About SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary
You will find an affordable theological education at SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary. The four-year, private, not-for-profit institution combines such elements as:
- Academic instruction
- Practical ministry experience
- Personal mentorship
The college embraces a fellowship that is multi-racial, multicultural, and gender inclusive. Graduates have the knowledge, skills, and character to be change catalysts in their communities. Connected with the Pentecostal/charismatic Christian community, SUM develops Pentecostal ministry leaders through the Jesus Model of Leadership. Online programs in ministry, missions, and bible studies can lead to career-changing degrees from associate to master’s levels.
Accreditation & Licensing
SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary is accredited by:
Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation (ABHE)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Master's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Assemblies of God ChurchEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 439 ; Graduate: 240Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 81% ; Graduate: 100%Graduation Rate:
85%Transfer Rate:
15%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$35,418Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$26,677Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
57%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$5,208Online Programs offered by SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary
All Programs
SUM supports a realistic completion pace for adults balancing work, home, and church. The schedule is flexible enough to keep school moving, but the path is not effortless. Assignment load can be the hardest part, so progress depends on staying consistent week to week rather than expecting a light workload.
Cost value is a clear plus in the school’s profile. Tuition is described in positive terms, and one graduate completed a professional degree debt-free. Overall, SUM reads as a practical option for ministry-active adults who want to keep momentum toward graduation while managing a full life.
At SUM, support feels personal and led by professors. Instructors are friendly, caring, and present throughout each term. Students are treated like people, not numbers. Help is steady and easy to find when classes get busy.
That daily support includes clear academic guidance and faith-based encouragement. Professors stay involved in each student’s progress and follow through over time. The learning experience feels close-knit, with real relationships and consistent care.
SUM’s online classes feel flexible and structured. The school uses an “Anytime, Anywhere” model. Students balance school with work, home, and church. The online learning experience is described as amazing.
Online classes can include live sessions. So pace is flexible, but not fully self-paced. There is a real assignment rhythm to keep. Online surveys also help build community. Professors stay supportive in the online setting.
Classes at SUM are practical and ministry-focused from the start. Students work in Scripture through word studies, exegesis, and hermeneutics. The work is meaningful and tied to real ministry tasks.
The workload feels steady, with challenging assignments that stay manageable. Learning is not just theory. Class work connects to everyday leadership and church service.
Professors are friendly, present, and easy to reach in class. Students say they are known by name, not treated like a number. That personal teaching style supports both growth and accountability.
SUM fits ministry-focused adults who want personal teaching. Professors are friendly, engaged, and present. Students are treated like people, not numbers. That support style is a core strength.
Online classes offer real schedule flexibility. The model supports work, home, and church demands. Some classes include live sessions. So the format is flexible, but still structured.
Expect steady assignments through the term. Cost value is a plus here. Tuition reactions are positive. One graduate finished a professional degree debt-free. Overall, SUM works best for students who want faith-integrated learning, relational professors, and a consistent weekly pace.
SUM fits ministry-focused adults who want personal teaching. Professors are friendly, engaged, and present. Students are treated like people, not numbers. That support style is a core strength.
Online classes offer real schedule flexibility. The model supports work, home, and church demands. Some classes include live sessions. So the format is flexible, but still structured.
Expect steady assignments through the term. Cost value is a plus here. Tuition reactions are positive. One graduate finished a professional degree debt-free. Overall, SUM works best for students who want faith-integrated learning, relational professors, and a consistent weekly pace.
Frequently Asked Questions About SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary
Is SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary accredited?
Yes. SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary is institutionally accredited by Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation.
How many online programs does SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary offer?
SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary offers 4 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary offer?
SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Is SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary military friendly?
SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary applications?
Most listed programs ask for Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Official College Transcript(s), Essay/Writing Sample, and Official High School Transcript/GED Score. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary accept life experience credit?
SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary programs fully online or mixed?
SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Geographic and Educational Overview
SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary is located in California
California at a Glance:
Top Majors in California:
Top Incentives in California:
- Cal Grant Program: Up to $12,570 annually
- Middle Class Scholarship: Up to 40% of tuition and fees
- Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan: Full tuition coverage
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