Thank you for your interest in the Bachelor of Biblical Studies Degree. This degree is the core training program at SIBI. Students study more than 40 courses equaling 128 college-level credit hours that cover the entire Bible. Students participate in a rich array of classes, from textual study to spiritual enrichment to ministry application. This training is rigorous, providing in just two years the same number of class hours that would require four or more years to complete at a typical college pace. Historically, training preachers has been the main focus of this core program. While training preachers is still central at SIBI, the bachelor’s degree has proven effective in preparing men and women for a wide variety of other ministry opportunities in the Kingdom.

To begin the application process, please complete the Residential Biblical Studies Admission Profile

ADMISSIONS FAQs

  • We are always happy to answer this question because SIBI is tuition-free for residential students.

  • Most of your support will come from people you know. Do not be afraid to ask everyone you know to help you prepare for the greatest work on the face of the earth. Also, encourage those who know you to share with others your desire for training and your need to raise support. A sample brochure can be sent to you as a guide to help you prepare material explaining your future plans in ministry. This should be prepared and ready for distribution once you have received your acceptance letter from the school. It is important that you complete your application in a timely manner once you have made your decision to come. Also included in the acceptance packet is a list of suggestions to help you raise your support.

  • There are two basic options for the collection and distribution of student support. The first option is that you arrange for a congregation to be your sponsoring church and have your supporters send checks there. That congregation then gathers your support together each month and sends it directly to you in one check. This is the best avenue for the collection of your support.

    If this arrangement is not possible, your second option is to have your support sent directly to SIBI. The school will keep a ledger and give you a check on the first and fifteenth of each month. You will receive only what is in your account, and it is your responsibility to manage your monthly support. If your supporters choose to send their money through the school, they need to be sure to attach paperwork that tells us that the contribution is for you. You will also need to let them know that this does not mean that their support is automatically tax-deductible. That must be determined on an individual basis by their own tax advisor.

    How you claim your support on your taxes needs to be discussed with your own tax advisor. We cannot give legal or tax advice.

  • Lubbock has hundreds of apartment complexes and a good supply of houses and duplexes to choose from. Due to Lubbock’s large college population, rental houses are harder to find once the college students start looking, so it is best you have something secured by July.

    SIBI has limited avenues to help with housing. The easiest and most efficient way for you to secure housing is to find it yourself, especially by taking advantage of online resources. There are also several house-locating services and an apartment guide that is available online or in local grocery stores. Log onto the following links to research housing: Lubbock Apartments, Zillow, or Realtor.com

  • No, but wives are highly encouraged to be involved as much as possible in the Women’s Ministry activities and in school functions. Many courses will be of great value and encouragement to the husband and wife who attend together. Women at SIBI can choose from several levels of study or involvement, ranging from taking a single class to a full Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree. For more details, see the Women’s Ministry page.

  • With five core courses and a preaching practicum every term, it is almost impossible for a full-time student to have a job, and at the same time keep up with his/her studies. For this reason, SIBI strongly discourages full-time students from working. If a student chooses to work, it cannot be at the expense of academic performance. The school does offer a three-year program that allows the student a reduced course load, which could provide the student enough time for employment.

BUDGET AND EXPENSES

The following are some very basic figures and ranges for student income and basic expenses related to housing and school.

SUGGESTED INCOME (needs vary for each person/family)

  • Singles: $1,500 to $1,800 per month (based on shared rent/utilities)

  • Married without children: $1,800 to $2,500 per month

  • Married with children (family of four): $2,500 to $4,000 per month

  • SIBI students who qualify for G.I. Bill Benefits should contact SIBI about a possible veterans scholarship

HOUSING (the keyword in this list is "up")

  • Efficiency apartments: $550 and up per month (plus bills)

  • Apartments (many to choose from in the city)

    • One bedroom: $600 and up per month

    • Two-bedroom: $800 and up per month

    • Varied plans with utilities not included (approx. $200 per month on average for utilities)

  • Houses (all sizes and prices in the city)

    • Two-bedroom: $850 and up per month

    • Three-bedroom: $1000 and up per month

    • Approx. $300 per month for utilities

  • Phone: Renter's responsibility

SCHOOL

  • Insurance (health insurance is required)

    • Opportunities are available to secure a policy through local insurance companies.

  • Books

    • Approximately $50—$150 per term (required books only)

  • Class Fees (due at registration)

    • $120 or $180 per term for a full-time student depending on the time of registration

    • $20 or $30 per course for part-time or auditing students depending on the time of registration

  • Campaigns

    • One domestic campaign is required before graduation.

    • One foreign campaign is required before graduation (approx. cost $1,000 to $1,500).

    • Summer internship opportunities may be available to fill these requirements.