2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Union University	89.35	60.41	1,120 – 1,380	28452	45505	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist Union University Jackson, TN Union University athletes are known as the Bulldogs. Previously a NCAA Division I school, they’ve won several championships while part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Today, athletes compete in the Gulf South Conference....Read more First Year Retention Rate 89 % Acceptance Rate 60.4% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $28,452 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,505
2	Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary	85	74.63	1,040 – 1,220	16031	63721	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Wake Forest, NC Based in Wake Forest, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary accepted 75% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $40 for undergraduate applications and $40 for graduate applications. About 44% of students at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary will receive grant aid from the......Read more First Year Retention Rate 85 % Acceptance Rate 74.6% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $16,031 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
3	Ouachita Baptist University	81.9	67.52	1,110 – 1,310	24532	41697	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia, AR Ouachita Baptist University, associated with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, first opened in 1886. 577 athletes are known as the Tigers wear purple and gold while competing in Football, Baseball, Soccer, Swimming, and other sports....Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % Acceptance Rate 67.5% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $24,532 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,697
4	New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary	81	65.32	--	14164	63721	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary New Orleans, LA Found in New Orleans, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary accepts 65% of applicants. They request $40 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 24% of students attending New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary currently receive institutional grant aid. At New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, there is a 92%......Read more First Year Retention Rate 81 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 65.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,164 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
5	The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary	81	55.87	1,010 – 1,270	21081	63721	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, KY Located in Louisville, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary accepted 56% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $40 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 33% of students attending The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 81 % 3.8% Acceptance Rate 55.9% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $21,081 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
6	Hannibal-LaGrange University	79	72.63	850 – 1,180	22685	41185	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist Hannibal-LaGrange University Hannibal, MO Located in Hannibal, Hannibal-LaGrange University accepts 73% of applicants. They request $25 for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. Approximately 63% of students at Hannibal-LaGrange University will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 72.6% SAT Score 850 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $22,685 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,185
7	The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary	79	57.71	1,050 – 1,260	16497	63721	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Fort Worth, TX Based in Fort Worth, The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s acceptance rate is 58%. Undergraduates have to send in $40 to apply. About 40% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 57.7% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $16,497 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
8	Mississippi College	78	29.11	1,010 – 1,210	28559	42011	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist Mississippi College Clinton, MS Located in Clinton, Mississippi College accepted 29% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 100% of students at Mississippi College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 78% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % Acceptance Rate 29.1% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $28,559 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,011
9	California Baptist University	74.5	84.88	970 – 1,170	27862	52336	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist California Baptist University Riverside, CA Located in Riverside, California Baptist University accepted 85% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $45 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 99% of students attending California Baptist University currently receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention......Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % Acceptance Rate 84.9% SAT Score 970 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $27,862 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,336
10	Blue Mountain Christian University	74	88.95	1,010 – 1,180	24712	35401	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist Blue Mountain Christian University Blue Mountain, MS Blue Mountain Christian University was originally a women's school when it opened in 1873. It only became coeducational in 2005. During the last admissions cycle, 57% of accepted students enrolled....Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % 13.8% Acceptance Rate 89.0% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $24,712 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,401
11	North Greenville University	72	66.67	1,060 – 1,270	21346	38173	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist North Greenville University Tigerville, SC Based in Tigerville, North Greenville University accepts 67% of applicants and charges $35 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 98% of students attending North Greenville University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % Acceptance Rate 66.7% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $21,346 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,173
12	University of Mobile	72	77.89	1,110 – 1,310	22382	37411	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist University of Mobile Mobile, AL Based in Mobile, the University of Mobile accepted 78% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 65% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 77.9% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $22,382 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,411
13	Gardner-Webb University	69	77.21	1,010 – 1,210	20016	43996	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist Gardner-Webb University Boiling Springs, NC Located in Boiling Springs, Gardner-Webb University accepts 77% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 100% of students at Gardner-Webb University currently receive institutional grant aid. At Gardner-Webb University, there is a 55% first year retention rate and a 41% four......Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % 4.5% Acceptance Rate 77.2% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $20,016 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,996
14	Southwest Baptist University	66	68.39	930 – 1,240	21336	38855	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist Southwest Baptist University Bolivar, MO Located in Bolivar, Southwest Baptist University accepts 68% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 93% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 66 % Acceptance Rate 68.4% SAT Score 930 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $21,336 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,855
15	Criswell College	64	100	1,090 – 1,150	5865	42026	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist Criswell College Dallas, TX Criswell College was founded in 1970, originally named the Criswell Bible Institute. This Baptist Christian school offers up to Master's degree, and it has very small class sizes, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 5 to 1. andGeneral Studies are commonly chosen undergraduate majors. First Year Retention Rate 64 % 12.3% Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $5,865 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,026
16	Clear Creek Baptist Bible College	63	0	--	10451	35559	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist Clear Creek Baptist Bible College Pineville, KY First Year Retention Rate 63 % 28.4% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $10,451 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,559
17	Louisiana Christian University	61	77.19	980 – 1,150	17011	40615	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist Louisiana Christian University Pineville, LA Located in Pineville, Louisiana Christian University accepted 77% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 71% of students at Louisiana Christian University currently receive institutional grant aid. 52% of students decide to stay at Louisiana......Read more First Year Retention Rate 61 % 4.1% Acceptance Rate 77.2% SAT Score 980 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $17,011 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,615
18	Truett McConnell University	59	78.26	990 – 1,180	22179	39193	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist Truett McConnell University Cleveland, GA Found in Cleveland, Truett McConnell University accepted 78% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 67% and its four year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 59 % 14.5% Acceptance Rate 78.3% SAT Score 990 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $22,179 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,193
19	Chowan University	57	68.79	880 – 1,150	15206	30096	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist Chowan University Murfreesboro, NC Located in Murfreesboro, Chowan University’s acceptance rate is 69%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. About 100% of students attending Chowan University currently receive grant aid from the school. 71% of students decide to stay at Chowan University after completing their......Read more First Year Retention Rate 57 % 10.9% Acceptance Rate 68.8% SAT Score 880 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $15,206 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,096
20	Williams Baptist University	50	83.42	890 – 1,080	12692	38067	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist Williams Baptist University Walnut Ridge, AR Found in Walnut Ridge, Williams Baptist University accepts 83% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. Approximately 100% of students at Williams Baptist University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 50 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 83.4% SAT Score 890 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $12,692 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,067
21	Wayland Baptist University	44	55.96	900 – 1,120	20446	44159	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist Wayland Baptist University Plainview, TX Found in Plainview, Wayland Baptist University’s acceptance rate is 56%. They request $35 for undergraduate applications. About 74% of students at Wayland Baptist University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is 45%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 44 % Acceptance Rate 56.0% SAT Score 900 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $20,446 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,159
22	Baptist University of Florida	20	35.99	930 – 1,170	15753	31489	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Southern Baptist Baptist University of Florida Graceville, FL Located in Graceville, Baptist University of Florida accepts 36% of applicants. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. About 75% of students at Baptist University of Florida currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is 45%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 20 % Acceptance Rate 36.0% SAT Score 930 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $15,753 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,489