DBU Quick Facts
Choosing a college can be a difficult decision.
You're faced with many questions.
- Will I get a quality education?
- What is the school's reputation?
- Will my professor know my name?
- Will I fit in?
- Can I even afford it?
- What has God called me to do?
Below are some quick facts about DBU to help you choose the Christian college for you.
Beginnings | Location | Affiliation | Enrollment | Academic Programs | Faculty
Class Size | Traditions | Financial Assistance
Beginnings
Dallas Baptist University was originally founded as Decatur Baptist College in 1898 and was the first two-year institution of higher education in Texas. After moving to Dallas in 1965, DBU has maintained its roots to Decatur and its commitment to a Baptist heritage.
Location
Dallas Baptist University sits atop 368 acres on the hills of Southwest Dallas overlooking Mountain Creek Lake.
Affiliation
Dallas Baptist University is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Enrollment
As of Fall 2023, total University enrollment stood at 4,201 Students.
Academic Programs
Dallas Baptist University offers eight Associate degrees and over 75 undergraduate majors as well as over 30 master's programs, including over 25 Dual Master’s Degree Programs, 2 Doctoral Degree Programs, and encompasses the following academic divisions: College of Business, Mary C. Crowley College of Christian Faith, Dorothy M. Bush College of Education, College of Fine Arts, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Gary Cook School of Leadership, and Graduate School of Ministry. The Gary Cook School of Leadership offers doctoral degrees in Leadership Studies and Educational Leadership.
For more information about academics, please see the Academics section of this website. For a list of DBU’s current academic programs with assigned CIP codes, see DBU Academic Programs with CIP Codes.
For a list of DBU's accreditations and memberships, please visit the Accreditation webpage.
Faculty
There are 129 full-time faculty members, of which 83.7% hold a doctorate or terminal degree. The student/faculty ratio is 16:1.
Class Size
The average class size is 16 students.
Traditions
Founded in 1898 as Decatur Baptist College, Dallas Baptist University embraces the legacy of more than 100 years of quality academics and vibrant University life. As the Patriots, the DBU family exemplifies the qualities of integrity, honor, and Christ-centered character along with a love and enthusiasm for DBU. Athletic traditions such as the Regiment firing the cannon after a soccer goal or a baseball home run and ringing the bell after a basketball victory provide energy to the "Blue Brigade" student section that creates an exciting environment for all Patriot home games. The Patriot Cheerleaders and Patriettes Dance Team lead the crowd in cheers, chants, and the DBU Fight Song to support all Patriot athletics. Other University-wide traditions take place with athletic events such as Midnight Madness that begins basketball season and Homecoming week with float building, Mr. Patriot, Extravaganza, Tailgate Party, and the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen. The Homecoming week activities were founded in the early years of Decatur Baptist College and remain an important part of every fall semester.
First-year students participate in University traditions as soon as they register for classes when they ring the replica Liberty Bell in the Mahler Student Center. First-year students also learn the core University value of Christ-centered servant leadership as they serve together on the final day of SWAT, an annual University welcome week for new students. Students have the opportunity to participate in other University Campus Life traditions such as University chapel services, Student Life events, and missions and service.
The Official DBU Cross Ring serves as a symbol of the Christ-centered education students experience at DBU. Through the University hymn, To God Be The Glory, the DBU family thanks God for all of His blessings and His guidance throughout the history of the school.
Financial Assistance
Eighty-seven percent (87%) of our undergraduate students receive federal, state, or institutional financial aid. Over seventy-four percent (74.7%) of master's students and over sixty-seven percent (67.9%) of doctoral students receive federal, state, or institutional financial aid. (Institutional aid includes academic, athletic, music performance, and Christian leadership scholarships).
