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Missouri Baptist University

Saint Louis, MO

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1,452
Total Students
$33K
Tuition (In-State)
$33K
Tuition (Out-State)
$26K
Avg Net Price
64%
Acceptance Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
6-year
67%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

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

About Missouri Baptist University

Missouri Baptist University: A thriving Christian institution fostering academic and spiritual growth.

Missouri Baptist University (MBU) stands as a vibrant evangelical Christian institution in the St. Louis area, offering a distinctive educational experience rooted in faith. What began as a modest extension of Hannibal–LaGrange College in 1957, MBU has blossomed into a comprehensive university renowned for its commitment to liberal arts, graduate, and post-graduate studies. Students at MBU benefit from an environment that champions academic excellence alongside spiritual development.

The university's journey from St. Louis Baptist College to Missouri Baptist University is a testament to its dynamic growth and evolving vision. Chartered independently in 1964, MBU quickly grew from a commuter campus to a residential institution, enhancing the student experience with dedicated living spaces. Landmark achievements like the dedication of the $10 million Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Arts Center underscore its expansion and commitment to providing modern facilities for its community.

Academically, MBU offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate degrees complemented by robust graduate programs, including the Master of Science in Education, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Arts in Christian Ministry. The introduction of its first doctorate program, a Doctorate of Education, in 2009 further solidified MBU's standing as a serious contender in advanced academic pursuits. The university's impressive enrollment surge, reaching an all-time high of 4,460 students in 2005, reflects its growing appeal to prospective students seeking a values-based education.

Beyond the classroom, MBU cultivates a supportive student experience. Recent renovations have transformed the Jung-Kellogg Library into a modern learning commons, providing collaborative and innovative spaces for study and research. With a rich history of growth and a forward-looking approach to education, Missouri Baptist University prepares students not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and service.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1957 as an extension of Hannibal–LaGrange College.
  • Chartered independently as Missouri Baptist College in 1964.
  • Transitioned from a commuter to a residential campus with the completion of residence halls in 1980.
  • Experienced a significant enrollment increase, more than doubling under President R. Alton Lacey (1995-2017).
  • Became Missouri Baptist University in 2002, marking its expansion into advanced degree offerings.
  • Achieved an all-time high enrollment of 4,460 students in Fall 2005.
  • Launched its first doctorate program, a Doctorate of Education, in Fall 2009.
  • Completed the $10 million Spirit of Excellence campaign, funding the Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Arts Center.

Timeline

1957
Campus extension of Hannibal–LaGrange College opened in St. Louis.
1964
Missouri Baptist College was chartered as a four-year liberal arts college; main campus site acquired.
1973
Graduated its first class of twenty-nine students with Bachelor of Arts degrees.
1980
Completed Pillsbury-Huff Residence Halls, converting to a residential institution.
1995
R. Alton Lacey began his tenure as the university's sixth president.
2002
Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Arts Center dedicated; Missouri Baptist College became Missouri Baptist University.
2005
Enrollment reached an all-time high of 4,460 students.
2009
Began offering its first doctorate program, a Doctorate of Education.
2017
R. Alton Lacey retired after 23 years; Keith L. Ross appointed seventh president.
2019
Library transformed into a learning commons space; came back under Missouri Baptist Convention jurisdiction.

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