Dallas Baptist University

Dallas, Texas, United States · Est. 1898 · Private University

Christ-centered Baptist university in Dallas developing servant leaders since 1898.

  • Founded 1898 as Decatur Baptist College; relocated to Dallas in 1965
  • Private Baptist university affiliated with Baptist General Convention of Texas
  • 4,247 students (2,874 undergraduates, 1,373 postgraduates) across Dallas, Plano, and Hurst campuses
  • Seven colleges plus two schools offering 84 undergraduate majors, 24 master's programs, and 2 doctoral programs
  • NCAA Division II athletics (Lone Star Conference) plus Division I baseball (Conference USA)
  • 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio; 368-acre main campus in southwest Dallas

Academics

DBU operates seven colleges and two schools integrating faith with learning across all disciplines. The university offers 84 undergraduate majors, 24 master's degree programs, over 45 dual master's programs, and 2 doctoral programs (Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Ph.D. in Leadership Studies). All instruction is delivered from a Christian worldview. The institution is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, NASM, and ACBSP for business programs.

Campus & Student Life

The main 368-acre campus overlooks Mountain Creek Lake in southwest Dallas, with additional regional centers in Plano and Hurst. Over 2,000 students live on campus. The university features the John G. Mahler Student Center (modeled after Independence Hall), the Patty and Bo Pilgrim Chapel, and Joan and Andy Horner Hall. Student traditions include the Cross Ring ceremony, Mr. Patriot pageant, Family Weekend, and the annual Unity Walk on MLK Day. Athletics include 15 intercollegiate teams competing primarily in NCAA Division II.

Admissions

DBU welcomes first-year, transfer, homeschool, degree completion, and international students. The university encourages early application as some financial aid has priority deadlines. Pathways include undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and online programs. The institution also serves students from partner organizations including CFNI, Hillsong, and YWAM.

Outcomes & Recognition

U.S. News & World Report ranked DBU #392–434 among National Universities in 2024. The women's golf team won the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2021. The baseball team returned to NCAA Super Regionals in 2021. Notable alumni include professional athletes (Ben Zobrist, Freddy Sanchez, Lew Ford), Christian music artist Kari Jobe, and various civic leaders. The Institute for Global Engagement, founded in 2015, serves as a Christian think tank addressing public issues.

Founded
1898
Type
Private University
Courses
13
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationBaptist General Convention of Texas
Websitehttps://www.dbu.edu/
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
13
Avg career outcomes
$56.8K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources