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Nelson University

Waxahachie, TX · Suburb · 1,479 students
WebsiteScorecard
$21,662
Average net priceYour net price
2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
39%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
50% typical
$46,238
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$48,772 typical
89%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
77% typical · not scored
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
About

Nelson University, historically known as SAGU, is a private, Christ-centered institution in Waxahachie, Texas, renowned for its strong Assemblies of God heritage and its dedication to integrating faith with academic excellence. Prospective students thrive in premier programs like Bible and Church Ministries, Business, and Education, all of which are designed to prepare graduates for both professional careers and vocational ministry. The student experience is defined by a vibrant, supportive campus culture centered around daily chapel services, dynamic student ministries, and NAIA athletic events. What truly sets Nelson apart is its tight-knit, family-like community and its beautiful, historic campus, which is famously anchored by the iconic "Castle on the Hill" landmark.


Wikipedia:Nelson University, formerly Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU), is a private Christian university in Waxahachie, Texas, United States. Nelson is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and endorsed by the Assemblies of God USA. The university offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in liberal arts programs as well as programs in Bible and church ministries.

Location
Waxahachie, TX, 75165 · Suburb campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
DFW · Dallas/Fort Worth
36 mi away
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
These figures are federal data and may be out of date.
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$25,064
Housing & food (on campus)$9,598
Books & supplies$1,434
Cost of attendance$34,504
Average net price$21,662
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$25,064
Housing & food (on campus)$9,598
Books & supplies$1,434
Cost of attendance$34,504
Average net price$21,662
Net price by family income · 2023-24
$0–30k
$17,583
$30–48k
$18,396
$48–75k
$21,731
$75–110k
$23,883
$110k+
$25,474
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
39%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
29%
Back for yr 2
75%
Transferred
16%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
46% graduated · 28% transferred · 26% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$37,425
10 yrs after entry$46,238
Debt
Median at graduation$24,725
Monthly payment$262
Middle 50% owe$5.5k–$26.5k
90th percentile$39,500
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
89%
Test policy
Required
Checked Sep 2026
SAT average
980
R 460–550 · M 430–540
ACT midpoint
20
SAT middle 50%: 890–1090
40080012001600

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Essay prompts

If Nelson University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the school's application.

Student Body
Gender
Men 51%Women 49%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
15 : 1
Pell grant
48%
First-gen
38%
Family income
$35,444
Independent
33%
Age at entry
24.0
Part-time
13%
Race & ethnicity
White
49%
Hispanic
29%
Black
12%
Asian
1%
Two or more
5%
Non-resident
1%
AI/AN
2%
Unknown
1%
Varsity sports
NAIA Division I · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$37,425
After 10 yrs
$46,238
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries57
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities40
Business Administration, Management and Operations32
Bible/Biblical Studies15
Psychology, General14
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas12
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness10
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology9
Social Work9
Marketing7
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods6
Criminal Justice and Corrections6
Film/Video and Photographic Arts6
Music6
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services5
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions5
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$15M
Full-time faculty
46%
Faculty salary
$6,539/mo
Teaching spend
$8,441
per student
Federal loans
61%
Classification
Carnegie type
Master's (small programs)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions

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