Arlington Baptist University logo

Arlington Baptist University

Arlington, TX Private ยท Urban abu.edu
Grad Rate
14%
Enrollment
268
Tuition
$19,290
Median Salary
$44,644
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C+
Value
C
Admissions
A-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Arlington Baptist University feels like a tight-knit, faith-centered community where everyone knows your name and classes are personal. The small campus fosters a family-like atmosphere, but its urban setting in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex offers a constant buzz of city energy just minutes away.

Academics & Majors

ABU's academic strengths lie in its focused, career-oriented programs in Business, Theology, and Education, taught from a conservative Christian worldview. With a tiny student body, you get direct access to professors and personalized mentorship, though research opportunities are more limited compared to large research institutions.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
25%
Theology
20%
Education
15%

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

By The Numbers

14%
Graduation Rate
43.6%
Retention Rate
268
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
$19,290
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$28,599
After financial aid
Total Cost
$32,374
Cost of attendance/year
55.1%
Receive Pell Grants
85.7%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Arlington

Student life in Arlington means you're in the backyard of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, offering endless entertainment options. You can catch a Cowboys or Rangers game at the nearby entertainment district, explore Six Flags Over Texas, or drive a short distance to the vibrant nightlife and cultural scenes of Dallas and Fort Worth.

Local Rent Check

$1,384 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Arlington
Explore Arlington

Reality Check

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

$77,160
$0Est. 4 Years: $77,160

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($44,644):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus itself is a small, enclosed environment with a strong community watch feel. The surrounding Arlington area has typical big-city crime, so students should be aware of their surroundings, especially at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely small class sizes ensure personalized attention from professors.
  • โœ“ The university offers a strong, supportive community centered on Christian faith.
  • โœ“ Prime location in the DFW metroplex provides access to major internships and entertainment.
  • โœ“ Open-enrollment policy provides accessible higher education opportunities.

Cons

  • โœ— Very low graduation and retention rates indicate potential challenges for student success.
  • โœ— The average net price is high relative to the median post-graduation earnings.
  • โœ— Limited campus amenities and student life compared to larger universities.

Notable Alumni

Dr. David T. Olsen
A respected Christian author, speaker, and church growth consultant known for his work in missiology.
Dr. Johnny M. Hunt
A prominent Southern Baptist pastor who served as President of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Dr. H. Edwin Young
A renowned pastor, author, and theological educator who has served in various leadership roles within the Southern Baptist Convention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington Baptist University is known for its conservative Christian education, with particular strengths in Business & Marketing, Theology, and Education. It is recognized for its small, family-like campus environment and its location in the major urban hub of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

No, Arlington Baptist University is not hard to get into. The university has an open-enrollment policy, meaning it accepts nearly all applicants. This approach focuses on providing access to higher education rather than on selective admissions criteria.

Campus life at ABU is intimate and community-focused due to its very small enrollment of just 268 students. Students experience a tight-knit, faith-based environment where they are known personally by peers and faculty. While on-campus activities are limited, the urban Arlington setting allows for easy access to DFW attractions.

The value of an ABU degree depends heavily on your financial aid and career goals. With an average net price of $28,599 and median 10-year earnings of $44,644, the ROI is modest. It may be a worthwhile investment for students seeking a faith-based education who can significantly reduce costs with scholarships, but it's crucial to minimize debt.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Arlington Independent School District Fort Worth Independent School District Local Churches and Ministries Texas Health Resources Amazon
Smart Start Score
46

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 237
  • In-State Tuition $19,290
  • Zip Code 76012

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 62.7% โ™€ 37.3%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of nearly $28,000, the degree is a significant investment for a private institution. The 10-year median earnings of $44,644 suggest a positive, but modest, return on investment, especially for those entering the education or ministry fields. Prospective students should aggressively pursue scholarships and grants to lower the cost.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Dallas Christian College

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 $19,290
Housing (12 mo) $16,608
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $43,098
With avg financial aid:
$28,599/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.