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Corban University

Salem, OR

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Educating Christians to make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ

1935
Founded
Private university
Type
636
Total Students
918
Undergrad
$37K
Tuition (In-State)
$37K
Tuition (Out-State)
$26K
Avg Net Price
90%
Acceptance Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
6-year
82%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: John Mark Yeats

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Corban University

Corban University: A gift dedicated to God, equipping Christians to impact the world.

Corban University, a private institution nestled in Salem, Oregon, stands as a beacon for students seeking an education deeply rooted in Christian faith. True to its motto, "Educating Christians to make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ," Corban is renowned for its commitment to holistic development, preparing graduates not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and impact. The university's very name, "Corban," derived from Hebrew, beautifully signifies "a gift dedicated to God," reflecting its core identity and mission.

The journey of Corban University began modestly in 1935 as the Phoenix Bible Institute in Arizona. Over the decades, it underwent significant transformations, including moves to California and eventually to its current scenic 100-acre campus in Salem, Oregon, in 1969. The institution evolved from Western Baptist Bible College to Western Baptist College, gradually expanding its academic scope beyond ministry programs to embrace the liberal arts. This growth laid the groundwork for establishing key academic pillars like the School of Education and the School of Business, broadening opportunities for its student body.

Corban's dedication to academic excellence has earned it consistent recognition, frequently ranking among the top regional colleges in the Western United States by U.S. News & World Report for over a decade. The university's commitment to its Christian foundation is evident in its student experience, requiring applicants to provide testimony of their relationship with Jesus Christ. This creates a vibrant, faith-centered community where students not only pursue rigorous academics, including robust undergraduate and graduate programs in education and business, but also grow spiritually and personally. With a diverse student body of over 2,200, Corban continues to foster an environment where students are inspired to live out their faith and make a meaningful difference globally.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1935, Corban University has nearly nine decades of experience in Christian education.
  • The university's name, 'Corban,' is a Hebrew word meaning 'a gift dedicated to God,' reflecting its core mission.
  • Consistently ranked among the top regional colleges in the Western United States by U.S. News & World Report for over a decade, ranking 5th in 2016.
  • Corban's motto is 'Educating Christians to make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ.'
  • Home to 2,282 students pursuing a faith-integrated education that prepares them for global impact.
  • Received its largest-ever donation of $2.1 million in 2001 for a new performing arts center and chapel.
  • Offers robust academic programs including the established School of Education and School of Business.

Timeline

1935
Established in Phoenix, Arizona, as the Phoenix Bible Institute.
1946
Moved to Oakland, California, and renamed Western Baptist Bible College.
1969
Moved to Salem, Oregon, to its current 100-acre campus.
1978
Shortened its name to Western Baptist College.
2001
Received a record $2.1 million donation for a new performing arts center and chapel.
2005
Name changed to Corban College, signifying 'a gift dedicated to God'.
2007
Name extended to Corban College and Graduate School to reflect new graduate programs.
2010
Celebrated its 75th anniversary by becoming Corban University.
🏛️
91 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Corban University

📚

School of Education

One of the key academic pillars, instituted to expand liberal arts and professional offerings.

💼

School of Business

Established to provide comprehensive education in business disciplines, complementing ministry programs.

Leadership

John Mark Yeats
President
Bryce Bernard (interim)
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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