2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – 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	Samford University	93	82.36	1,100 – 1,300	34926	49466	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Samford University Birmingham, AL Founded in 1841, Samford University was originally was called Howard College and was converted to a military hospital during the Civil War. Today the school has a 14 to 1 student to faculty ratio and 93% first year retention rate....Read more First Year Retention Rate 93 % 5.7% Acceptance Rate 82.4% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $34,926 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,466
2	Baylor University	91	51.28	1,230 – 1,420	47001	56532	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Baylor University Waco, TX Baylor University sits along the Brazos River. Alumni include John Lee Hancock, Jeff Dunham, Thomas Harris, and Michael Johnson. A fairly selective school, 14% of accepted students enroll and 91% will stay on after they complete their first year. 81% graduate within six years. First Year Retention Rate 91 % Acceptance Rate 51.3% SAT Score 1,230 – 1,420 Avg. Net Price $47,001 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,532
3	Cedarville University	90	65.29	1,120 – 1,350	27150	47937	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Cedarville University Cedarville, OH Cedarville University first opened in 1887. One famous alumnus is Grace Norman, who won a gold medal and bronze medal for the United States in the 2016 Paralympics, for the triathlon and 400m respectively. 100% of students receive institutional grant aid from Cedarville, around $20,740 per student on average. First Year Retention Rate 90 % 5.9% Acceptance Rate 65.3% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $27,150 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,937
4	Maranatha Baptist University	88	71.9	1,020 – 1,300	28415	40403	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Maranatha Baptist University Watertown, WI Found in Watertown, Maranatha Baptist University accepts 72% of applicants. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 90% of students at Maranatha Baptist University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 88 % 15.8% Acceptance Rate 71.9% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $28,415 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,403
5	Bethel University	86	87.8	1,120 – 1,310	31738	55145	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Bethel University Saint Paul, MN At Bethel University, 27% of accepted students will decide to attend. Business Administration and Management, General, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse are two popular undergraduate majors. The school has an 14 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 86% first year retention rate. First Year Retention Rate 86 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 87.8% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $31,738 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,145
6	Anderson University	82	54.71	1,110 – 1,310	24434	42073	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Anderson University Anderson, SC A member of the South Atlantic Conference, Anderson University added a football team, starting in the 2024 season. Other popular sports include Baseball, Lacrosse, and Soccer....Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % Acceptance Rate 54.7% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $24,434 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,073
7	Corban University	78	93.9	1,020 – 1,190	27119	41735	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Corban University Salem, OR Corban University is non selective. During the last admissions cycle, 27% of those who were accepted enrolled at the school. There are 28 majors and programs to choose from, with Business Administration and Management, General, Divinity/Ministry, Education, and General among the most popular. First Year Retention Rate 78 % 4.9% Acceptance Rate 93.9% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $27,119 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,735
8	William Carey University	78	60.29	1,020 – 1,220	15469	37639	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist William Carey University Hattiesburg, MS Based in Hattiesburg, William Carey University accepts 60% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 96% of students at William Carey University currently receive grant aid from the school. 78% of students continued studying at William Carey University after completing their first......Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % 2.5% Acceptance Rate 60.3% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $15,469 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,639
9	Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary	77	67.52	1,010 – 1,230	19733	33372	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary Ankeny, IA Based in Ankeny, Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary accepts 68% of applicants. They request $45 for undergraduate applications and $45 for graduate applications. Approximately 96% of students attending Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary currently receive institutional grant aid. At Faith......Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % 3.8% Acceptance Rate 67.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $19,733 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,372
10	Campbell University	76	87.18	1,020 – 1,220	25736	45511	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Campbell University Buies Creek, NC Based in Buies Creek, Campbell University accepts 87% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. About 99% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 87.2% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $25,736 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,511
11	Carson-Newman University	74	90.45	1,010 – 1,210	20895	39324	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, TN Based in Jefferson City, Carson-Newman University accepts 90% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students attending Carson-Newman University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is 74%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % Acceptance Rate 90.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $20,895 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,324
12	University of the Cumberlands	74	98.81	900 – 1,150	14743	39046	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, KY Based in Williamsburg, the University of the Cumberlands’s acceptance rate is 99%. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 83% of students at the University of the Cumberlands will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % 7.5% Acceptance Rate 98.8% SAT Score 900 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $14,743 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,046
13	Oklahoma Baptist University	72	49.41	970 – 1,080	23839	42581	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Oklahoma Baptist University Shawnee, OK Located in Shawnee, Oklahoma Baptist University accepted 49% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. About 100% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 72% and its four year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % 4.3% Acceptance Rate 49.4% SAT Score 970 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $23,839 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,581
14	East Texas Baptist University	71	57.76	930 – 1,120	25092	41759	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist East Texas Baptist University Marshall, TX Located in Marshall, East Texas Baptist University accepts 58% of applicants and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending East Texas Baptist University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At East Texas Baptist University, there is a 71% first......Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 2.9% Acceptance Rate 57.8% SAT Score 930 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $25,092 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,759
15	Georgetown College	69	91.06	1,030 – 1,210	15160	40393	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Georgetown College Georgetown, KY Georgetown College dates back to 1829. During the last admissions cycle, it accepted 1,230 applicants, 26% of which enrolled. 100% of students receive grant aid, $41,739 each on average. Student athletes could also receive athletic scholarships. 551 Tigers compete in Football, Baseball, and Soccer, among other sports. First Year Retention Rate 69 % 1.5% Acceptance Rate 91.1% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $15,160 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,393
16	Houston Christian University	69	84.44	990 – 1,190	21282	44595	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Houston Christian University Houston, TX Based in Houston, Houston Christian University accepted 84% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students at Houston Christian University will receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 69% and......Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % Acceptance Rate 84.4% SAT Score 990 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $21,282 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,595
17	Virginia Union University	67	97.99	850 – 890	11483	27977	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Virginia Union University Richmond, VA A non selective HBCU, Virginia Union University received 2,800 last year. 14% of accepted students enrolled. It opened as the Richmond Theological Institute in 1886 towards the end of the American Civil War to help African-Americans enter the Baptist ministry. Virginia Union has a cozy 16 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. First Year Retention Rate 67 % 8.1% Acceptance Rate 98.0% SAT Score 850 – 890 Avg. Net Price $11,483 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,977
18	Appalachian Bible College	66	77.78	980 – 1,130	13435	29147	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Appalachian Bible College Mount Hope, WV Found in Mount Hope, Appalachian Bible College accepted 78% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $35 for undergraduate applications and $35 for graduate applications. About 100% of students attending Appalachian Bible College will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 66 % Acceptance Rate 77.8% SAT Score 980 – 1,130 Avg. Net Price $13,435 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,147
19	Averett University	65	56.59	910 – 1,200	23471	46273	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Averett University Danville, VA Found in Danville, Averett University accepts 57% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 95% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 65% and 33% of students will graduate in four years. Registered Nursing/Registered......Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % 10.2% Acceptance Rate 56.6% SAT Score 910 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $23,471 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,273
20	Hardin-Simmons University	65	90	1,010 – 1,210	19811	44392	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Hardin-Simmons University Abilene, TX Found in Abilene, Hardin-Simmons University accepted 90% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 99% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % Acceptance Rate 90.0% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $19,811 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,392
21	Missouri Baptist University	65	68.6	710 – 970	27623	38997	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Missouri Baptist University Saint Louis, MO Based in Saint Louis, Missouri Baptist University’s acceptance rate is 69%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. About 98% of students attending Missouri Baptist University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is 65%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % 3.0% Acceptance Rate 68.6% SAT Score 710 – 970 Avg. Net Price $27,623 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,997
22	Campbellsville University	64	79.74	970 – 1,180	19662	34639	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Campbellsville University Campbellsville, KY Based in Campbellsville, Campbellsville University’s acceptance rate is 80% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 64% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is 64%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 64 % 6.7% Acceptance Rate 79.7% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $19,662 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,639
23	Dallas Baptist University	64	88.84	990 – 1,230	30057	45138	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Dallas Baptist University Dallas, TX Located in Dallas, Dallas Baptist University’s acceptance rate is 89%. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. Approximately 96% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. They receive $19,529 on average. The first year retention rate is 64%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 64 % Acceptance Rate 88.8% SAT Score 990 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $30,057 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,138
24	Central Baptist College	63	63.46	930 – 1,140	17469	37681	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Central Baptist College Conway, AR Located in Conway, Central Baptist College accepted 63% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $25 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 99% of students at Central Baptist College will receive institutional grant aid. At Central Baptist College, there is a 63% first......Read more First Year Retention Rate 63 % 6.8% Acceptance Rate 63.5% SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $17,469 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,681
25	Charleston Southern University	63	96.46	950 – 1,170	21080	40606	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Charleston Southern University Charleston, SC Found in Charleston, Charleston Southern University’s acceptance rate is 96%. They charge $25 for undergraduate applications and $40 for graduate applications. About 97% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Charleston Southern University, there is a 63% first......Read more First Year Retention Rate 63 % 1.6% Acceptance Rate 96.5% SAT Score 950 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $21,080 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,606
26	University of Mary Hardin-Baylor	62	95.76	980 – 1,220	27651	48368	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Belton, TX Based in Belton, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s acceptance rate is 96%. Undergraduates have to pay $35 to apply. Approximately 53% of students at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 62 % 8.8% Acceptance Rate 95.8% SAT Score 980 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $27,651 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,368
27	Bluefield University	61	59.31	900 – 1,090	22216	41923	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Bluefield University Bluefield, VA Found in Bluefield, Bluefield University’s acceptance rate is 59% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 52% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 61%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 61 % 24.5% Acceptance Rate 59.3% SAT Score 900 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $22,216 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,923
28	Shorter University	61	96.46	1,010 – 1,210	16821	41860	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Shorter University Rome, GA Found in Rome, Shorter University accepted 96% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $25 for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. Approximately 79% of students at Shorter University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 61 % 9.0% Acceptance Rate 96.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $16,821 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,860
29	Judson University	59	47.59	870 – 1,160	18673	45374	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Judson University Elgin, IL Based in Elgin, Judson University accepted 48% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. Approximately 98% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 59 % 20.3% Acceptance Rate 47.6% SAT Score 870 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $18,673 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,374
30	Mission University	59	0	--	23118	30600	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Mission University Springfield, MO First Year Retention Rate 59 % 15.7% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $23,118 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,600
31	Benedict College	57	95.7	820 – 1,010	18665	24908	#31 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Benedict College Columbia, SC Based in Columbia, Benedict College’s acceptance rate is 96% and requires $25 for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. About 57% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 57 % 12.3% Acceptance Rate 95.7% SAT Score 820 – 1,010 Avg. Net Price $18,665 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,908
32	Trinity Baptist College	57	53.28	840 – 1,030	19921	33640	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Trinity Baptist College Jacksonville, FL Based in Jacksonville, Trinity Baptist College’s acceptance rate is 53%. They charge $35 for undergraduate applications and $45 for graduate applications. Approximately 82% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 57 % 9.6% Acceptance Rate 53.3% SAT Score 840 – 1,030 Avg. Net Price $19,921 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,640
33	Baptist Health Sciences University	53	82.02	930 – 1,110	11348	59224	#33 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Baptist Health Sciences University Memphis, TN Based in Memphis, Baptist Health Sciences University accepted 82% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $25 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 39% of students attending Baptist Health Sciences University currently receive institutional grant......Read more First Year Retention Rate 53 % Acceptance Rate 82.0% SAT Score 930 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $11,348 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,224
34	Howard Payne University	52	67.37	890 – 1,200	25750	38212	#34 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Howard Payne University Brownwood, TX Based in Brownwood, Howard Payne University’s acceptance rate is 67%. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. About 91% of students at Howard Payne University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 52 % 5.5% Acceptance Rate 67.4% SAT Score 890 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $25,750 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,212
35	Shaw University	52	80.16	660 – 870	16445	26148	#35 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Shaw University Raleigh, NC Located in Raleigh, Shaw University accepted 80% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $25 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be available. About 75% of students attending Shaw University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 52 % 7.1% Acceptance Rate 80.2% SAT Score 660 – 870 Avg. Net Price $16,445 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $26,148
36	Florida Memorial University	50	85.26	--	21679	28943	#36 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Florida Memorial University Miami Gardens, FL Based in Miami Gardens, Florida Memorial University accepts 85% of applicants. They charge $45 for undergraduate applications. About 24% of students at Florida Memorial University currently receive institutional grant aid. At Florida Memorial University, there is a 50% first year retention rate and around 17% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 50 % 12.3% Acceptance Rate 85.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $21,679 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $28,943
37	Brewton-Parker Christian University	48	96.49	920 – 1,060	25613	35732	#37 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Brewton-Parker Christian University Mount Vernon, GA Based in Mount Vernon, Brewton-Parker Christian University accepts 96% of applicants and requests $35 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 97% of students at Brewton-Parker Christian University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 48 % 26.3% Acceptance Rate 96.5% SAT Score 920 – 1,060 Avg. Net Price $25,613 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,732
38	Arlington Baptist University	41	0	--	25267	32206	#38 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Arlington Baptist University Arlington, TX First Year Retention Rate 41 % 6.8% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $25,267 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,206
39	Morris College	41	0	--	19180	24250	#39 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Morris College Sumter, SC First Year Retention Rate 41 % 12.8% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $19,180 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,250
40	Arkansas Baptist College	23	0	--	10627	22652	#40 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Baptist Arkansas Baptist College Little Rock, AR First Year Retention Rate 23 % 9.5% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $10,627 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $22,652