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

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Financial Info

Our Scholarships

We believe that Christian education should be affordable. Financial limitations should never prevent a committed and qualified student from receiving biblical training. In addition to our low program costs, our scholarship program exists to make such training accessible to those who demonstrate spiritual maturity, academic excellence, and ministry commitment. These scholarships are generally reserved for students pursuing full-time enrollment.

How to Apply

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.

  • Full Tuition Scholarship ($15,000 Value)

    The Presidential Scholarship represents the highest level of academic and ministry distinction at Compass Bible Institute. Recipients receive a full-tuition award covering the entirety of their program. This scholarship is typically awarded to one exemplary student each year whose life and leadership reflect the mission of CBI.

    Selection Criteria:

    • Outstanding academic achievement

    • Proven record of ministry service and Christian character

    • Strong pastoral recommendation

  • 50% Tuition Scholarship ($7,500 Value)

    Named in honor of the 66 founding donors of Compass Bible Institute, the Founders Scholarship recognizes students who embody conviction, humility, and perseverance in ministry. This award assists those with demonstrated need and proven ministry engagement.

    Selection Criteria:

    • Evidence of ministry service and Christian character

    • Demonstrated financial need

    ** Applications for the Founders Scholarship will also be considered for the Faithful Servant Scholarship

  • 25% Tuition Scholarship ($3,750 Value)

    The Faithful Servant Scholarship honors dependable students who demonstrate consistency in faith and ministry involvement. This scholarship supports those who work diligently to pursue biblical education while balancing work and ministry responsibilities.

    Selection Criteria:

    • Active participation in church life and service

    • Demonstrated commitment to spiritual growth

    • Financial need and personal initiative

    ** Applications for the Faithful Servant Scholarship will also be considered for the Founders Scholarship

  • Up to $1,500

    The Church Matching Scholarship underscores CBI’s partnership with the local church in the training of future leaders. When a sending church financially invests in one of its students, CBI will match that investment dollar-for-dollar up to $1,500 per academic year.

    How it works:

    • The church submits a letter of support (CBI can provide a template) along with a check made payable to Compass Bible Institute

    • CBI matches the amount given, up to $1,500

    • For example: If your church contributes $1,000 toward your tuition, CBI contributes an additional $1,000

  1. Submit your application to CBI
    1. Applicants must be accepted or currently enrolled in a Compass Bible Institute program.
  2. Complete the Scholarship Application
    1. The form includes:
      1. A questionnaire
      2. Financial information
      3. Pastoral Recommendation
    2. Upon completion of the form, students will be scheduled for an interview (in person or online) with the CBI Scholarship Committee.
  3. Deadline:
    1. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with priority given to submissions received before April 1. This allows adequate time for the application to be evaluated and the interview to be scheduled.
  4. Notification:
    1. Recipients will be notified via email by April 30.
  5. Commitment
    1. In order to secure scholarships, recipients must commit to the program by making their $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.

  • One time application fee of $50

  • Registration fee of $50 per semester

  • Tuition is $100 per credit

Tuition and Fees

Financial Aid