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Southwestern Christian University

Bethany, OK

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1946
Founded
Private university
Type
351
Total Students
$21K
Tuition (In-State)
$21K
Tuition (Out-State)
$20K
Avg Net Price
13%
Graduation Rate
6-year
50%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Tom Murray

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

About Southwestern Christian University

Southwestern Christian University: From Ministry Training to a Full Liberal Arts Experience.

Southwestern Christian University (SCU) stands as a vibrant Christian liberal arts institution with a rich and transformative history. What began as a vital junior college in the 1960s, growing to become one of the largest within the Pentecostal Holiness Church, has evolved significantly to meet changing educational needs. Today, SCU offers a comprehensive academic experience rooted in its Christian values, designed to equip students for diverse callings.

After a period in the early 1980s as a focused Ministry training college, SCU embarked on a visionary five-year plan in 1998. This strategic direction broadened its scope, leading to the development of a Master of Ministry graduate program and, ultimately, its recognition in 2001 as a full Christian liberal arts university. This journey reflects SCU’s enduring commitment to adaptability and academic excellence.

Prospective students and families will find at SCU a supportive community in Bethany, Oklahoma, dedicated to holistic development. The university’s strong foundation in Christian liberal arts means students receive a well-rounded education that fosters intellectual growth, spiritual formation, and preparation for meaningful careers and service in the modern world. With 850 students, SCU offers a close-knit environment where individual growth is prioritized, building on over half a century of educational heritage.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1946, establishing a long-standing tradition in Christian education.
  • Transformed from a junior college and ministry training college into a full Christian liberal arts university.
  • Accredited as a junior college in 1964, demonstrating an early commitment to educational standards.
  • Offers a Master of Ministry graduate program, expanding its academic and professional development opportunities.
  • Serves a student body of 850, fostering a close-knit and community-oriented learning environment.
  • Led by President Tom Murray, guiding the university's mission and future growth.

Timeline

1946
Founded (originally as Southwestern Bible College)
1960
Developed a junior college program
1964
Accredited as a junior college
1981
Re-focused as a Ministry training college, moved to Bethany, Oklahoma
1981
Name changed to Southwestern College of Christian Ministries (SCCM)
1998
Implemented a five-year program to change institutional direction
2001
Granted name change to Southwestern Christian University (SCU) and recognized as a full Christian liberal arts university
🏛️
80 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Tom Murray
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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