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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
N/A
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%. In-state tuition is $25,064 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

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

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
N/A
after aid

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

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%

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 →

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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