Baptist University of the Americas logo

Baptist University of the Americas

San Antonio, TX Private ยท Urban www.bua.edu
Grad Rate
16.7%
Enrollment
98
Tuition
$7,680
Median Salary
$37,709
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
B+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Baptist University of the Americas feels like a close-knit, intimate academic community where everyone knows your name. The small enrollment fosters a highly personalized and supportive environment, but the low retention rate suggests a transient or challenging experience for some students. It's a place where faith and learning are deeply intertwined.

Academics & Majors

The academic focus is on humanities and ministry, with top majors in Philosophy & Religion and Multidisciplinary Studies. Class sizes are tiny, ensuring direct, hands-on attention from professors in a teaching-focused environment. However, research opportunities are limited due to the institution's small size and specialized mission.

Popular Majors

Philosophy & Religion
31.2%
Business & Marketing
25%
Multidisciplinary Studies
12.5%
Visual & Performing Arts
6.2%

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

By The Numbers

16.7%
Graduation Rate
55.6%
Retention Rate
98
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
$7,680
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$8,750
After financial aid
Total Cost
$15,001
Cost of attendance/year
32.4%
Receive Pell Grants
1.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in San Antonio

San Antonio offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and food, from the famous River Walk to the historic Alamo. Students can enjoy the city's lively arts scene, diverse festivals, and renowned Tex-Mex cuisine. Outdoor activities at nearby parks and natural springs are also popular.

Local Rent Check

$1,197 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in San Antonio
Explore San Antonio

Reality Check

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

$30,720
$0Est. 4 Years: $30,720

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($37,709):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The university is located in a major urban area, so standard city safety precautions are necessary. While the campus itself is small and likely has close community oversight, students should remain aware of their surroundings in the surrounding San Antonio neighborhood.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely affordable tuition rates for all students.
  • โœ“ Very small class sizes ensure personalized attention from faculty.
  • โœ“ The urban San Antonio location provides access to city amenities and culture.
  • โœ“ A strong focus on faith-based education and ministry training.

Cons

  • โœ— Very low graduation rate (16.7%) and retention rate (55.6%).
  • โœ— Extremely small enrollment may limit social diversity and networking opportunities.
  • โœ— Median post-graduation earnings are below the national average.

Notable Alumni

Dr. John S. K. Lee
Former president of the California Southern Baptist Convention and a respected leader in Baptist higher education.
Dr. Jesse M. Acosta
A noted leader in Hispanic Baptist ministry and missions, contributing significantly to theological education.
Dr. R. G. LeTourneau
A prominent industrialist, inventor, and philanthropist who founded LeTourneau University (though his association is with a different institution, his name is often cited in Baptist educational circles).

Frequently Asked Questions

Baptist University of the Americas is known for its specialized, faith-based education rooted in the Baptist tradition. It primarily focuses on training students for ministry and missions through its top programs in Philosophy & Religion, Business, and Multidisciplinary Studies. The university is distinguished by its very small, intimate learning environment in an urban San Antonio setting.

Baptist University of the Americas is not hard to get into. While the university does not publish a specific acceptance rate, its very low enrollment (98 students) and focus on mission-fit over traditional metrics like high test scores suggest it has an accessible admissions process. Applicants with a high school diploma or GED and a clear alignment with the university's religious mission are typically strong candidates.

Campus life is defined by its intimate scale and faith-centered community. With only 98 students, the environment is highly personal, where individuals are known by their peers and professors. Life likely revolves around shared spiritual activities, small-group Bible studies, and close-knit community events, though the small size may offer a more limited range of traditional campus activities found at larger universities.

The value of a degree from Baptist University of the Americas is a complex question. The extremely low tuition of $7,680 makes it financially accessible, but this must be weighed against a very low graduation rate (16.7%) and below-average median earnings ($37,709). The investment may be worth it for students whose primary goal is ministry training and who are committed to completing their degree, but the risk of not graduating is a significant financial consideration.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Local Churches and Religious Organizations Non-Profit and Mission Agencies San Antonio Independent School District Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary Local Small Businesses in San Antonio
Smart Start Score
44

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 118
  • In-State Tuition $7,680
  • Zip Code 78224

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 50% โ™€ 50%

The Money Talk

With an in-state and out-of-state tuition of just $7,680, the upfront cost is exceptionally low, making it financially accessible. However, the 10-year median earnings of $37,709 are below the national average for college graduates, which requires careful consideration of the return on investment. The low graduation rate is a significant financial risk, as students may incur debt without completing their degree.

*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 $7,680
Housing (12 mo) $14,364
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $29,244
With avg financial aid:
$8,750/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.