Cheapest Accredited Religious Schools…

Does anyone know of any very low cost religious education degrees that are accredited? I have looked quite a bit and am having no luck…it can be NA or RA, I keep hitting the $150 to $200 an hour range anyone know any that are better priced? A hundred an hour is what I can afford. I am set to go to LU ThG program which is $94 an hour but it’s a two year degree and I’m looking for a four year program.

 

Try Latin American Faculty for Theological Studies . Undergrad is $100 per credit hour and it's DETC accredited. They designed a master's program in English for me.

 

b4cz28,

Out of sheer curiosity, why are you wanting to study Christianity in the collegiate realm? The reason being is that a lot of people at my church think I'm nuts for wanting to go to seminary, so I like to know other peoples' reasons as well.

 

I have been turned down for jobs in ministry for lack of a formal education. Pay is not the motivating factor for me but one needs to make a living! I want to work part time for a church and need to get the old resume built up. I love learning about religion as well, and it seems every class I take opens my mind up a little more.

 

That's great to hear! I'm more geared towards the military chaplaincy, but I love it when I hear of people finding their passion in religion.

 

Some churches might accept a degree from Nations U. It wouldn't hurt to ask some of them. You can't beat the Nations U price!

 

brow276, the answer to "Why go to seminary?" will likely differ for each person. Many go to train to become a pastor or other ministry role ... personally I went to make up for lost time so to speak ... I didn't become a Christian until my last year of university so I missed out on 22 years of sermons, sunday schools, reading the Bible, etc, so I wanted to try to catch up a bit.

Re cheapest accredited schools, I don't know of any that are cheaper than LU's Willmington School of the Bible program. 48 hours of credit will transfer into LU's BS or BA programs if you complete the ThG. If you believe that Nations University will get their DETC accreditation sometime soon you can take courses there almost for free. (Though whether they will actually attain their goal, and if that will be within the next year, is unknown at this point.)

I know it's more than you want to spend but Clear Creek Baptist College is $190/credit and accredited by both SACS and ABHE.
Clear Creek Baptist Bible College | Online
Would it be possible to ask your church and/or workplace to subsidize your costs??? I dunno just throwing out ideas.

 

emmzee,

Sounds like a good explanation to me!

 

I would feel like I was moving in the other direction with Willmington. I have done all but one class with Nations for my BRS and just finished my AS in CJ from AJU. I have taken two classes with clovis as well other lower level classes many other schools. I want to start building up upper level classes. I don't know I may just need to sit on this for a while and think about it. I'm even thinking about (due to cost issues) staying with AJU to wrap up my BS in CJ...I'm just so close to being done credit wise and the cost break down is only $36 an hour with AJU on the program I signed up with.

 

You're not going to find anything for less than $36 and hour. You can't beat that for an accredited school, if it is accredited. I know it's not pastoral training, but, at that price, it's worth finishing. IMO

 

And why do the people at your church think you're nuts for wanting to go to seminary?

 

Can you take single courses at Clear Creek Baptist College? I didn't see if that option was available or not, from looking through their website.

If I could take a couple of undergraduate Bible courses, that would renew my teacher's certificate, while I'm trying to decide what master's program to enroll in.

 

Not sure, you'd need to contact them [email protected] to ask. I know nothing about CCBC other than what I found on the web.

 

When I got out of the Marine Corps, I was very rough. I'm not the stereotypical church boy, and a lot of people at my church believe the best preachers, chaplains, or church developers should be "saints". I'm not saying I'm immoral, I'm just a little rough around the edges because I've "been there".

The amazing thing is I've been successful in being able to talk with a lot of inner city thugs that have made some bad choices in their lives because I can understand hardship.

Also, I'd be good in the military chaplaincy because I received a traumatic brain injury back in 2006 so I understand what a lot of vets and active duty service members go through during the recovery process.

Finally, a good portion of the members of my church are doctors, lawyers, bankers, engineers, etc. They feel my life would be better spent learning about one of those fields, instead of making an officer salary in the Army.

I do have support from some of the senior members, as well as our head pastor. It's just some irritating when I get the lectures of my "unholy" past in the Marine Corps, and why I'm not suited to be in a place of authority in the church life.

Does this answer your question? :shrug:

 

I know it is slightly off-topic and I apologize for this ... But it is because of your past that you would make a great pastor. Being a minister after God's own heart is a matter of the heart and of your present condition... it is not about your past or your rough edges. My own Pastor was rescued from a very tough background (drugs and close to death many times) but he is genuine, sincere and transparent. At the end of the day it doesn't matter what others say... what do you feel God is telling you to do?

 

If you speak Spanish (and I know it may be a long shot) I really think Central American Theological Seminary (SETECA SETECA - Inicio) is a great option at $50 per credit hour ($150 per course). I am planning on following their MA in Biblical Studies online - Maestria Online del SETECA

 

Joe,

I feel that God is saying help those that need it. Chaplains are a very integral part of the military's mission. A lot of service members are afraid to go to psych docs because of how it'll look on their record. Chaplains meet the troops in the middle.

I think that's why I'm going to do seminary in residence instead of DL. I want to be around the best in order to learn from them in person.

And about my past, I honestly believe you're correct... In reality, the best Chaplains and ministers are people with a checkered past. They know how to connect with those who're less fortunate or are suffering.

Thanks,

 

I agree, thanks!

 

I'm still in touch with the Navy chaplain who introduced me to the Christian faith 30+ years ago. Now I'm working as a full-time prison chaplain--and thoroughly enjoying it. Inmates prefer to talk with chaplains rather than mental health folks, as well. Don't let anyone dissuade you from your goals. God knows best and he's nudging you for a reason.