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Alderson Broaddus University closed in 5/2023 (U.S. Department of Education IPEDS). The data on this page is historical and kept for reference.

Private nonprofit, 4-year

Alderson Broaddus University

Philippi, West Virginia

Acceptance rate

61.5%

2023

Peer median 69.4%

“Peers” are all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Alderson Broaddus University (ABU) is a private Christian institution located in Philippi, West Virginia. Established in 1871, the university has a rich history and a strong commitment to providing a comprehensive liberal arts education. One of the distinguishing features of ABU is its focus on holistic development, integrating academic excellence with character-building and spiritual growth. The university's mission is encapsulated in the motto "Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve," which reflects its commitment to community service and preparing students for meaningful lives and careers.

The campus is known for its beautiful scenery and a welcoming atmosphere that fosters a sense of community among students, faculty, and staff. ABU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including health sciences, business, and the arts, ensuring that students can find their niche in a variety of fields. The faculty-to-student ratio is favorable, allowing for personalized attention and mentorship. Additionally, ABU provides numerous opportunities for extracurricular involvement, including athletics, student organizations, and community service projects, enriching student life and promoting leadership skills. The university's commitment to student success is evident in its strong support services and career development programs, which have contributed to positive graduate employment outcomes.

Analysis of Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention

The data from Alderson Broaddus University reveals significant trends in tuition costs, graduation rates, and student retention over the years. Tuition has shown a consistent upward trajectory, increasing from around $22,740 in 2014 to $31,500 in 2023 for in-state undergraduate students. This represents a notable increase of approximately 38% over the decade. Such a rise in tuition can pose challenges for students and their families, particularly in the context of rising student debt levels nationally.

Graduation rates present a concerning picture. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates peaked at 39.39% in 2019 but has since declined to about 25.14% in 2023. This drop raises questions about the factors contributing to student success and retention. Alongside this, the 150% graduation rate, which accounts for students graduating within six years, also decreased, indicating potential systemic issues within the academic structure or support services at the university.

Retention rates have similarly fluctuated, with a high of around 66% in 2013 but a troubling decline over the years, hitting a low of approximately 47.6% in 2021 before recovering slightly to 56.87% in 2023. This variability suggests that students may be facing challenges that impact their decision to remain at the university, possibly linked to the increasing financial burden from tuition hikes and the pressures of achieving graduation.

Overall, the interplay between rising tuition, declining graduation rates, and fluctuating retention rates highlights the need for strategic interventions to support student success and financial stability at Alderson Broaddus University. As higher education institutions grapple with these issues, it becomes increasingly vital for them to implement effective measures that prioritize student well-being and academic achievement.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Rural, distant
Nearest major city
Pittsburgh, about 90 mi
Nearest international airport
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), about 90 mi
Philippi, West Virginia
City
Philippi, West Virginia
Address
101 College Hill Drive, Philippi, WV 26416-2035

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 69.4% · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2023

Men
61.5%
Women
61.5%

In 2020: men 47.9%, women 45.7%.

Data insights

Trends in Admissions at Alderson Broaddus University

The admissions data for Alderson Broaddus University reveals significant fluctuations in acceptance rates and enrollment figures over the years. Notably, the data indicates a marked decline in acceptance rates from 2013 to 2017, with male acceptance rates dropping from approximately 40% to just over 40%, while female acceptance rates hovered around similar lows. This decline reflects broader trends in higher education where institutions face increasing applicant pools and must implement stricter admission criteria.
Interestingly, the years following 2017 show a gradual recovery in acceptance rates, suggesting that the university may be adapting its strategies to attract students more effectively. The enrollment numbers also exhibit variability, peaking significantly in 2013 with 394 new students, but subsequently declining in subsequent years before stabilizing around 225 in 2021.
The rejection rates, meanwhile, have consistently remained high, particularly in 2014 and 2015, where they exceeded 2,000 denied applications. This could indicate an increasingly competitive landscape for higher education institutions, requiring prospective students to enhance their applications.
Overall, Alderson Broaddus University appears to be navigating the complexities of modern admissions, reflecting both institutional challenges and shifting trends in student preferences. The university's ability to balance quality and accessibility will be critical as it moves forward, especially in a post-pandemic era where educational choices have expanded dramatically.

Test Scores

2023 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 23% submitted SAT, 17% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted

SAT total900–1060Peer median 1220
ACT composite15–22
SAT Reading
460–530
600700800
SAT Math
440–530
600700800
ACT composite
15–22
253036

Data insights

Trends in Standardized Test Scores at Alderson Broaddus University

Over the years, Alderson Broaddus University has shown fluctuations in standardized test scores and the number of students submitting these scores. The percentage of students submitting SAT scores peaked significantly in 2020, where 71% of admitted students provided their SAT scores. This trend indicates a growing reliance on standardized tests in the admissions process during that period, potentially reflecting broader trends in college admissions across the United States, particularly during a time when many institutions were adapting to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Score trends reveal that while SAT reading and math scores have experienced some variation, the 25th and 75th percentile scores have remained relatively stable with only slight increases over the years. For instance, the 25th percentile SAT reading score rose from 430 in 2007 to 460 in 2023, indicating an upward trend in the academic preparedness of incoming students. However, the 75th percentile scores have not shown a dramatic increase, suggesting that while more students may be performing better on these assessments, the overall pool of high-achieving students may not be expanding at the same pace.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that the number of students submitting ACT scores has been less consistent than those submitting SAT scores. The percentages of students submitting ACT scores fluctuated considerably, which may reflect shifts in student preferences or broader trends in standardized testing in higher education.

In summary, while Alderson Broaddus University has seen fluctuations in both the percentages of students submitting standardized test scores and the scores themselves, the overall trend indicates a gradual increase in academic preparedness among students. These patterns may reflect both local and national shifts in admissions strategies and student preferences in standardized testing.

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 near Alderson Broaddus University:

  1. Carnegie Mellon University - Ranked 24th in the 2024 US News rankings, Carnegie Mellon is a prestigious research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, known for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, and the arts.

  2. University of Virginia-Main Campus - With a ranking of 24, the University of Virginia is a highly respected public university known for its rigorous academics, historic campus, and vibrant student life.

  3. Washington & Jefferson College - This liberal arts college ranks 89th and is recognized for its commitment to providing a well-rounded education, emphasizing critical thinking and leadership skills.

  4. James Madison University - Ranked 124th, James Madison University offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong focus on student engagement and community service.

  5. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - The University of Pittsburgh, ranked 67th, is a major research institution known for its contributions to health sciences, engineering, and the liberal arts.

  6. Virginia Military Institute - Ranked 63rd, this military college is known for its rigorous academic programs and leadership training, preparing students for careers in both military and civilian sectors.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are highly regarded in their respective fields.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 8.9 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2018–2020

Liquor referrals
80
Drug referrals
64
Burglary
32
Drug arrests
23
Liquor arrests
9
Dating violence
3

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Alderson Broaddus University

The crime rates at Alderson Broaddus University have shown a notable fluctuation from 2013 to 2023, reflecting broader trends in campus safety and student behavior. In 2013, the average crime rate was 19.08 incidents per 1,000 students. This figure experienced an alarming increase in 2015, peaking at 34.30, primarily due to rising incidents of drug-related arrests and alcohol offenses.

The escalating crime figures from 2015 to 2017 could be attributed to changing social dynamics and possibly an increase in reporting mechanisms or student awareness regarding campus safety issues. However, the data indicates a significant decline in crime rates post-2018, reaching a low of 0.00 in 2023, suggesting effective measures have been taken to enhance campus safety.

This downward trend can be interpreted positively, indicating a potential improvement in campus security policies and student conduct. Furthermore, the decrease in incidents such as assaults and drug arrests may reflect broader societal shifts towards responsible behavior among students.

The university's efforts to address these issues, possibly through educational programs and stricter enforcement of campus regulations, appear to be yielding results. Nevertheless, continuous monitoring and proactive measures are essential to sustain this positive trend and ensure a safe environment for all students.

For more details on calculating crime rates, you can visit: Crime Rate Calculation.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Alderson Broaddus University include Ed Schrock (Former U.S. Representative from Virginia), Gil Vainshtein (Canadian soccer midfielder) and Kirk Pearson (Retired goalkeeper in the North American Soccer League).

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.