Guadalupe College offered a traditional liberal arts program based on classical courses, as well as an "academy" and grammar school, but comparatively little agricultural or trades-based education.

Additionally, students could receive training and certification through five other departments: industrial, musical, preparatory, primary, and theological.

Guadalupe College's early funding came from grassroots efforts of the African American community, principally donating through their churches.

Additionally, philanthropist George W. Brackenridge donated considerably to the college, including giving it funds for a new chapel-auditorium and a valuable 216-acre (87 ha) tract on the Guadalupe River west of Seguin.

Before becoming president of Guadalupe College, he was a professor at the Baptist Home Mission Society of New York and was a delegate for Louisville, Kentucky's National Convention of Black Men.

These positions reportedly offered much higher status and pay, but Abner declined them all and is quoted saying, "I am a southern man, conducting a school for the colored youths of the south and expect to remain right where I am.

Ball, entered a challenging period at Guadalupe College defined by "lawsuits, financial crises, declining enrollment, and loss of state endorsement".

[3] By 1917, Ball had been named president emeritus of the college, with a contemporary issue of the El Paso Herald observing he was "the only negro in the world holding such title".

[6] Guadalupe College's traditional liberal arts program was retained alongside an "academy" and grammar school, with comparatively little agricultural or trades-based education.

[6] A 1921 Dallas Express article called Guadalupe College "the leading educational institution for Negroes in this section of the state".

Furthermore, while the Texas Secretary of State issued a new charter in 1971 to the "College of the Guadalupe Baptist Association" and alumni succeeded in refurbishing a wooden chapel for group meetings, no regularly scheduled classes were ever held.

[6] By 1985, the only remaining building on the former campus was a chapel, but alumni endeavored to start a trade school on the property and raise cattle.

[6] At the 1985 reunion, Henry F. Wilson, who by this time was the president of the Guadalupe College Ex-Student Association, said "We want to leave a landmark for our people and provide models for our race to follow.