Introduction
Bob Jones University (BJU) is a Christian university that seeks to incorporate college education with the mission and goals of Christ.
Bob Jones University
Information Summary
| Overall Score (about) | 86.6 |
| Total Cost On-Campus Attendance | $27,926 |
| Admission Success rate | N/A |
| ACT 75%ile scores | 26 |
| Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty | 13 : 1 |
| Retention (full-time / part-time) | 82% / 50% |
| Enrollment Total (all students) | 3,005 |
History
BJU was founded in Greenville, South Carolina in 1927 by Dr. Bob Jones, Sr., a Christian evangelist who felt strongly about keeping Christ at the forefront of students’ thought and conduct. He sought to develop a school based on his interpretation of biblical Christianity with strict standards for behavior. The school opened with 88 students, a daily chapel service, and degrees in Bible, music, and speech.
Since then, the school has expanded to serve over 4,000 students with a new seminary building, homeschool program support, extracurricular activities and a continued dedication to the fine arts. The school has been run by three generations of Jones family members. It is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. Today’s students come from every state in the U.S. and over 40 countries, and the campus includes a 7,000-seat amphitorium, 10 residence halls, a dining common, and a museum and gallery.
Gallery
Academics
The university is divided into five academic schools, which award degrees in arts and science, religion, fine arts and communication, education, and business. The sixth school is the seminary & Graduate School of Religion.
Students can earn associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees through any of the six schools. Specific majors include topics like actuarial science, cell biology, finance, music education, graphic design, cinema production, and Christian ministries, along with several others. There are many concentrated areas of study at both undergraduate and graduate levels, so students will never be at a loss for something new to learn about.
Online Education
Students may opt for a distance learning program. Distance students can earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees, interact with classmates and faculty, and complete assignments. Distance learners have the choice of pursuing an online class, which is a structured program with a set length of time and pre-determined deadlines, or an independent learning program, which has much more flexible deadlines but less interaction with classmates and faculty.
Most Popular Fields of Study
Admissions
Prospective students can apply as early as the end of their junior year of high school. Admissions are competitive. Decisions are made based on academic standing, testing, recommendations, and other characteristics.
The preferred application method is online through the school’s website. Applicants should fill out the online form and then submit their high school transcripts or GED scores along with any AP, CLEP, or IB test results to the admissions office. Students should also take the ACT and submit those results. All applicants will need to provide three sources of recommendation along with their applications. Most applications are processed within two to four weeks, so students will receive decisions relatively soon after completing the application process. Any questions regarding the application process can be directed to the admissions office.
Students
Students come from every state and over 40 countries. Students stay in one of ten on-campus residence halls that provide living amenities and a sense of community for both men and women. Each residence hall has fully wired internet access, a study lounge, laundry facilities, a microwave, and sleeping and storage space for each student.
Student Organizations
There are many opportunities to get involved with student life through clubs and organizations. Activities like the Student Leadership Council, Community Service Council, University Business Association, and Symphonic Wind Band give students an opportunity to connect with their peers over common interests while reaching out to the community or developing a skill. The Collegian, the student newspaper, has been printing issues since 1987 and is an opportunity for aspiring journalists, photojournalists, and editors to learn about producing a weekly publication. The student-run radio station is WBJU-FM. There are also many ministry-oriented organizations.
Societies
One unique student program is the society culture. Even though there are more than 4,000 students at the university, every student becomes part of a smaller and more cohesive community when he or she chooses one of the 45 different societies upon matriculation. Societies are smaller groups of students that encourage godly relationships and Christian behavior among the student body through camaraderie, service, prayer meetings, and outings. The process of joining a society is much like the Greek system. Students meet the different societies when they set up booths and host events during a several-day event called Rush. At the end of Rush, students select the society that they like the best and are incorporated into the group through a special ceremony.
Student Enrollment Demographics
Student Graduation Demographics
Local Community
The 205-acre campus is located on the outskirts of Greenville, South Carolina, at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains. The thriving city community is home to approximately 60,000 people and conveniently located just a few hours from Charlotte, N.C., and other nearby cities. Greenville offers a diverse lifestyle, including restaurants, galleries, craft fairs, shopping, a zoo, a baseball field, and the Paris Mountain State Park. Students will enjoy participating in the arts community and frequenting local coffee shops. The area also offers a number of churches with volunteer and service opportunities.
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