Maranatha Baptist University

Maranatha offers over 30 undergraduate programs, with popular majors including Education, Theology and Religious Vocations, and Health Professions. The student-to-faculty ratio is an intimate 10:1, fostering close mentorship. The university recently expanded its College of Arts and Sciences with new majors aimed at integrating faith into service-oriented careers. Graduation rates stand at 50% over six years, reflecting the institution's rigorous academic and spiritual demands.

Life at Maranatha is deeply rooted in its Baptist identity, with strict behavioral expectations outlined in the Student Life Handbook. The university houses 64% of its 540 undergraduates in ten residence halls, fostering a close-knit, party-free community. Social life revolves around chapel services, fellowship, and wholesome activities, with no Greek life or traditional college nightlife. The urban Watertown setting provides limited off-campus distractions, keeping focus on spiritual and academic growth.

Maranatha graduates face mixed economic outcomes. The six-year graduation rate is 54%, with median earnings of $45,593 ten years post-graduation—below the national average for four-year colleges. Recent graduates earn about $38,240 annually, climbing to $42,042 after five years. These figures reflect the university's emphasis on ministry and service-oriented careers over high-earning professions.

Attending Maranatha costs $26,001 annually after aid, with 80% of students receiving financial assistance. The university distributes over $1.3 million in scholarships yearly. 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. varies significantly by income—families earning $30K-$48K pay around $26,514, while those over $110K face costs near $35,369. These figures position Maranatha as a mid-range option among private Christian colleges.

Maranatha distinguishes itself through unwavering commitment to Baptist doctrine, integrating faith into every academic program and campus policy. Its 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intensely personal educational environment rare even among small colleges. The university's recent expansion into health and interdisciplinary majors shows adaptability while maintaining theological rigor—a balancing act few conservative Christian institutions achieve. For students seeking an education where chapel is as central as chemistry class, Maranatha delivers uncompromisingly.