Frequently Asked Questions

How much will it cost to get started?
This is one of the top questions we get, and we are well aware of how important finances are to our prospective students. You can check out the Tuition and Fees page to get the basic information in regards to cost. However, this does not reflect the tuition discounts (10-30%) that are normally going to be available. It also does not address the enormous amount of flexibility we have when working with an adult learner on a payment arrangement. We are interested in making every effort to make enrollment manageable. We can generally get a student enrolled with as little as a $350-$500 deposit and work out a monthly payment plan to fit their budget. With so many options available, we advise speaking to an Enrollment Advisor to see what works best for you.

Is the Cost of materials included in my tuition?
Audio lectures, course study guides (syllabi), and library resources are all available through the Trinity Online Learning Center and are included in your tuition and fees. The textbooks are a separate cost and should be ordered via www.mbsdirect.net or by phone at
800-325-3252 (573-441-9179 International). Many students also use discount sellers such as christianbook.com and Amazon. The booklist, along with ISBN numbers, can be found in the study guide itself.

What is the first thing I need to do? When can I get started?
If you have not done so already, you can begin by filling out the brief Evaluation Form, or contacting an Admissions Counselor today. Our students are not restricted by a traditional enrollment/enrollment agreement schedule such as would be the case on a Semester or Quarter basis. You can enroll at ANY TIME during the year and your study is SELF-PACED so you move through your courses at whatever speed is comfortable for you.

Are there any on-campus requirements?
No. All courses can be done at home, at your own pace and on your own schedule.

How do I complete the course assignments?
Generally speaking, our courses contain the same basic components as traditional classes; they are made up of audio lectures, a course syllabus, and textbook requirements. (book requirements vary from course to course) Our courses contain these same components but are provided for you outside of the traditional classroom setting. You have a program director or other faculty member who is responsible for the course but he/she is not responsible for daily guidance through the materials. Your assignment/objectives are clearly outlined in your study guide. These will be a variety of written assignments (essay questions, research projects, critical reflection papers, summaries, etc...) meant to challenge and strengthen you in many areas. The assignments are easily submitted through the Trinity Online Learning Center (TOLC) or even through the postal service if you prefer. Grades and critique are received in the same manner.

How long does it take to finish a course or a degree? Are there any restrictions?
Trinity understands from years of experience, that not everyone learns at the same rate. When it comes to adult learners there are always outside factors that should be factored in. With this in mind, Trinity allows students a maximum of 10 years to complete a degree program. Each course enrollment agreement is valid for one year and extensions are available. When you finish the courses on your first enrollment agreement, you can immediately register for another set of courses and this enrollment agreement will then be valid for one year.

What if I need help while I am trying to do the studies?
Trinity has a dedicated Academic Advisory staff to work with you. We also have program directors, onsite and adjunct faculty, technical staff, and a variety of general staff members who will be available to help you on a daily basis. (you can make contact be email or telephone).

Do I have to sign up and pay for the whole program up front?
No. Some applicants sign up for the whole program, some register for 12-15 credits at a time (about 4-5 courses), and some begin with as few as 9 credits. Although there are some additional discounts for prepayment of your degree, many applicants use one of our deferred payment options to get started.

Is Trinity Accredited?
Visit our About Us page for information.

What will I be able to do with this degree?
Our goal is “To equip men and women with a Christian worldview of leadership and service in life, work, and ministry through distance education that encourages professional and academic excellence.” Our average applicant is 44 years of age and most of our students/graduates are either currently involved in, or transitioning to, careers and service as pastors, teachers, counselors, missionaries, and administrators. Still others aspire to be better equipped as volunteers in their churches, Sunday School teachers, etc. Testimonials from students and graduates are posted throughout the site, so you can see for yourself how Trinity has equipped people to fulfill their individual callings.

Is Trinity associated with a particular church or denomination?
No. Trinity has no such affiliations. We have always been recognized as a Theologically Conservative, Evangelical Bible College and Theological Seminary. Trinity is cross-denominational and welcomes students from all Christian traditions. Our faculty and administration mirror the denominational and theological diversity of our student body. Our objective is to build a community of learning where the common desire is to further God's kingdom.

Will other colleges, seminaries, or universities accept your credits or degrees?
Acceptance of credits or degrees is an Institutional decision. While this decision is often made based upon the accreditation status of a school, this is not always the case. Trinity's reputation for being both theologically and academically solid has long been a sufficient reason for many colleges and seminaries to accept trinity credits or degrees. Erskine Seminary, Lancaster Bible College, and Calvary Bible College and Seminary are only a few of the many accredited schools that have accepted Trinity credits and degrees, and have Trinity graduates serving in faculty or teaching positions.

Can I obtain my ministry license and/or be ordained through this program?
Trinity's mission is to prepare you for effective ministry, or to enhance your ministry gifts. Ordination and licensure are not a part of Trinity's mission. We believe these endorsements should be administered by local church bodies and other organizations. Because ministry training is a prerequisite to licensure and/or ordination, organizations and denominations have accepted the Trinity degree for these purposes.

Can I get the books anywhere?
Yes, you may order your books as you prefer: such as from a local bookseller or an online book source. Because Trinity works closely with MBSDirect to ensure availability of Trinity materials, convenience in ordering, and provision of good service to Trinity students, Trinity recommends taking advantage of the online bookstore at www.mbsDirect.net. You may also call MBS Direct at 800-325-3252.

Are there any costs that I am not seeing? (hidden fees)
Only the cost of books and shipping are not listed on our Tuition and Fees page. These may vary and it is difficult to list all the possible costs. There are some Graduation related fees that are listed in the Student Handbook

. These costs are not related to admissions and are only required after the completion of a degree program.

Where can I obtain a Trinity catalog?
A PDF version of the catalog may be obtained HERE.

Where can I find a listing of course descriptions?
A PDF version of the course descriptions may be obtained HERE (listed towards the end of the PDF file).