SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary

SUM’s academic focus is narrow and intense: theological and ministerial studies dominate, accounting for 51 of its recent graduates, followed by biblical studies (15 graduates) and religious vocations (6). The school offers degrees up to a master’s level, with a total enrollment of just 508 students (318 undergrads)—making for an intimate, seminar-style environment. Its curriculum rests on four pillars: academic excellence, practical ministry, personal mentorship, and affordability. Online programs are available, but the emphasis is on combining classroom learning with real-world ministry experience. Don’t come here if you want a broad liberal arts education; this is a boot camp for future pastors and missionaries.

Life at SUM is all-in and immersive. The school’s Instagram and Facebook pages show a tight-knit community where worship sessions, prayer circles, and mission trips are the norm. A student handbook outlines a formal student government structure, suggesting some campus engagement beyond spirituality, but don’t expect Greek life or Division I sports. International students praise the “spiritually well-rounded” environment, though the lack of detailed housing or club data implies that off-campus life is minimal. This isn’t a place for casual students: the vibe is more monastic than collegiate, with an emphasis on discipleship.

SUM’s outcomes are a mixed bag. The graduation rate is just 43%—well below the national midpoint for four-year colleges (59%)—suggesting many students leave before completing their degrees. Early-career earnings average $25,000, which is $7,000 below expectations for similar institutions, though median earnings rise to $36,427 one year post-graduation. These figures reflect the low-paying nature of ministry work, not necessarily poor training. The school’s own graduate performance reports highlight completion rates but avoid salary specifics, focusing instead on spiritual impact over financial success.

SUM markets itself as one of the nation’s most affordable undergraduate options, with a net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. of $23,282 after aid (though this is slightly above the national midpoint for four-year schools). The average aid package is $4,433, and scholarships—which don’t require repayment—are emphasized. A net price calculator on the school’s website helps prospective students estimate costs, but the lack of detailed tuition figures in public disclosures suggests financial transparency could improve. For students committed to ministry, the cost may be justified; for others, the ROI is questionable.

SUM Bible College isn’t for everyone—and it doesn’t try to be. Its laser focus on ministry training, combined with low costs and hands-on mentorship, makes it a rare breed: a no-frills seminary that prioritizes spiritual rigor over prestige. The low graduation rates and modest earnings are red flags for conventional students, but for those called to ministry, SUM offers a practical, immersive alternative to pricier divinity schools. This is a place where you’ll preach before you graduate, but don’t expect cushy job offers afterward.