
Southwestern Christian University, located in Bethany, Oklahoma, was founded in 1946 as an International Pentecostal Holiness Church school known as Southwestern Bible College. The school was originally located in Oklahoma City, where it grew into one of the largest junior colleges in the country. In 1981 the governing body of the of denomination chose to reevaluate and refocus the school's goals, trimming down its offerings and moving to Bethany. By 1998 the school had added a master's program in ministry and became a full-fledged liberal arts college, and changed its name to the current to reflect its new direction.
Academics
Southwestern Christian University offers associate, bachelor and master level degrees. These degrees are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The school believes in the providing students with a quality education, developing leaders for the future and preparing them for success. The faculty is committed to giving students the attention and service necessary to assist in the schools goals. All programs of study offer the opportunity to increase the knowledge of the bible through courses in biblical study and theology.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Admission to Southwestern Christian University requires a GPA of 2.5, an ACT score of 19 or Sat score of 900, and a class rank in the top 50%. Conditional requirements for admission are lower, though students must demonstrate academic excellence to remain in school. Students should complete and submit an application, a signed lifestyle covenant, all pertinent transcripts, and test scores. Master program admissions require students to have a bachelor degree.
Financial aid is available to eligible student in the form of loans and grants. Students should complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility and awards. Additional information is available at the school's website or through the school's financial aid department.
Admission Requirements & Details
The admission details below may give you an idea of the candidates SCU accepts. The details may include application requirements and recommendations, as well as any college or dual credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- Life Experience Credits
- AP Course Credits
Student Enrollment
Total enrollment at Southwestern Christian University is around 750 students, where graduate students make up roughly 17% of the student body.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The items listed below are for informational purposes only and may not represent current tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are between $11,000-$13,000 for both state residents and nonresidents
- For part-time students, charges are between $470-$560 per unit
- The estimated cost for on campus dorms & meals is around $8,100, which includes nineteen meals provided every week
Financial Aid Details
The table listed below helps break down the types of financial aid students receive and the percent receiving aid, as well as the average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 100% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 100% | $9,230 |
Receiving Student Loans | 65% | $6,742 |
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To help support students, Southwestern Christian University may offer services to students like:- Online classes
- Night and weekend classes available
- Remedial instructional courses
- Career path counseling
- Employing students to lower education costs
Graduation Rates
Southwestern Christian University has an overall graduation rate which is approximately 30%.
Number of Year to Graduate | Percent of Entering Class |
---|---|
Students Graduating in 4 Years | 16% |
Graduating in 5 Years | 5% |
Graduating in 6 Years | 3% |
Intercollegiate Athletics
Southwestern Christian University is a Member of National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), with many of the sports being in the NAIA Division II classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Basketball (Sooner Athletic Conference)
- Track and Field (Sooner Athletic Conference)
- Golf
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Bowling
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Southwestern Christian University by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Business and Marketing Studies
English Language and Literature
- English (B)
History
- History (B)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Behavioral Science (B)
- Interdisciplinary Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- General Studies (A, B)
Psychology
- Psychology (B)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Human Services (B)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Theology and Religious Vocations
- Theology and Religious Vocations (B, M)
- Missionary Studies (B)
- Religious and Sacred Music (B)
- Biblical Studies
Visual and Performing Arts
- Music Performance (B)
Data Disclaimer
Information displayed on this page has been obtained from Institution, State, and Federal data sources, including the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) Survey 2010-2016. Information should be solely used for informational purposes only and may not be accurate for the current year. Contact Southwestern Christian University for official up-to-date information.