Criswell College

Dallas, Texas, United States · Est. 1970 · Private Non-profit

Private Baptist college in Dallas equipping Christian leaders through Scripture-centered education.

  • Founded 1970 as Criswell Bible Institute; current name adopted 1985
  • Private nonprofit Baptist college with 165 students
  • Located in Old East Dallas, urban/suburban campus
  • Offers diplomas, associate, bachelor, and master degrees
  • SACSCOC accredited since 1985; affiliated with Southern Baptists of Texas Convention since 2001
  • 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio; 100% of full-time faculty hold doctorates

Academics

Criswell College offers Diplomas, Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, and Master of Divinity degrees. The curriculum emphasizes biblical inerrancy and Christian leadership development. Undergraduate majors include Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE), Education, and Psychology, alongside traditional theological studies. The college expanded its undergraduate curriculum in 2013 to include secular professional fields while maintaining its core Christian mission.

Campus & Student Life

The college is located in Old East Dallas, a vibrant community adjacent to Downtown Dallas. The campus features an urban/suburban setting with institutional colors of navy, gray, and yellow. Student body composition is 64% male and 36% female. The college emphasizes spiritual life through chapel services and fosters a close-knit community with a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring meaningful relationships between students and faculty.

Admissions

Criswell admits Christian students of good character without regard to race, national or ethnic origin, color, age, or disability. The college serves undergraduate, graduate, transfer, and international students. Financial aid is central to admissions strategy, with 90% of full-time beginning students receiving aid. Tuition is among the lowest 14% at private nonprofit four-year institutions according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Mission & Values

The college's stated mission is to provide ministerial and professional higher education for men and women preparing to serve as Christian leaders throughout society while maintaining institutional commitment to biblical inerrancy. The Graduate Profile emphasizes five core outcomes: Ambassadors (effective communicators), Cultivators (relationship builders), Peacemakers (truth-seekers), Problem-Solvers (critical thinkers), and Professionals (competent practitioners).

Founded
1970
Type
Private Non-profit
Courses
9
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationSouthern Baptist; affiliated with Southern Baptists of Texas Convention since 2001
Websitehttp://www.criswell.edu
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
9
Avg career outcomes
$43.2K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources