Baptist University of Florida

Baptist University of Florida (BUF), previously known as The Baptist College of Florida, is a private nonprofit Christian university whose main campus is in Graceville. It began as a ministry-focused school and still makes its religious identity central to study: the current catalog says every degree includes at least 15 semester hours of Bible and theology, and courses are taught from a biblical worldview. That is a defining part of the education here, so students should decide whether they want faith integrated across their curriculum, not only in ministry classes. The 2026–27 catalog lists institutional accreditation through SACSCOC for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees.

Programs and learning formats

BUF offers associate, bachelor’s, graduate and doctoral programs. At the undergraduate level, students can compare business leadership, Christian studies, ministry studies, missions, elementary and broader education, psychology, history and social studies, music and worship, and nursing. Graduate options include counseling, Christian studies, music and worship leadership, business administration, education, divinity, theological studies and leadership; the catalog also lists specialist and doctoral pathways. Several degrees are available online, and some programs combine online coursework with campus sessions. Use the current program directory to check the degree, format, campus and entry term that apply to your plans; availability is not the same at every site.

The Graceville campus is the residential center, with classrooms, student housing, a library, chapel, dining, athletics and student services close together. BUF also teaches at several instructional sites in Florida and offers online study. Before applying to a program outside Graceville, ask which courses are actually scheduled there, how often students must travel, and whether the credential can be completed at that location or requires online or main-campus study. The university’s Christian worldview is relevant in fields such as business, psychology, education and nursing as well as theology, so review course requirements and clinical or internship arrangements carefully.

Tuition, fees and financial aid

For 2026–27, the university lists undergraduate tuition at $495 per credit for residential Graceville study and $395 per credit online. Part-time rates are $595 and $495 per credit, respectively. At a typical 30-credit year, that is $14,850 in residential tuition or $11,850 online before fees. The academic catalog separately lists a $400 technology fee and a $200 athletics fee per semester, an estimated $600 per semester for books and supplies, and required housing meal plans for students living on campus. Double-room housing with a 15-meal plan is listed at $5,000 per semester; single-room housing is $6,500. Program-specific charges can raise the total, including a one-time $4,500 nursing education fee. Use the university’s 2026–27 tuition and fees page and the catalog to build a full-year budget rather than comparing tuition alone.

Students may apply for federal Pell and FSEOG grants, federal loans, work-study, Florida Student Assistance and EASE grants, and Bright Futures if eligible. Florida grants have residency, enrollment and other requirements; EASE is not available for theology or divinity degrees. BUF also lists institutional scholarships such as Cloer, Oney, Strickland, Pastor and Family, Florida Baptist Church Member, Black Multi-Cultural and IMB Children awards. The current award amounts and eligibility rules can change, and BUF requires the FAFSA for institutional scholarship consideration. File it each year, check the current application deadlines, and ask Financial Aid for a written estimate that includes housing and program fees. Financial-aid meetings are by appointment. The university’s aid forms and scholarship list are the place to start.

How to apply and visit

Applicants submit an application and supporting documents, then work with admissions on enrollment and any program-specific requirements. BUF’s application portal is available through its official Apply page. Prospective students can request a campus tour; during fall and spring, tours at Graceville are offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Requests should be sent several days in advance so admissions can confirm the visit. The tour can include classes, housing, chapel and meetings with admissions or Financial Aid, which makes it a useful chance to ask about daily expectations and net price. See the tour schedule and visit instructions before traveling.

Main campus and other Florida locations

The main campus is at 5400 College Drive, Graceville, FL 32440. Call 800-328-2660 or email admissions@buf.edu. University offices are normally open Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m.–noon, Central Time; call ahead for appointments outside those hours. The current catalog also lists these campuses and off-campus instructional sites:

• Ocala: Marion Baptist Association, 1520 NE 14th St, Ocala, FL 34470; the catalog lists 254-366-6050.
• Tampa: 18116 N US Hwy 41, Tampa, FL 33549.
• Ocoee: 10564 2nd Ave, Ocoee, FL 34761.
• Jacksonville: 8531 N Main St, Jacksonville, FL 32218.
• Miami–Hialeah: Florida Baptist Convention Southeast Center, 631 East 1st Ave, Hialeah, FL 33010.
• West Palm Beach site: 5780 W Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33484.
• Miami–Emmanuel: Haitian Emmanuel Baptist Church, 7321 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33138.
• Orlando: FBC Orlando, 3000 S John Young Pkwy, Faith Hall, rooms 301A–D, Orlando, FL 32805.
• Broward: 5600 Coral Ridge Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33076.

These locations are not interchangeable campuses: the catalog identifies several as off-campus instructional sites, and programs vary by location. Confirm the current schedule and the address of the specific class before making travel or housing plans.

What students say

Student comments describe supportive faculty, personal attention and a close campus community as strengths. Some reviewers also say the religious framework shapes daily life and academic work more strongly than they expected, and comments about the small-town setting mention limited activity outside campus. These are individual experiences, not promises or universal judgments. During a visit, ask current students how they experience chapel and ministry expectations, access to professors, social life, transportation and the path from their program into work or graduate study. You can read student comments about BUF alongside the university’s current policies and program information.

BUF is most likely to fit students who want Christian teaching woven through their education, a smaller residential community or flexible study at a Florida site or online. Before committing, compare the exact program and location, complete cost after aid, housing and meal requirements, and the school’s faith commitments with your own academic and career plans. Ask admissions and Financial Aid to confirm those details in writing for your entry term.