Faith Baptist Bible College

faq (frequently asked questions)

Accredidation

Is Faith accredited?
Yes. Faith is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and by the Association for Biblical Higher Education.

Why is accreditation important?
An accredited school is one that has been evaluated by a federally-recognized agency and approved because it meets certain academic and other requirements. Accreditation is important because it increases the availability of financial assistance for students and allows credits to transfer more easily to other institutions. Also, graduates of an accredited Bible program are eligible for military chaplaincy positions.

Can I teach in a public school after graduating with your Elementary or Secondary Education degree?
Yes. Faith is accredited and licensed by the Iowa Department of Education.

Applying

When should I start applying to colleges?
The end of your junior year in high school is a good time to apply. Faith offers a number of early application incentives!

Does Faith require a minimum ACT or SAT score?
No. A student's high school transcripts, references, and ACT or SAT scores are all factors that are considered during the admissions process. However, if a score is very low, we may accept a student on a probationary status.

Will my credits transfer to other colleges?
Yes. Accredited institutions usually accept credits earned at other accredited schools. It is important to realize that a lot depends on the program or major at the time of the transfer. If possible, check with the registrar of the school to which you may be transferring, and find out which credits will transfer into a program or as electives. There is always a risk of losing credit hours in a program when transferring either to or from Faith.

Statistics

What is the enrollment at Faith?
Fall semester 2003: 533 students (college and seminary).

What is the girl/guy ratio at Faith?
Guys—52%, Girls—48%

Rules

What are the dating rules?
Freshmen under the age of 19 may single date on campus only. They may group date (more than one couple) off campus. Upperclassmen that are dating freshmen under the age of 19 are governed by freshman guidelines. Otherwise, upperclassmen and freshmen 19 and over are allowed to single date off campus.

What are the music standards?
Music should glorify God and be a direct reflection of the life of a Spirit-filled believer. Songs or styles which are strongly identified with unbiblical movements or worldly practices are not allowed (Romans 12:1-2). Such music includes rock, rap, country, new age, jazz, and any "Christian" music that borrows these styles (I John 2:15 ). We do not wish to lead students toward music which is questionable or which might violate believers' consciences.

What is the dress code?
Classroom dress: Guys wear a shirt and tie to class, and girls wear skirts or dresses that come at least to the bottom of the knee. Classroom dress is required in campus buildings other than the residence halls until 4:00 P.M. on weekdays. Otherwise, students may wear jeans or other casual attire. Students may only wear shorts while working out in the gym. More detailed information about our dress code may be obtained from the Student Life Department

I'm coming! What do I need to know?

What do I need to bring?
Rooms are furnished with beds, desks, bookshelves, dressers, and chairs. You will need bedding, towels, a telephone and wastebasket. You may also wish to bring items such as a lamp (no halogen) or organizers. Any wall decor must be hung using finishing nails. Click here for a recommended "what to pack" list.

Do I need to have a computer?
Faith offers students the use of several public computers in the computer lab and library. However, many students bring their own computers and are connected to our network from their dorm rooms (System requirements: 266MHz CPU, 64MB RAM, no Windows 98 or older).

Will I have access to the internet and email?
Each student will have access to the internet and email from public access computers and may from their personal computers, if they choose to connect them to the school network.

Will I be able to have a car on campus?
Yes. Cars are to be registered upon arrival on campus.

Employment Opportunities

Do you have a work/study program?
No, but there are plenty of employment opportunities both on and off campus. On campus jobs include dining services, maintenance, telephone fundraising, admissions, and computer work. Faith's ministry teams offer a unique opportunity to minister in churches, camps, and schools for ten weeks during the summer and on several weekends during the semesters, and earn money for school in the process. Campus jobs pay normal taxable wages. A paycheck can be applied partially or in full to your school bill if desired.

What kinds of jobs are available in the area?
There are many jobs available off campus in Ankeny and Des Moines, including retail, restaurants, warehouses, grocery stores, offices, the YMCA, day care centers, the malls, and other local companies and businesses.

Cost

How much does it cost to attend Faith?
$17,916 (includes tuition, room, board, and student benefits fee for fall and spring semesters).

What Financial Assistance does Faith offer?
Because Faith is fully-accredited, we offer several forms of financial assistance, including federal and state grants and loans and a variety of institutional and civic scholarships. For other information on available financial assistance in general, check out www.collegeplanning.org.

How much is the Iowa Tuition Grant?
Around $3600 a year. (Available for eligible Iowa residents. Of Faith's Iowa students, 80% receive this grant.) The Federal Pell Grant, which is around $2000 each year, is available to students from any state.

My parents are employed in Christian service and don't make much money. How can I afford college?
Faith offers a Christian Workers Grant for students whose parents are involved in full-time Christian service ($750 per semester).

Programs of Study

What majors does Faith offer?
Click here to see what majors we offer.

Does Faith have a Counseling Major?
No, but we offer counseling as a concentration within the Biblical Studies, Women’s Ministries, and Christian Education programs.

What is the advantage of the One year Bible Program?
A year of Bible College is a smart choice for any Christian, because it will strengthen your biblical foundation and help you to be grounded in the Word. Faith's One-Year Bible Program is a great opportunity to concentrate on Bible study so that you can begin to formulate what you believe and why. This program is especially helpful if you haven't yet decided what you want to do. After your first year, if you decide to stay at Faith, you can go directly into another program as a sophomore without taking extra classes.

Sports

What sports are offered at the college?
Men's basketball and soccer, Women's basketball, soccer, and volleyball.

Do you offer sports scholarships?
No. We are a member of the NCCAA Division II, which does not permit athletic scholarships. Also, desire to promote academics and ministry training. Although athletics can be used as a ministry tool, we do not want it to be an end in itself.

Area Churches / Ministry Opportunities

Are there many churches to attend in the area?
There are a number of local General Association of Regular Baptist Churches (GARBC) and other fundamental Baptist churches in the area. In fact, there are over 30 fundamental churches within a 30 mile radius of campus. Faith does not have an on-campus church but encourages its students to become actively involved in a local church family. We are an extension of the local church, and therefore are accountable to the local church. Area churches appreciate our students, welcome them, and provide them with opportunities for fellowship and ministry while they are at Faith.

What ministry opportunities are available?
Students are able to be involved in many different areas of ministry. You simply need to talk to the pastor of the church you attend to see where they can use you.

Ankeny / Des Moines Area

How far is Faith from Des Moines?
Faith is only about a 20 min. drive from Des Moines.

What is the city of Ankeny like?
Ankeny is growing community located just north of Des Moines. There are a number of areas of employment available right in Ankeny, including Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Menards, Kohls, and Staples.Click here if you would like to go to the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce web site.