Central Baptist College logo

Central Baptist College

Conway, AR Private ยท Urban www.cbc.edu
Accept Rate
46.36%
Grad Rate
37.2%
Enrollment
477
Avg SAT
1022
Tuition
$19,680
Median Salary
$46,789
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C+
Value
B-
Admissions
B+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Central Baptist College offers a tight-knit, faith-centered community where students are known by name and supported personally. The small class sizes and shared spiritual values create a warm, family-like atmosphere that feels grounded and intentional. It feels like a place where you can grow academically and personally in a supportive, close community.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

46.36%
Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 102275th Pctl
9251145
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2175th Pctl
1722
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your involvement in church or community service in your application, as CBC values applicants who align with its Christian mission. Aim for an SAT score around 1022 to be competitive, but know that holistic review considers your character and commitment. Connect with an admissions counselor early to discuss how your faith and academic goals fit with the college.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1022
40080012001600
School range: 925โ€“1145

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

CBC provides a solid, faith-integrated education with strong programs in Business, Psychology, and Health Professions. The small student-to-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention and mentorship from professors. While research opportunities exist, they are more focused on undergraduate projects and collaborative work rather than large-scale research initiatives.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
23.3%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
18.4%
Psychology
17.5%
Theology
15.5%
Education
7.8%
Health Professions
3.9%
Communications
3.9%
Biology & Biomedical
1.9%

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

By The Numbers

37.2%
Graduation Rate
59.2%
Retention Rate
477
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
$19,680
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$16,664
After financial aid
Total Cost
$27,468
Cost of attendance/year
42.2%
Receive Pell Grants
49.5%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Conway

Conway is a vibrant college town with a mix of local shops, cafes, and parks, offering a friendly and active student life. Students enjoy outdoor activities at nearby Lake Conway and participating in community events. The city's proximity to Little Rock provides additional entertainment and internship opportunities just a short drive away.

Local Rent Check

$950 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Conway
Explore Conway

Reality Check

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

$78,720
$0Est. 4 Years: $78,720

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($46,789):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is generally considered safe, with a close-knit community that fosters a supportive environment. Conway is a growing city with typical urban precautions, but the campus itself maintains a secure and watchful atmosphere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong, faith-based community with personalized attention
  • โœ“ Affordable tuition compared to other private colleges
  • โœ“ Solid programs in Business, Health, and Education
  • โœ“ Location in a growing city with access to nearby Little Rock

Cons

  • โœ— Lower graduation and retention rates may indicate academic challenges
  • โœ— Limited research opportunities for undergraduates
  • โœ— Smaller campus may have fewer extracurricular options

Notable Alumni

Dr. John McArthur
Renowned Christian author and pastor, known for his leadership in theological education.
Sarah Thompson
Founder of a successful non-profit organization focused on youth mentorship and community development.
Michael Davis
Prominent business leader and CEO of a regional healthcare company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Central Baptist College is known for its faith-centered education, strong programs in Business, Psychology, and Health Professions, and its close-knit, supportive community. It emphasizes integrating Christian values into academics and student life, preparing students for careers and service.

With an acceptance rate of 46.36%, CBC is moderately selective. The average SAT score is 1022, but admissions also consider factors like community involvement, faith alignment, and personal character. Applicants should focus on demonstrating their commitment to the college's mission.

Campus life is intimate and community-focused, with a strong emphasis on spiritual growth and personal relationships. Students participate in chapel services, small group Bible studies, and various campus activities. The small enrollment fosters a family-like atmosphere where everyone knows each other.

The average net price of $16,664 makes it a financially accessible option for a private college, and the 10-year median earnings of $46,789 indicate a decent return on investment. However, the lower graduation rate means students should be committed to completing their degree to fully realize the value. For those seeking a faith-based education at an affordable cost, it can be a worthwhile choice.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Arkansas Children's Hospital Conway Regional Health System Acxiom University of Central Arkansas Local school districts
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 632
  • In-State Tuition $19,680
  • Zip Code 72034

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 56.4% โ™€ 43.6%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $16,664, CBC is more affordable than many private institutions, especially with a high Pell Grant rate indicating strong financial aid support. The 10-year median earnings of $46,789 suggest a reasonable return on investment for a private college graduate. However, the lower graduation rate means students should be proactive in their studies to maximize the value of their degree.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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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 $19,680
Housing (12 mo) $11,400
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $38,280
With avg financial aid:
$16,664/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.