Lancaster Bible College logo

Lancaster Bible College

Lancaster, PA Private ยท Suburban www.lbc.edu
Accept Rate
95.19%
Grad Rate
69.8%
Enrollment
1,511
Avg SAT
1161
Tuition
$29,990
Median Salary
$44,096
Overall Grade
C
B-
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
B-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Lancaster Bible College offers a deeply community-focused, faith-based environment where students experience a strong sense of belonging and spiritual growth. The suburban campus feels intimate and supportive, with small class sizes fostering close relationships between peers and professors. It feels like a place where your education is integrated with your personal values and calling.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

95.19%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 116175th Pctl
10801270
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2375th Pctl
2123
1122436

Admissions Tips

Applicants should clearly articulate their Christian faith and how it connects to their academic and career goals in their personal statement. Since the acceptance rate is high, focus on a solid GPA and consider engaging with the campus through a visit or virtual meeting to demonstrate your interest.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1161
40080012001600
School range: 1080โ€“1270

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Lancaster Bible College provides a Christ-centered education with notable strengths in Theology, Business, and Education, emphasizing practical application and ministry readiness. Teaching quality is personalized due to small student-faculty ratios, and students often engage in hands-on ministry and leadership opportunities rather than traditional research.

Popular Majors

Theology
52.6%
Business & Marketing
16.2%
Education
9.9%
Communications
6%
Criminal Justice
5%
Public Administration
4.3%
Visual & Performing Arts
3%
Psychology
1.7%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

69.8%
Graduation Rate
74.9%
Retention Rate
1,511
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$29,990
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$22,870
After financial aid
Total Cost
$40,813
Cost of attendance/year
30.5%
Receive Pell Grants
52.7%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Lancaster

Lancaster offers a charming mix of historic city life, vibrant arts, and outdoor activities, with farmers markets, local cafes, and nearby hiking trails. Students often explore the city's cultural scene, including music festivals and the famous Central Market, while enjoying the relaxed pace of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Local Rent Check

$1,061 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Lancaster
Explore Lancaster

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$119,960
$0Est. 4 Years: $119,960

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($44,096):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a quiet, suburban area known for its low crime rates and peaceful environment. Lancaster Bible College maintains a safe community with campus security measures and a supportive atmosphere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong, supportive community with a faith-based focus
  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it accessible to many applicants
  • โœ“ Solid graduation and retention rates indicating student satisfaction
  • โœ“ Diverse top majors that align with ministry and practical careers

Cons

  • โœ— Lower 10-year median earnings compared to national averages for some fields
  • โœ— Suburban location may feel isolated for students seeking a large urban environment
  • โœ— Limited research opportunities typical of smaller Bible colleges

Notable Alumni

David Zimmerman
Co-founder of Zoรซ Ministries, known for impactful Christian counseling and leadership training
John S. Martin
Former president of a major Christian nonprofit organization focused on global missions
Sarah Kline
Award-winning Christian author and speaker with bestsellers on faith and leadership

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster Bible College is known for its strong programs in Theology, Business & Marketing, Education, and Communications, with a focus on preparing students for ministry and service-oriented careers. It emphasizes a Christ-centered education and community involvement.

No, it is not highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 95.19%. Applicants typically need a solid high school GPA, and while SAT scores around 1161 are common, the college values personal faith and commitment in admissions decisions.

Campus life is community-oriented and faith-driven, with students engaging in worship services, Bible studies, and ministry activities. The suburban setting offers a calm environment, and students enjoy local outings in Lancaster as well as campus events that foster close friendships.

With an average net price of $22,870 and a 10-year median earning of $44,096, the ROI is moderate. It is particularly worthwhile for students pursuing careers in ministry, education, or business where the college's network and values align well with their goals.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Lancaster County School District Willow Valley Communities Lifeway Christian Resources Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) Local Lancaster Businesses and Nonprofits
Smart Start Score
56

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 1,867
  • In-State Tuition $29,990
  • Zip Code 17601

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 47% โ™€ 52.9%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $22,870 and relatively stable tuition, the investment is moderate compared to many private colleges. The 10-year median earnings of $44,096 suggest a reasonable return, especially for those entering ministry, education, or business roles where the college's networks are strong. For students committed to faith-based careers, the value can be high despite the cost.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Chaminade University of

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $29,990
Housing (12 mo) $12,732
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $49,922
With avg financial aid:
$22,870/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.