About Southwestern Christian University
Southwestern Christian University is a four-year, private liberal arts institution located in Bethany, Oklahoma, and is affiliated with the Pentecostal Holiness Church. The school was originally founded in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1946. First, SCU operated as a junior college and was known as Southwestern Bible College. The school grew to be the largest within the Pentecostal Holiness Church. In 1981, the university moved to its current location and revamped the institution’s mission. The school downsized the large junior college atmosphere and focused on becoming a Ministry training college. As a result, the school changed its name to Southwestern College of Christian Ministries. However, in the early 2000s, with the addition of graduate programs and expanded areas of specialization in the late 1990s, the school adopted its current name.
Southwestern Christian University offers degree programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Southwestern Christian University also offers many bachelor’s degrees offered completely online. Through the online program, students are able to take one class at a time with more personal attention from instructors.
Accreditation & Licensing
Southwestern Christian University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Master's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Pentecostal Holiness ChurchEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 365 ; Graduate: 19Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 4% ; Graduate: Not applicableGraduation Rate:
16%Transfer Rate:
40%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$40,391Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$20,715Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
97%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$14,013Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Southwestern Christian University
All Programs
Business
Southwestern Christian University can be a good path to finish your degree, especially if you learn best in small classes. With more direct access to professors, it can be easier to stay on track and keep moving toward graduation.
Cost is an important part of the plan at SCU. In-person attendance is often listed at about $25,000 per year, so many families will weigh price, aid, and time to finish carefully. Class quality can vary, so students who manage their time well and stay organized are more likely to have a steady, successful experience.
At Southwestern Christian University, support feels personal and direct. Students often describe patient, informed coaches who take time to help. When problems come up, quick one-on-one follow-up can make a real difference.
That kind of support gives students a clear person to reach and trust. Class quality may differ from course to course, so steady advising matters. Students who stay connected with staff are often better prepared to handle challenges and keep moving forward.
SCU centers on connection and small classes. That can help online classes feel more personal. The Christian atmosphere is a big part of daily school life. Many learners want that kind of setting.
Class size is the clearest fit point here. Smaller classes can support a steadier pace. The school is also tied to a higher in-person price point, around $25,000 per year. For online learners, SCU’s clearest draw is close support and a faith-based environment.
At Southwestern Christian University, class quality can vary by instructor. Small classes are a real strength. They give students more direct time with professors and make discussion easier to follow.
Faith is part of daily academic life, and Bible courses have a clear place in the curriculum. SCU is a good fit for students who want a close Christian learning community.
Students should expect different teaching styles from class to class. Even with that variation, many learners may value the personal setting and faith-based focus.
Southwestern Christian University is a fit-dependent school. It offers a close Christian environment. Small classes are a real draw. Many learners value that personal feel.
The academic experience is mixed. Some classes feel engaged and personal. Others feel weaker and less consistent. One account describes low engagement and uneven class attention.
Cost is a key decision point here. In-person price is cited near $25,000 yearly. That price did not feel worth it to everyone. Support appears strongest through personal relationships, including a coach described as patient, knowledgeable, and ready to help.
Southwestern Christian University is a fit-dependent school. It offers a close Christian environment. Small classes are a real draw. Many learners value that personal feel.
The academic experience is mixed. Some classes feel engaged and personal. Others feel weaker and less consistent. One account describes low engagement and uneven class attention.
Cost is a key decision point here. In-person price is cited near $25,000 yearly. That price did not feel worth it to everyone. Support appears strongest through personal relationships, including a coach described as patient, knowledgeable, and ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southwestern Christian University
Is Southwestern Christian University accredited?
Yes. Southwestern Christian University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Southwestern Christian University offer?
Southwestern Christian University offers 8 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Southwestern Christian University offer?
Southwestern Christian University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Southwestern Christian University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Southwestern Christian University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Southwestern Christian University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Southwestern Christian 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 Southwestern Christian 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 Southwestern Christian University programs require?
Most listed programs require at least a 2.0 GPA, with requirements generally ranging from 2.0 to 2.5.
Is Southwestern Christian University military friendly?
Southwestern Christian University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Southwestern Christian 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 Southwestern Christian University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score, Official College Transcript(s), and Recommendation/Reference Letter(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Southwestern Christian University accept life experience credit?
Southwestern Christian 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 Southwestern Christian University programs fully online or mixed?
Southwestern Christian University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Southwestern Christian University offer?
Southwestern Christian University has online program options in areas such as Business and Religion & Philosophy; 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 Southwestern Christian University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is ACT/SAT, Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Southwestern Christian University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Southwestern Christian 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 Southwestern Christian University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Southwestern Christian University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Southwestern Christian University programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Southwestern Christian University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Southwestern Christian University is located in Oklahoma
Oklahoma at a Glance:
Top Majors in Oklahoma:
Top Incentives in Oklahoma:
- Oklahoma Promise: Full tuition at public institutions
- Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant: Up to $1,000 annually
- Academic Scholars Program: Up to $5,500 annually
Top Career Pathways in Oklahoma:
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