Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
El Dorado Hills, California
64.2% Acceptance Rate
SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
64.2%Acceptance Rate
$24,340Annual Cost
$35,418Grad Salary
52.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
64.2%
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Branch Campus
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Need-Based Aid
52.9% receive Pell
SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary is a specialized, private, faith-based institution that focuses on ministerial training and theological education. Dedicated to equipping students for effective, service-oriented vocations, the college offers a rigorous curriculum that integrates biblical knowledge with practical ministry. With its emphasis on low-cost accessibility and mission-driven preparation, it provides an effective path for students committed to answering a call to vocational ministry and active community leadership.
SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary Acceptance Rate
SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary is 64.2%. This means that 64 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 64.2% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
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 School of Urban Missions
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary'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
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary (School of Urban Missions) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into School of Urban Missions Without SAT or ACT?
SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for School of Urban Missions
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
School of Urban Missions is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Read the actual Statement of Faith before applying, not just gauge general fit
Formal adherence to SUM's Statement of Faith is a hard admission requirement, not a soft cultural expectation. A family should read the actual document on SUM's site and confirm genuine agreement with it before applying, since this is a stated, ongoing condition of admission and good standing - not something evaluated loosely alongside other factors.
Present the flat tuition and 3-year track together as the core value proposition
SUM charges a flat $1,600 per term (payable at $400/month) and structures full-time study to complete a bachelor's degree in 3 years instead of 4. This is a deliberate "no debt for ministry" design, not just a low price - present both pieces together when discussing cost with a family, since the accelerated timeline is what makes the flat rate add up to genuinely low total cost.
Choose the study format based on life situation, not by defaulting to on-campus
SUM offers three equally valid formats: the main campus, a cohort location, or fully online through the "Anytime, Anywhere" (A-A) program. A student already active in ministry, geographically remote, or juggling work should actively consider the cohort or online path rather than assuming on-campus is the "real" or default option - all three lead to the same accredited degree.
Treat a missed intake as a minor delay, not a lost year
SUM admits students six times per academic year across Fall, Winter, and Spring trimesters. A student who misses one application window is typically only a few months from the next one, not a full year - this should be communicated clearly so a missed deadline doesn't feel like a bigger setback than it actually is.
Expert Insight:
Acceptance-rate figures for SUM conflict sharply across sources - from roughly 40% to as high as 84%, with one dataset even showing 0% for a given year. None of these numbers should be presented to a family as a meaningful measure of selectivity. SUM's own language describes admitting qualified applicants who meet its GPA and faith-statement requirements rather than running a competitive review, so the conversation should center on meeting those stated criteria, not "beating" a published rate.
School of Urban Missions Profile
Full Name
SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary (School of Urban Missions)
City
El Dorado Hills
State
California
ZIP Code
95762
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Branch Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
Is a School of Urban Missions Degree Worth It?
Getting into School of Urban Missions can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. School of Urban Missions offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
How much does a degree from School of Urban Missions Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary is $24,340. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary is much less than this.
52.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 51.9 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to School of Urban Missions and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist School of Urban Missions as your choice in the form.
How much does a School of Urban Missions Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $35,418. An average School of Urban Missions graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at School of Urban Missions
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary →
Frequently Asked Questions About School of Urban Missions Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $35,418 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $24,340 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
52.9% of students at this university receive a Pell Grant — free money that does not need to be repaid. Your chances of need-based aid are strong. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible and list this institution as your choice to be considered for maximum aid.
The acceptance rate of SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary is 64.2% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.