Nelson University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Waxahachie, Texas with 1,479 undergraduates. It admits 89% of applicants, costs an average of $26,425 a year after grants and graduates 37% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Nelson University acceptance rate and admissions
Nelson University admitted 89% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 460 to 550, math 430 to 540). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Nelson University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $26,324 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $10,148 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $42,133 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $26,425 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $26,425 a year after grants and scholarships, $15,708 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Nelson University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Nelson University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 37% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $46,684 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $23,500 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 50% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Nelson University majors and what graduates earn
Nelson University awarded bachelor's degrees in 30 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from marketing ($66,477).
All 30 majors at Nelson University
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Nelson University
14 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 14 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divinity and ministry | Master's | 25 | $54,747 | $44,779 |
| Business administration | Master's | 25 | $51,260 | n/a |
| Clinical and counseling psychology | Master's | 22 | n/a | $65,008 |
| Education | Master's | 8 | $45,828 | n/a |
| Pastoral ministry | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| History | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| English | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Divinity and ministry | Doctoral | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Psychology | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Education leadership | Master's | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| School counseling and student services | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
| Mental health counseling | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
| Curriculum and Instruction | Master's | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Bible/Biblical Studies | Master's | 0 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 1,479 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 49% women, 51% men
- 15 students for every faculty member
- Setting: large suburb
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Nelson University?
Nelson University admitted 89% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Nelson University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $26,324. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $26,425 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Nelson University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 460 to 550 in reading and writing and 430 to 540 in math. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Nelson University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Nelson University reported that test scores were: required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Nelson University?
37% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Nelson University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $46,684 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Texas · Nelson University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.