Southwestern Bible Institute was formed when three Bible schools (Southwestern Bible School, Shield of Faith Bible Institute, Southern Bible College) were brought together. Primarily it exists to educate and prepare students for vocational ministry, but also has programs in a number of other fields. SAGU has two colleges the College of Bible of Church Ministries and the College of Arts and Professions. SAGU offers over 60 academic programs on campus and through distance education.

The university gives emphasis to general education and ministerial and missionary training and offers professional, pre-professional, and vocational courses. SAGU awards bachelor of arts, bachelor of sciences, bachelor of career arts, associate of arts, master of arts/sciences, and master of education degrees. University has such academic programs: Academic Sites, Bible and Theology, Business, Church Ministries, Communication Arts, Counseling Psychology, Criminal Justice, Education, English, Music, RN to BSN, Social Studies and World Ministries.

Financial Aid
Every student that attends Southwestern has a financial aid counselor who provides assistance and can answer questions. Southwestern's financial aid program is designed to help you afford a private Christian education. Financial assistance program consisting of grants, scholarships, loans and work assistance is available to help students achieve their educational goals.

Career Services
Career Services Center can help to find information concerning career options for major, advice on how to get an internship, strategies for landing first professional job, resources to assist students consider graduate school.