Arlington Baptist University: A Legacy of Faith and Learning
Arlington Baptist University (ABU), located in Arlington, Texas, is a private, Christ-centered institution with a rich history rooted in biblical education and a commitment to student development. From its humble beginnings as a Bible institute to its current status as a university offering a range of undergraduate degrees, ABU has remained steadfast in its mission to integrate faith and learning within a close-knit campus atmosphere. The institution is affiliated with the World Baptist Fellowship and offers various degree programs with a strong emphasis on biblical studies.
Historical Development
The seeds of Arlington Baptist University were sown in the 1920s by Dr. J. Frank Norris, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Although his initial vision for a Bible institute did not immediately materialize, it paved the way for the establishment of the Fundamental Bible Institute in 1927, which provided systematic Bible study through radio and correspondence. In 1931, Dr. Norris established the Pre-Millennial Bible Conference, also known as the Southwestern Pre-Millennial Bible School, hosting biannual sessions with Dr. Louis Entzminger as Superintendent. These conferences aimed to offer concentrated pastoral training and biblical teaching.
The Fundamental Baptist Bible Institute was officially chartered on March 3, 1939, marking a significant milestone in the institution's history. Classes commenced later that year in an upper room of First Baptist Church in Fort Worth. The curriculum expanded, and the academic term was extended to include both regular and summer sessions. In 1945, the institution was renamed Bible Baptist Seminary.
Following Dr. Norris’ death in 1952, the seminary temporarily relocated to downtown Fort Worth. In 1953, Dr. Earl K. Oldham, a seminary graduate and pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, became President. Under his leadership, the school moved to its permanent location in Arlington, Texas, in 1955, transitioned into a four-year undergraduate institution, and adopted the name Arlington Baptist College. The college began offering Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees and pursued accredited status through the American Association of Bible Colleges (now ABHE). Candidate status was achieved in 1977.
Dr. Oldham served as President for 27 years and was named Chancellor in 1980. That same year, Dr. Wayne Martin became President and successfully led the institution to full accreditation in 1981, continuing its legacy of biblical training and academic excellence.
Read also: Scholarships at UTA
In 1992, Dr. Wendell Hiers-a missionary and former director of the World Baptist Fellowship Mission Agency-served as interim President. On May 1, 1993, Dr. David D. Bryant, a seminary graduate and long-time pastor, became President. With advanced degrees in theology and divinity, Dr. Bryant continued to inspire and prepare students for ministry.
In 2009, following Dr. Bryant’s retirement, Dr. D.L. Moody, a 1983 graduate of the College, became President. Dr. Moody had served the college in various roles including Director of Institutional Development, Dean of Students, and professor of Pastoral Ministry. He brought with him a deep commitment to student development and institutional growth, leading the college to notable improvements in academics, campus life, and spiritual formation.
In 2017, Arlington Baptist College officially became Arlington Baptist University, marking a new chapter in its history.
After Dr. Moody’s resignation in 2019, Jimmy McNeil, pastor of Pleasantview Baptist Church, served as interim President. In January 2020, Cliff McDaniel stepped in as interim and was officially elected the University’s 10th President on January 11, 2021. President Clifton McDaniel is an ABU alumnus.
Academics
Arlington Baptist University offers undergraduate degrees in 33 majors, with a strong emphasis on Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. The university operates on a semester-based academic calendar and provides various learning options, including online classes, online undergraduate degrees, and summer sessions. Some programs may require co-op/internship experiences, and teacher certification is also offered.
Read also: UTA Out-of-State Costs
The student-to-faculty ratio at ABU is 18:1, fostering a close-knit learning environment where students can receive personalized attention from their instructors. Residential students and students with classes on Monday and Wednesday are required to attend chapel, reinforcing the university's commitment to spiritual development.
Admissions
Arlington Baptist University has a lightly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 79.2%. While the university does not have a reported average GPA for incoming students, it does require the SAT or ACT for some applicants. The SAT Essay/ACT Writing section is considered optional.
The university has rolling admissions, meaning applications are accepted throughout the year. However, it is recommended to apply by July 1 for Fall enrollment and December 1 for Spring enrollment. A non-refundable application fee of $40 is required, though fee waivers are available.
To apply to ABU, prospective students must submit the required documents, which vary based on whether they are undergraduate, graduate, international, or transfer students. ABU maintains student records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which affords students the right to inspect and review their educational records, the right to seek to have the records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of information from the records.
Campus Life
Arlington Baptist University provides a vibrant campus life with a range of facilities and activities to enhance the student experience. The campus features the Fine Arts Chapel, the J. Frank Norris Auditorium, and the Rose Garden.
Read also: Transfer Scholarships at UT Arlington
For students residing on campus, ABU offers separate residence halls for men and women, providing a safe, comfortable, and welcoming living environment. On-campus living is required of freshman, and off-campus living requires approval from the VP of Student Affairs. Disability housing is also available.
ABU is a member of the NCCAA and offers athletics in basketball, volleyball, baseball, and more.
Affordability and Cost
The average net price to attend Arlington Baptist University is $18,531.
- Tuition: The in-state and out-of-state tuition is \$18,012.
- Additional Costs: Room and board costs \$8,310, and books and supplies cost \$1,600.
Financial Aid
ABU provides various forms of financial aid to assist students in funding their education.
- A total of \$357,991 is provided in needs-based scholarships and grants.
- The average federal loan amount per year is \$4,059.
- The average other loan amount per year is \$16,205.
Safety and Security
Arlington Baptist University prioritizes the safety and security of its students, although specific details about campus safety measures such as 24-hour security patrol, campus emergency phones, 24-hour escort safety rides, and mobile campus emergency alerts are not available.
Post-Graduation Outcomes
Specific post-graduation statistics for Arlington Baptist University, such as average salary six years after graduation, average debt at graduation, loan default rate, and median monthly loan payment, are not readily available.
tags: #arlington #baptist #university #history #academics #admissions
