The Omnibus

Issue date: 10/7/04 Section: News

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Southwest Baptist University has been named one of the 100 best college buys in America and has been cited as one of the best Christian colleges in the United States.

It is the ninth consecutive time SBU has been listed in America's 100 Best College Buys and the eighth consecutive time that the University has been included as one of America's Best Christian Colleges.

"We are the only university in Missouri that was selected for both honors," SBU President C. Pat Taylor said.

The 2004-2005 annual reports, from which the ratings of the schools are taken, are based on surveys of 1,459 accredited colleges and universities across the country. The top institutions were selected for inclusion in America's 100 Best College Buys when their costs and the academic quality of freshmen students were compared to other accredited, four-year institutions offering bachelor degrees and room and board for both men and women.

The total cost for the 2004-2005 academic year at SBU is $15,809, below the national average of $22,198 for private schools.

The 2004-2005 America's Best Christian Colleges report selects institutions based on the high school grade point average and college entrance examination scores of a school's entering freshmen class.

Selected schools must offer full service residential facilities and a full range of financial assistance programs, including need-based, merit-based and athletic programs.

Schools must also be affiliated or have a historical association with a recognized Christian denomination and must incorporate basic Christian principles.

The America's 100 Best College Buys list included six other Missouri institutions. SBU is one of six Southern Baptist related institutions on the list and one of five member institutions of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

The America's Best Christian Colleges report included seven other Missouri institutions. SBU is one of 18 Southern Baptist related institutions on the list and among 59 of 105 member CCCU institutions recognized.

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