Barclay College

Every Barclay student earns a dual degree: a major in their chosen field plus Biblical Studies, reflecting the college’s mandate to weave faith into all disciplines. The academic vibe is intimate (a 7:1 student-faculty ratio) and pragmatic, with programs leaning heavily toward ministry and service. Popular majors include Psychology, Business, and Religious Vocations, though the curriculum is unapologetically evangelical—Barclay describes itself as 'highly professional, broadly practical, and deeply personal.'

• Top Majors: Psychology (15%), Business (6%), Religious Vocations (6%)
• Unique Requirement: Biblical Studies degree for all undergraduates
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1

Life at Barclay revolves around faith and community. With just 163 undergraduates (nearly evenly split between genders), the campus feels like a family—albeit one with strict evangelical norms. Students report feeling 'extremely safe' (100%, per Niche), and activities skew toward spiritual growth: chapel services, mission trips, and Bible studies dominate. The Barrett residential community houses students near campus resources, fostering what the college calls 'long-lasting friendships' forged in shared devotion. Rural Haviland, Kansas (population ~700), offers little distraction—this is a place for those who want to immerse themselves in a religious bubble.

Barclay’s graduation rates are low (26% within six years), and alumni earnings lag national averages. Median earnings six years post-graduation hover around $29,600, with many graduates entering ministry or nonprofit work. Debt is a concern: the typical grad owes $27,000, and the estimated payback period exceeds 50 years. That said, the college’s mission-driven students often prioritize service over salary—its outcomes reflect the trade-offs of a hyper-specialized religious education.

• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 26%
• Median Earnings (6 Years Post-Grad): $29,600
• Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Barclay’s headline offer is a full-tuition scholarship for dorm residents ($20,000/year), though room and board costs (~$18,500/year) mean the net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. remains $25,548–$26,926 for most. Off-campus students get a smaller tuition discount ($4,200). Nearly all students receive aid, with federal grants covering some gaps. Still, the college’s low post-grad earnings make ROI a tough sell for those outside its evangelical target demographic.

• Full-Tuition Scholarship (Dorm Residents): $20,000/year
• Average Net Price: ~$26,000
• % Students Receiving Aid: 100%

Barclay is uncompromising in its evangelical identity—a rarity even among Christian colleges. The mandatory Biblical Studies degree, full-tuition dorm scholarships, and 7:1 classes create a cloistered, intense environment for students all-in on faith. Its tiny size and rural setting amplify this focus, making it a haven for future pastors and missionaries. But the trade-offs are stark: low graduation rates, high debt relative to earnings, and a culture that may feel insular to outsiders. For the right student, though, it’s a singular blend of affordability and religious immersion.