About South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary
This small theological institution serves 271 students in Deerfield Beach with a clear mission of training future ministry leaders. The interdenominational approach attracts students from diverse Christian backgrounds seeking biblical education and pastoral preparation. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain intimate and discussion-focused. The school draws students primarily from Florida, with 57% coming from in-state.
The financial picture tells a story of affordability with complications. Tuition runs $7,380 regardless of residency status, making it accessible compared to most private colleges. However, only 21% of students receive financial aid, and institutional grants average just $2,104 for the few who get them. Graduates earn a median of $45,354 ten years after enrollment, which reflects the reality of ministry salaries rather than the school's educational quality. The 20% federal loan rate suggests many students pay out of pocket or rely on church support.
Student persistence presents challenges that prospective students should consider carefully. The 50% retention rate means half of first-year students don't return for sophomore year. The 27% four-year graduation rate reflects the part-time study patterns common among ministry students who often work in churches while completing degrees. Women comprise 58% of the student body, typical for theological education programs.
The financial picture tells a story of affordability with complications. Tuition runs $7,380 regardless of residency status, making it accessible compared to most private colleges. However, only 21% of students receive financial aid, and institutional grants average just $2,104 for the few who get them. Graduates earn a median of $45,354 ten years after enrollment, which reflects the reality of ministry salaries rather than the school's educational quality. The 20% federal loan rate suggests many students pay out of pocket or rely on church support.
Student persistence presents challenges that prospective students should consider carefully. The 50% retention rate means half of first-year students don't return for sophomore year. The 27% four-year graduation rate reflects the part-time study patterns common among ministry students who often work in churches while completing degrees. Women comprise 58% of the student body, typical for theological education programs.
Academics & Faculty
South Florida Bible College specializes in biblical studies and theological education for students preparing for ministry careers. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentorship in a small academic community of just 271 students. However, only 26.83% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing rigorous theological coursework with ministry obligations. The curriculum emphasizes biblical interpretation, pastoral care, and Christian leadership through an interdenominational lens. Students often work in churches while studying, which can extend their time to degree completion. The retention rate of 50% suggests that while the program demands significant commitment, those who stay develop deep expertise in biblical scholarship and practical ministry skills.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 70.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 26.8%
- Retention Rate
- 50.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,354
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Campus Life
South Florida Bible College sits in Deerfield Beach, just 45 minutes north of Miami and 20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale. With 271 students spread across a small urban campus, you'll know most faces by your second semester. The student body is 57.6% women and diverse, with 22.9% white students, 21.8% Hispanic students, and 12.9% Black students creating a multicultural learning environment.
Florida's year-round warmth means you'll need sunscreen, not winter coats. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name and academic progress personally. Weekend activities often center around local beaches and the nearby Boca Raton shopping districts. The school's interdenominational approach attracts students from various Christian backgrounds seeking practical ministry training. With a 50% retention rate, the intimate setting isn't for everyone, but those who stay form tight-knit communities. Campus life revolves around chapel services, small group discussions, and practical ministry experiences in South Florida's diverse communities.
Florida's year-round warmth means you'll need sunscreen, not winter coats. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name and academic progress personally. Weekend activities often center around local beaches and the nearby Boca Raton shopping districts. The school's interdenominational approach attracts students from various Christian backgrounds seeking practical ministry training. With a 50% retention rate, the intimate setting isn't for everyone, but those who stay form tight-knit communities. Campus life revolves around chapel services, small group discussions, and practical ministry experiences in South Florida's diverse communities.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 60°–76°F
- July Avg
- 77°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 55.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
South Florida Bible College draws students seeking affordable ministry training, with tuition set at just $7,380 for all students. The student body is 57% women, reflecting the school's emphasis on Christian education and service ministries that traditionally attract more female students. About 57% come from Florida, showing the seminary's strong regional reputation among local churches. The school serves a diverse population with significant Hispanic and Black representation, mirroring South Florida's multicultural communities. Only 21% receive Pell Grants, suggesting many students are working adults returning to complete their theological education.
- Men
- 42.4%
- Women
- 57.6%
- White
- 22.9%
- Black
- 12.9%
- Hispanic
- 21.8%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- In-State Students
- 57.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.4%
Location
South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary sits in Deerfield Beach, about 20 miles north of Fort Lauderdale. The 271-student campus operates in a coastal Florida community known for its beaches and suburban feel. Deerfield Beach blends residential neighborhoods with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean. The school draws 57.14% of its students from within Florida, reflecting its regional appeal in the evangelical community. The area offers a small-city atmosphere while remaining close to South Florida's major metropolitan centers. Students can reach Miami in about an hour. The location provides a quieter setting for theological study compared to Florida's larger urban centers. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,354
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,283
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary?
The college maintains a 50% retention rate for first-year students. As an interdenominational Bible college, admission typically focuses on spiritual commitment and calling to ministry rather than highly competitive academic metrics.
How much does South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary cost?
Tuition is $7,380 annually for all students regardless of residency status. Only 1.48% of students receive institutional grants averaging $2,104, making this one of the more affordable options for theological education.
What is the academic experience like at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary?
Classes maintain an 18:1 student-faculty ratio with 271 total students enrolled. The seminary operates on a semester system and focuses specifically on biblical studies and theological preparation for ministry.
What do graduates of South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary earn after graduation?
Alumni earn a median of $45,354 ten years after graduation. The 26.83% four-year graduation rate reflects the part-time nature of many seminary students who often work in ministry while completing their studies.
Where do students at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary come from?
The student body is 57.14% Florida residents and 42.86% from other states. The diverse community includes 22.88% White, 21.77% Hispanic, and 12.92% Black students studying for vocational ministry.
Does South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary offer financial aid?
About 21.43% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants. The federal loan rate of 20.17% indicates that most students can afford the relatively low tuition without significant borrowing.
