Corban University logo

Corban University

Salem, OR Private ยท Urban www.corban.edu
Accept Rate
89.74%
Grad Rate
57.2%
Enrollment
636
Avg SAT
1084
Tuition
$37,208
Median Salary
$48,917
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
B
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Corban University offers a close-knit, faith-centered community where students are not just numbers but known individuals. The campus feels like a supportive family where professors genuinely invest in your spiritual and academic growth. It's an environment where you can deepen your faith while building lifelong friendships in a safe, encouraging setting.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

89.74%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

SAT data not available

Average: 1084

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Average: 24

Admissions Tips

As a test-optional school, highlight your personal character and involvement in essays, as Corban values students who align with its mission. Since the acceptance rate is high, focus on maintaining a solid GPA and completing your application early to secure the best possible financial aid package. Be sure to connect your personal faith journey or service activities to the university's Christian mission in your application.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1084
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Corban integrates Christian faith into every major, offering a unique academic experience that challenges students to think critically from a biblical worldview. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, you receive personalized attention and mentorship from professors who are dedicated to teaching, not just research. While research opportunities exist, the focus is more on applied learning and practical skill development within your field of study.

Popular Majors

Psychology
19.9%
Theology
17.3%
Business & Marketing
14.3%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
7.4%
Multidisciplinary Studies
6.5%
Biology & Biomedical
6.1%
Education
5.2%
Communications
4.3%
English & Literature
3%
Health Professions
2.6%
Visual & Performing Arts
2.6%
Mathematics & Statistics
2.2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

57.2%
Graduation Rate
81.5%
Retention Rate
636
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$37,208
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$25,525
After financial aid
Total Cost
$50,556
Cost of attendance/year
28.1%
Receive Pell Grants
43%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Salem

Salem offers a relaxed, accessible city life with a charming historic downtown, the scenic Riverfront Park, and a popular Saturday Market. Students enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in the nearby Cascades, exploring local wineries, and attending community events and festivals. The city is less about nightlife and more about community engagement, nature, and a slower pace of life.

Local Rent Check

$1,053 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Salem
Explore Salem

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$148,832
$0Est. 4 Years: $148,832

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($48,917):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The Corban campus is generally considered very safe, with a strong sense of community watch and a low incidence of serious crime. Salem is a mid-sized capital city, and while it has typical urban concerns, the campus itself is a secure and peaceful enclave.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Highly personalized attention from professors and staff
  • โœ“ Strong, integrated Christian faith community for spiritual growth
  • โœ“ Safe, supportive campus environment ideal for focused study
  • โœ“ Good retention rate (81.5%) indicating high student satisfaction

Cons

  • โœ— High tuition cost, even after aid, compared to public options
  • โœ— Graduation rate (57%) is below the national average for private universities
  • โœ— Limited diversity of thought and background due to its specific faith mission
  • โœ— Urban setting of Salem offers fewer big-city amenities and entertainment

Notable Alumni

Dr. Charles C. Ryrie
Renowned biblical scholar and author of the popular Ryrie Study Bible.
John Lim
Founder and President of Pacific West Capital Group, a successful real estate investment firm.
Michael J. O'Donnell
Executive Vice President at the National Christian Foundation, a major philanthropic organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Corban University is known for its strong integration of Christian faith with academics, offering a biblically-based education across all its majors. It is particularly recognized for its programs in Psychology, Theology, Business, and its unique focus on preparing students for service and leadership from a Christian worldview. The university emphasizes a close-knit community and personalized mentorship from faculty.

No, Corban University is not hard to get into, with a high acceptance rate of 89.74%. This indicates that the university is accessible to a broad range of applicants who meet its academic and character standards. While admission is not highly selective, applicants should still have a solid high school GPA and demonstrate alignment with the university's Christian mission.

Campus life at Corban is deeply community-oriented and centered on faith. With a small enrollment of just 636 students, it's easy to know everyone in your class and build strong relationships. Students engage in chapel services, faith-based small groups, and a variety of campus activities, and the residential campus fosters a close, family-like atmosphere.

The value of a degree from Corban depends heavily on your career goals and personal priorities. The financial ROI is modest, with median 10-year earnings of $48,917, which is lower than the sticker price might suggest. However, for students who prioritize a faith-integrated education, a supportive community, and personalized mentorship, the investment can be worthwhile for its spiritual and personal development benefits.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Salem Health State of Oregon Northwest Christian Schools Pacific West Capital Group Nike
Smart Start Score
56

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,016
  • In-State Tuition $37,208
  • Zip Code 97317

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 40.9% โ™€ 59.1%

The Money Talk

The sticker price is high for a private university of its size, but the average net price of $25,525 is more manageable after institutional aid and scholarships. With median 10-year earnings around $48,917, the return on investment is modest and requires careful consideration of student debt. The value is strongest for students seeking a faith-based education and a supportive network, which can be harder to quantify financially but impactful for career and life.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $37,208
Housing (12 mo) $12,636
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $57,044
With avg financial aid:
$25,525/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.