SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary

83.5%Acceptance

$10,460Tuition

312Students

46%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$35,418Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24Assemblies of God

About SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary

This Assemblies of God institution trains future pastors and ministry leaders in the foothills outside Sacramento. The seminary enrolls 312 students who come primarily from out of state, with only 17.5% from California. Students work toward degrees in biblical studies, theology, and ministry preparation through a trimester calendar system. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for close mentoring relationships that are central to pastoral training.

Students pay an average net price of $21,042 after financial aid, while tuition runs just $10,460 regardless of residency. However, graduates earn a median of $35,418 ten years after graduation, creating financial challenges for ministry-bound students. The typical graduate leaves with $26,677 in debt and monthly loan payments of $283. Only 31.2% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, reflecting the financial realities of church work and nonprofit ministry careers.

The school maintains strong employment outcomes with 89.1% of graduates finding work, though many enter lower-paying ministry positions. The retention rate of 58.06% suggests some students transfer or change career paths during their studies. Housing capacity serves just 7 students, so most live off campus in the El Dorado Hills area.

Academics & Faculty

SUM Bible College focuses exclusively on biblical studies and ministry preparation within the Assemblies of God tradition. The school operates on a trimester calendar system that allows intensive study of theology, pastoral ministry, and Christian leadership. Students work closely with faculty through a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. However, the 46% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. The curriculum emphasizes practical ministry training alongside theological education. As a specialized Bible college, academic offerings center on preparing students for pastoral work, missions, and other church leadership roles rather than broader liberal arts education. The focused religious mission attracts students committed to Pentecostal ministry careers.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 44.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 46.2%
Retention Rate: 58.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $35,418
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Transfer)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Bible/Biblical Studies.	Bachelor	$21,824

View all 4 programs →

Campus Life

SUM Bible College sits in the Sacramento foothills about 25 miles east of California's capital city. With only 312 students enrolled, the campus feels intimate and family-like. The trimester calendar system keeps academic pace brisk year-round. Sacramento's Mediterranean climate means mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers - students need light jackets for winter but plenty of sunscreen for the long, sunny stretches.

Housing capacity serves just 7 students, so nearly everyone commutes from the surrounding El Dorado Hills area or nearby communities. The 17.5% in-state rate shows the college draws students from across the country for its Assemblies of God training. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and professors know students personally. Weekends often center around local church involvement and ministry practice, which aligns with the seminary's mission. The 58% retention rate suggests the intense religious focus works well for committed students but isn't for everyone. Students spend considerable time in practical ministry training alongside traditional coursework.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 7 beds
Calendar System: Trimester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 34°–56°F
July Avg: 60°–94°F
Annual Precipitation: 24.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

SUM Bible College draws students primarily from outside California, with over 80% coming from other states to pursue ministry training in the Assemblies of God tradition. The student body splits nearly evenly between men and women, reflecting the seminary's commitment to training both pastors and ministry leaders regardless of gender. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves families of modest means who prioritize biblical education. The diverse racial composition includes significant Hispanic and Black representation, mirroring the multicultural nature of modern Pentecostal congregations across America.

Men: 52.9%
Women: 47.1%
White: 29.2%
Black: 7.7%
Hispanic: 23.1%
Asian: 1.6%
In-State Students: 17.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 52.9%

Location

SUM Bible College sits in El Dorado Hills, California, about 25 miles northeast of Sacramento. The suburban setting attracts 17.50% in-state students to this Assemblies of God institution. El Dorado Hills lies in the Sierra Nevada foothills, offering access to both urban amenities and mountain recreation. The area provides a quieter alternative to Sacramento's busy downtown while maintaining proximity to the state capital. Students can reach Lake Tahoe in under two hours for weekend getaways. The region's rolling hills and oak trees create a scenic backdrop for the college's 312 enrolled students. Students considering colleges in California may also compare SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary with similar schools in the region.

Address: El Dorado Hills, California 95762

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $35,418
Median Earnings (5 years): $35,978
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 31.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $283/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,677

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary?

SUM Bible College accepts 83.5% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for students called to ministry. The school draws students from across the country, though only 17.5% come from California itself.

How much does SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,042 annually, despite tuition of just $10,460. About 53% of students receive financial aid, though the school offers limited institutional grants averaging $6,083.

What is the student-faculty ratio at SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary?

The college maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 312 students. This Assemblies of God institution operates on a trimester calendar system focused on biblical and theological education.

What are the graduation outcomes at SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary?

Only 46% of students graduate within six years, with a four-year rate of 45%. Graduates earn a median of $35,418 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the ministry-focused nature of their calling.

Does SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary have on-campus housing?

The school has extremely limited housing with capacity for just 7 students on campus. Most of the 312 students must find housing in the suburban El Dorado Hills area outside Sacramento.

How diverse is the student body at SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary?

The student body is 29% White, 23% Hispanic, and 8% Black, creating notable diversity for a small Bible college. Men slightly outnumber women at 53% versus 47% of the enrollment.