Admissions and Aid

Apply to CBI

A complete application consist of the following materials:

  • Application Form

  • Written Christian testimony

  • Pastor’s reference

  • Relevant post-secondary transcripts

  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Application Requirements

For any questions about the admissions process, please email Drew O’Connell:

Admissions

Send Email

Financial Info

Our Commitment

We believe that Christian education ought to be affordable—which is why we are committed to offering our courses are a fraction of the cost of those offered at Bible college and seminary.

  • One time application fee of $50

  • Registration fee of $50 per semester

  • Tuition is $125 per credit

Tuition and Fees

Financial Aid

Our scholarships

Christian education should be affordable, and financial limitations should never keep a committed, qualified student from biblical training. Beyond our low program costs, CBI scholarships make that training accessible to students who demonstrate spiritual maturity, academic excellence, and ministry commitment. Most are reserved for students pursuing full-time enrollment.

Full tuition

$15,000 value · Merit based

Presidential Scholarship

CBI's highest academic and ministry distinction, typically awarded to one exemplary student each year whose life and leadership reflect the mission of CBI. The award covers full tuition; housing is not included.

  • Outstanding academic achievement
  • Proven record of ministry service and Christian character
  • Strong pastoral recommendation
Apply for this scholarship
Up to 50% tuition

Up to $7,500 value · Need and ministry

Founders' Scholarship

Named in honor of the 66 founding donors of CBI, this award recognizes students who embody conviction, humility, and perseverance in ministry, including those who faithfully balance work, church, and study.

  • Evidence of ministry service and Christian character
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Active participation in church life and service
Apply for this scholarship
Tuition + housing

$22,000 value · One-Year Bible Program

Semloh Scholarship

Generously founded by the Semloh Foundation, this award covers tuition and housing for One-Year Bible Program students who come to CBI from outside Orange County.

  • One-Year Bible Program applicants from outside Orange County
  • Covers both tuition and housing
Apply for this scholarship
Up to $1,500

Per academic year · Church partnership

Church Matching Scholarship

When your sending church invests in your training, CBI matches that gift dollar for dollar, up to $1,500 per academic year. A $1,000 church gift becomes $2,000 toward tuition.

  • Your church sends a letter of support (CBI can provide a template)
  • Include a check payable to Compass Bible Institute
  • CBI matches the amount, up to $1,500
Church instructions (PDF)

Scholarship applications open in Populi, so you must be an accepted student with a Populi account to apply.

Step by Step

How to apply for a scholarship

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Apply before April 1 for priority consideration.

Priority deadlineApril 1
NotificationApril 30
Deposit dueMay 15
  1. Apply to CBIScholarship applicants must be accepted to, or currently enrolled in, a CBI program.
  2. Complete the scholarship applicationThe form includes a questionnaire, financial information, and a pastoral recommendation.
  3. Interview with the committeeYou will meet with the CBI Scholarship Committee, in person or online.
  4. Receive notificationRecipients are notified by email by April 30.
  5. Confirm your awardSecure your scholarship with a $500 deposit by May 15.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • All applicants who have been accepted to the One-Year Bible Program or are enrolling in a full-time courseload are eligible.

  • No. While many students are connected to Compass Bible Church, applicants from other Bible-teaching churches are encouraged to apply.

  • Yes you can. Applicants will be considered for all scholarships for which they apply, but only one institutional scholarship will be awarded per student. However, the Church Matching Scholarship may be combined with another CBI scholarship.

    ** Applications for the Founders Scholarship will also be considered for the Faithful Servant Scholarship (and vice versa), as they are both need based scholarships.

  • Financial need must be demonstrated for the Founders and Faithful Servant Scholarships, but not for the Presidential or Church Matching Scholarships.

  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but priority is given to submissions received before April 1.

  • Scholarship recipients will typically be notified by April 30 for the upcoming academic year.

  • Yes, churches may contribute more than $1,500, but CBI will only match up to $1,500 per academic year.

  • All scholarships are awarded by the CBI Scholarship Committee, composed of faculty and administrative staff. The committee evaluates each application holistically, considering academic performance, ministry involvement, financial need, and character.