Criswell College logo

Criswell College

Dallas, TX

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1970
Founded
Private college
Type
118
Total Students
$14K
Tuition (In-State)
$14K
Tuition (Out-State)
$13K
Avg Net Price
92%
Acceptance Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
6-year
64%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Barry K. Creamer

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

About Criswell College

Criswell College: A private Christian college rooted in biblical studies and expanding academics.

Criswell College, established in 1970, stands as a private institution deeply rooted in its Christian convictions. Founded by the influential W. A. Criswell, long-time pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, the college began as a Bible institute and has evolved to offer a diverse range of academic programs, preparing students for ministry and various professional fields.

The college provides comprehensive educational pathways, including Diplomas, Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, and Master of Divinity degrees. A significant development in its academic profile includes the recent expansion of its undergraduate curriculum, now encompassing majors such as Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE), Education, and Psychology, alongside its robust theological offerings.

While independently owned and operated, Criswell College has been affiliated with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention since 2001, benefiting from some financial assistance and board representation while maintaining its distinct mission. With a close-knit student body of 165, the college fosters a focused and spiritually grounded learning environment under the leadership of President Barry K. Creamer, dedicated to shaping future leaders with a biblical worldview.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1970 by W. A. Criswell, influential pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas.
  • Offers a wide range of degrees: Diplomas, Associate, Bachelor's (Arts, Science), and Master's (Arts, Divinity).
  • Expanded undergraduate curriculum includes Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE), Education, and Psychology.
  • Affiliated with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention since 2001.
  • Maintains a focused academic environment with a student body of 165.
  • Independently owned and operated, reflecting its specific religious mission.
  • Led by its seventh president, Barry K. Creamer.

Timeline

1970
Founded as the Criswell Bible Institute by W. A. Criswell.
1971
Classes officially began on January 12.
1985
Assumed its current name, Criswell College.
2001
Affiliated with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.
2008
President Jerry A. Johnson resigned, citing "philosophical differences."
2010
Officially separated from First Baptist Church of Dallas; Jerry A. Johnson returned as president.
2013
Board of trustees approved plans for undergraduate curriculum expansion and relocation; Jerry A. Johnson left to become president of the National Religious Broadcasters.
2015
Applied for an exception to Title IX for religious reasons.
🏛️
56 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Barry K. Creamer
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Criswell College

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search