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Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary

Ankeny, IA Private ยท Suburban faith.edu
Accept Rate
49.68%
Grad Rate
58.6%
Enrollment
371
Avg SAT
1088
Tuition
$19,530
Median Salary
$40,650
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C+
Value
B-
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary offers an intimate, faith-centered campus experience where spiritual growth is woven into daily life. The small student body of 371 creates a close-knit, family-like atmosphere where students are known personally by faculty and peers. It feels like a supportive community dedicated to integrating Christian faith with learning and service.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

49.68%
Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 108875th Pctl
9401180
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2475th Pctl
1825
1122436

Admissions Tips

["Given the 49.68% acceptance rate, submit a strong application that clearly articulates your personal faith journey and alignment with the college's mission. Ensure your high school transcript demonstrates a solid academic record, particularly in core subjects. Highlight any church involvement, volunteer work, or ministry experience in your application essays and recommendations."]

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1088
40080012001600
School range: 940โ€“1180

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

Academics & Majors

The college's academic strengths lie in its foundational programs in Theology, Business & Marketing, and Education, taught from a conservative evangelical perspective. Faculty are deeply invested in student mentorship, providing personalized attention in small classroom settings. While research opportunities are more limited compared to large universities, students engage in practical ministry training and community-based projects.

Popular Majors

Theology
65%
Business & Marketing
23.3%
Education
11.7%

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

By The Numbers

58.6%
Graduation Rate
80%
Retention Rate
371
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
$19,530
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$17,819
After financial aid
Total Cost
$30,354
Cost of attendance/year
37.4%
Receive Pell Grants
25.7%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Ankeny

Ankeny provides a peaceful suburban setting with easy access to the amenities of the greater Des Moines area for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Students often enjoy local parks, recreational trails, and community events. For more diverse nightlife and cultural activities, students frequently make the short trip into downtown Des Moines.

Local Rent Check

$787 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Ankeny
Explore Ankeny

Reality Check

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

$78,120
$0Est. 4 Years: $78,120

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($40,650):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus in Ankeny, Iowa, is considered very safe, benefiting from its location in a quiet suburban community with low crime rates. The college fosters a secure environment with a strong sense of community watch among students and staff.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Highly affordable tuition for a private, non-profit college.
  • โœ“ Strong sense of community and personalized mentorship from faculty.
  • โœ“ Specialized training in theology and ministry with integrated faith and learning.
  • โœ“ High retention rate of 80%, indicating strong student satisfaction and support.

Cons

  • โœ— The 58.6% graduation rate is below the national average for private institutions.
  • โœ— Limited academic major options outside of theology, business, and education.
  • โœ— The small, insular campus may not offer the diverse social scene of a larger university.
  • โœ— Location in a suburban area may require travel for students seeking major city entertainment.

Notable Alumni

Robert T. Ketcham
Long-time president of Faith Baptist Bible College and a key figure in its development and growth.
John G. Whitcomb
Prominent theologian, author, and speaker in the creation science movement, who taught at the seminary.
Timothy J. D. D
A notable alumnus who has served as a missionary and church planter in various international contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary is primarily known for its conservative evangelical theology and its focus on training students for Christian ministry, missions, and church leadership. It offers a tight-knit, faith-integrated educational environment with core strengths in Theology, Business & Marketing, and Education at an affordable cost.

The college has a moderately selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 49.68%. This means that while it is not extremely difficult, applicants should have a solid academic profile. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1088, and a strong demonstration of faith and character is a critical component of the application review.

Campus life is centered around faith, community, and personal growth. With only 371 students, the environment is intimate, with small classes and close relationships between students and professors. Students engage in chapel services, Bible studies, and ministry activities, with social life often revolving around campus events and church functions rather than a typical party scene.

For students seeking a Christ-centered education in theology, business, or education, the college can be a worthwhile investment. With an average net price of $17,819, it is significantly more affordable than many private universities. The value is particularly high for those pursuing ministry or non-profit careers, though the 10-year median earnings of $40,650 suggest that the return on investment is more about personal and spiritual fulfillment than high financial earnings.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Faith Baptist Church Various Christian Schools Missionary Organizations Local Non-Profits Small Businesses
Smart Start Score
51

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 523
  • In-State Tuition $19,530
  • Zip Code 50023

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 47.4% โ™€ 52.6%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $17,819 and a Pell Grant rate of 37.4%, the college is accessible and relatively affordable for a private institution. The 10-year median earnings of $40,650 for graduates suggest a moderate return on investment, which may be considered valuable for those pursuing careers in ministry, education, or non-profit sectors where personal fulfillment often outweighs high salary potential. The flat tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students adds a layer of financial predictability.

*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 $19,530
Housing (12 mo) $9,444
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $36,174
With avg financial aid:
$17,819/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.