Dallas Baptist University logo

Dallas Baptist University

Dallas, TX Private ยท Urban www.dbu.edu
Accept Rate
91.08%
Grad Rate
58.5%
Enrollment
2,526
Avg SAT
1109
Tuition
$38,140
Median Salary
$56,807
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Dallas Baptist University feels like a tight-knit spiritual community set within an urban campus, where faith and learning intersect on a picturesque hilltop overlooking the city. It's a place where small class sizes foster genuine connections with professors and peers, creating a supportive and intentional atmosphere.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

91.08%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 110975th Pctl
9601217
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2375th Pctl
2127
1122436

Admissions Tips

["Ensure your application essay clearly articulates your personal faith journey and how it aligns with DBU's Christian mission, as this is a key factor in their holistic review process.","Highlight leadership experience, particularly within church or community service, as DBU values applicants who demonstrate a heart for servant leadership."]

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1109
40080012001600
School range: 960โ€“1217

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

Academics & Majors

DBU is known for its strong programs in business, communications, and theology, often integrating a Christian worldview into the curriculum. The university emphasizes close faculty mentorship rather than large-scale research, with professors who are deeply invested in student development and practical application of knowledge.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
27.7%
Multidisciplinary Studies
11.1%
Communications
9.3%
Psychology
8.2%
Education
7.1%
Theology
6.8%
Biology & Biomedical
5.1%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
4.9%
Visual & Performing Arts
4.4%
Computer Science
2.5%
Social Sciences
2.4%
Public Administration
2.2%

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

By The Numbers

58.5%
Graduation Rate
63.8%
Retention Rate
2,526
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
$38,140
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$30,092
After financial aid
Total Cost
$49,343
Cost of attendance/year
23.9%
Receive Pell Grants
36.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Dallas

Students have easy access to the vibrant culture of Dallas, including professional sports, concerts, museums, and a renowned food scene. Popular student activities include exploring the Bishop Arts District, attending events at AT&T Stadium or American Airlines Center, and enjoying the outdoors at nearby Cedar Ridge Preserve.

Local Rent Check

$1,500 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Dallas
Explore Dallas

Reality Check

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

$152,560
$0Est. 4 Years: $152,560

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($56,807):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

DBU is located in a private, gated campus that is generally considered safe, with its own campus security team. The surrounding Southwest Dallas area has a mix of residential and industrial zones, so students are advised to remain aware of their surroundings when off-campus.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong integration of faith and academics
  • โœ“ Small class sizes allow for personalized attention from professors
  • โœ“ Prime location in Dallas offers abundant internship and job opportunities
  • โœ“ Beautiful, self-contained hilltop campus provides a retreat-like atmosphere

Cons

  • โœ— High tuition cost compared to public alternatives
  • โœ— Graduation and retention rates are below national averages for private universities
  • โœ— The specific Christian worldview may not appeal to all students

Notable Alumni

Bob Costas
Legendary sportscaster for NBC and MLB Network who briefly attended DBU.
Mark Landry
Former professional baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros.
Kyle Rote, Jr.
Former professional soccer player and U.S. Olympian who played for the Dallas Tornado.

Frequently Asked Questions

DBU is primarily known for its Christ-centered approach to education, integrating faith into all academic disciplines. It has particular strengths in business, education, and theology, and is recognized for its close-knit community and commitment to developing 'servant leaders'.

No, Dallas Baptist University has a high acceptance rate of 91.08%, making it generally accessible to applicants. While it is not highly selective, the admissions process does consider factors like faith alignment and character, and the average SAT score for enrolled students is around 1109.

Campus life at DBU is deeply community-oriented and centered on faith. Students participate in chapel services, Bible study groups, and service projects, while also enjoying campus events and a residential community feel on its scenic hilltop campus.

For students seeking a private, faith-based education in a major metropolitan area, DBU can be a worthwhile investment. While the sticker price is high, the average net price is more manageable, and the 10-year median earnings of $56,807 indicate a solid financial outcome for graduates, particularly in the strong Dallas job market.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Texas Instruments AT&T Children's Health PepsiCo Dallas Independent School District (DISD)
Smart Start Score
59

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 3,356
  • In-State Tuition $38,140
  • Zip Code 75211

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 42% โ™€ 58%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of just over $30,000, DBU is priced similarly to other private universities but offers a strong value for those seeking a faith-based education. The 10-year median earnings of $56,807 suggest a solid return on investment, especially for graduates entering fields like business and education in the Dallas metro area.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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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 $38,140
Housing (12 mo) $18,000
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $63,340
With avg financial aid:
$30,092/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.