FAQ: Even a College Can Go Back to School™
1. Why did Grace College make a change in its method of education?
Grace College is committed to its mission as an evangelical institution of higher education that applies biblical values to developing students’ character, sharpening their competence, and preparing them for service. We value the needs of hard-working students and their families and are seeking ways to make an education at Grace more affordable. We have listened to their concerns and are trying to address them. The package of recommendations we are making is intended to help make a quality education at Grace both affordable and practical while still maintaining a biblical foundation.
2. I heard that Grace has a model that is different from other schools. What is it?
The changes we can look forward to are:- A compressed calendar of two, 8-week sessions in each of the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
- Options to graduate in three years with a bachelor’s degree, four years with a bachelor’s degree, or four years with a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree.
- Scheduling courses in a way that allows for in-depth study of 2-3 courses at a time
- A modified housing and meal plan
- An intentional focus on applied learning as part of each student’s check sheet
- Online, summer courses
- The common general education experience, called the Grace Core, will be offered more frequently (see question 5)
3. What is applied learning? Is it more than student teaching? What about study abroad?
Applied learning could include any number of activities or projects students complete outside the regular classroom experience that applies their knowledge about their discipline in a practical way, has oversight by a faculty member, and includes an academic component. Student teaching and study abroad are examples of applied learning that could be required by the major or minor, but they are not the only options.
4. Will everyone have to graduate in three years?
Grace will continue to be a four-year school; however, all degrees in all disciplines will allow students to graduate in three years if they choose to do so. Students will have the option of completing their bachelor’s degrees in either four years or three years, depending on their individual needs. For example, student athletes, students choosing a combined bachelor’s/master’s degree, or students who determine they want a more flexible schedule or no summer courses might choose the four-year graduation option.
5. What will the Grace Core look like?
We believe that learning about God’s creation is an act of worship that relates to the various disciplines represented at Grace College. The Grace Core will be a common educational experience for all students who attend Grace College. The Core will include Freshman Foundations, a first-year experience course, and Global Perspectives and its cross-cultural experience. The Core will consist of Bible courses as well as those representing the disciplines of Behavioral Science, Communication, Economics, English, and History. It will also include an integrated humanities course focusing on art, music, and literature, and an integrated science and math course. The BA and the BS provide further distinctions by requiring an additional 6 language credits for a BA and 6 credits of math and of science or social science courses for a BS.
6. What will the tuition be in this new model? Will we have to pay extra for the summer school on-line semester?
Students enrolled for 12-18 credits pay a flat tuition fee. Students registering for more than 18 credits in the fall semester or spring semester will be charged at a per-credit tuition rate beyond the 18 credits.
If students are enrolled full-time in the fall and spring semesters, they can take up to 6 credits in the summer for the technology fee only (no tuition). A maximum of 6 credits may be taken in any one summer 8-week session. In summer sessions, students will pay the technology fee and regular tuition rates (a) beyond 6 credits, (b) if they were not enrolled full-time in a degree-program the previous two semesters, or (c) if they are registering for credits that exceed the 120 credits needed for graduation with a bachelor’s degree.
7. How will financial aid work for a 3-year degree vs. a 4-year degree?
Students should be eligible for one year of financial aid for every year of full-time enrollment until the point they graduate with a bachelor’s degree (up to four years). Under the new model, completion of a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree within the four years will also allow a student to retain four years of his or her financial aid. In all cases, any time students have a question about financial aid, they should speak directly to that office (800.544.7223, ext. 6162) regarding their individual circumstances.
8. How will a 3-year college experience impact a my personal development? Do I need all four years to be ready for life post-graduation?
Students’ development is important to us and is reflected in our mission as we develop their character, sharpen their competence, and prepare them for service. We believe that coming alongside students through a combination of experiences, such as student/advisor relationships, on-campus employment, applied learning, strong local church involvement, and campus-wide leadership positions will help them develop personally. We also believe that some of our redesigned Grace Core courses will help students address some very practical life issues related to healthy living, goal setting, relationship development, and financial responsibility. Additionally, students will always have the option of a four-year graduation plan if they believe this is best for their personal situation.
