A lot of clubs, but no mention of sororities or fraternities.
    Greek Life

    See above
    Campus Safety

    The campus seemed safe, and seemed to be in a safw ton.

  • Hannah from Alexander, AR

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    It's a college that holds high standards and pushes students to do their best. The staff has a passion for what they are doing and the students. The campus is kept clean and in my opinion not too big, it could stand to be little bit bigger though.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you are serious about your academics and don't mind being challenged this is a college for you. It is definitely a little bit pricey but I think in most every aspect your getting a good deal for your money. Don't come here if you are not ready to be challenged, but at the same time the teachers are always willing to help and walk you through things.
    Academic Rigor

    They definitely want to challenge you and hold you to high standards. Like with any school you do have some teachers who aren't quite as hard as the rest, but as an overall view of the university it holds very high standards in academics.
    Dorm Life

    They are strict but not as strict as some schools. We can't have anyone of the opposite sex in our dorm rooms unless it is visitation and we only have those once a week and sometimes they are cancelled, you have to check in and it's only for like 5 hours. Your door has to stay open and you can't lay down. On the days we don't have visitation the opposite sex can be in the lobby of your dorm until midnight then they have to leave. You can be fined if you have someone of the opposite sex in the lobby past midnight. First semester freshman have curfew at midnight on school nights and 0200 on weekends. Also first semester freshman have to have an RA or RD approve and sign them out on the weekends. After your first semester it gets better.
    Food and Dining

    It's not the best food I've ever had but I've had worse. During lunch and dinner on weekdays we have a sandwich/grill station, pizza bar, salad bar, and nacho bar. We also have two dinner lines that stay open for lunch and dinner. Breakfast has a hot breakfast line and like cereal, fruit and breads. On weekends they only offer two meals on Saturday and breakfast on Sundays is only served from like 0700 to 0830. On weekdays you also have an option of eating in the Sports Cafe for breakfast and the Cat Snack for lunch and dinner.
    What to do for fun

    Bolivar is a small town but we enjoy during the summers going down to the creeks, streams and lakes and doing bonfires and swimming. Riding bikes and hiking. Springfield is only 30 minutes away and there is a lot more to do there. We have a little bowling alley and a small theater. We also like to play game like Ransom.
    Bang for the buck

    It's pricey but I do believe the education you get is just about worth what you pay, food maybe not so much but for the most part everything else seems to be a good deal.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Rabbit hunting, at night when its dark we go hunting on campus for rabbits, they come out and night and we chase them. During homecoming week we have midnight battles against the other dorms. We do some crazy stuff.
    Great for these types of students

    Studious
    Ready to have fun
    Creative
    Willing to try new things
    Out doors??

    Clubs and Activities

    I'm not involved in many but I do know they have a lot and there are some pretty cool clubs, I just haven't had time to join them.
    Greek Life

    none
    Campus Safety

    I would consider this a high priority for SBU. There is always security driving around and you have to have a card to get into any of the dorm, you also must have a card to get into most any of the buildings after 1800. Security is always willing to come and help or escort you somewhere if you feel uncomfortable.

  • Shelbey

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    the professors at sbu are so friendly and really do want to get to know you on a personal level. there's always student activities going on so you can get to know others, and it's a great atmosphere to be in.
    Tips for prospective students

    don't be afraid to step outside of your dorm room when you have down time. talk to other students in your classes, especially ones in your same major.
    Academic Rigor

    old testament and new testament history classes are ones that are going to take a little more studying than the rest, but you learn a lot and it pays off.
    Dorm Life

    halls can be a bit noisy, depending on where you are living and who your ra is. overall, dorm life is great.
    Food and Dining

    food in meller's should definitely improve. it's not the best, but there is always the option of pizza, sandwiches, or cereal if you don't like the main choices.
    What to do for fun

    in bolivar... not too much. there is a wal-mart a few minutes from campus, and also a park, but mostly you have to find your own source of entertainment. playing wallyball is always fun.
    Bang for the buck

    the price of going to sbu can be a little steep, but they have great academic scholarships and other scholarships that you can apply for. sure, you can pay thousands less at a community college or state university, but you get what you pay for. you're paying for a christian-based education and it is totally worth it.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    twirp. the woman is required to pay. kind of like a sadie hawkins kind of thing. the girl asks, plans, and pays for the date.
    Great for these types of students

    any!
    Campus Safety

    security can always be seen driving around campus. never had any sort of problem.

  • Debra from Springfield, MO

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    My overall impression of this University is amazing. The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. I am very excited to begin my program of choice at Southwest Baptist University!
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't hesitate to ask questions. Knowledge is power!
    Academic Rigor

    Very good
    Dorm Life

    available however not for me
    Food and Dining

    available however not interested
    What to do for fun

    There are many academic clubs and sports
    Bang for the buck

    I feel this University is very competitive for the money
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Don't know yet
    Great for these types of students

    Don't know yet
    Clubs and Activities

    A wide variety
    Greek Life

    Unknown and not interested
    Campus Safety

    Has school security guards

  • Matthew from Firestone, CO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Southwest Baptist University is one of the finest schools that I've ever been to. I travel on the Speech and Debate team and have seen many schools, but the quality of teachers and facilities hardly match SBU. I would not be content going to any other school.
    Tips for prospective students

    SBU is a little pricey, but take advantage of the NUMEROUS private scholarships that are available. I would not be able to continue attending if it was not for the overwhelming generosity of the alumni.
    Academic Rigor

    The classes are fairly tough, but the professors and students are more than willing to help students out. While some professors demand more than others you will never find more quality in what you learn, especially in the Theology Department. As an added plus everything is conveyed honestly and we're pushed to see the world in light of morality and truth.
    Dorm Life

    While the style of dorms changes from location to location, each one has it's perks. What makes the experience is not only pursuing community in your own dorm, but the small size of the student body allows you to know everyone in one form or another.
    Food and Dining

    This is the only part of SBU that I believe is sub-par. Fresh Ideas (the company that SBU hires) does not take suggestions seriously and has a monopoly over what the school can do about events that include food...so it is not often we get a change of pace. It's only when, but the selection day to day is more often than not leftovers from previous weeks made to look freshly made. Now when there are special events or holidays Fresh Ideas steps up their game -usually- but it'd be nice to see it more often. Also for $6 a meal and the quality we're given, you're better off buying groceries.
    What to do for fun

    Being in a small town, there is not a lot to do. Thankfully Springfield is nearby and always has something fun to do, but if you don't have a car this is where you have to be creative. Building fire pits in the local countryside, swimming in lakes or just having fun in the local walmart at night are always recipes for a good time.
    Bang for the buck

    Again a little pricey, but I wouldn't want to go anywhere else.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Maupin is by far the strangest, but rewarding men's dorm to be in. No other dorm has a truly integrated open door policy and dorm events are always done on the fly and long-standing traditions make it worth being apart of the dorm and watching it.
    Greek Life

    Non-existent. The only thing close would be Maupin and Memorial Hall.
    Campus Safety

    While for guys it is not a problem, the girls who live in Memorial have quite a walk through the neighborhood. Part of this goes through a somewhat dark street with only one side being lit, sadly this is something the school can do nothing about but ensure campus security patrols the area often. Bolivar is not exactly the cleanest place to live, but it needs good people found in Christ to reach out to them, and escort the ladies back to their dorms at night. If this is done there are no issues.

  • Nikolai from Higginsville, MO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Southwest Baptist University is a great private school with reasonable tuition and plenty of scholarship opportunities. More importantly, the professors are first-class with high degrees of education and also caring personalities that desire to see you succeed. The campus life and students are mostly positive as it is a private Christian institution with many opportunities for social, physical, and spiritual growth.
    Tips for prospective students

    Continue to apply for scholarships in college during breaks and when you have downtime in your schoolwork.
    Academic Rigor

    Programs are not impossible but still stretching, challenging, and time consuming.
    Dorm Life

    Most at Southwest Baptist are Christians and are therefore pretty friendly people. Many will leave their doors open and are open for socializing and having new faces in their rooms. In addition, the dorm staff usually put on several social events a semester.
    Food and Dining

    The cafeteria food is quite acceptable and favorable. There are few things off-limits.
    What to do for fun

    The campus contains raquetball courts and a climbing and bouldering wall, a student field for football or soccer, and a game room with ping pong, foosball, and pool tables. There are lots of fun things to do in the Springfield area (25 minutes away) and there are lots of unused bridges and creeks in the area as well as a park. Get creative :)
    Bang for the buck

    Southwest Baptist is a private college; therefore, it is considerably pricey. However, it is a well-respected and affordable school that offers extensive financial aid to all students.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    During our school's Welcome Week, we have a man on staff at the school who leads the hundreds of new students down the forum playing the bagpipes in epic fashion for all the parents to see.
    Clubs and Activities

    The University Activities Council and Student Government Association provide weekly activities for students. There are many clubs to be involved with in each respective college. The SIFE program and Forensics clubs are notably prestigious.
    Greek Life

    Not applicable
    Campus Safety

    Cars patrol the campus 24/7 and security takes their job seriously.

  • Shawn from Salem, MO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I attend SBU-Salem Campus and one thing that suprised me is that it is very challenging for a small campus.
    Am enjoying being here

    I like the facility that they have at SBU-Salem. It has the up to date technology along with great teachers and office staff.
    Bang for the buck

    SBU-Salem is affordable for any student, traditional or non-traditional.

  • Garrick from Bolivar, MO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I have learned a lot in the classroom as well as outside of the classroom.From the in depth lectures to chapel twice a week,this school has really enabled me to expand my mind and be more successful in what I do.
    Am enjoying being here

    I love it here.Everyone is friendly which you won't find at a lot of schools.The environment is very comforting as well,especially having fellow believers surrounding you.
    Bang for the buck

    Some say the school is a bit pricey,but I think it's well worth its cost.There are so many different aspects that make this school worth investing in.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you are debating whether or not to come to SBU I highly suggest visiting the school.It will really give you a feel for the type of environment and even people that you would possibly encounter here.
    Great for these types of students

    SBU is great for students who are looking to be challenged academically and who have the determination to put in the work to pursue their career or life dream.