The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) vs Midwestern Baptist Seminary

When it comes to theological education, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) stand out as two of the most prominent institutions in the United States. Both seminaries offer a wide range of programs and degrees, but there are some key differences between the two that prospective students should consider. These include acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. To help you make an informed decision about which seminary is the right fit for you, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that highlights these differences. Dive into the data and discover which institution aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences.

	Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary	The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Overview
Location	Kansas City, Missouri	Louisville, Kentucky
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	78.0%	83.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation	Baptist	Baptist

Admission
Acceptance rate	97.6%	80.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $25	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $40
SAT range	N/A	1040 - 1250
ACT range	N/A	19 - 27
Students submitting SAT score		31.0%
Students submitting ACT score		39.0%
Total number of applicants	212	355
Total number of admissions given out	207	285
Admitted students who chose to enroll	165	193
Yield rate	79.7%	67.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$29,655	$17,556
Average net price	$18,597	$18,180
Tuition	$7,560	$11,400
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $4,100 Meal plan: $4,400	Room/dormitory: $4,468 Meal plan: $2,982
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	53.0% Average amount $5,166	42.0% Average amount $3,019
Students receiving federal student loan	45.0% Average amount $5,514	0.0% Average amount $0
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $8,048	23.0% Average amount $13,723

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	942 Men 66.9% Women 33.1%	1,019 Men 53.6% Women 46.4%
Graduate students	2,572 Men 86.1% Women 13.9%	3,429 Men 86.2% Women 13.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	9.3%	15.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	240	511
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Theology Health Professions Multidisciplinary Studies Foreign Languages and Literatures Business	Theology Business Education Liberal Arts Philosophy and Religious Studies
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	18:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	51.5%	41.9%
Dropout rate	45.4%	N/A
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $52,126 Year 2: $48,823 Year 3: $58,091 Bible/Biblical Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $26,441 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $24,868 Year 2: $20,140 Year 3: N/A Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $33,191 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A	Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $78,559 Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,633 Year 2: $45,119 Year 3: $58,703

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Southern Seminary (SBTS) and Midwestern Seminary (MBTS)?

Southern Seminary (SBTS) is the flagship seminary of the Southern Baptist Convention, known for its long history, extensive resources, and broad range of programs. Midwestern Seminary (MBTS) is a younger institution, often recognized for its affordability, strong focus on the local church, and commitment to missions. SBTS generally has a larger student body and a more diverse faculty in terms of research interests, while MBTS emphasizes practical ministry preparation and accessibility.
Which seminary is more affordable: Southern Seminary or Midwestern Seminary?

Midwestern Seminary (MBTS) is generally considered more affordable than Southern Seminary (SBTS). MBTS often has lower tuition rates and offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities designed to make theological education accessible. While SBTS also provides financial aid, the overall cost of attendance tends to be higher.
How do the academic programs at Southern Seminary and Midwestern Seminary compare?

Both Southern Seminary (SBTS) and Midwestern Seminary (MBTS) offer a wide range of degree programs, including Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts (MA), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. SBTS boasts a larger and more specialized faculty, allowing for a greater variety of concentrations and research opportunities, particularly at the doctoral level. MBTS, while offering a robust curriculum, tends to focus on programs directly applicable to pastoral ministry and church leadership. Both institutions are accredited and committed to academic excellence.
Which seminary has a stronger emphasis on missions?

While both Southern Seminary (SBTS) and Midwestern Seminary (MBTS) value missions, Midwestern Seminary (MBTS) is often recognized for its particularly strong emphasis on global missions. MBTS has dedicated centers and programs focused on equipping students for cross-cultural ministry and church planting. SBTS also has significant missions involvement, but MBTS's focus is often perceived as more central to its institutional identity.
How do the campus environments differ between Southern Seminary and Midwestern Seminary?

Southern Seminary (SBTS) is located in Louisville, Kentucky, a larger city with a vibrant cultural scene and a diverse population. The SBTS campus is historic and expansive, offering numerous resources and amenities. Midwestern Seminary (MBTS) is located in Kansas City, Missouri, a metropolitan area with a strong Midwestern feel. The MBTS campus is more compact and has a close-knit community atmosphere. The choice depends on your preference for city size and campus environment.
What are the faculty strengths at Southern Seminary and Midwestern Seminary?

Southern Seminary (SBTS) has a large and diverse faculty with expertise in various theological disciplines, including biblical studies, systematic theology, church history, and practical theology. SBTS faculty are often actively involved in academic research and publication. Midwestern Seminary (MBTS) has a faculty known for its commitment to teaching and mentoring students, with a strong emphasis on practical ministry experience. MBTS faculty are often actively involved in local churches and ministry organizations.
Which seminary is a better fit for someone interested in academic research?

Southern Seminary (SBTS) is generally considered a better fit for students primarily interested in academic research, particularly at the doctoral level. SBTS has a larger research faculty, more specialized programs, and greater resources dedicated to scholarly pursuits. While MBTS also supports research, its primary focus is on preparing students for practical ministry.
Do both seminaries hold to the Baptist Faith and Message?

Yes, both Southern Seminary (SBTS) and Midwestern Seminary (MBTS) are affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and hold to the Baptist Faith and Message. This means they share a common theological foundation and commitment to biblical authority.
What kind of student is each seminary best suited for?

Southern Seminary (SBTS) is well-suited for students seeking a comprehensive theological education with a wide range of program options and a strong emphasis on academic rigor. It's a good choice for those considering doctoral studies or specialized ministry roles. Midwestern Seminary (MBTS) is ideal for students seeking practical ministry training, affordability, and a strong focus on missions and the local church. It's a great option for those preparing for pastoral ministry, church planting, or cross-cultural missions.
How do the online programs compare between SBTS and MBTS?

Both Southern Seminary (SBTS) and Midwestern Seminary (MBTS) offer robust online programs, allowing students to pursue theological education remotely. SBTS's online program often mirrors its on-campus offerings, providing a wide array of courses and degree options. MBTS's online program is designed for flexibility and accessibility, catering to students with busy schedules and ministry commitments. Both offer quality instruction and resources for distance learners.

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