
Salem, ORprivate nonprofitcorban.edu
Corban University is a small, faith-based liberal arts college in Salem, Oregon, where nearly two-thirds of students live on a campus described as 'extremely safe' and tightly knit. With a Bible minor baked into every degree and an 89-94% acceptance rate, Corban attracts students seeking a Christian education with practical majors like business administration and education—though its 60-63% graduation rate suggests some struggle to persist.
Corban University is decidedly not a selective school, with Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. ranging from 79.68% to 94% depending on the source. The university explicitly states that SAT, ACT, or CLT scores are not required for admission or financial aid, though submitted test scores (typically between 1020–1280 on the SAT) are considered. Female applicants enjoy a particularly high acceptance rate of 93%. The admissions policy emphasizes inclusivity, welcoming students of any race, color, nationality, and ethnic origin.
Every Corban student graduates with a Bible minor alongside their major, reinforcing the school’s Christian identity. The 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports a personalized learning environment across 54 majors, with standout programs in business administration (marketed as training 'leaders with integrity'), education (praised for hands-on classroom experience), and psychology. The curriculum leans heavily on liberal arts, though vocational preparation is a clear priority—especially in fields like English and health professions. Graduation rates hover around 61-63%, slightly below national averages.
A residential campus at heart, 64% of Corban students live on-site, where free laundry and communal kitchens foster a homey vibe. The university leans into traditions like 'Beach Party' and 'Spring Formal,' while Instagram posts from @corbanstudentlife showcase events like worship nights and intramural sports. Safety is a major selling point: 100% of students surveyed by Niche reported feeling 'extremely safe' on campus. Recent initiatives have aimed to strengthen 'spiritual formation' and belonging through revamped student life programming.
Corban’s six-year graduation rate fluctuates between 60-63%, with Pell Grant recipients graduating at the same rate as the general student body—a rare equity bright spot. Post-graduation earnings data is sparse, but the university emphasizes 'academic success' metrics in its marketing. Notably, some external analyses place Corban’s graduation rates in the 'top 45% nationally,' though this reflects modest performance given the school’s low selectivity.
With a sticker price of $52,824 (including tuition, housing, and fees), Corban is expensive for a regional university, but nearly all students receive aid. The average Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. after scholarships and grants is $26,028, with every new on-campus undergraduate guaranteed at least $9,000 in scholarships. The university’s net price calculator helps families estimate aid packages, which average $23,875—though some caution that first-year loans are capped at $5,500.
Corban’s mandatory Bible minor and pervasive Christian identity make it a niche choice—perfect for students seeking faith integration but potentially alienating for others. Its high Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. and below-average graduation metrics suggest an open-door policy that doesn’t always lead to degree completion, yet the tight-knit residential community and emphasis on safety resonate with families. For Oregonians wanting a conservative Christian education with practical majors, it’s one of few options.