About Summit Christian College
Summit Christian College operates as one of America's smallest higher education institutions, enrolling just 17 students in the remote town of Gering, Nebraska. This Churches of Christ college has maintained its intimate educational mission since 1951. The 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio creates an almost tutorial-style learning environment where personal attention is guaranteed.
Students face a total cost of attendance around $14,945, though the average net price reaches $18,188 after aid calculations. Only 36% of students receive financial aid, and remarkably, no students take federal loans. The tuition remains the same for all students at $8,278, whether they come from Nebraska or across state lines. This pricing structure reflects the college's commitment to accessible Christian education without complex residency distinctions.
The student body draws heavily from Nebraska, with 80% of students calling the state home. Every single student who enrolls returns for their sophomore year, creating a 100% retention rate that speaks to student satisfaction despite the rural setting. The college's housing capacity of 37 beds can accommodate more than twice the current enrollment. The 67% graduation rate reflects the challenges many small religious colleges face in degree completion, though the intimate community provides strong support networks for those who persist.
Students face a total cost of attendance around $14,945, though the average net price reaches $18,188 after aid calculations. Only 36% of students receive financial aid, and remarkably, no students take federal loans. The tuition remains the same for all students at $8,278, whether they come from Nebraska or across state lines. This pricing structure reflects the college's commitment to accessible Christian education without complex residency distinctions.
The student body draws heavily from Nebraska, with 80% of students calling the state home. Every single student who enrolls returns for their sophomore year, creating a 100% retention rate that speaks to student satisfaction despite the rural setting. The college's housing capacity of 37 beds can accommodate more than twice the current enrollment. The 67% graduation rate reflects the challenges many small religious colleges face in degree completion, though the intimate community provides strong support networks for those who persist.
Academics & Faculty
Summit Christian College offers intensive biblical and ministry training with a 3:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures personalized attention. The college specializes in Christian ministry preparation, biblical studies, and church leadership development. With just 17 students total, every class becomes a seminar-style discussion. The 66.7% graduation rate reflects the challenging nature of ministry preparation programs. Students receive hands-on training in preaching, youth ministry, and pastoral counseling. The Churches of Christ affiliation shapes the theological curriculum around restoration movement principles. Faculty members often serve as mentors beyond graduation as students transition into full-time ministry roles. The intimate academic environment means professors know every student's strengths and calling personally.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 3:1
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 66.7%
- Retention Rate
- 100.0%
- Carnegie Classification
- Associate College (High Transfer)
Campus Life
Summit Christian College sits in rural Nebraska with just 17 students total, creating an intimate learning environment where everyone knows everyone. The 3:1 student-faculty ratio means professors genuinely know each student's name and academic progress. With housing for 37 students but only 17 enrolled, there's plenty of space in the residence halls.
Gering sits about 350 miles from Denver, the nearest major city, making this a truly remote college experience. Nebraska winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while summers bring temperatures into the 80s. The Churches of Christ affiliation shapes campus culture through daily chapel services and faith-based programming. With 80% of students coming from Nebraska, most are familiar with small-town life. Weekends typically revolve around campus fellowship activities, outdoor recreation, and trips to nearby Scotts Bluff National Monument. The 100% retention rate suggests students bond quickly despite the tiny size. Social life centers on the tight-knit residential community where study groups easily turn into lasting friendships.
Gering sits about 350 miles from Denver, the nearest major city, making this a truly remote college experience. Nebraska winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while summers bring temperatures into the 80s. The Churches of Christ affiliation shapes campus culture through daily chapel services and faith-based programming. With 80% of students coming from Nebraska, most are familiar with small-town life. Weekends typically revolve around campus fellowship activities, outdoor recreation, and trips to nearby Scotts Bluff National Monument. The 100% retention rate suggests students bond quickly despite the tiny size. Social life centers on the tight-knit residential community where study groups easily turn into lasting friendships.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 37 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1951
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–40°F
- July Avg
- 58°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 15.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 42.1"
Student Demographics
Summit Christian College draws primarily local students, with 80% coming from Nebraska. The student body of just 17 creates an intimate learning environment where everyone knows each other. About one-third receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's commitment to making Christian education accessible to working-class families. The gender split is nearly even at 53% men and 47% women. Students are overwhelmingly white at 94%, with a small Hispanic population making up the remainder. This tight-knit community attracts students seeking personalized attention within a Churches of Christ framework.
- Men
- 52.9%
- Women
- 47.1%
- White
- 94.1%
- Black
- 0.0%
- Hispanic
- 5.9%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- In-State Students
- 80.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 36.4%
Location
Summit Christian College sits in Gering, Nebraska, a small town of about 8,500 people in the western panhandle. The campus is roughly 400 miles from Denver and 350 miles from Omaha, making it one of the most remote college locations in the state. With just 17 students enrolled, the college operates in a truly rural setting surrounded by farmland and prairie. The Nebraska panhandle is known for its agricultural economy and wide-open spaces, with Scotts Bluff National Monument nearby offering dramatic rock formations. Gering itself has a quiet, small-town atmosphere where the college represents a significant part of the community. Students considering colleges in Nebraska may also compare Summit Christian College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Gering, Nebraska 69341
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Summit Christian College?
Summit Christian College accepts 66.67% of applicants. The small school in western Nebraska draws students primarily seeking biblical training and ministry preparation within the Churches of Christ tradition.
How much does Summit Christian College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,188 annually. With tuition at $8,278 and room and board at $6,367, the total attendance cost reaches $14,945 before aid calculations.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Summit Christian College?
Summit Christian College maintains a 3:1 student-faculty ratio with just 17 enrolled students. This intimate setting allows for highly personalized biblical education and close mentorship relationships.
What is the graduation rate at Summit Christian College?
The college achieves a 66.70% six-year graduation rate with a 100% retention rate. These outcomes reflect the tight-knit community where students receive intensive support in their theological studies.
Where do students live at Summit Christian College?
The campus houses up to 37 students in its residential facilities. Located in Gering, Nebraska, the remote town setting creates a focused environment for spiritual and academic growth away from urban distractions.
Is Summit Christian College diverse?
The student body is 94.12% white with 5.88% Hispanic students and no Black or Asian representation. With 80% of students coming from Nebraska, the college draws primarily from local Churches of Christ communities seeking affordable ministry training.
