Elim Bible Institute and College: 97.6% Acceptance Rate

97.6%Acceptance

$10,480Tuition

94Students

70%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24Evangelical Christian

About Elim Bible Institute and College

Elim Bible Institute prepares students for Pentecostal ministry and missionary work around the world. With just 94 students enrolled, this rural New York college creates an intimate learning environment focused on biblical studies and practical ministry training. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention as students prepare for careers in church leadership, missions, and Christian service. Nearly every student who starts here stays, with a 100% retention rate reflecting the tight-knit community and clear sense of purpose.

The financial picture looks manageable for families called to ministry work. Students pay an average of $9,641 after aid, with those from lower-income families paying as little as $5,667 annually. Graduates typically leave with $10,247 in debt and monthly loan payments of $109. However, the median earnings of $22,771 one year after graduation reflect the reality of ministry work, where financial rewards often take a backseat to spiritual calling. The 97.56% acceptance rate means admission focuses more on spiritual readiness than academic competition.

The student body skews male at nearly 60%, reflecting traditional patterns in pastoral training. About half the students come from New York state, while the rest arrive from across the country seeking specialized biblical education in a rural setting that encourages spiritual reflection.

Academics & Faculty

Elim Bible Institute focuses exclusively on biblical and theological education, training students for ministry and missionary work in the Pentecostal tradition. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally and can provide intensive mentorship. With just 94 students total, classes resemble small seminars where discussion and personal growth take center stage. The college offers degrees in biblical studies, pastoral ministry, and missions work. About 72% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the close-knit support system. All students receive hands-on ministry training through local church partnerships and mission trips. The curriculum emphasizes practical theology, evangelism, and spiritual formation rather than traditional liberal arts subjects.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Full-Time Faculty: 16.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 71.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 69.7%
Retention Rate: 100.0%

Campus Life

This tiny campus houses just 94 students in rural Lima, about an hour southeast of Rochester. Nearly all students live in the dorms, creating an intimate community where the 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know everyone by name. You'll need heavy winter coats for the long, snowy upstate New York winters that stretch from November through March.

The Pentecostal tradition shapes daily life through required chapel services and Bible study. Students gather for praise and worship sessions that can run late into the evening. The 100% retention rate reflects how tightly knit this community becomes. Weekends often center around ministry trips to local churches or community service projects. The 59% male student body reflects the school's focus on training pastors and missionaries. With nearly half of students receiving Pell Grants, many come from working-class backgrounds seeking affordable ministry training. The employment rate hits 95.9%, though graduates earn a median of just $22,771 their first year out. Social life revolves around the dormitories and shared spiritual activities rather than typical college parties or sporting events.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity: 177 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1924

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 16°–32°F
July Avg: 59°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 33.6"
Annual Snowfall: 51.7"

Student Demographics

Elim draws students called to ministry from across New York and neighboring states, with 54% coming from in-state. The student body of 94 reflects the school's Pentecostal mission, attracting those seeking hands-on ministry training. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families committed to Christian service. Men make up 60% of students, typical for ministry-focused programs. The diverse mix includes 61% white students alongside significant Black and Hispanic populations, reflecting the multicultural nature of modern evangelical ministry work.

Men: 59.6%
Women: 40.4%
White: 60.6%
Black: 11.7%
Hispanic: 6.4%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 53.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 47.4%

Location

Elim Bible Institute sits in Lima, a small rural town in western New York about 30 miles south of Rochester. The campus occupies 177 acres of rolling farmland in the Finger Lakes region, where students experience true small-town living among agricultural communities. Lima's population hovers around 4,000 residents, creating an intimate setting where the college's 94 students represent a noticeable presence. The rural-distant classification means students are surrounded by open fields and forests rather than urban amenities. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, and students often travel to Rochester for shopping or entertainment. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Elim Bible Institute with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lima, New York 14485-9704

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Monthly Loan Payment: $109/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,247

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Elim Bible Institute and College?

Elim Bible Institute and College accepts 97.56% of applicants. This Pentecostal Bible college focuses on training students for ministry and missionary work rather than academic selectivity. The school maintains a 100% retention rate despite its open admissions policy.

How much does Elim Bible Institute and College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $9,641 annually, making it one of the most affordable Christian colleges in the country. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,667 per year. About 47% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates leave with a median debt of only $10,247.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Elim Bible Institute and College?

The student-faculty ratio is 7:1, providing exceptionally personalized attention in this small Bible college. With only 94 total students, the school creates an intimate learning environment focused on biblical studies and ministry preparation. This close-knit community allows for mentorship relationships between faculty and students.

What are the graduation rates at Elim Bible Institute and College?

The 4-year graduation rate is 71.93% and the 6-year rate is 69.70%. These rates reflect the school's mission-driven student body who come specifically for ministry training. Graduates have a 95.9% employment rate, though median earnings one year after graduation are $22,771, typical for those entering religious vocations.

Where is Elim Bible Institute and College located?

The college sits in Lima, New York, a rural setting in the Finger Lakes region. The campus can house 177 students in a small-town environment that supports spiritual formation. About 54% of students come from New York state, while others travel from across the country for this specialized biblical education.

Is Elim Bible Institute and College affiliated with a specific denomination?

The school maintains an Evangelical Christian affiliation with strong Pentecostal roots, having been founded in 1924. The student body is 60.64% white with growing diversity including 11.70% Black and 6.38% Hispanic students. Men make up 59.57% of enrollment, reflecting traditional patterns in ministry preparation programs.