Central Baptist College
Central Baptist College is a private nonprofit university in Conway, AR ranked #1262 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 484 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 663.5%. Students most often pursue Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other and Bible/Biblical Studies.
Day to day, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 62.7% first-year retention, and 34.1% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $12,287, about $4,711 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -23.3%, roughly 108.6 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $37,681. That's about $6,007 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Central Baptist College has an acceptance rate of 663.5%, annual tuition of $21,330, average net price of $12,287, and a national rank of #1262 (Grade B-), with a 34.1% six-year graduation rate, about 484 undergraduates, and median earnings of $37,681 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Central Baptist College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Central Baptist College graduates 34.1% of students within six years and keeps 62.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Central Baptist College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $21,330 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,888 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $8,500 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,084 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $30,605 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 39.8% of Central Baptist College students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $11,750 to $11,408 depending on family income. Use Central Baptist College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $14,382/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $11,408/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $37,681
- 10-Year Median Earnings $37,681
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,876
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 57.5%
- Employment Rate 88.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Central Baptist College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Central Baptist College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Central Baptist College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Central Baptist College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Central Baptist College graduates earn $37,681 median, the -23.3% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 473-553
- SAT Math 410-568
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 17-23
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 484
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 62.7%
- Graduation Rate 34.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Central Baptist College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Central Baptist College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 663.5%, Central Baptist College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 63.5% acceptance rate, Central Baptist College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 883 and 1121 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Central Baptist College undergraduates. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Suppo, Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, and Bible/Biblical Studies draw the most students.
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Suppo 17.5%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 15.3%
- Bible/Biblical Studies 12.7%
- Psychology, General 9.0%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.8%
- Psychology, Other 5.8%
See more majors
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 4.8%
- Human Resources Management and Services 4.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other $53,451
- 2. Bible/Biblical Studies $36,109
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other grads earn $53,451—48% more than Bible/Biblical Studies ($36,109). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Central Baptist College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 29 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 11 graduates)
- Psychology, Other (Bachelor's Degree, 11 graduates)
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 9 graduates)
- Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degree, 8 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (18 programs)▼
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Psychology, Other
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
- Marketing
- English Language and Literature, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- International Business
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Music
- History
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Biotechnology
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 484
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 55.6%
- Female Students 44.4%
- Caucasian 58.5%
- Asian 0.6%
- Hispanic 11.2%
- Black 13.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 39.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Central Baptist College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Central Baptist College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Central Baptist College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Central Baptist College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Central Baptist College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Central Baptist College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Central Baptist College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -23.3% ROI. Ranked #1262 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $12,287 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $37,681 median earnings. With 34.1% graduating within six years and 62.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Central Baptist College's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1262 ranking, Central Baptist College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $12,287 annually, Central Baptist College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 62.7% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $8,601 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -23.3% ROI and $37,681 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $2,287+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Central Baptist College ranks #1262 of 6101 institutions, with 402 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 34.1% six-year graduation rate sits 28.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 62.7% first-year retention is 14.1 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -23.3% return on investment is 108.6 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $37,681 run about 14% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $12,287 is roughly $5,110 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 62.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.8% employment rate within three years sits 20.6 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Conway, AR, Central Baptist College operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B- from EDsmart. It stands at #1262 among 6101 schools Category results include Completion (C), Support (B-), Career Outcomes (B-), and Affordability (B+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
62.7% of learners come back after year one while 34.1% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -23.3%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $12,287 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $30,605.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $18,318 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,876 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 39.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $37,681 six years after entry. That sits about 14% below the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 88.8% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -23.3% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
63.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Central Baptist College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central Baptist College's acceptance rate?
Central Baptist College's acceptance rate is 663.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Central Baptist College cost?
At Central Baptist College, listed tuition and fees are $21,330 per year, and the average net price after aid is $12,287. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Central Baptist College's ranking?
Central Baptist College ranks #1262 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Central Baptist College's graduation rate?
At Central Baptist College, the six-year graduation rate is 34.1%, and first-year retention is 62.7%.
What are Central Baptist College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Central Baptist College report median earnings of $37,681 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Central Baptist College's student population?
Central Baptist College enrolls about 484 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Conway, AR 72034
- Website www.cbc.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$3.9M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate34.9%