Williams Baptist University
Williams Baptist University is a private nonprofit university in Walnut Ridge, AR ranked #1286 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 478 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 83.4%. Students most often pursue Liberal Arts and Sciences Studies and Humanities.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, 70.2% first-year retention, and 25.6% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $15,745, about $1,253 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -39.6%, roughly 124.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $38,067. That's about $5,621 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Williams Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 83.4%, annual tuition of $21,070, average net price of $15,745, and a national rank of #1286 (Grade B-), with a 25.6% six-year graduation rate, about 478 undergraduates, and median earnings of $38,067 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Williams Baptist University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Williams Baptist University graduates 25.6% of students within six years and keeps 70.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Williams Baptist University'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 | $21,070 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $9,340 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $11,482 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $33,597 |
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 54.4% of Williams Baptist University students receive Pell Grants — well above 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 $10,733 to $24,028 depending on family income. Use Williams Baptist University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $15,195/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,028/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $38,067
- 10-Year Median Earnings $38,067
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $9,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 61.7%
- Employment Rate 89.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Williams Baptist University 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.
Williams Baptist University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Williams Baptist University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Williams Baptist University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Williams Baptist University graduates earn $38,067 median, the -39.6% 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 Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 16-21
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 478
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 70.2%
- Graduation Rate 25.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into Williams Baptist University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Williams Baptist University 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 83.4%, Williams Baptist University 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 83.4% acceptance rate, Williams Baptist University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Williams Baptist University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 20.3%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 17.6%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 9.5%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 9.5%
- Psychology, General 9.5%
- Biology, General 5.4%
See more majors
- Finance and Financial Management Services 5.4%
- History 5.4%
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. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $31,309
Program Choice Matters: Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Williams Baptist University. 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
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 15 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 13 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 7 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 7 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 7 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 (15 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Psychology, General
- History
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Biology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Music
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Fine and Studio Arts
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 478
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 50.2%
- Female Students 49.8%
- Caucasian 74.1%
- Asian 0.6%
- Hispanic 3.6%
- Black 9.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 54.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Williams Baptist University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Williams Baptist University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Williams Baptist University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 Williams Baptist University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 74.1% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. 54.4% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Williams Baptist University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 Williams Baptist University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Williams Baptist University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -39.6% ROI. Ranked #1286 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $15,745 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $38,067 median earnings. With 25.6% graduating within six years and 70.2% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Williams Baptist University's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1286 ranking, Williams Baptist University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $15,745 annually, Williams Baptist University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 70.2% 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 $11,022 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -39.6% ROI and $38,067 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $5,745+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Williams Baptist University ranks #1286 of 6101 institutions, with 716 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
- 25.6% six-year graduation rate sits 36.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 70.2% first-year retention is 6.6 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -39.6% return on investment is 124.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $38,067 run about 13% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $15,745 is roughly $1,652 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 70.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.3% employment rate within three years sits 21.1 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
EDsmart rates Williams Baptist University—a private nonprofit university in Walnut Ridge, AR—at B- overall. It appears at #1286 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion C, Support B-, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability A-.
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.
Student momentum is strong: 70.2% retention and 25.6% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is -39.6%, 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 $15,745 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $33,597.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $17,852 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $9,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 54.4% 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 $38,067 six years after entry. This is roughly 13% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 89.3% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -39.6%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
83.4% 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 Williams Baptist University 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 Williams Baptist University's acceptance rate?
Williams Baptist University's acceptance rate is 83.4%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Williams Baptist University cost?
At Williams Baptist University, listed tuition and fees are $21,070 per year, and the average net price after aid is $15,745. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Williams Baptist University's ranking?
Williams Baptist University ranks #1286 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Williams Baptist University's graduation rate?
At Williams Baptist University, the six-year graduation rate is 25.6%, and first-year retention is 70.2%.
What are Williams Baptist University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Williams Baptist University report median earnings of $38,067 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Williams Baptist University's student population?
Williams Baptist University enrolls about 478 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Walnut Ridge, AR 72476
- Website williamsbaptistuniversity.com
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$13.1M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate43.0%