Inexpensive Nationally Accredited Bible College

I was wondering if you guys have any options for a inexpensive nationally (only because regionally is so much more) accredited Bible college that preferably is non-denominational (though this is flexible) and I can take the courses online.

I made the mistake, before taking the time to research, and last year enrolled in a non-accredited Bible college (I'll withhold the name)... after I completed one class and was let down I withdrew from the school. I realized then that I wasted valuable money. I need to go the inexpensive route because I'm married and have three children and we're a single income family.

At this point my educational background other than high school and a technical institute is I went through the Ministerial Studies program that Global University's Berean School of the Bible offers. I considered enrolling in Global University's undergraduate program however I am no longer associated with the Assemblies of God (A/G) and honestly I'm not looking for an A/G education. My family and I are beginning to lean in the direction of the Anglican tradition but at this time we are very much non-denom.

I desire to return to pastoral ministry and with my departure from the A/G I realize I need a better education than what I have. At the moment I'm trying to decide if I should pursue a secular undergrad degree and a religious grad degree later or just go for the religious undergrad degree now. The reason why I'm even considering a secular degree at this junction is for the financial stability it could bring to the family while I go after the religious one later.

Anyways, thanks for any help you can offer... I appreciate it.

Grace + Peace

 

Nations University is currently unaccredited but they are working toward DETC accreditation. It is unclear how long this process is going to take them to complete and they have faced delays. However, the Christian education there is free of charge. It might be worth looking into, especially if they are able to obtain DETC accreditation. Here is a link to an update on their progress: http://www.degreeinfo.com/accreditation-discussions-ra-detc-state-approval-unaccredited-schools/36042-nations-u-update.html

 

It should be pointed out that residents of the US are charged $100 per year at Nations Univ. Still not a bad deal, but not actually free. Just close.

 

Thanks... but the fact that NU isn't currently accredited and there is no guarantee that it will be pretty much scares me away from them.

 

I suggest that you obtain a secular bachelor's degree (business, IS, education) for continuity of income and then find a university that will allow you to obtain a Master's in some area of religion. This has always worked for me. Good luck.

 

Psydoc I think you're right. As I search the web I'm starting to think going the secular undergrad then religious grad route may be the best option.

 

Yes, Nations might be a gamble but you are not gambling much money. However, even if they are accredited someday, it will only be DETC accreditation which will insure that it is a great school, but unfortunately, DETC is not accepted in some academic circles.

If you are going secular and want a good price from a state school online, one good choice might be SUNY, the New York state college system. At about $200 a credit, it's one of the great deals out there. SUNY: Tuition and Fees

WNMU might be even a bit better: Business Affairs

I have not looked at some of their course offerings and I'm not sure either of those offer a degree you would be interested in.

 

Thanks SurfDoctor... I actually kicked out another thread (Looking at getting my undergrad from either PFC, NCU or CCC... advice?) dealing with the possibility of a secular degree and some of the inexpensive places I've seen around... though I'm not sure how good they are.

 

Virginia University of Lynchburg (formerly Virginia Seminary and College): TRACS accredited
Online Degrees | Virginia University of Lynchburg

 

I've been digging around on the Nations University thing and I see that various people have had success in getting their undergrads from NationsU accepted at into the grad programs at different accredited schools (Liberty. Global, etc)... maybe they are worth a serious look.

 

This was one of the reasons I brought it up. cdhale informed us that Nations will cost you $100 a year, didn't know that, but that's nothing. Starting at Nations and finishing at Liberty would be a good move. Liberty is a great school in every way.

 

It has gone up a tad but nothing major. It's definitely now on my list of considerations.

 

I notice that the tech fee is waived for people who are incarcerated, maybe you should......never mind.

 

South African options..

Just throwing out a reminder about South African programs.

Credible, accredited and quite affordable.

e.g., South African Theological Seminary, Unisa, Pretoria, etc.

 

Have you considered South African Theological Seminary. Equivalent of regional accreditation and very affordable.

 

Hobe Sound Bible College - Online Degree Completion is ABHE accredited. Courses are $160 per credit hour. BAs are in General Christian Studies or Ministerial Studies.

 

If you are definitely planning to earn a Christian graduate degree for the purposes of ministry work (ex, MDiv) after your undergrad, I would agree with others here that you should consider getting a degree in a non-religious major (not necessarily from a secular school).

However, another option for a ministry bachelor's degree online is Clear Creek Baptist College:
Clear Creek Baptist Bible College
They have a physical campus, are relatively inexpensive, and both regionally accredited (SACS) and nationally accredited (Christian accreditor ABHE) ... no personal experience with them, just found them on the web awhile back ... link to their online campus site:
Clear Creek Baptist Bible College online located in Pineville, Kentucky offering online degree programs and courses.

 

Very nice find... tuition is very low!

 

Very nice!

 

My alma mater. Beautiful campus. Most online courses were written by and are currently facilitated by current on-campus faculty.