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Nelson University

Waxahachie, TX·Private nonprofit·1,479 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. a private nonprofit school with 1,479 students.

89%
Accept
1,479
Students
$21,662
Net Price
42%
Grad Rate
$38,700
Earnings
10 yr
$24,725
Debt

About This School

Nelson University is a private nonprofit institution located in Waxahachie, Texas with approximately 1,479 undergraduate students enrolled. Nelson University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 89%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,662 per year. The graduation rate is 42%, and the typical graduate earns $38,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Nelson University, formerly Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU), is a private Christian university in Waxahachie, Texas, United States. Nelson is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and endorsed by the Assemblies of God USA. The university offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in liberal arts programs as well as programs in Bible and church ministries.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: while the $14,750 median debt at graduation is reassuringly low and relatively accessible at 84% acceptance, the 36% graduation rate is a real concern — fewer than 4 in 10 students who start here finish, which is worth taking seriously. This is a strong option specifically for students committed to Assemblies of God faith formation and ministry-focused careers, but if you're drawn primarily to academics or career earnings (median income sits at $38,700 a decade out), you'll want to weigh whether the fit is truly right before enrolling.

Founded
1927
Setting
Large suburb
Religious Affiliation
Assemblies of God Church
Avg Faculty Salary
$6,539

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing16%
Education10%
Psychology5%
Visual & Performing Arts3%
Communications1%
Health Professions0%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Jerry Lee LewisJohn Hagee

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Required

SAT Scores

Average Composite980
Reading 75th %ile550
Math 75th %ile540

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite20

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$25,064
Out-of-State Tuition
$25,064
Avg Net Price
$21,662
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$17,583
$30–48k$18,396
$48–75k$21,731
$75–110k$23,883
$110k+$25,474

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants48%
Median debt at graduation$24,725

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
42%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
75%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$24,725
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$33,300
Female graduates$27,100

Gap: 19% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$24,725
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$30,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.6x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White49%
Black12%
Hispanic/Latino29%
Asian1%
Two or more races5%
American Indian/Alaska Native2%
International1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,479 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Nelson University

1200 Sycamore

Waxahachie, TX 75165

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Texas

Browse all Texas schools →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Nelson University?

Nelson University has an acceptance rate of 89%, based on the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Is Nelson University hard to get into?

Not especially. Nelson University has an acceptance rate of 89%, so admissions are relatively accessible for applicants who meet the requirements.

How much does Nelson University cost?

The average net price at Nelson University is about $21,662 per year after grants and scholarships, based on federal data. Your actual cost depends on your family's finances and aid package.

What is the graduation rate at Nelson University?

Nelson University has a graduation rate of 42%, according to U.S. Department of Education data.

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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