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Bob Jones University

Greenville, SC Private ยท Urban www.bju.edu
Grad Rate
69.4%
Enrollment
2,209
Tuition
$23,400
Median Salary
$44,354
Overall Grade
C
B-
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Bob Jones University feels like a close-knit, spirited community where faith and academics are deeply intertwined. The campus buzzes with a sense of purpose and tradition, creating an environment that is both structured and supportive. Students often describe the atmosphere as welcoming, with a strong emphasis on personal growth and community values.

Academics & Majors

BJU offers a rigorous education rooted in a conservative Christian worldview, with strong programs in business, health professions, and the arts. Teaching quality is high, with accessible professors who prioritize mentorship and student development. While research opportunities exist, they are often integrated into coursework and service projects rather than large-scale lab research.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
18.7%
Health Professions
14.9%
Education
12.2%
Visual & Performing Arts
10.4%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
7.3%
Theology
4.9%
Communications
3.4%
Family & Consumer Science
3.4%
Psychology
3.2%
Computer Science
2.9%
Engineering
2.9%
Biology & Biomedical
2.9%

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

By The Numbers

69.4%
Graduation Rate
81.3%
Retention Rate
2,209
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
$23,400
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$17,529
After financial aid
Total Cost
$34,770
Cost of attendance/year
29.2%
Receive Pell Grants
23.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Greenville

Greenville offers a vibrant downtown with a famous main street, Falls Park on the Reedy, and a thriving arts scene that students enjoy. Outdoor activities are popular, with easy access to hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and kayaking on nearby lakes. The city also hosts numerous festivals, farmers markets, and concerts that provide fun, accessible options for student entertainment.

Local Rent Check

$1,074 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Greenville
Explore Greenville

Reality Check

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

$93,600
$0Est. 4 Years: $93,600

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($44,354):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a safe, urban area of Greenville with a visible security presence and a strong community watch culture. The surrounding neighborhood is generally considered secure, with well-lit streets and easy access to city resources.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong sense of community and shared values
  • โœ“ Flat tuition rate simplifies financial planning
  • โœ“ Solid graduation and retention rates indicate student satisfaction
  • โœ“ Diverse top majors, especially in arts and health

Cons

  • โœ— Strict lifestyle codes may not suit all students
  • โœ— Limited research opportunities compared to larger universities
  • โœ— Smaller enrollment may offer fewer networking events

Notable Alumni

Chuck Colson
Former White House Counsel and founder of Prison Fellowship, known for his work in criminal justice reform.
Pat Boone
Singer, actor, and television personality who was a major star in the 1950s and 1960s.
Ruth Graham
Wife of evangelist Billy Graham and a noted author and speaker in Christian circles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bob Jones University is known for its strong commitment to evangelical Christian education, integrating faith into all aspects of campus life and academics. It is particularly recognized for its excellent programs in visual and performing arts, health professions, and business, as well as its beautiful campus and traditional architecture. The university also emphasizes character development and leadership through its required chapel programs and service opportunities.

Admission to Bob Jones University is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate that reflects a holistic review process. While the university does not publish a specific GPA or test score threshold, applicants are expected to demonstrate academic readiness and alignment with the school's Christian mission. The retention rate of 81.3% suggests that admitted students are well-matched and successful once enrolled.

Campus life at BJU is structured around a strong sense of community, with a focus on faith, fellowship, and extracurricular involvement. Students participate in a wide range of activities, from performing arts ensembles and athletic teams to service clubs and ministry opportunities. The university's lifestyle guidelines, including a dress code and restrictions on media, create a unique environment that some students find supportive and others find restrictive.

For many students, BJU offers good value due to its lower net price compared to other private universities and its strong outcomes in fields like business and health. The 69.4% graduation rate and median earnings of $44,354 after ten years indicate that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce. However, the investment is most worthwhile for students who fully embrace the university's faith-based culture and academic offerings.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Michelin North America Greenville Health System BMW Manufacturing Prisma Health South Carolina Public Schools
Smart Start Score
67

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 3,033
  • In-State Tuition $23,400
  • Zip Code 29614

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 46.4% โ™€ 53.6%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $17,529, BJU is significantly more affordable than many private universities, especially with its flat tuition rate for all students. The 10-year median earnings of $44,354 suggest a solid return on investment for graduates entering fields like business and health professions. However, students should proactively seek scholarships and grants to manage costs, as the sticker price can still be a hurdle.

*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 $23,400
Housing (12 mo) $12,888
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $43,488
With avg financial aid:
$17,529/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.