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Dallas Baptist University

Dallas, TX

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

“Soli Deo gloria Glory to God alone”

1898
Founded
Private university
Type
2,526
Total Students
2,874
Undergrad
1,373
Graduate
$42M
Endowment
$38K
Tuition (In-State)
$38K
Tuition (Out-State)
$30K
Avg Net Price
91%
Acceptance Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
6-year
64%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification
President: Adam Wright

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

About Dallas Baptist University

A Christian university blending rich history with distinctive Georgian architecture and robust academics.

Dallas Baptist University stands as a testament to its motto, 'Soli Deo gloria – Glory to God alone,' providing a vibrant Christian higher education experience. Founded in 1898 as Decatur Baptist College, DBU embarked on a significant journey, relocating to Dallas in 1965 and blossoming from a junior college into a comprehensive university by 1985. This evolution brought with it a remarkable architectural transformation, with the campus now distinguished by its beautiful Georgian-style buildings, many inspired by iconic American landmarks like Independence Hall and Monticello.

Beyond its striking aesthetics, DBU offers a robust academic environment designed to challenge and inspire. Students can choose from 84 undergraduate majors, 24 master's degree programs, over 45 dual master's programs, and 2 doctoral programs, ensuring a wide array of pathways for intellectual and professional growth. This commitment to diverse academic offerings has contributed to its current enrollment of 4,487 students (as of 2019), fostering a dynamic and intellectually curious community.

Once primarily a commuter school, DBU has evolved into a thriving residential campus, with well over 2,000 students now calling it home. Modern facilities like the John G. Mahler Student Center, Patty and Bo Pilgrim Chapel, and the Joan and Andy Horner Hall provide state-of-the-art resources for learning, spiritual development, and community engagement. These spaces, coupled with regional academic centers and unique ROTC partnerships, underscore DBU's dedication to a holistic and accessible student experience. Prospective students and families will discover a university deeply rooted in its faith, committed to academic excellence, and characterized by its unique charm and expansive opportunities.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Established in 1898, evolving from Decatur Baptist College to a comprehensive university in Dallas.
  • ✦Guided by the motto "Soli Deo gloria – Glory to God alone," reflecting its foundational Christian faith.
  • ✦Campus spans 368 acres (as of 2018) and features distinctive Georgian architecture, inspired by historic American landmarks.
  • ✦Offers a wide array of academic programs: 84 undergraduate majors, 24 master's, over 45 dual master's, and 2 doctoral programs.
  • ✦Transformed from a commuter college, now housing well over 2,000 students on campus.
  • ✦Enrollment reached 4,487 students in 2019, reflecting significant growth and a vibrant academic community.
  • ✦Provides modern facilities including the John G. Mahler Student Center, Pilgrim Chapel, and Horner Hall, designed for student life and learning.

Timeline

1898
Dallas Baptist University (as Decatur Baptist College) opened in Decatur, Texas.
1965
Moved to Dallas and began offering classes to its first class of over 900 students.
1968
Achieved senior college status, moving beyond a junior college curriculum.
1970
Offered its first four-year bachelor's degrees in May.
1985
Officially changed its name to Dallas Baptist University.
1992
Dedicated the John G. Mahler Student Center, the first new building on campus in the Georgian architectural style.
2009
Dedicated the Patty and Bo Pilgrim Chapel, used for services and housing graduate school offices.
2015
Opened Jim and Sally Nation Hall, modeled after Monticello, home to the Gary Cook School of Leadership.
2018
An additional land acquisition increased the total campus size to 368 acres.
🏛️
128 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

6 notable schools within Dallas Baptist University

🎭

College of Arts and Sciences

One of the initial colleges formed when the institution became a university.

🏫

Mary C. Crowley College of Christian Faith

One of the initial colleges formed, reflecting the university's core mission.

📚

Dorothy M. Bush College of Education

One of the initial colleges formed, focusing on educational programs.

💼

College of Business

One of the initial colleges formed, offering business-related degree programs.

🎓

Graduate School of Ministry

Houses office space within the Patty and Bo Pilgrim Chapel.

🏫

Gary Cook School of Leadership

Located in the Jim and Sally Nation Hall.

Leadership

Adam Wright
President
Norma Hedin
Provost

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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