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Student Outcomes

Mission

Carolina College of Biblical Studies exists to disciple Christ-followers, through biblical higher education, for a lifetime of effective servant leadership.

Institutional Goals

The following institutional goals indicate the knowledge, attitudes, and abilities that CCBS regards as evidence of institutional effectiveness:

  1. Graduates demonstrate greater knowledge of the Bible and the central doctrines of the Christian faith resulting in a biblical worldview.
  2. Graduates demonstrate Christian character and spiritual maturity evidenced by spiritual transformation.
  3. Graduates demonstrate the resolve to be independent researchers, critical thinkers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners.
  4. Graduates demonstrate abilities for successful careers and Christian service in the church and marketplace.
  5. Provide an attractive, safe environment conducive for learning and spiritual growth with adequate physical, financial, and human resources.
  6. Foster an edifying community for learning and spiritual growth.
  7. Nurture a culture of helping others through a servant’s heart.

Updated: March 14, 2022

Relationship of Mission to Institutional Goals

100%

Vocational Ministry Placement

71%

Average Retention Rate

67%

Graduation Rate

Institutional Outcomes Data

Student Assessment

The following criteria are established as the primary means Carolina College of Biblical Studies uses to measure attainment of our institutional goals and to document student success. All assessments are administered to all students across all modalities (campus, online).

  1. Retention Rates
  2. Graduation/Completion Rates
  3. Employment Rates, Christian Service Rates, Graduate School Enrollment
  4. ABHE Bible Exam (exit scores for graduating students)
  5. ETS Proficiency Profile (exit scores for graduating students)
  6. Spiritual Formation Assessment
  7. Edifying Community

As an educational institution with an educational mission, the first goal is to attract, retain, and graduate mission-fit students. Thus, two criteria were adopted related to this: retention rates and graduation rates. The institution has chosen to make use of IPEDS data for greater consistency even though National Student Clearinghouse data may compare more favorably.

Retention Rates

Carolina College of Biblical Studies is an open-enrollment institution. There are no minimum entrance requirements. In addition, significant numbers of students are first-generation college students, adult learners returning to complete a degree, and/or come from socio-economic situations that often are educationally disadvantaged students (54% are Pell-eligible and 69% of students receive federal aid).

Our students are older adults (average age 45) with some prior education. Additionally, because they are adult students, college is not their full-time responsibility. The average student only takes 6-9 hours per semester, not a full course load. Therefore, CCBS does not use the traditional “full-time, first-time student” in its internal measurements.

The following data is based on year-over-year comparisons of all degree-seeking students using the Retention Report in Populi. The report analyzes the retention of students enrolled in any of our programs (excluding “none”) and allocates percentages for students retained, graduated, lost, and excused. The final retention rate is calculated as 100 minus % lost.

For example, of the degree-enrolled students in the 2020-21 Fall semester, what percentage of students are enrolled in the next year’s Fall semester?

Minimum threshold of acceptability: 60%
Aspirational goal: 80%

The most recent fall-to-fall retention rate was 71%.

YEAR % Retained % Graduated % Lost % Excused RETENTION RATE
2021-2022 48% 22% 29% 0% 71%
2020-2021 54% 22% 23% 0% 77%
2019-2020 50% 21% 28% 1% 72%
2018-2019* 44% 24% 31% 1% 69%
3 Year Average         73.3%

*Due to the switch from quarters to semesters in 2018-19, historical data is limited to that timeframe.

Graduation/Completion Rate

The traditional IPEDS graduation rate is based on “full-time, first-time” undergraduate students. However, this description does not characterize the average student at CCBS. First, CCBS students are mostly part-time students, averaging 7.8 credits in Fall 2022. Second, CCBS students are mostly adult learners as compared to traditional 18-22-year-old college students. Many of our students enter CCBS with transfer credits; thus, they are not first-time students. As a result, the cohort of potential completers who fit the “full-time, first-time” model is considerably small (averaging 4.25 for the last 4 years). Therefore, the slightest variation in students graduating outside of 200% or transferring out affects the percentage drastically. 

As a result, the traditional IPEDS graduation rate of finishing within 150% of the program’s length is not adequate for our student body. Therefore, we include a column for 200% of the program length to allow for greater comparability.

Minimum threshold of acceptability: 40%
Aspirational goal: 60%

The most recent 200% graduation rate was 50%.

YEAR Cohort Year Potential Completers Completers Bachelor’s Percentage Rate Overall*
150% (6 years)
Overall**
200% (8 years)
2020-21 2015 4 1 100% 25% Not available yet
2019-20 2014 3 2 0*** 67% Not available yet
2018-19 2013 6 1 50% 17% 50%
2017-18 2012 4 2 100% 50% 100%

*First-time/full-time students entering college at Carolina College of Biblical Studies and completing their program within 150% of published time.
**First-time/full-time students entering college at Carolina College of Biblical Studies and completing their program within 200% of published time.
***We had no BA completers from the 2014 cohort in 2019-20. The overall rate was 67%, but none of them were graduating with bachelor’s degrees.

Employment, Christian Service, and Graduate School Rate

Institutional Goal #4 relates to our graduates’ abilities for successful careers and Christian service. We use Employment Rates, Christian Service Rates, and Graduate School Enrollment Rates as a measure of our success in this goal.

Employment Rate

Many of our students come as older adults who are not looking for employment opportunities but rather continuing education for their current areas of service/ministry in their local church setting. The institution tracks employment generally (including both full and part-time employment).

Minimum threshold of acceptability: 80%
Aspirational goal: 90%

Employment Rates from the most recent Survey of Recent Graduates was 71%.

  Number Respondents Graduate Employment Rate
2021-22 24  71%
2020-21 25 100%
3 Year Average   85.5%

Graduates answering “yes” to the question, “If so, are you currently working in a church/ministry position OR anticipate starting within the next 6 months.”

Christian Service Rates

Because many of our students are not pursuing biblical higher education for employment purposes, we find that it is also instrumental to include Christian Service Rates. That is, are our students involved in Christian Service within their local church upon graduation?

Minimum threshold of acceptability: 80%
Aspirational goal: 100%

Christian Service Rates from the most recent Survey of Recent Graduates was 95.8%.

  Number of Respondents Involved in Local Church Ministry
2021-22 24 95.8%
2020-21** 25 80%
3 Year Average   87.9%

Graduates answering “yes” to the question, “If you did NOT intend to work in a church/ministry position, then are you participating in regular Christian service at your church or local ministry?”

**This question is new and will be first administered to the 2022 graduating class. A similar, but different, question was the basis for the 2020-21 data.

Graduate Enrollment Rates

Many students move on to the next higher degree level (master’s, doctoral). This statistic is also considered as part of fulfilling Institutional Goal #4 because they may require post-graduate education prior to employment within their chosen career field.

Minimum threshold of acceptability: 25%
Aspirational goal: 50%

Graduate Enrollment Rates from the most recent Survey of Recent Graduates was 69.2%.

  Number of Respondents Completed or Enrolled in Graduate School
2021-22 26 69.2%
2020-21** 16 50%
3 Year Average   59.6%

Graduates answering “yes” to the question, “I have completed or am currently enrolled in a graduate degree.”

**This question is new and will be first administered to the 2022 graduating class. A similar, but different, question was the basis for the 2020-21 data.

ABHE Bible Exam

Our goal is that our graduates will demonstrate a greater knowledge of the Bible and the central doctrines of the Christian faith resulting in a biblical worldview (institutional goal 1). CCBS has decided to use the Association for Biblical Higher Education Bible Knowledge Exam to measure this goal. This assessment is nationally normed among all other ABHE schools using the exam. The exam was updated significantly in 2020. Therefore, the historical data for this goal begins in 2020.

Minimum threshold of acceptability: 10% improvement in the value-added score (pre-test/post-test)
Aspirational goal: 20% improvement in the value-added (pre-test/post-test)

The average improvement of pre/post score for CCBS graduates in the most recent assessment was 14.8%.

ABHE Bible Exam Value-Added Scores

  Bible Knowledge Value-Added (pre/post) Bible Knowledge Value-Added
(CCBS vs. ABHE)
Biblical Teaching Value-Added (pre/post) Biblical Teaching Value-Added
(CCBS vs. ABHE)
Fall 2021-22 14.8 5.5 14.5 1.3
Fall 2020-21 6.3 8.3 4.75 6.1
3-Year Average: 10.6% 6.9% 9.6% 3.7%

 

Bible Knowledge (Fall 2021-2022)

By Bible Knowledge Category Freshmen Seniors Value-Added
(pre/post)
ABHE CCBS Value-Added
(CCBS vs. ABHE)
Acts 56 67 11 51 57 6
Bible as a Whole 57 75 18 63 58 -5
General Epistles 52 53 1 46 52 6
Gospels 59 79 20 55 61 6
Pauline Epistles 57 90 33 51 59 8
Revelation 72 100 28 68 74 6
Historical Books 60 69 9 53 61 8
Pentateuch 67 79 12 63 68 5
Prophets 56 75 19 45 57 12
Psalms & Wisdom Literature 47 44 -3 44 47 3
AVERAGE:     14.8%     5.5%

 

Biblical Teaching (Fall 2021-2022)

By Biblical Teaching Category Freshmen Seniors Value-Added
(pre/post)
ABHE CCBS Value-Added
(CCBS vs. ABHE)
Bible Gen Knowledge 61 67 6 57 62 5
Bible Genre 46 17 -29 49 44 -5
Christology 55 74 19 54 57 3
Covenant 59 78 19 54 61 7
Eschatlogy 68 83 15 75 69 -6
NT Gen Knowledge 60 82 22 54 61 7
NT Vocabulary 56 58 2 51 56 5
OT Gen Knowledge 61 73 12 52 62 10
OT Vocabulary 75 100 25 69 77 8
Revelation 51 75 24 65 53 -12
Soteriology 58 72 14 61 59 -2
Theology 55 100 45 63 58 -5
AVERAGE:     14.5%     1.25%
General Education Assessment

Beginning in 2022, CCBS has chosen to measure its general education goals using the ETS Proficiency Profile. This assessment evaluates students in the areas of critical thinking, reading, writing, and mathematics. This exam will begin being used with the 2022 graduates to measure general education outcomes. While initially the data will be limited, the following goals were established.

Minimum threshold of acceptance: Exiting graduate score within one standard deviation of the national norm.
Aspirational goal: Exiting graduate score 10 points above the national norm.

    Critical Thinking Mathematics Reading Writing Total Scores
2022 (n = 9) CCBS 108.3 104.9 111.4 109.9 420.3
2022 (n = 39,962) Norm 109.8 111.6 115.0 112.4 435.8
  Difference -1.5 -6.7 -3.6 -2.5 -15.5

*Data from 2022 does not meet minimum standards for comparison. Normal data requires at least 30 participants for statistical averages. However, since 2022 was the first instance of this assessment, we have included the data to help set a baseline comparison.
**The national comparison group is baccalaureate (liberal arts) students who tested between July 2016 and June 2021. It represents 44 institutions and 39,962 students.

Spiritual Formation Assessment

Institutional Goal #2 relates to the spiritual transformation of our students. To assess this goal, the institution has chosen the SpiritPulse Survey which is administered every 2 years. The quantitative percentages along with the qualitative comments give a limited assessment of the overall spiritual formation on campus. 

  Norm CCBS Minimum Goal Aspirational Goal
How is your overall spiritual well-being 81% 87% 70% 90%
How is your overall well-being? 79% 93% 70% 90%

*Percentage selecting “good” or “great” on the Fall 2020 survey.

The following comments were given in response to the question, “Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about your spiritual life or your school’s spiritual programs?”

  • I thank God for the opportunity to attend this higher learning in Christ. The more I learn the more I can share with my family, friends, church, and community.
  • CCBS has reaffirmed my calling. 
  • CCBS is a vital part of my growing spiritually and desire to continue learning, not to gain knowledge alone by more importantly to have a better awareness, understanding, and a deeper relationship with the Lord. The staff and professor do not make you feel inadequate at where you may be on your spiritual journey but a yearning to move closer to the Lord and become a better believer and servant of God.
  • I have grown tremendously since beginning my studies at CCBS in 2017. 
  • Obtaining a Christian worldview is crucial. The school do not speed through without giving you ample time to really consider a worldview. 
  • Thank you all for being a part of my spiritual walk. 
  • The CCBS’s spiritual programs have been very helpful to me. 
  • This College rocks helping me build spiritual strength as well as spiritual closeness to peers and faculty!
Edifying Community

Institutional Goal #6 suggests that the campus environment is conducive for learning and spiritual growth. Such an environment is two-prong. First, do the students have a sense of satisfaction with the campus, its services, and the academic & spiritual growth they are receiving. Second, do the faculty and staff experience a similar positive and edifying atmosphere.

Student Satisfaction

Every 2 years, all students are administered the Ruffalo-Noel Levitz “Adult Student Priorities Survey.” This survey is a modification of the more traditional Student Satisfaction Inventory with particular emphasis at the adult student as compared to the traditional 18-22 year old student.

  National Adult Students Carolina College of Biblical Studies
So far, how has your college experience met your expectations? 33% 65%
Rate your overall satisfaction with your experience here thus far? 66% 92%
All in all, if you had to do it over, would you enroll here again? 70% 96%

*Based on Fall 2021 Adult Student Priorities Survey. A total of 97 students (55%) completed the survey.

Employee Engagement

Every 2 years, the staff are administered the Best Christian Workplaces Institute employee engagement survey. Engagement is a measure demonstrating our employee’s investments of energy and commitment to CCBS. Our score is based on a 5-poiunt scale where 5 is “strongly agree” and 1 is “strongly disagree.” The scores are compared with other organizations in BCWI’s Bible Colleges Sector over the past five years.

  Carolina College of Biblical Studies
(Out of 5)
vs. Sector Average
I would recommend CCBS to others as a good place to work. 4.93 4.27
I would rate CCBS as an exceptional place to work. 4.93 4.21
I would prefer to remain with CCBS even if a comparable role at a higher pay level were available in another organization. 4.57 3.84
I am motivated to put in extra effort beyond what is expected to help CCBS succeed. 4.93 4.43

*Based on BCWI 2020 Engagement Survey Results.

It truly equipped me well and I would not have this position without my degree from CCBS.

Pam Recod
Women’s Ministry Leader
Class of 2020

Pamela Recod

Program Outcomes

Program Outcomes

Each of the institution’s educational programs has an accompanying program description and related student learning objectives. These objectives are assessed regularly to evaluate overall student learning. Additionally, each program is reviewed every 5 years to allow for a deeper dive into longitudinal analysis.

Use the accordion links below to review each program’s assessment and reviews.

Majors and Minors

Carolina College of Biblical Studies currently offers the following programs with their acknowledged CIP Code.

Associate of Arts Degrees

Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies 39.0201

Bachelor of Arts Degrees

Bachelor of Arts in Apologetics 39.0601
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies 39.0201

Minors

Apologetics 39.0601
Biblical Counseling 39.0701
Leadership & Ministry 39.0401
Pastoral Ministry 39.0602

Master of Arts Degrees

Master of Arts in Bible Translation 39.0201
Master of Arts in Theological Studies 39.0601

Master of Divinity Degrees

Master of Divinity 39.0602
Associate Degrees

Please click the program to view the related Outcome review.

Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies

Program Description:

The Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies provides graduates with a basic knowledge of the Bible built on the exegetical interpretation. Graduates demonstrate basic skills as independent researchers and effective communicators. The Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies serves as the first two years of the bachelor’s degree program.

Student Learning Objectives:

  • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the Bible and central doctrines of the Christian faith.
  • Demonstrate a basic growth in Christian character, spiritual maturity, and leadership development.
  • Apply basic skills in communication, research, and critical thinking.

Assessment:

Bachelor Degrees

Please click the program to view the related Outcome review.

Bachelor of Arts in Apologetics

Program Description:

The Bachelor of Arts in Apologetics is designed to provide wide exposure to apologetic topics as well as different philosophies while refining a God-honoring philosophy reflecting reality and the revelation of the Creator. Students will also refine critical thinking skills through analysis, discussion, and argumentation.

Student Learning Objectives:

  • To equip graduates to defend the orthodox, historic faith from a variety of attacks.
  • To prepare graduates to present and persuasive case for the Christian faith to people of various worldviews.
  • To develop ways to build bridges from false religions and philosophies back to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
  • To build a comprehensive, God-honoring Christian philosophy.
  • To demonstrate proficiency in research for preparation to enter graduate studies in apologetics or philosophy of religion.

Assessment:

  • Forthcoming

Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies

Program Description:

The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies provides graduates with a proficient knowledge of the Bible built on the exegetical interpretation. Graduates demonstrate proficiency as independent researchers and effective communicators. Students have the option to minor in an area of specific concentration.

Student Learning Objectives:

  • Demonstrate a proficient knowledge of the Bible and central doctrines of the Christian faith.
  • Demonstrate a proficient growth in Christian character, spiritual maturity, and leadership development.
  • Apply proficient skills in communication, research, and critical thinking.
  • Implement competent abilities appropriate for professional positions or ministry service.

Assessment:

Master of Arts Degrees

Please click the program to view the related Outcome review.

Master of Arts in Bible Translation

Program Description:

The Master of Arts in Bible Translation (MABT) provides students with an interdisciplinary knowledge of translation studies, biblical studies, and theology. It prepares students to engage in research and analysis that is informed by those disciplines and contributes to the advance of the church, global missions, or vernacular Bible translation.

Student Learning Objectives:

  • Have capacity to describe, analyze, and evaluate effective Bible translations.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to practical contexts involving the production of a Bible translation.
  • Apply various methods of editing to checking Bible translation.
  • Understand the history and process of Bible translation
  • Be directly involved in advancing Bible translation.
  • Create and evaluate resources and technology supporting Bible translation.
  • Demonstrates foundational understanding of theology, biblical studies, and hermeneutics.

Assessment:

  • Forthcoming

Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Program Description:

The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) provides students with an interdisciplinary knowledge of biblical studies, church history, and theology. It prepares students to engage in research and analysis that is informed by those disciplines and contributes to the advance of the church, missions, or marketplace.

Student Learning Objectives:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the Old and New Testaments through a comprehensive grasp of each book’s theme, design, and theology.
  • Design biblical sermons/messages based on the main idea of the biblical text and applied to the modern audience.
  • Defend the theology of the Christian faith with biblical and philosophical arguments that resonate with today’s modern culture.
  • Develop a stronger spiritual walk through a fuller understanding of evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and world missions.
  • Demonstrate competency in critical thinking, research, and writing at a scholarly level.

Assessment:

  • Forthcoming
Master of Divinity Degrees

Please click the program to view the related Outcome review.

Master of Divinity (launching in 2022-23)

Program Description:

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) equips students biblically, theologically, practically, and professionally for ministry leadership roles (e.g., pastor, chaplain, counselor) and as a foundation for doctoral studies.

Student Learning Objectives:

  • Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of biblical and theological studies.
  • Develop marks of spiritual growth and maturity.
  • Exemplify graduate-level theological research, critical thinking, and competency in communication.
  • Develop competencies in leadership and professional ministry skills. 

Assessment:

  • Forthcoming

WHERE GRADUATES WORK

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Wycliffe Associates

I felt that CCBS was the most professional from the office to the classroom. The professors really cared about the circumstances you were facing.

Michael Gist
Senior Pastor
The Life Center Church

Michael Gist