About Trinity Bible College and Graduate School
Trinity Bible College prepares students for Christian ministry and service through intensive biblical education. The Assemblies of God institution enrolls just 138 students on its rural North Dakota campus. This small-college environment emphasizes personal mentorship and spiritual formation alongside academic rigor. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close relationships between professors and students. Trinity draws students nationwide, with only 26% coming from in-state.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $20,396 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $35,604 ten years after graduation. That creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio for many ministry-bound graduates. About 75% of students take federal loans, graduating with a median debt of $22,531. Monthly loan payments average $239, which can strain budgets for those entering pastoral or missionary work where salaries tend toward the lower end.
The graduation story tells a complex tale. Only 40% of students complete their degrees in four years, though the 73% retention rate suggests most students stay engaged. The college fields five varsity sports with 38 total athletes competing as the Lions. With 97% of graduates finding employment, Trinity successfully launches students into ministry careers despite the financial challenges.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $20,396 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $35,604 ten years after graduation. That creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio for many ministry-bound graduates. About 75% of students take federal loans, graduating with a median debt of $22,531. Monthly loan payments average $239, which can strain budgets for those entering pastoral or missionary work where salaries tend toward the lower end.
The graduation story tells a complex tale. Only 40% of students complete their degrees in four years, though the 73% retention rate suggests most students stay engaged. The college fields five varsity sports with 38 total athletes competing as the Lions. With 97% of graduates finding employment, Trinity successfully launches students into ministry careers despite the financial challenges.
Academics & Faculty
Trinity Bible College focuses entirely on Christian ministry preparation and biblical studies. The school trains future pastors, missionaries, and church leaders through hands-on ministry programs. Students work closely with faculty in a 9:1 student-faculty ratio that enables intensive mentoring and personalized instruction. The 39.81% four-year graduation rate reflects the school's rigorous academic standards and the demanding nature of ministry preparation. Trinity emphasizes practical ministry experience alongside theological coursework. Students gain real-world ministry skills through internships and local church partnerships. The curriculum centers on biblical studies, theology, pastoral care, and missions work. This specialized focus attracts students committed to full-time Christian service careers.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 39.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.8%
- Retention Rate
- 72.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,604
- Carnegie Classification
- Associate College (High Transfer)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
Campus Life
Trinity's rural North Dakota campus sits about 90 miles from Fargo, surrounded by endless prairie and farmland. With only 138 students enrolled, you'll recognize almost everyone walking between buildings. The housing capacity of 287 means most students live on campus in a tight-knit community. North Dakota winters demand serious winter gear, with temperatures often dropping below zero and snow lasting months.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name and story. As an Assemblies of God institution, chapel services and Bible study groups anchor campus life. Only 38 students participate in varsity athletics across five sports, but intramural activities and ministry teams provide other ways to connect. Weekend entertainment often centers around campus events, trips to nearby towns, or outdoor activities when weather permits. The Lions compete at a small-college level, creating school spirit despite the modest size. Students preparing for ministry careers find hands-on experience through local church partnerships and community outreach programs throughout rural southeastern North Dakota.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name and story. As an Assemblies of God institution, chapel services and Bible study groups anchor campus life. Only 38 students participate in varsity athletics across five sports, but intramural activities and ministry teams provide other ways to connect. Weekend entertainment often centers around campus events, trips to nearby towns, or outdoor activities when weather permits. The Lions compete at a small-college level, creating school spirit despite the modest size. Students preparing for ministry careers find hands-on experience through local church partnerships and community outreach programs throughout rural southeastern North Dakota.
- Setting
- Rural-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 287 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 1°–21°F
- July Avg
- 59°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 22.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 41.7"
Student Demographics
Trinity draws students from across the country who feel called to ministry, with nearly three-quarters coming from outside North Dakota. The student body of 138 creates an intimate community where everyone knows each other. Half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to making Christian education accessible regardless of financial background. Women slightly outnumber men, which is typical for ministry-focused programs that attract students interested in counseling, youth work, and pastoral care. The Assemblies of God affiliation attracts students from Pentecostal backgrounds seeking biblically-grounded preparation for church leadership and missionary work.
- Men
- 44.2%
- Women
- 55.8%
- White
- 72.5%
- Black
- 4.4%
- Hispanic
- 9.4%
- Asian
- 2.9%
- In-State Students
- 26.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 50.0%
Location
Ellendale sits in southeastern North Dakota, roughly 100 miles southwest of Fargo, the state's largest city. This rural farming community of fewer than 1,500 residents provides Trinity's 138 students with a quiet, close-knit environment surrounded by prairie landscapes and agricultural fields. The town revolves around the college and local farming operations, creating an intimate setting where students often know their neighbors and professors personally. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, while summers bring warm days perfect for outdoor activities on the expansive plains. Students considering colleges in North Dakota may also compare Trinity Bible College and Graduate School with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Ellendale, North Dakota 58436-7105
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,604
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $33,542
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $26,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $239/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,531
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Trinity Bible College and Graduate School?
Trinity Bible College accepts 44.44% of applicants with an average ACT score of 19. The Assemblies of God institution focuses on ministry preparation and Christian education in rural North Dakota.
How much does Trinity Bible College and Graduate School cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $20,396 annually, with 50% receiving financial aid. The small Christian college charges the same $18,762 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Trinity Bible College and Graduate School?
The college maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 138 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention in ministry training and biblical studies programs.
What are the graduation rates at Trinity Bible College and Graduate School?
Only 38.80% of students graduate within six years, with a 39.81% four-year graduation rate. The retention rate stands at 72.41%, reflecting the challenges many students face in this specialized ministry-focused education.
Where is Trinity Bible College and Graduate School located?
The college sits in Ellendale, North Dakota, a rural-remote setting that attracts students from across the region. Despite its isolation, 73.53% of the 138 students come from out-of-state to pursue ministry training.
Does Trinity Bible College and Graduate School offer athletic scholarships?
The college provides $0 in athletic scholarships despite fielding 5 varsity sports teams with 38 total athletes competing as the Lions. The focus remains on academic and ministry preparation rather than athletic recruitment.
