About Moody Bible Institute
Moody Bible Institute trains pastors, missionaries, and Christian workers who shape evangelical Christianity worldwide. With 1,586 students on its Chicago campus, this interdenominational college has produced influential graduates including evangelist Billy Graham and pastor Greg Laurie. The school accepts 94% of applicants but focuses intensively on biblical education and practical ministry preparation. Students study in the heart of America's third-largest city while preparing for careers in Christian service.
The financial picture reflects the school's ministry focus rather than high earnings potential. Students pay an average net price of $25,007 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $45,399 ten years after graduation. Typical student debt reaches $18,149 with monthly payments of $192. The relatively low debt burden helps offset modest post-graduation earnings common in ministry careers. Only 33% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many families prioritize the religious education investment.
The student body splits nearly evenly between men and women at 52% and 48% respectively. Most students come from outside Illinois, with only 27% from in-state. The 90% retention rate indicates strong student satisfaction despite the demanding curriculum. Three varsity sports serve 32 student athletes, keeping athletics minimal while emphasizing academic and spiritual development.
The financial picture reflects the school's ministry focus rather than high earnings potential. Students pay an average net price of $25,007 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $45,399 ten years after graduation. Typical student debt reaches $18,149 with monthly payments of $192. The relatively low debt burden helps offset modest post-graduation earnings common in ministry careers. Only 33% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many families prioritize the religious education investment.
The student body splits nearly evenly between men and women at 52% and 48% respectively. Most students come from outside Illinois, with only 27% from in-state. The 90% retention rate indicates strong student satisfaction despite the demanding curriculum. Three varsity sports serve 32 student athletes, keeping athletics minimal while emphasizing academic and spiritual development.
Academics & Faculty
Moody Bible Institute specializes in biblical education and training for Christian ministry and missions work. The school prepares students for pastoral roles, missionary service, and Christian leadership through intensive theological study. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, students receive focused attention in their biblical and ministry coursework. The 61% four-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of theological education combined with many students taking ministry internships or mission trips that can extend their studies. Programs emphasize practical ministry skills alongside deep biblical scholarship. The curriculum integrates theology, biblical languages, and hands-on ministry experience. Students often graduate directly into full-time Christian service rather than traditional secular careers.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 31.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 61.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 62.0%
- Retention Rate
- 89.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,399
- Carnegie Classification
- Associate College (High Transfer)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Theology and Religious Vocations, Other. | Master | $42,682 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Bachelor | $31,314 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Associate | $29,685 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $23,649 |
| Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology. | Bachelor | $21,166 |
| Religious Education. | Bachelor | $20,824 |
Campus Life
Moody Bible Institute sits in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, just minutes from downtown and Lake Michigan. The urban campus houses 1,095 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where about 69% of the 1,586 students live on campus. Chicago winters demand heavy coats and boots, while summers bring humid heat that sends students to the nearby lakefront.
The 51% male, 48% female student body maintains an 89.78% retention rate, reflecting strong campus bonds. Students gather for daily chapel services and late-night theology discussions in residence halls. Weekend activities center around Chicago's museums, churches, and cultural events, with many students volunteering at local ministries or homeless shelters. The Archers compete in just 3 varsity sports with 32 total athletes, keeping athletics low-key compared to academics and spiritual formation.
With 62% of students identifying as White and significant representation from Black (6.62%) and Hispanic (8.83%) communities, campus conversations blend diverse perspectives on faith and ministry. Students prepare for careers in pastoral work, missions, and Christian education through hands-on ministry experiences throughout Chicago.
The 51% male, 48% female student body maintains an 89.78% retention rate, reflecting strong campus bonds. Students gather for daily chapel services and late-night theology discussions in residence halls. Weekend activities center around Chicago's museums, churches, and cultural events, with many students volunteering at local ministries or homeless shelters. The Archers compete in just 3 varsity sports with 32 total athletes, keeping athletics low-key compared to academics and spiritual formation.
With 62% of students identifying as White and significant representation from Black (6.62%) and Hispanic (8.83%) communities, campus conversations blend diverse perspectives on faith and ministry. Students prepare for careers in pastoral work, missions, and Christian education through hands-on ministry experiences throughout Chicago.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,095 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1886
Campus Safety (2023)
22 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Dating Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–31°F
- July Avg
- 67°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.8"
Student Demographics
Students come from across the country to pursue biblical education, with nearly three-quarters traveling from outside Illinois. The 32.72% Pell Grant rate reflects the school's commitment to making Christian education accessible regardless of economic background. The nearly even gender split shows that both men and women are equally drawn to ministry preparation. Most students are white, though the school attracts a growing number of Black and Hispanic students called to Christian service. The diverse geographic reach demonstrates Moody's national reputation for training pastors, missionaries, and Christian workers.
- Men
- 51.6%
- Women
- 48.4%
- White
- 62.0%
- Black
- 6.6%
- Hispanic
- 8.8%
- Asian
- 2.8%
- In-State Students
- 26.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 32.7%
Location
Moody Bible Institute sits in downtown Chicago, Illinois, placing students at the heart of America's third-largest city. The campus spans multiple buildings in the Near North Side, just blocks from the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan. Chicago's 2.7 million residents provide endless internship and ministry opportunities for aspiring pastors and missionaries. The urban setting contrasts sharply with many Bible colleges located in small towns. Students experience big-city culture while pursuing biblical education. Public transportation connects the campus to Chicago's diverse neighborhoods and numerous churches. The location attracts students from across the country, with only 26.57% coming from Illinois. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Moody Bible Institute with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Chicago, Illinois 60610-3284
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,399
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,456
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,900
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $192/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,149
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Moody Bible Institute?
Moody Bible Institute accepts 94.14% of applicants, making admission highly accessible for students committed to Christian ministry. The school prioritizes calling and character over test scores when evaluating candidates for biblical education.
How much does Moody Bible Institute cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $25,007 annually after aid, with tuition set at $15,356 regardless of residency. The school keeps costs manageable for ministry-focused students, though only 32.72% receive federal Pell Grants.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Moody Bible Institute?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 18:1 among the 1,586 enrolled students. This Christian college emphasizes intensive biblical training and practical ministry preparation through close mentorship relationships.
What do graduates of Moody Bible Institute earn after graduation?
Alumni earn a median salary of $45,399 ten years after graduation, reflecting careers in ministry and nonprofit work rather than high-paying corporate roles. The 61.33% four-year graduation rate shows many students balance rigorous biblical studies with ministry commitments.
Where is Moody Bible Institute located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in downtown Chicago with housing capacity for 1,095 students. This urban setting provides ministry opportunities in one of America's largest cities while maintaining the focused community of a specialized Christian college.
Does Moody Bible Institute offer athletic programs?
The school fields just 3 varsity sports with 32 total athletes competing as the Archers. Athletics takes a backseat to the school's primary mission of training students for Christian ministry and missions work worldwide.
