Students at Southwestern Assemblies of God University benefit from exceptional access to private Christian education at affordable prices, with nearly half receiving Pell Grants.
The institution provides a supportive faith-based environment where students from diverse backgrounds can pursue meaningful careers in ministry and service-oriented fields.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a small private Christian institution in Waxahachie, Texas, serving students who seek faith-integrated education in an intimate campus setting. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, and about 38% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's commitment to serving diverse backgrounds within its religious mission. The institution maintains affordable net prices across income levels, with low-income students paying around $16,990 annually.
While the university excels in access and affordability, graduates face more modest long-term earnings compared to national averages. Ten years after enrollment, typical graduates earn about $46,238, which places the institution in the lower quintile nationally for earnings outcomes. The university's strength lies in its supportive environment for students who might not otherwise attend college, particularly those seeking careers in ministry, education, and service-oriented fields.
As a faith-based institution, Southwestern Assemblies of God University prioritizes character development and spiritual formation alongside academic preparation. The small size allows for close faculty-student relationships and personalized attention, creating an environment where students from various backgrounds can develop both academically and spiritually. For families seeking an affordable Christian education with strong community support, this institution offers meaningful access to higher education within a values-centered framework.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a faith-based institution preparing students for ministry and service careers. Chaplaincy Studies dominates the academic landscape with 66 graduates annually, representing the university's core strength in preparing religious leaders and spiritual counselors. While early-career earnings in this field average around $25,967, graduates enter meaningful vocations that provide spiritual fulfillment and community impact.
General Studies serves as the second-largest program with 24 graduates earning about $35,060, offering flexibility for students exploring various career paths or preparing for graduate study. Business Administration rounds out the top programs with 21 graduates earning approximately $33,993, providing practical skills for students seeking careers in nonprofit management, church administration, or small business leadership.
The concentration in ministry-focused and general education programs aligns with the university's mission but results in modest financial returns compared to technical or professional fields. However, these programs prepare graduates for careers that emphasize service, community leadership, and spiritual development, where success is measured through personal fulfillment and social impact rather than purely economic outcomes.
Graduates of Southwestern Assemblies of God University see modest long-term earnings that reflect the institution's focus on service-oriented and ministry careers. Ten years after enrollment, typical graduates earn a median of $46,238, which places the university in the 21st percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. This performance reflects both the nature of careers that graduates typically pursue and the challenges facing smaller private institutions in delivering high-return outcomes.
The university's program mix centers heavily on ministry and service fields. Chaplaincy Studies is the largest program with 66 graduates, though early-career earnings average around $25,967, reflecting the service-oriented nature of ministry work. General Studies graduates 24 students annually with median earnings of $35,060, while Business Administration produces 21 graduates earning about $33,993 in their early careers. These programs align with the institution's mission but typically lead to careers with more modest financial returns compared to technical or professional fields.
While absolute earnings levels are below national averages, graduates enter fields that often provide non-monetary benefits such as job security, community impact, and personal fulfillment. The university's focus on character development and spiritual formation prepares students for meaningful careers in ministry, education, social services, and community leadership roles where success is measured beyond purely financial metrics.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University maintains relatively affordable pricing across all income levels, making private Christian education accessible to families with varying financial circumstances. Low-income students pay about $16,990 annually, middle-income families see costs around $19,915, and higher-income students pay approximately $22,351. These net prices are competitive with many public institutions and significantly lower than typical private university costs.
Debt levels are manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $24,725 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $17,600. The university's commitment to affordability helps keep borrowing within reasonable bounds, though graduates' modest earnings mean that debt service requires careful budgeting. The institution's focus on need-based aid and its mission to serve diverse economic backgrounds helps many students access higher education who might otherwise be priced out of private college options.
The combination of affordable net prices and the university's supportive environment creates opportunities for students from various economic backgrounds to pursue higher education within a faith-based setting. While graduates may not achieve the highest earnings, the manageable debt levels and strong community support help ensure that students can complete their degrees without overwhelming financial burden.
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