About Maranatha Baptist University
Maranatha Baptist University is a four-year private Baptist school located in Watertown, Wisconsin. The school was founded in 1968 by Dr. Cedarholm, who named the school after the Aramaic phrase Maranatha, which means “Lo He cometh,” and appears in I Corinthians 16:22.
Maranatha Baptist University offers certificates of completion, associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctor’s degrees. All courses, online or in a classroom, are taught from a biblical worldview. Maranatha provides online degree options at every level—associate, bachelor, and graduate. Online options make it convenient for students to join live classrooms from where they live or work.
Accreditation & Licensing
Maranatha Baptist University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
BaptistEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 1,202 ; Graduate: 332Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 55% ; Graduate: 94%Graduation Rate:
64%Transfer Rate:
19%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$45,593Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$14,143Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
58%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$8,986Credit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Maranatha Baptist University
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Education
Religion & Philosophy
Filters
Maranatha Baptist University moves at a fast, demanding pace. Classes bring steady projects, tests, and group work each week. That rhythm can shape how quickly students finish as much as any degree plan. For students balancing work or family, course load and personal stamina matter a lot.
Overall, the school can be a practical value for many students. Cost and aid may work well when your plan, pace, and credits line up. Career outcomes can vary by program and field, so planning early is important. The university also keeps clear faith-based conduct expectations, which are part of daily student life.
People support is a real strength at Maranatha Baptist University. Advisors and Financial Aid work closely together, and students often get quick replies. That joined-up help can make school tasks easier to manage.
Course tools are not always as smooth. In some classes, assignment lists and due dates do not line up, which can cause confusion in busy weeks. Even so, faculty relationships remain a bright spot. Professors are often described as kind and helpful, so personal support stays stronger than the day-to-day platform details.
Online classes here need extra self-management. The platform is described as “very dated.” It also breaks often. Menus can feel confusing in daily use. Course structure can add friction to your schedule.
Assignments and due dates do not always coincide. The platform needs a complete overhaul. The pace is still rigorous each week. That mix can make online study feel time-heavy.
Classes at Maranatha Baptist University are challenging and full. Students can expect regular graded work, including projects, tests, and group assignments. The pace stays steady, so it helps to plan your week and keep up with deadlines.
Class sizes are often small, which makes it easier to know your professors and get direct help. Faculty are a clear strength. They are known for caring about students and teaching their subjects well.
The university’s Christian foundation is a core part of daily life and classroom expectations. That structure gives the school a clear tone and a consistent learning environment.
Maranatha Baptist University offers a mostly positive student experience. Professors are a clear strength. Teaching feels personal, caring, and academically strong. Classes move fast and stay serious.
Weekly work is heavy, with projects, tests, and group study. The school’s Christian identity is part of daily life and shapes the learning environment. That structure helps many students do well. Support is also a plus.
Advisors and financial aid staff are often quick to help when students need guidance. The main challenge is the online system. The platform can feel dated, and technical issues can interrupt class routines. Some due dates may also overlap in ways that add stress. Maranatha is a good fit for students who want rigorous classes, close faculty support, and a faith-centered college experience.
Maranatha Baptist University offers a mostly positive student experience. Professors are a clear strength. Teaching feels personal, caring, and academically strong. Classes move fast and stay serious.
Weekly work is heavy, with projects, tests, and group study. The school’s Christian identity is part of daily life and shapes the learning environment. That structure helps many students do well. Support is also a plus.
Advisors and financial aid staff are often quick to help when students need guidance. The main challenge is the online system. The platform can feel dated, and technical issues can interrupt class routines. Some due dates may also overlap in ways that add stress. Maranatha is a good fit for students who want rigorous classes, close faculty support, and a faith-centered college experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maranatha Baptist University
Is Maranatha Baptist University accredited?
Yes. Maranatha Baptist University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Maranatha Baptist University offer?
Maranatha Baptist University offers 22 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Maranatha Baptist University offer?
Maranatha Baptist University offers programs from associate and bachelor's through master's levels.
How should students contact admissions at Maranatha Baptist University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Maranatha Baptist University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Maranatha Baptist University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Maranatha Baptist University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Maranatha Baptist University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Maranatha Baptist University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.5 to 2.8, and 2.8 appears most often.
Is Maranatha Baptist University military friendly?
Maranatha Baptist University does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from Maranatha Baptist University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Maranatha Baptist University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Essay/Writing Sample, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Official High School Transcript/GED Score. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Maranatha Baptist University accept life experience credit?
Maranatha Baptist University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are Maranatha Baptist University programs fully online or mixed?
Maranatha Baptist University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Maranatha Baptist University offer?
Maranatha Baptist University has online program options in areas such as Art & Liberal Arts, Religion & Philosophy, Education, and Criminal Justice, Safety & Law; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Are any admission tests required for Maranatha Baptist University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is PRAXIS. Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Maranatha Baptist University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Maranatha Baptist University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Maranatha Baptist University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Maranatha Baptist University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Maranatha Baptist University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Maranatha Baptist University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Maranatha Baptist University is featured in 8 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Maranatha Baptist University is located in Wisconsin
Wisconsin at a Glance:

Top Majors in Wisconsin:
Top Incentives in Wisconsin:
- Wisconsin Grant: Up to $3,150 annually
Top Career Pathways in Wisconsin:
- Entry Level: Process Engineer ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Manufacturing Manager ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Plant Director ($140,000+)
- Required Education: BS Engineering
- Certifications: Six Sigma, PE









