2026 College Rankings

Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – Baptist

About

The Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is College Raptor’s most prestigious rankings list. Updated annually, these schools are celebrated for their rich histories, stunning campuses, excellent academics, and vibrant student life. The institutions on this list are known for both academic excellence and impressive extracurricular opportunities, making them “dream schools” for students around the world. Use these rankings as a jumping-off point for you to create your own personalized rankings using our college match tool.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Baylor University	14915	51.28	1,230 – 1,420	47001	56532	#1 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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. Undergraduates 14,915 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
2	Samford University	4210	82.36	1,100 – 1,300	34926	49466	#2 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 4,210 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
3	Cedarville University	5790	65.29	1,120 – 1,350	27150	47937	#3 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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. Undergraduates 5,790 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	Bethel University	2755	87.8	1,120 – 1,310	31738	55145	#4 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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. Undergraduates 2,755 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
5	Anderson University	3683	54.71	1,110 – 1,310	24434	42073	#5 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 3,683 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
6	Maranatha Baptist University	735	71.9	1,020 – 1,300	28415	40403	#6 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 735 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
7	Carson-Newman University	1596	90.45	1,010 – 1,210	20895	39324	#7 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 1,596 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
8	Campbell University	2699	87.18	1,020 – 1,220	25736	45511	#8 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 2,699 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
9	Hardin-Simmons University	1291	90	1,010 – 1,210	19811	44392	#9 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 1,291 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
10	Corban University	886	93.9	1,020 – 1,190	27119	41735	#10 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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. Undergraduates 886 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
11	Dallas Baptist University	2785	88.84	990 – 1,230	30057	45138	#11 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 2,785 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
12	Oklahoma Baptist University	1427	49.41	970 – 1,080	23839	42581	#12 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 1,427 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
13	Appalachian Bible College	220	77.78	980 – 1,130	13435	29147	#13 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 220 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
14	Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary	551	67.52	1,010 – 1,230	19733	33372	#14 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 551 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
15	Georgetown College	1111	91.06	1,030 – 1,210	15160	40393	#15 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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. Undergraduates 1,111 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	2899	84.44	990 – 1,190	21282	44595	#16 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 2,899 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	William Carey University	3052	60.29	1,020 – 1,220	15469	37639	#17 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 3,052 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
18	University of the Cumberlands	7612	98.81	900 – 1,150	14743	39046	#18 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 7,612 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
19	Judson University	718	47.59	870 – 1,160	18673	45374	#19 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 718 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
20	East Texas Baptist University	1634	57.76	930 – 1,120	25092	41759	#20 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 1,634 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
21	Baptist Health Sciences University	782	82.02	930 – 1,110	11348	59224	#21 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 782 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
22	University of Mary Hardin-Baylor	2803	95.76	980 – 1,220	27651	48368	#22 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 2,803 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
23	Averett University	1244	56.59	910 – 1,200	23471	46273	#23 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 1,244 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
24	Charleston Southern University	3126	96.46	950 – 1,170	21080	40606	#24 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 3,126 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
25	Shorter University	1203	96.46	1,010 – 1,210	16821	41860	#25 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 1,203 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
26	Virginia Union University	1205	97.99	850 – 890	11483	27977	#26 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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. Undergraduates 1,205 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
27	Missouri Baptist University	4958	68.6	710 – 970	27623	38997	#27 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 4,958 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
28	Howard Payne University	751	67.37	890 – 1,200	25750	38212	#28 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 751 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
29	Bluefield University	627	59.31	900 – 1,090	22216	41923	#29 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 627 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
30	Trinity Baptist College	406	53.28	840 – 1,030	19921	33640	#30 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 406 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
31	Campbellsville University	6848	79.74	970 – 1,180	19662	34639	#31 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 6,848 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
32	Central Baptist College	547	63.46	930 – 1,140	17469	37681	#32 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 547 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
33	Mission University	381	0	--	23118	30600	#33 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – Baptist Mission University Springfield, MO Undergraduates 381 Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $23,118 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,600
34	Benedict College	1628	95.7	820 – 1,010	18665	24908	#34 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 1,628 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
35	Brewton-Parker Christian University	1234	96.49	920 – 1,060	25613	35732	#35 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 1,234 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
36	Arlington Baptist University	284	0	--	25267	32206	#36 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – Baptist Arlington Baptist University Arlington, TX Undergraduates 284 Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $25,267 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,206
37	Shaw University	877	80.16	660 – 870	16445	26148	#37 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 877 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
38	Florida Memorial University	1206	85.26	--	21679	28943	#38 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – 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 Undergraduates 1,206 Acceptance Rate 85.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $21,679 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $28,943
39	Morris College	383	0	--	19180	24250	#39 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – Baptist Morris College Sumter, SC Undergraduates 383 Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $19,180 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,250
40	Virginia University of Lynchburg	126	0	--	19066	24718	#40 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – Baptist Virginia University of Lynchburg Lynchburg, VA Undergraduates 126 Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $19,066 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,718