Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Dubuque, Iowa
97.7% Acceptance Rate
Emmaus Bible College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
97.7%Acceptance Rate
3.58Avg GPA
1109Avg SAT
23Avg ACT
$30,198Annual Cost
$42,631Grad Salary
40.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
97.7%
Avg GPA
3.58
Avg SAT
1109
Avg ACT
23
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
910–1060
ACT Middle 50%
20–26
Need-Based Aid
40.3% receive Pell
Emmaus Bible College is a private, faith-based institution in Iowa that integrates biblical studies with ministry preparation and other liberal arts fields. Admissions are holistic, evaluating students on their academic record, character, and their alignment with the college's Christian mission. The college seeks individuals who are ready to engage in a rigorous education that integrates their professional goals with a strong biblical and ethical foundation.
Applicants should highlight their history of participation in church or community activities, as these reflect the college's mission-focused and service-oriented culture. Demonstrating a clear approach to one's future career plans and explaining how a faith-centered education will facilitate those goals is a strong way to impress the admissions committee. The college looks for students who will contribute to its supportive, community-oriented campus environment and who have a track record of being responsible and engaged members of their local community.
Emmaus Bible College Acceptance Rate
Emmaus Bible College runs an open-access admission policy — with a 97.7% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in — worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 97.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.58 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.38 – 3.57
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.13
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Emmaus Bible College Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Emmaus Bible College follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Emmaus Bible College reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (Merit scholarship priority: 2027/02/01) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Emmaus Bible College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Emmaus Bible College is 3.58. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.28 and 3.58? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently — for an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.78–3.98.Emmaus Bible College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.58 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.38 – 3.57
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.18 – 3.37
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.17
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Renamed from Emmaus Bible College to Emmaus University in 2024; affiliated with the Plymouth Brethren (Open Brethren).
- Requires a reference form specifically from a local church leader (elder, pastor, youth leader).
- Priority deadline Feb. 9, 2026; standard deadline July 1, 2026; National University Decision Day May 1, 2026.
- Daily chapel attendance mandatory; new (2024) online master's in Bible and ministry via Emmaus Global Campus.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Emmaus Bible College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Emmaus Bible College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Emmaus Bible College Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Emmaus Bible College is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Emmaus Bible College Without SAT or ACT?
Emmaus Bible College considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt — most applicants test 2–3 times.
Emmaus Bible College Average SAT Score: 1109
The average SAT score of admitted students at Emmaus Bible College is 1109 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1109 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national mean SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1060 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Emmaus Bible College allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 910, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Emmaus Bible College. Retaking multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 500 | 450 | 550 |
| SAT Reading | 485 | 460 | 510 |
| SAT Composite | 1109 | 910 | 1060 |
Below 910, you're behind most admitted students; at 1060 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Emmaus Bible College with a 1050 SAT?
A 1050 SAT puts you ahead of most of Emmaus Bible College's admitted class — but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Emmaus Bible College ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at Emmaus Bible College is 23.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive
This sits close to the national average ACT score.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 16 | 25 |
| ACT English | 24 | 20 | 28 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 20 | 26 |
Can I get into Emmaus Bible College with a 26 ACT?
A 26 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of Emmaus Bible College's admitted students — a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections — English, Math, Reading, and Science — each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section (Science, especially, at STEM-focused schools) stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at Emmaus Bible College.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Emmaus Bible College
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Emmaus Bible College's open-access model means the real strategic decisions happen after enrollment: course planning, advising, and whether to transfer later.
Note the school's name changed - apply under "Emmaus University," not the old name
Emmaus Bible College formally renamed itself Emmaus University in 2024 - verify you're using current application materials and the emmaus.edu domain, since older "Bible College" branding still circulates on third-party sites and could cause confusion about which programs (now including a 2024-launched online master's in Bible and ministry) are actually offered.
Secure your church leader reference early - it's a hard, specific requirement
Emmaus requires a reference form submitted directly by a leader of your local church (elder, youth leader, pastor, or Sunday School teacher specifically, not just any adult) - identify and contact this person well before the Feb. 9, 2026 priority deadline, since coordinating a specific church leader's paperwork often takes longer than personal essays or transcripts.
Apply by the priority deadline to maximize aid, even though the standard deadline is much later
Emmaus's priority deadline (Feb. 9, 2026) is five months earlier than its standard deadline (July 1, 2026) - because Emmaus is affiliated with the Plymouth Brethren (Open Brethren) and funds students partly through denominationally-linked scholarships like the Robert D. Blue Scholarship, applying by the priority date gives you first access to limited need- and merit-based aid pools.
Plan around mandatory daily chapel as a genuine lifestyle commitment, not a formality
Attendance at daily chapel is mandatory at Emmaus, and all coursework uses the Bible as its academic foundation across every major (including newer offerings like health sciences, psychology, and computer science) - applicants should be honest with themselves about whether a fully integrated, chapel-anchored daily schedule fits their expectations before enrolling, since this isn't an optional cultural add-on.
Expert Insight:
Because the school renamed from Emmaus Bible College to Emmaus University in 2024, students and even counselors researching this school may encounter outdated information under the old name - always verify current program offerings, accreditation status, and application details against emmaus.edu directly.
Emmaus Bible College Profile
Full Name
Emmaus Bible College
City
Dubuque
State
Iowa
ZIP Code
52001-3096
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Emmaus Bible College Degree Worth It?
Emmaus Bible College offers a rigorous academic environment, but 'worth it' is a personal calculation of cost, program fit, and outcomes — the figures below are a starting point.
The average household income among admitted students is $63,400, with a graduate unemployment rate of 2.96%.
How much does a degree from Emmaus Bible College Cost?
The sticker price is $30,198/year, but the average net price students actually pay — after Pell and federal grants — is typically much lower.
40.3% of students receive a Pell Grant and 25.2% take federal loans at Emmaus Bible College — file your FAFSA early and list Emmaus Bible College as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Emmaus Bible College Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $42,631 — about 5% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Emmaus Bible College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Emmaus Bible College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | 1119 | 24 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Emmaus Bible College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
Degree Programs at Emmaus Bible College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Emmaus Bible College Admissions
Median earnings for Emmaus Bible College graduates sit around $42,631 a year.
Emmaus Bible College costs roughly $30,198 a year — most students combine this with scholarships or aid.
About 40.3% receive a Pell Grant at Emmaus Bible College — moderate odds, largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 97.7%, Emmaus Bible College's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Emmaus Bible College average a 3.58 GPA.
Emmaus Bible College doesn't publish a hard GPA floor — but landing at or above 3.28 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.18, Emmaus Bible College becomes a harder reach — though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Emmaus Bible College — aim above 1109, ideally within the 910–1060 range admitted students typically fall in.
Emmaus Bible College follows Rolling Admissions — applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is Merit scholarship priority: 2027/02/01. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes — transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most — along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.