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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Sioux Falls Seminary

Sioux Falls, South Dakota · www.kairos.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

84.6%

2025

Peer median 81.8%

Tuition per year

$3,600

$15,834 with room and board

Peer median $11,500

Undergraduates

82

Student-faculty ratio 9:1

Peer median 12 : 1

“Peers” are all 235 private faith-related institutions in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Kairos University is a distinguished institution located in the heart of a vibrant academic community. Known for its commitment to holistic education, the university emphasizes the development of both intellectual and moral character in its students. The motto "Transforming Lives Through Education" reflects its dedication to fostering a transformative learning environment that prepares graduates to be leaders in their fields. With a diverse range of programs, including humanities, sciences, and professional studies, Kairos University ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that equips them with essential skills for the modern workforce.

The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, and recreational areas that enhance the overall student experience. The campus is designed to promote collaboration and community, with various spaces for students to engage in extracurricular activities and study groups. Moreover, the faculty at Kairos University comprises experienced educators and industry professionals who are committed to providing quality instruction and mentorship to students. This strong faculty-student relationship fosters an environment of support and encouragement, helping students to excel academically and personally. With a focus on practical experience, the university also offers internships and networking opportunities, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in their chosen fields.

Analysis of Tuition, Enrollment, and Gender Ratio Trends at Kairos University

Kairos University has experienced significant transformations in various metrics over the years. One of the most notable changes is in tuition rates, particularly for graduate students. From 2014 to 2018, the tuition remained consistently high at around $15,974. However, in 2019, it dropped remarkably to $9,550 and plummeted further to just $3,600 by 2020. This drastic reduction in tuition may have made graduate education more accessible, likely contributing to the substantial increase in graduate student enrollment, which rose from 148 in 2013 to 879 in 2023.

The gender ratio among graduate students also presents an interesting trend. The proportion of male graduate students started at approximately 57.4% in 2013 and fluctuated over the years, culminating in a more balanced gender ratio of 59.8% male to 40.2% female in 2023. This shift indicates a move towards gender equity in higher education at the graduate level, aligning with broader societal trends aimed at enhancing female representation in academia.

Additionally, the retention rate for undergraduate students saw a significant decline from 80% in 2022 to about 66.7% in 2023. This decrease raises concerns about student satisfaction or institutional support, suggesting that while enrollment has increased, retaining students may be a growing challenge for the university.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has seen a sharp rise from 1 in 2021 to 5 in 2023. This growing ratio may indicate a larger student body with potentially insufficient faculty support, which could affect the quality of education and student experience.

Overall, while Kairos University has made strides in enrollment and affordability, it faces challenges in retention and maintaining a low student-to-faculty ratio, which are critical for sustaining academic quality and student success.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Midsize city
Nearest major city
Omaha, about 160 mi
Nearest international airport
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), about 200 mi
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Also known as
North American Baptist Seminary
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
North American Baptist
President
Greg Henson (President)
Phone
6053366588
City
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Address
2100 S Summit Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 81.8% · all 235 private faith-related institutions in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
79.2%
Women
93.3%

In 2021: men 92.9%, women 100.0%.

Data insights

Kairos University Admission Insights

The admission statistics for Kairos University over the past few years provide a compelling narrative regarding its selectivity and gender dynamics. In 2021, the university exhibited a remarkably high admission rate for male applicants at 92.86%, while female applicants were granted admission at a perfect rate of 100%. This suggests that the university was not only welcoming to female applicants but also had a relatively small applicant pool, as indicated by the enrollment of only 16 students.
In 2022, there was a noticeable shift; the male admission rate dropped to 66.67%, while the female admission rate decreased to 57.14%. This change may reflect an increased competitiveness or a surge in applications, resulting in a more selective process. The university enrolled 18 students but denied 11 applicants, highlighting a challenging environment for prospective students.
By 2023, the admissions process took a remarkable turn, with the university admitting only one student, maintaining a 100% admission rate for both genders. However, this figure raises questions about the university's overall enrollment strategy and the implications of such a low number, especially in comparison to prior years. It indicates a potential shift in focus or a need to reevaluate recruitment efforts.
Overall, these data points suggest that while Kairos University has shown commitment to diversity in its admissions, its fluctuating enrollment numbers could signal deeper issues related to its visibility and appeal in a competitive higher education landscape.

Test Scores

SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no SAT/ACT data for students admitted in 2025.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Test Scores at Kairos University

The data from Kairos University highlights a significant lack of available information regarding the admission test scores over a significant span of years. From 2007 to 2023, there is an absence of both submission numbers and score ranges for the SAT and ACT, which raises concerns about transparency and accessibility of data for prospective students.

In the current educational climate, standardized testing remains a critical factor in college admissions, influencing students' choices and opportunities. The absence of data could indicate a shift in the university's admissions policies, potentially moving towards a more holistic evaluation that considers factors beyond test scores. However, without concrete data, it is challenging to assess the implications of such changes.

Moreover, the increasing trend among universities to adopt test-optional policies has been fueled by a growing recognition that standardized tests may not fully capture a student's potential. This movement could explain the missing data, suggesting that Kairos University may be embracing these modern admission practices.

Nevertheless, the lack of reported figures limits the ability for students and stakeholders to make informed decisions. As they weigh their options, prospective students might feel uncertain about where they stand relative to previous cohorts.

In conclusion, while the absence of admission score data at Kairos University could signal progressive changes in their admissions strategy, it simultaneously underscores the need for clearer communication and transparency to support applicants in navigating their educational journeys.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 8 in 10

39 applicants in 2025, 84.6% admitted

33 admitted 6 not admitted Yield 9.1%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's400 international (0.0%)
Master's1750 international (0.0%)
Doctoral490 international (0.0%)
Top 2 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Theology/Theological Studies
29
Organizational Leadership
11

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Divinity/Ministry · Master's75 (0% international)
  • Bible/Biblical Studies · Master's59 (0% international)
  • Theology/Theological Studies · Doctoral26 (0% international)
  • Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling · Master's26 (0% international)
  • Divinity/Ministry · Doctoral21 (0% international)
  • Organizational Leadership · Master's9 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Kairos University 2023

The graduation data from Kairos University in 2023 reveals some intriguing insights into the distribution of degrees awarded across various fields of study. Notably, there were no graduates for bachelor's degrees in any of the programs, indicating a potential gap in enrollment or program offerings at the undergraduate level. This absence raises questions about the university's strategy to attract students for foundational theological and counseling programs.

In contrast, the master's programs demonstrated a more robust output, with a total of 65 graduates in Theology/Theological Studies, and smaller numbers in Counseling Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling. The emphasis on master's degrees suggests a focus on graduate education, possibly reflecting the growing demand for advanced theological training and professional counseling services in today's society. This trend is consistent with broader educational patterns, where there is often a higher completion rate for master's degrees compared to undergraduate programs.

The data also highlights a complete lack of international students graduating across all programs, which could indicate barriers to entry for non-domestic students or insufficient marketing of the university’s offerings abroad. This aspect may require attention from the university to create a more inclusive and diverse academic environment.

Overall, the data points to a significant reliance on graduate programs while identifying a noticeable absence of undergraduate degrees, which could impact the university's reputation and future growth. Addressing these gaps may be essential for Kairos University to enhance its academic portfolio and attract a broader range of students.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Theology has 214 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Bible/Biblical Studies.-
Theology/Theological Studies.-
Divinity/Ministry.-
Lay Ministry.-
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other.-
Health professionshas 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling.-
Businesshas 20 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Organizational Leadership.-
Psychology has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Counseling Psychology.-

Students

1,239 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 59:41

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (82)

White
70 · 85.4%
Black
6 · 7.3%
Unknown
4 · 4.9%
Asian
2 · 2.4%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Kairos University in 2023

The data from Kairos University for the year 2023 reveals a diverse student body across various classifications. Among the undergraduate new students, there is a notable gender disparity, with the single student identified being female, representing 100% of that category. This suggests a potential area for growth in attracting more male students to the undergraduate program.

For undergraduate continuing students, the gender distribution is balanced, with 50% male and 50% female, indicating a positive trend towards gender equality in this group. The undergraduate transfer students also show a slight male predominance, with 54.5% identifying as male. This balance is encouraging and reflects an inclusive environment for students at different stages of their educational journeys.

The graduate student population is predominantly male, with 59.8% of the total 879 students identifying as male. This trend could reflect broader patterns in graduate education where certain fields may attract more male students.

Examining the racial demographics within these categories shows that the majority of students are white, particularly in the graduate category, comprising 60.5% of that group. This statistic highlights the ongoing need for universities to enhance diversity and inclusion efforts, particularly for underrepresented minorities.

Overall, while there are some positive indicators such as balanced gender ratios among continuing students and a large graduate population, the university should continue to focus on attracting a more diverse range of students, particularly from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds, to foster an even more inclusive academic community.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Kairos University

The age distribution of students at Kairos University in 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the demographics of the institution. The data shows a significant presence of students aged 22-24 and 25-29, particularly among graduate males, indicating a trend towards older students pursuing advanced degrees. Graduate males aged 25-29 constitute the largest group, showcasing a robust commitment to higher education.

In contrast, the younger age groups, specifically those aged 18-19 and 20-21, represent a smaller fraction of the student body. This trend may suggest that students are increasingly taking time off before entering higher education, a phenomenon observed in various educational contexts globally. This shift could be attributed to factors such as the rising costs of education, the need to gain work experience, or a desire for personal development before embarking on academic pursuits.

Furthermore, the presence of a considerable number of graduate females, especially in the 25-29 age range, indicates that more women are pursuing advanced degrees, which aligns with broader societal trends towards gender equality in higher education. The overall ratio of male to female students also reflects a balanced composition, although there are notable disparities in specific age brackets.

The data from Kairos University underscores the evolving landscape of higher education, where age diversity among students is becoming increasingly pronounced. This trend can offer valuable insights for academic institutions aiming to cater to a broader range of student experiences and needs.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 235 private faith-related institutions in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2021

0% 5% 10% 2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2021Peer median 0.9%2025
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 1.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.0%2017: 1.4%2018: 5.7%2019: 0.0%2020: 2.9%2021: 0.6%2022: 0.3%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 3.2%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Trends at Kairos University

The data on international students at Kairos University reveals significant trends over the years, particularly in the graduate student population. From 2004 to 2022, the number of international graduate students has seen notable fluctuations, with a peak of 13 international students in 2018, followed by a decline to just 2 in 2022. This suggests a concerning trend of decreasing international enrollment, which could be attributed to various factors such as changing immigration policies, the global pandemic, or shifts in student preferences.

Moreover, the proportion of international students among graduate students has varied dramatically. For instance, the percentage rose to 5.68% in 2018 but plummeted to a mere 0.28% in 2022. Such a drop raises questions about the attractiveness of the university to international applicants and whether the institution is doing enough to promote its programs abroad.

Interestingly, the undergraduate segment remains largely unreported, with figures missing until 2021, where 16 undergraduate students were recorded. This absence of data could indicate a lack of focus on attracting undergraduates or simply insufficient outreach in this demographic.

In light of recent global trends favoring diversity in higher education, it is crucial for Kairos University to assess and enhance its strategies for recruiting international students. Building partnerships with foreign institutions, improving support services for international students, and actively marketing its unique offerings could help reverse the declining enrollment numbers and foster a more diverse academic environment.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$15,834

Undergraduate tuition
$3,600
Room and board
$12,234
Graduate tuition
$3,600
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $18,400 · all 235 private faith-related institutions in the U.S.

Tuition rose 0% from 2021 to 2025; room and board rose -18%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$15.8M

Gifts and private grants
$6.7M42.6%
Auxiliary enterprises
$3.8M23.7%
Tuition and fees
$3.6M22.5%
Investment return
$1.7M10.5%
Other
$116K0.7%

Expenses$8.3M

Auxiliary enterprises
$3.3M40.1%
Instruction
$2.5M30.2%
Institutional support
$2.3M27.2%
Student services
$205K2.5%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 235 private faith-related institutions in the U.S.

All faculty
$57,083peers $51,151
Professor
$57,083peers $65,885

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools surrounding Kairos University:

  1. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Ranked 53 in the 2024 US News list, this comprehensive university is known for its research programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. Creighton University - This university ranks 124 and offers a strong emphasis on liberal arts education, as well as professional programs in law, business, and health sciences.

  3. University of Nebraska-Lincoln - With a rank of 159, this comprehensive university is recognized for its research initiatives and diverse academic offerings.

  4. Gustavus Adolphus College - A top-ranked liberal arts college at 67, it is known for its strong sense of community and focus on student development.

  5. Carleton College - Ranked 9th, this prestigious liberal arts college is celebrated for its rigorous academic programs and beautiful campus.

  6. Drake University - With a ranking of 178, Drake offers a mix of liberal arts and professional degree programs, along with a commitment to community service.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and contribute to a rich academic environment in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 235 private faith-related institutions in the U.S.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Kairos University

The crime data from Kairos University over the years from 2013 to 2023 presents a noteworthy trend: a consistent absence of criminal activity on campus, with reported rates of zero arrests or offenses for all categories including gun-related arrests, drug arrests, alcohol-related arrests, and other serious crimes such as assault and robbery. This remarkable record can be attributed to several factors, including effective campus security measures, strong community engagement, and a culture that discourages criminal behavior.

The absence of reported incidents may also reflect a commitment to safety and well-being among students and staff. In an age where many universities face challenges related to campus safety, such a clean record is commendable and could serve as a model for other institutions. However, it is essential to recognize that zero reported incidents does not necessarily equate to zero crime; it may also indicate underreporting or a lack of transparency in addressing such issues.

Moreover, as universities increasingly focus on mental health and community support, it is crucial that institutions like Kairos University continue to foster an environment where students feel safe and supported. The community should remain vigilant and proactive to sustain this positive trend, ensuring that the absence of reported crimes continues in future years.

For further understanding of crime rates and how they are calculated, more information can be found at this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.