Williams Baptist University

Williams Baptist University (WBU) is a private, nonprofit Christian university in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. Founded in 1941 and affiliated with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, it serves a small residential community in northeast Arkansas. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited WBU continuously since 1963; its next reaffirmation is scheduled for 2032–33. Its current academic offerings span business and agribusiness, Christian ministries, education, English, history, music, the sciences, psychology, liberal arts, physical education and sports management. WBU may suit students who want a small campus and a faith-centered environment; the rural setting means students should also consider transportation and the amount of activity they want away from campus. See the university’s HLC reaccreditation notice for details.

Degrees and learning options

Undergraduate choices include business administration, finance, agribusiness, global entrepreneurship, biology, psychology, child and family studies, criminal justice and pre-law tracks, teacher preparation, Christian ministries, music, sports management and liberal arts. Education pathways include elementary, middle-level, secondary and K–12 licensure tracks. Students planning graduate study in education can apply to the online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Master of Science in Education (MSE). These programs are designed for working adults, though teaching certification and fieldwork rules depend on the intended subject and state. The university’s degrees and departments page lists current undergraduate options; review the graduate program page and catalog for education prerequisites and certification details.

Campus setting and student experience

WBU’s official contact address is 60 W. Fulbright Avenue, Walnut Ridge, AR 72476, and its main number is 870-886-6741. Google Maps places its campus listing at 56 Mc Clellan Drive, also in Walnut Ridge; use the map pin for directions and confirm your meeting location with the university. The Maps listing shows Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and closed on weekends. These are general listing hours, so schedule campus visits and appointments in advance. The university’s admissions team also offers campus tours.

Student comments often describe a close, familiar campus where students see the same people regularly, along with supportive faculty, campus events and a strong Christian community. Some students say they appreciate the quieter, small-town setting; others may find the limited off-campus activity and regional diversity less suited to what they want from college. Public reviews are individual impressions, but they point to a useful visit question: would you be comfortable building much of your social and academic life around a small campus? WBU highlights theatre, music, athletics, student organizations, chapel and community service as ways to connect.

2026–27 tuition, work program and scholarships

The 2026–27 undergraduate catalog lists tuition of $10,900 per semester for 12–17 credits, plus a $785 student service fee. Residential students also pay a $200 residence hall activity fee and room-and-meal charges of $5,245–$5,845 per semester, depending on the residence hall. Course fees and other expenses can apply, so ask for a term-by-term estimate before comparing offers. The university’s 2026–27 catalog gives the current charges and payment details.

Williams Works is WBU’s central affordability option: selected students work 16 hours a week during fall and spring, and the program covers tuition and student service fees for each semester in which they complete the work commitment. Students may apply for summer employment; full-time summer work can help pay room and board, but that support depends on acceptance, available positions and completing the hours. It does not make every student’s housing or personal costs automatically free. WBU also lists freshman academic awards in the 2026–27 catalog: the University Grant ($2,500 per semester), Dean’s Scholarship ($4,000), President’s Scholarship ($5,000) and Founder’s Scholarship ($6,000), with ACT or class-rank criteria and separate eligibility rules. Transfer awards are based on college GPA. Institutional scholarships generally require a FAFSA, and students should confirm which awards can be combined. Arkansas residents may also explore the state’s Academic Challenge Scholarship and Challenge PLUS. Start with WBU’s financial-aid and scholarship information to check the current year, application steps and renewal requirements.

Apply, request information or visit

Freshman, transfer, graduate and international applicants have different document requirements. WBU lists a $25 domestic freshman application fee, while ACT or SAT scores can affect admission and scholarship eligibility. The university recommends completing the FAFSA early and reviewing the academic catalog before selecting a program. Begin with the admissions page to apply, request information or schedule a visit. Admissions can be reached at 800-722-4434 or admissions@williamsbu.edu. Main office: 60 W. Fulbright Avenue, Walnut Ridge, AR 72476. Official social accounts include Facebook and X.