Southwest Baptist University has jumped from a 2-star to a 4-star Financial Efficiency Rating, moving it into MinistryWatch’s “Give With Confidence” category.
Photo by Southwest Baptist University via Google Photos
However, its Transparency Grade remains low: the university does not post audited financial statements on its website and holds no membership with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.
Southwest Baptist University (SBU) — not to be confused with Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary — is a Christian liberal arts university offering more than 100 areas of academic study at undergraduate and graduate levels across four physical campuses in Bolivar, Mountain View, Salem and Springfield, Mo., as well as an online campus.
Founded in 1878, SBU describes itself as “a Christ-centered, caring academic community preparing students to be servant leaders in a global society.” The university aims to provide “breadth and depth in a Christian liberal arts setting” through curriculum coursework and major pathways.
SBU has held accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission continuously since 1957. Its most recent reaffirmation, in November 2023, met all criteria with no concerns noted.
Recent institutional momentum has been encouraging. During its spring commencement May 8, SBU presented 269 undergraduate and 165 graduate degrees in two ceremonies on its Bolivar campus.
In March, the university hosted its third annual SBUnited Giving Day, raising more than $300,000 — surpassing its goal by more than $100,000.
Financially, however, the picture is mixed. As of its most recently available Form 990, SBU’s savings ratio and reserve accumulation rate remain negative, at -4% and -3% respectively. Its fund acquisition carries a 1-star rating as a result. On the positive side, resource allocation is improving, fundraising expenses remain consistent with the sector median for the past two fiscal years, and revenue increased 40% from fiscal year 2024 to 2025.
MinistryWatch evaluates ministry transparency using three indicators: public availability of a Form 990, an audited financial statement posted on the ministry’s website, and membership with the ECFA. SBU files a public Form 990 but does not meet the other two criteria, resulting in a D Transparency Grade.
It is worth noting that the Transparency Grade, Donor Confidence Score, and Financial Efficiency Rating work together to present a full picture of a ministry’s financial health. Donors should consider all three when evaluating a giving decision.
MinistryWatch made multiple attempts to contact Southwest Baptist University. The university did not respond.
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MinistryWatch Donor Confidence Score: 67 (out of a possible 100) “Give With Confidence”
MinistryWatch Financial Efficiency Rating: 4 Stars (out of a possible 5 Stars)
MinistryWatch Transparency Grade: D
ECFA Member? No
Revenue in Most Recent Year Available: $56,069,214
Five-Year Revenue Trend: Increasing (by about 9%)
Percent of Revenue Spent on Fundraising: 2%
Percent of Revenue Peer Group Spends on Fundraising: 2%
CEO/President: Richard Melson
President’s Salary and Other Compensation: $366,272
A complete MinistryWatch profile for Southwest Baptist University can be found here.