Finding the right college feels like a high-stakes poker game where you aren't even sure what cards you're holding. If you've been looking into Christian higher education, you’ve probably stumbled upon Emmaus University (formerly known as Emmaus Bible College) in Dubuque, Iowa.
The first thing everyone looks at is the Emmaus Bible College acceptance rate. Honestly, the numbers you see on major search engines can be a little confusing because they fluctuate between "basically everyone gets in" and "wait, is it actually selective?"
Let's clear the air.
The Real Numbers Behind the Acceptance Rate
Most current data points to an Emmaus Bible College acceptance rate of approximately 98%.
Some sources, like the National Center for Education Statistics, have occasionally cited lower figures—sometimes around 60% depending on the specific applicant pool in a given year—but for the 2024-2026 cycle, the school is leaning heavily into an open-access philosophy. Basically, if you meet the baseline requirements and share the school’s core values, you’re in.
But don't let that 98% fool you into thinking it's a "low-tier" school.
In the world of Bible colleges, a high acceptance rate usually doesn't mean low standards. It means the "self-selection" process is working. Most people applying to Emmaus aren't just looking for any random degree; they are specifically looking for a community focused on New Testament principles and Plymouth Brethren heritage. If you aren't interested in that, you probably aren't applying.
Admissions by the Numbers
- Total Applicants: Usually around 100-200 per year (it’s a small, tight-knit campus).
- Average GPA: Most admitted students hover around a 3.58.
- SAT/ACT: While Emmaus is test-optional for general admission, those who submit scores typically land between 910–1060 on the SAT or 20–26 on the ACT.
Is it actually "Easy" to get in?
Kinda. But also, no.
While the Emmaus Bible College acceptance rate suggests you just need to sign your name on the dotted line, the school requires a spiritual recommendation. This isn't your typical "my teacher thinks I'm smart" letter. You need someone who can speak to your Christian character.
If you’re just looking for a party school or a secular experience, you won’t even make it past the first page of the application. They want people who actually want to be there for the Bible-centric curriculum.
What They Look For (Beyond the 98%)
Emmaus is unique because every single student, regardless of their major, ends up with a significant amount of Bible and Theology credits. Whether you’re going for Nursing, Business, or Computer Information Systems, you’re still getting that core.
The Essential Checklist:
- A 2.0 Minimum GPA: They’ve been known to accept students below this on "Academic Assistance," but 2.0 is the safe zone.
- The Testimony: You’ll likely have to share your "faith story."
- High School Transcript: Standard stuff. They want to see that you finished.
- No Application Fee: One of the best perks? It costs exactly zero dollars to apply.
The "Hidden" Selectivity: The Presidential Scholarship
Here is where the Emmaus Bible College acceptance rate conversation gets interesting. While getting in is easy, getting the money is competitive.
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The Presidential Scholarship is a full-tuition award. Only two students get this per year. For this, a 98% acceptance rate means nothing. You need to be a top-tier scholar with a serious "passion for the things of the Lord."
If you’re aiming for this, your 3.58 GPA won't cut it. You’ll need to be closer to a 4.0 and show significant leadership in your local church or community.
Life After the Acceptance Letter
So, you got in. Now what?
The school is tiny. We’re talking about a total enrollment that often dips below 200 students. That means a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. You can't hide in the back of the class at Emmaus. Your professors will know if you stayed up too late playing games or if you’re actually struggling with the material.
They also have a 70% retention rate. That’s actually pretty decent for a small private college. It shows that once people get through the gates, most of them feel like they found "their people."
Why the Acceptance Rate Matters for Your Career
You might wonder if a high acceptance rate hurts your resume. Honestly? In the niches Emmaus serves—missionary work, camp ministry, and even local business in the Midwest—the name carries weight because of its reputation for character.
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Employers in these circles don't care if the school rejected 90% of applicants. They care that you graduated from a program that forced you to be disciplined and ethically grounded.
Actionable Next Steps for Applicants
If you’re looking at that 98% and thinking about pulling the trigger, here is exactly what you should do:
- Visit first: Because the school is so small, the "vibe" is everything. If you don't like the Dubuque weather or the small-campus feel, you’ll know within ten minutes.
- Apply early for scholarships: Even though admissions are rolling (meaning they accept people all year), the institutional grants—which 98% of students receive—get earmarked early.
- Talk to a current student: Ask them about the "Double Major" requirement. Since most programs include a Bible major automatically, the workload can be heavier than you'd expect from an "easy to get into" school.
- Check the Net Price: Don't look at the $21,000+ sticker price. After the Founder’s Grant and other aid, most students pay closer to **$15,000**, which is a steal for a private education.
The Emmaus Bible College acceptance rate is a door that stays wide open for those who share the school’s mission. If you're ready for an education that's as much about your soul as it is about your salary, the stats are definitely in your favor.