How to Choose a Bible College

Attending a Bible college has some advantages beyond fulfilling the desire to enter the ministry. Some people prefer the family-like atmosphere of smaller schools. Some people have scholarship opportunities that are valid only for religious schools. However, like their secular counterparts, not all Bible colleges offer the same educational opportunities. You need to ask certain questions and gather specific information before choosing which Bible college to attend.

Instructions

1. Determine why you want to attend a Bible college. Are you planning on going into the ministry? Do you want to become a teacher at a faith-based school? Do you want a deeper understanding of the Bible? Do you want to attend a school that supports your faith? The answers to these questions will affect your choice.

2. Contact the headquarters for your denomination, and ask if they support certain Bible colleges. Many times, Bible colleges that are associated with a domination give their members special consideration for acceptance or have lower tuition rates. If you are planning on entering the ministry, find out whether your denomination has educational requirements for its clergy.

3. Look up Bible colleges online. See which Bible colleges are in the locations where you'd consider going to school. You can also find Bible colleges that have distance-learning programs. Find out whether the schools you are interested in provide the specific education program you want.

4. Research the schools that interest you. Go to their websites, and request information for future or prospective students. Find out if anyone at your church has attended these schools and what their experience was. Visit the campus; some schools have special days for prospective students that include campus tours, sessions with some of the facility and general question-and-answer sessions. Some schools also allow prospective students to sit in on classes.

5. Ensure that the college is accredited. Class credit from unaccredited Bible colleges does not always transfer to other colleges and universities, which might be a consideration if one day you wish to pursue more education. The U.S. Department of Education has a database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs (see Resources).

6. Talk to the financial aid departments of the colleges on your list. Since Bible colleges are private schools, they are considerably more expensive than state schools. Find out the cost of going to the schools and what financial aid might be available to you.

7. Ask other questions that are important to you. Inquire about the Bible school's housing and roommate-selection policies, whether it has a dress code, what its ministry opportunities are or whether the college offers job- and ministry-placement programs.

Resources

• U.S. Department of Education Database for Accredited Postsecondary Programs