Lancaster Bible College vs Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU)

Lancaster Bible College and Southwestern Assemblies of God University, both rooted in Christian values, offer distinct educational experiences. Lancaster Bible College, located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, boasts a higher acceptance rate (86%) compared to Southwestern Assemblies of God University's (SAGU) 75%. SAGU, situated in Waxahachie, Texas, has a larger student body, with over 2,500 undergraduate students compared to Lancaster Bible College's approximately 1,200. While both institutions offer a range of undergraduate programs, Lancaster Bible College is known for its strong programs in Bible and Theology, while SAGU excels in fields like Business and Psychology. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these institutions' graduation rates, student demographics, and other key factors that can help you make an informed decision about your higher education journey.

	Lancaster Bible College	Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Overview
Location	Lancaster, Pennsylvania	Waxahachie, Texas
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	80.0%	67.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation		Protestant

Admission
Acceptance rate	96.0%	85.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $40	Undergraduate: $35 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1010 - 1210	900 - 1080
ACT range	20 - 26	17 - 22
Students submitting SAT score	79.0%	43.0%
Students submitting ACT score	8.0%	46.0%
Total number of applicants	275	658
Total number of admissions given out	264	562
Admitted students who chose to enroll	152	280
Yield rate	57.6%	49.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$37,720	$37,614
Average net price	$22,700	$22,245
Tuition	$26,690	$16,444
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,364 Meal plan: $4,840	Room/dormitory: $3,570 Meal plan: $4,763
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $15,192	96.0% Average amount $12,024
Students receiving federal student loan	70.0% Average amount $5,172	71.0% Average amount $5,193
Students taking out private loans	18.0% Average amount $10,932	7.0% Average amount $11,885

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,545 Men 46.9% Women 53.1%	1,519 Men 48.2% Women 51.8%
Graduate students	422 Men 54.3% Women 45.7%	324 Men 47.2% Women 52.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	31.1%	N/A
International students	0.0%	0.8%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	450	738
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Pennsylvania Maryland Virginia New Jersey New York	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Theology Business Education Public Administration and Social Service Communication and Journalism	Theology Business Philosophy and Religious Studies Liberal Arts Education
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	61.6%	42.6%
Dropout rate	23.2%	27.4%
Transferred out	12.4%	29.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Bible/Biblical Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,084 Year 2: $36,668 Year 3: $30,578 Music (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: $29,238 Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,628 Year 2: $24,615 Year 3: $22,010 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,032 Year 2: $27,295 Year 3: N/A Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $24,327 Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: N/A Bible/Biblical Studies (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $13,104 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Social Work (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,477 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $20,969 Year 3: N/A Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $29,291 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A	Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,389 Year 2: $35,060 Year 3: $45,867 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,275 Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: $39,590 Education, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,206 Year 2: $37,928 Year 3: $36,584 Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $25,842 Year 2: $25,967 Year 3: $31,931 Religious Education (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $29,685 Year 3: $30,133 Bible/Biblical Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,891 Year 2: $29,413 Year 3: $28,779 Education, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $43,740 Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: N/A Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $43,898 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $46,563 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in denominational affiliation between Lancaster Bible College and Southwestern Assemblies of God University?

Lancaster Bible College is an interdenominational institution, welcoming students from various Christian backgrounds. Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU), on the other hand, is affiliated with the Assemblies of God denomination. This means SAGU's curriculum and campus life are more heavily influenced by Assemblies of God theology and practices.
How do the academic programs at Lancaster Bible College and Southwestern Assemblies of God University compare?

Both institutions offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly in ministry-related fields. However, Lancaster Bible College has a broader selection of programs outside of ministry, including education, business, and healthcare-related fields. SAGU tends to focus more heavily on ministry, theology, and related disciplines, although they are expanding their offerings in other areas.
What is the difference in campus size and location between Lancaster Bible College and Southwestern Assemblies of God University?

Lancaster Bible College is located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a mid-sized city with a blend of urban and rural environments. Southwestern Assemblies of God University is situated in Waxahachie, Texas, a smaller city located south of Dallas. Lancaster Bible College's campus is smaller and more intimate, while SAGU's campus is larger and offers a more traditional university feel.
How do the student bodies at Lancaster Bible College and Southwestern Assemblies of God University differ?

While both schools attract Christian students, Lancaster Bible College's interdenominational nature results in a more diverse student body in terms of denominational backgrounds. Southwestern Assemblies of God University primarily attracts students from Assemblies of God churches and related denominations. Both institutions have a strong emphasis on community and spiritual growth.
What are the differences in tuition and financial aid options between Lancaster Bible College and Southwestern Assemblies of God University?

Tuition costs can vary between the two institutions, so it's best to check their respective websites for the most up-to-date information. Both Lancaster Bible College and Southwestern Assemblies of God University offer a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The specific aid packages available will depend on individual student circumstances and academic merit. It's recommended to contact the financial aid offices at both schools to discuss your options.
What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at Lancaster Bible College and Southwestern Assemblies of God University?

Both Lancaster Bible College and Southwestern Assemblies of God University offer a variety of student life activities, including chapel services, student organizations, and intramural sports. SAGU, being a larger university, generally has a wider range of extracurricular activities and athletic programs. Lancaster Bible College offers a more close-knit community feel with opportunities for student leadership and involvement in campus ministry.
How do Lancaster Bible College and Southwestern Assemblies of God University approach spiritual formation?

Both institutions prioritize spiritual formation, but their approaches differ slightly due to their denominational affiliations. Lancaster Bible College emphasizes a broad, biblically-centered approach to spiritual growth, welcoming diverse perspectives within Christian orthodoxy. Southwestern Assemblies of God University focuses on spiritual formation within the Assemblies of God tradition, emphasizing Pentecostal theology and practices.
What are the career services and alumni networks like at Lancaster Bible College and Southwestern Assemblies of God University?

Both Lancaster Bible College and Southwestern Assemblies of God University offer career services to help students with internships, job placement, and career counseling. The strength and reach of their alumni networks vary depending on the program and geographic location. It's advisable to research the alumni network in your specific field of interest at both institutions.
What are the similarities between Lancaster Bible College and Southwestern Assemblies of God University?

Both Lancaster Bible College and Southwestern Assemblies of God University are Christian institutions committed to providing students with a biblically-based education. They both emphasize spiritual growth, character development, and preparing students for lives of service and leadership. Both schools also offer a supportive community environment where students can connect with faculty, staff, and peers who share their faith.
Which school is better for me: Lancaster Bible College or Southwestern Assemblies of God University?

The best school for you depends on your individual needs, preferences, and goals. If you are seeking an interdenominational Christian education with a broader range of academic programs and a smaller campus environment, Lancaster Bible College might be a good fit. If you are looking for a university deeply rooted in the Assemblies of God tradition with a strong emphasis on ministry and a larger campus, Southwestern Assemblies of God University could be a better choice. Visiting both campuses and speaking with current students and faculty is highly recommended to help you make an informed decision.

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