Expert: Bruce Gourley - 12/8/2005

Question
How many Baptist universities, hospitals and elementary schools are in the United States?

Thank you

Answer
The answers to your questions depend on so many factors that it is impossible to give precise answers.

In terms of Baptist colleges and universities, issues include: accredited vs. unaccredited, the degree of ties to Baptist life, and Baptist studies programs within non-Baptist schools.  In general, there are hundreds of Baptist schools of higher education within the United States, with perhaps as many as half being unaccredited, and many of those being virtually unknown.  The four major Baptist universities in the U.S. are Baylor (Texas), Mercer (Georgia), Samford (Alabama), and Liberty (Virginia).

The number of Baptist hospitals is even more difficult to pin down.  More and more hospitals bear the name "Baptist" but no longer have any formal connection to Baptist life.  There is also the issue of Baptist medical centers which may or may not technically be hospitals.  Generally speaking, there are probably 50-75 hospitals/medical centers which either are Baptist or bear the name "Baptist" in their title.

As to elementary schools, this is the most difficult of all.  Many private schools in America are affiliated with local Baptist churches or organizations, whether or not they bear the name Baptist.  Many local churches of all sizes throughout the nation now have elementary school programs within their buildings.  There are no specific statistics available, but I would guess there are over 5000 private elementary schools related to Baptists, including local church-housed private schools.  

Best wishes,

-- Bruce Gourley
  www.brucegourley.com
  www.baptistlife.com