Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

The 165-acre Grace College campus is located in the community of Winona Lake, Indiana, approximately 36 miles west of Ft. Wayne. The Village at Winona is just off campus on the lakefront. Return to top

Is the college associated with a specific church denomination?

Grace College is associated with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. The institution begain in 1937 with the founding of Grace Theological Seminary, and Grace College was founded 11 years later on the same campus. Grace College has experienced consistent and healthy growth from its very first year. From an original enrollment of 25, the college has grown to more than 1,200 students from 40 states and 20 countries today.

The Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches traces its heritage back to 1708 in Germany following the Reformation. Conservative in theology and culturally relevant, the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches was organized in 1939 with 75 churches and currently represents nearly 300 congregations. In addition, its evangelistic and missionary outreach can be seen by the work of the Grace Brethren North American Missions and the Grace Brethren International Missions. Return to top

Is Grace accredited?

Yes. Grace College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association and is an active member of the Council of Independent Colleges, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Indiana Conference of Higher Education, the Independent Colleges and Universities of Indiana, and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Grace College is also fully accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International.

Grace Theological Seminary, which is part of the Grace School of Ministry Studies, also is an associate member of the Association of Theological Schools.

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (www.cacrep.org), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), has granted accreditation for the M.A. in Counseling degree in Mental Health Counseling at Grace College.

Grace College is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

The Teacher Education Department at Grace College is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), www.ncate.org. The department is approved by the Association of Christian Schools International and the Indiana Professional Standards Board.

The Business Department is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education, a recognized Small Business Institute, and is actively involved in the Christian Business Faculty Association. Return to top

What is your lifestyle statement?

An important aspect of student life at Grace College is corporate worship and fellowship. Therefore, regular attendance at chapel and Sunday services (in an evangelical church) is required of all full-time students.

As part of Grace College’s commitment to a distinctive lifestyle and experience, students are to refrain from the use of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, tobacco, sexual misconduct, coarse or obscene language, or any other conduct inconsistent with the Christian values or the goals and traditions of the college, including morally degrading media and literature.

It should be understood that any behavior which indicates that an enrolled student has little regard for living a life honoring to God, or whose conduct evidences a spirit of disregard for the college standards, will be sufficient reason for disciplinary action or dismissal. Return to top

How far is the closest big city?

Grace College is centrally located between Detroit, Indianapolis and Chicago. Fort Wayne, Indiana's second-largest city, is 36 miles east and South Bend is 50 miles northwest of campus. Return to top

How many students attend Grace College?

For the spring of 2008, enrollment at Grace is approximately 1,300. Return to top

What is the male/female ratio?

The current ratio is 40 percent male and 60 percent female. Return to top

What’s new on campus?

A lot! Academically speaking, the college has been going through a restructuring process which includes adding and changing some academic programs. Check out our Academics web pages for more information about undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Structurally speaking, we recently opened the $10 million Orthopaedic Capital Center. This new structure houses athletic events and chapel services as well as occasional community events. Its state-of-the-art design, complete with arena-style, can hold up to 2,500 people and has become a dramatic new focal point for the campus.

In the past several years, we've also opened the Gordon Student Recreation Center (athletic equipment, indoor track, and aerobics room), the Tree of Life Café and Bookstore, and a new townhouse-style residence hall for upperclassmen. For the most up-to-date campus news, check out our “News & Events” web pages. Return to top

How do I arrange for a visit to campus?

Scheduling a campus visit is easy! Simply call the Admissions Visitor’s Center at 1-866-97-GRACE. We appreciate your call at least a week in advance so we can prepare a schedule that will meet all your needs. For personal and group visit days, click here. Return to top

What normally occurs during a campus visit?

The Admissions Visitor’s Center will work with you to make your campus visit as beneficial as possible. During your visit, you can visit a class, experience chapel with our student body, tour the campus, eat at Alpha Dining Commons, meet with professors and coaches, and get to know your Admissions Counselor, who can help you with the application process and financial aid. Return to top

Will I be well prepared to enter the workforce after graduation?

Grace College has an excellent placement rate. We are so confident that graduating students will be well-equipped to enter the job market or to continue their education in graduate school that we have a Placement Promise. The Placement Promise allows graduates to return to Grace College tuition free for one year if unable to secure employment or gain entry to graduate school within six months after graduation. For complete details of the Grace College Placement Promise, please contact the Admissions Visitor’s Center at 1-866-97-GRACE.

The Career Services Department at Grace will work hard to help you build your resumé to find your first job or continue on to graduate or professional school. Return to top

Admissions & Financial Aid

What are the Admissions Requirements?

In addition to the faith statement and spiritual life reference, admission decisions are based primarily on a combination of grade point average, class rank, and test scores. Students who are best prepared for the academic challenges at Grace should have at least a "B" average in a college preparatory curriculum, rank in the top third of their class, and achieve competitive scores on the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). Because Grace accepts the highest set of scores for either test, you might want to take the test several times to achieve the best possible results.

While standardized test scores are required, your high school record is by far the most critical element in our admission decision, especially your performance during your junior year.

Students who complete graduation requirements early or are home-schooled are considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. Return to top

When should I apply?

Priority consideration is given to those who apply early. The Early Admission (non-binding) deadline is December 1. The paper application requires a $30 application fee (the application fee is waived for online applications). The official deadline for applications is March 1 prior to the fall semester. Applications received after March 1 will be considered on a space available basis only. You can apply online (no application fee required). Return to top

How do I apply to Grace?

To apply to Grace College simply click here and start typing. Once you fill out a Grace College application, you will also need a Spiritual Life Reference form completed by your pastor, youth pastor, or spiritual mentor. In addition, the High School Reference and Transcripts Request form will need to be completed by your counselor (letter of recommendation for home school students). Transcripts and ACT or SAT scores should be sent to the Grace College Admission Office. Once we receive these items, your application will be complete and reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Return to top

How soon can I find out that I am accepted?

Once we receive your application, spiritual life reference, school report, high school transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores, your application will be reviewed. The Grace College Admissions Committee meets every week to review applications. You will receive notification of your admissions decision within two weeks of application completion. Return to top

Will you accept AP classes?

Yes. Grace College accepts AP courses as long as the score on the final exam is a 4 or higher. Return to top

Will Grace accept my transfer credits?

Yes. College courses 100 level and above from most colleges and universities will be accepted. In order to get credit, you must attain a “C-” or better in the course. While most credits will transfer in, courses are reviewed on a case by case basis to replace Grace College courses. The Registrar's Office will provide you with a written transfer credit evaluation after admission is granted. Return to top

Do you have classes I can take while in high school?

Yes. If you are a junior or senior in high school within driving distance and have at least a 3.0 G.P.A., you can apply for Jump Start admission to Grace College. This is a great way to get a head start on college. More than 30 courses are available at a significantly reduced rate for Jumpstart students. All you need to do to apply is fill out a Jump Start Application or contact the Jump Start coordinator. Return to top

What are your school codes for the SAT, ACT and FAFSA?

In order to have your information sent to Grace College, enter the following codes on the appropriate registration forms:

ACT: 1198

SAT: 1252

FAFSA: 001800

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Will someone help me register for classes? When can I expect to do that?

The Registrar will create a class schedule for you by the end of June. A letter will be sent with a password for you to log onto the Web site so you can view your schedule. Class schedules will be finalized during Welcome Weekend orientation. Once you arrive as a student you will be assigned a faculty advisor within your area of academic interest who will meet with you at key times throughout the semester for advising, selecting classes, planning for internships, and answering questions. These professors are accessible to you throughout the year for whatever academic needs arise. Return to top

Do you offer Financial Aid?

Yes. Grace College offers a variety of merit-based scholarships, grants, campus jobs, and loans. In order to be considered for need-based awards, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will automatically be considered for and awarded merit-based scholarships and notified when admission is granted. For more information please visit our Financial Aid Web site or contact your Admissions Counselor. Return to top

What are the payment options?

There are two payment options. The first is to pay each semester balance before the semester begins. Grace also offers a long term payment plan through Academic Management Services (AMS). This plan allows the parent/student the option of making up to 10 monthly payments to pay off the balance. The annual cost of this plan is $55 with no other fees or interest charges. Return to top

Is there financial assistance for international students?

Yes, but it is expected that international students will contribute the majority of their annual educational expenses. International financial assistance rarely exceeds 25 percent of annual expenses. Return to top

Academics

What are your largest academic departments?

Grace offers more than 50 undergraduate areas of study, master’s degrees in counseling, education, and ministry, and a doctoral degree program in ministry. Return to top

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS

Do you have a scholarship competition?

Yes. To be considered for the annual undergraduate Presidential Scholarship Competition it is recommended that applicants score 1200 on the SAT (math and reading) or a 27 composite ACT and have a GPA of at least 3.7 or rank in the top 20% of their class. The competition will be held February 23 and 24, 2007 (Friday evening through Saturday morning) and consists of a written essay and a personal interview by faculty and senior administrators. Candidates for consideration should apply for admission by the December 1st early action date (January 15th deadline) and will automatically be considered. Finalists will be selected by February 1 and notified of finalist status (if selected).

Several graduate scholarships are available through Grace Theological Seminary, which is part of the Grace School of Ministry. They include the Grace Theological Seminary Scholarship, Partners in Education Award, and the seminary’s Presidential Scholarship Competition. Return to top

Do you offer Study Abroad and Cross Cultural Experiences?

Yes. Grace’s Study Abroad Program is regarded as a model program among Christian colleges in the U.S. The program enables qualified students to study abroad during their sophomore or junior year. These programs are of particular interest to our foreign language majors and minors. We believe immersion in a different culture and language is the best way to attain cross-cultural understanding and language proficiency. Students study at one of the approved member universities in Dijon or Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; Monte, Argentina; Madrid, Spain; or Buenos Aires, Argentina.

For further information regarding current member institutions and courses offered, please visit the department of Languages and Cultures. Return to top

Cross-Cultural Field Experience

Because Grace College considers cross-cultural awareness a vital part of growth, all students are required to go on a 7-10 day cultural experience. This is a great opportunity to see the world! Experiences include ministry opportunities such as GO teams that travel mostly to South America and Europe and to cultural centers in major U.S. cities. Return to top

The Bi-cultural experience

This course is designed for students for whom the United States is a cross-cultural experience. Students explore many of the assumptions, values, and beliefs that characterize the United States and compare them with other cultures. They also discover something else, as defined by Dr. Useem as, “created, shared, and learned understandings.” This course fulfills the field experience component of the Global Perspectives course. Return to top

As an undergraduate student, when will I need to choose a major area of study?

Students are not required to declare a major until their sophomore year, so don’t feel overwhelmed with this decision if you are preparing to go to college! After all, we offer more than 50 major undergraduate areas of study to provide a wide variety of academic options to prepare for many careers, graduate study, or ministry service. We prefer students come in open-minded about the many major and career possibilities offered. Our Career Services Center provides interest inventories, ability assessments, and personality profiles to help you discover what professions may be the best fit for you. Return to top

Student Life

What is your dress code?

Grace College has certain standards and principles for our students to dress modestly and appropriately. Shorts, t-shirts, and jeans are appropriate attire for most classes. For specific guidelines, please refer to page 24 of our Student Handbook. Return to top

May freshmen have a car on campus?

Yes (free of charge!). Make sure that you register your car when you enroll for classes. Return to top

May I bring my own computer? Are there computers provided on campus?

Yes and yes! Please visit the college’s Office of Information Technology web pages to learn the requirements your computer must have for it to be compatible with our network. Also check out how many computers we have for your convenience. Return to top

How do I find a job on campus?

There are over 300 jobs on campus. We recommend you start at our Career Services Center. The center has complete listings of all available on-campus jobs, as well as tips on where to find the best jobs in the community. Return to top

What if I get sick while at Grace? Is there a nurse/doctor on campus?

Health services are provided for on-campus students in an attempt to meet the general health needs of students. A registered nurse and physician are available to assist in medical emergencies and care for illnesses. If you are too ill to get to the health center, a nurse will personally come to your dorm room and care for your needs. For more serious medical needs, Kosciusko Community Hospital (a major medical center) is just three miles away. Return to top

May I live off campus?

Maybe. Off-campus requirements may shift from year to year depending on available residence hall space. To live off campus for the 2008-2009 school year, students must meet one of the following criteria:

1. 23 years of age as of August 1st (fall semester) or January 1st (spring semester)
2. registered for less than 12 hours
3. completion of 123 college credit hours
4. living with parents, guardians or relatives

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How safe is your campus?

Grace College students feel very safe, largely because of our great location. In addition, there are keyed entrances to residence halls and rooms, 18 security stations, and well-lit sidewalks. Campus Safety is more than willing to escort students across campus after dark. Return to top

What social activities does Grace offer?

Plenty! Our students enjoy spending downtime at our Grille or Tree of Life Café on campus. On top of that, there are two major student organizations that provide many options: Our Student Activities Board (SAB) puts together an exciting round of events for college students every year. The Indiana Hall 500, tailgating, paintball, concerts, Pizza Hut Night, luaus—there are lots of creative and amusing options, as well as campus traditions such as homecoming. A complete list of campus events can be found here. Return to top

What are your intramurals like?

Lots of fun! Our hall vs. hall competitions are full of energy and excitement. Our intramurals include soccer, basketball, flag football, volleyball, softball, and badminton. Return to top

What church denominations are there in the Winona Lake area?

Located in the Winona Lake area are many non-denominational churches and local churches representing more than 30 denominations and fellowships, including Assemblies of God, Baptist, Bible Church, Brethren, Christian, Christian and Missionary Alliance, Free Methodist, Grace Brethren, Independent, Lutheran, Mennonite, Missionary, Nazarene, Non-denominational, Presbyterian, Reformed Baptist, Salvation Army, United Methodist, and Wesleyan. Return to top

Do you have chapel?

Yes! Chapel services stimulate spiritual hunger and growth through student-led worship, sharing, testimonies, public and small group prayer, and faithful teaching of God’s Word. Because Chapel is a central ingredient in Grace College’s mission, attendance at chapel, Tuesdays through Thursdays, is required for undergraduate students. Return to top

What about the spiritual life of campus/ministry groups?

Spiritual formation is one of the most important things that happen on our campus. We want to provide an environment that fosters community, encouragement and spiritual growth! Three specific ways we work to do this are chapel, ministry teams, and Growth Groups—small groups of students meeting together in order to develop community and grow in their personal lives. Return to top

serve is a student-run organization consisting of different ministry teams of which you can be a part. The teams consist of and are led by members of the Grace College student body.

Growth Groups
Growth Groups are small groups that meet weekly in residence halls for the purpose of spiritual growth and community development.

Chapel
Chapel at Grace exists to compliment the classroom in furthering the spiritual formation of students through corporate worship in various forms.

Center for Character and Leadership Development (CCLD)
A leadership training/mentoring experience for students which exists to awaken, equip, and connect emerging leaders of character and innovation. Return to top