
Cedarville, OHprivate nonprofitcedarville.edu
Cedarville University is a Baptist-affiliated institution in rural Ohio where faith and academics collide with unusual intensity. Known for its 98% career placement rate and a student body that’s 85% on-campus, Cedarville blends conservative Christian values with surprisingly robust engineering and nursing programs—all while maintaining a 65% acceptance rate that makes it accessible but not a slam dunk.
Cedarville’s admissions process is moderately selective, with a 65% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. that suggests accessibility but not open doors. Accepted students typically boast SAT scores between 1140–1340 or ACT scores of 23–29, with an average GPA of 3.9. The university superscores both SAT and ACT results, encouraging applicants to submit their best performances. Notably, 62% of female applicants were admitted in recent cycles, slightly below the overall rate.
With over 150 undergraduate and graduate programs, Cedarville emphasizes biblical integration across disciplines—even in its strongest departments. Nursing dominates as the most popular major (10% of students), followed by psychology (6%), mechanical engineering (5%), and computer science (4%). Alumni frequently cite engineering, nursing, and music education as standout programs, with multimedia technologies noted for being innovative. The BA in Liberal Arts caters to students seeking a broad, faith-infused education.
Life at Cedarville revolves around its Christ-centered community: 85% of students live on campus, fostering a tight-knit environment with dorm events, bro-sis activities, and late-night food runs. The Student Life and Christian Ministries Division actively structures spiritual growth through clubs, intramural sports, and leadership opportunities. TikTok tours and student blogs depict a vibrant, if insular, culture where ‘kindness’ is a recurring theme—though the 15% off-campus population suggests some seek breathing room.
Cedarville’s outcomes are its crown jewel: a 98.17% career placement rate within six months of graduation (based on 79% knowledge rate) dwarfs the national 84% average. The six-year graduation rate sits at 72.4%, with 62% finishing in four years—well above national medians. Alumni earn a median salary of $47,937 six years post-graduation, though CollegeSimply reports lower averages ($36,800 after six years). Either way, the university leverages these stats hard, framing them as divine favor meeting practical preparation.
Tuition stings less after aid: the Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. averages $43,782, with 64% of students receiving financial aid (average package: $28,674). Incoming residential freshmen can snag renewable academic scholarships ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 annually—potentially slicing $100K off a four-year bill. The university’s net price calculator is aggressively promoted, hinting at transparency (or marketing savvy) in navigating costs that otherwise hover near private-school norms.
Cedarville’s fusion of evangelical fervor and career pragmatism is rare. Its 98% placement rate suggests employers trust its graduates—even as the university unapologetically prioritizes spiritual formation. The 85% on-campus population creates a immersive, almost cloistered vibe, while programs like nursing and engineering deliver secular-market value without compromising piety. For students seeking a bubble where faith governs everything from dorm life to differential equations, it’s a compelling—if singular—choice.