SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary

SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary is a private nonprofit Christian institution in El Dorado Hills, California. Its programs prepare students for church ministry, biblical teaching, worship leadership and related service, combining theological study with practical ministry experience and mentoring. The school’s Pentecostal orientation is central to its teaching, so applicants should read its statement of faith and program approach to make sure they fit their own goals. Students can study at the California campus, through cohort locations or online, depending on the degree and current delivery schedule.

Degrees and learning format

SUM lists an Associate of Arts in Theology and Ministry, a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Ministry, and a Bachelor of Arts in Worship and Music. Graduate options include the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, Master of Arts in Christian Leadership, and Master of Divinity. The programs connect biblical and theological coursework with hands-on ministry, leadership development and faculty mentorship. Online study is available for selected degrees, including the B.A. in Theology and Ministry, B.A. in Worship and Music, and M.Div.; its “Anytime, Anywhere” format is designed for students who need to balance school with work, family or church service. Check the undergraduate program list and graduate program list to confirm each degree’s campus, cohort and online options before applying.

SUM reports institutional accreditation through the WASC Senior College and University Commission and program-level recognition from the Association for Biblical Higher Education. WSCUC lists the institution as accredited and nonprofit; ABHE’s current statement shows accreditation reaffirmed through 2031. Students considering transfer or later professional study should ask the receiving institution how it evaluates their intended degree and credits.

Tuition, grants and financial aid

SUM’s application page currently lists flat tuition of $1,600 per term for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students, with an installment option. Before planning around that figure, ask whether your program adds fees, how many terms you must attend, and what tuition applies to international or cohort enrollment. The college advertises a World Missions Grant and describes it as a debt-free pledge, but students should confirm the grant’s eligibility rules, amount, renewal conditions and remaining expenses directly with financial aid. SUM also participates in federal Pell Grant and Direct Stafford Loan programs for eligible students. Contact the financial-aid office early to determine which grants, scholarships or loans apply to your status and program; do not assume a grant covers every cost. The school’s application and enrollment page links to current admissions and aid steps.

Admissions and the El Dorado Hills campus

Applicants submit an online application and supporting records, and the process can include references and an admissions interview. The B.A. in Worship and Music requires a music-proficiency audition. Graduate applicants have a separate application path. Ask admissions which cohort locations are currently active if you are not planning to study at the California campus or online. You can request information and start an application directly with SUM.

Main campus and administrative office: 1101 Investment Blvd, Suite 200, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762; (916) 306-1628. The school’s published office hours are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., excluding college holidays and staff-development days. Google Maps lists the same weekday hours and shows the office closed on weekends. Call ahead if you need to meet an admissions, registrar or financial-aid staff member in person.

What students say about the experience

Student comments often highlight supportive professors, personal mentorship, practical ministry experience and flexibility for people balancing study with work or church responsibilities. Some also appreciate the close faith community and the ability to continue working while enrolled. A recent public review, however, describes frustration with transcript processing and delayed responses, so applicants who need records for another school or a licensing pathway should ask how document requests are handled and allow time for processing. Reviews reflect individual experiences and different programs; speak with current students in your intended degree and get aid, transfer and cohort details in writing before making a decision. Browse a sample of graduate student comments as a starting point.