Find out more about Nelson University

Founded: 1943

Location: Waxahachie, TX

About Nelson University

Nelson University has occupied its 70-acre campus since 1943 after the merger of three Bible institutes. Several regionally related districts of the Assemblies of God joined together in ownership of the school in 1954: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Texas, Oklahoma, South Texas and West Texas. In 1963 these districts authorized a change in name to Southwestern Assemblies of God College (SAGC). After decades of increased enrollment, the Board of Regents unanimously approved the name change to Southwestern Assemblies of God University in 1994 to more accurately reflect its purpose and mission as a Bible university of theological and professional studies. Today, it reflects the name of its founder.

Nelson awards over 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees, from associate’s to doctoral, and most of these degrees can be earned online. The school offers an exceptional university experience at an affordable price, as well as career counseling and internship connections that can open doors to exciting new career opportunities.

Accreditation & Licensing

Nelson University is accredited by:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Type:

4-year, Private not-for-profit

Highest Level Offered:

Doctor's degree

Religious Affiliation:

Assemblies of God Church

Enrollment:

Undergraduate: 1,720 ; Graduate: 402

Percent of Fully Online Students:

Undergraduate: 27% ; Graduate: 98%

Graduation Rate:

42%

Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:

$46,238

Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):

$24,725

Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:

89%

Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:

$11,833

Yellow Ribbon Program:

Yes

Credit for Military Training:

Yes

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Online Programs offered by Nelson University

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GetEducated Team Takes

Tony’s Take

Nelson University is at its best in the classroom. Professors are thoughtful, easy to reach, and truly care about students. Faith is part of daily learning, not an extra add-on. Prayer and chapel are woven into school life.

Classes feel both challenging and encouraging. Small class sizes help students build real connections with professors. Many students report strong teaching and clear personal growth. A counseling graduate said the program helped with licensure exam prep.

Cost matters here. Nelson is often seen as expensive, but grants and scholarships can lower the total cost. Career services can be less consistent than the classroom experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Nelson University

Is Nelson University accredited?

Yes. Nelson University is institutionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

How many online programs does Nelson University offer?

Nelson University offers 63 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.

What degree levels does Nelson University offer?

Nelson University offers programs from associate and bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.

How should students contact admissions at Nelson University?

Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.

Is Nelson University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?

Roughly speaking, Nelson University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.

How quickly can I enroll at Nelson 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 Nelson 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 Nelson University programs require?

GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 2.5, and 2.5 appears most often.

Is Nelson University military friendly?

Nelson University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.

How can students request information from Nelson 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 Nelson University applications?

Most listed programs ask for Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Official High School Transcript/GED Score, Essay/Writing Sample, and Official College Transcript(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.

Does Nelson University accept life experience credit?

Nelson 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 Nelson University programs fully online or mixed?

Nelson University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.

What kinds of online programs does Nelson University offer?

Nelson University has online program options in areas such as Religion & Philosophy, Psychology & Human Services, Education, and Art & Liberal Arts; 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.

Do any Nelson University programs have specialized accreditation?

Program-specific accreditors include International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

Are any admission tests required for Nelson University programs?

Some listed programs include GRE requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.

Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Nelson University?

For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.

Do any Nelson 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 Nelson University?

Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Nelson University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.

How should working adults compare Nelson University programs?

Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.

Featured Ranking Reports

Nelson University is featured in 25 of our ranking reports!

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