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:
- Graduates demonstrate greater knowledge of the Bible and the central doctrines of the Christian faith resulting in a biblical worldview.
- Graduates demonstrate Christian character and spiritual maturity evidenced by spiritual transformation.
- Graduates demonstrate the resolve to be independent researchers, critical thinkers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners.
- Graduates demonstrate abilities for successful careers and Christian service in the church and marketplace.
- Provide an attractive, safe environment conducive for learning and spiritual growth with adequate physical, financial, and human resources.
- Foster an edifying community for learning and spiritual growth.
- Nurture a culture of helping others through a servant’s heart.
Updated: March 14, 2022
100%
Vocational Ministry Placement
55%
Average Retention Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
Student Outcomes Data
Student Assessment
The following criteria are established at 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).
- Retention Rates
- Graduation/Completion Rates
- Employment Rates, Christian Service Rates, Graduate School Enrollment
- ABHE Bible Exam (exit scores for graduating students)
- ETS Proficiency Profile (exit scores for graduating students)
- Spiritual Formation Assessment
- 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. For example, of the degree-enrolled students in the 2019-20 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 63%.
| YEAR | RETENTION |
| 2020-2021 | 63% |
| 2019-2020 | 51% |
| 2018-2019 | 53% |
| 3 Year Average | 55.67% |
*Due to the switch from quarters to semesters in 2018-19, historical data is limited to that timeframe.
Graduation/Completion Rate
The open enrollment policy of the institution impacts the institution’s completion rate. Our students are predominantly part-time students; therefore, they do not often complete their degree within the 150% IPED’s timeframe. Also, the low cohort size shows large swings in the percentage of completion. Because so many of our students are part-time, we have also included a column for students completing their degree within 200% (8 years).
Minimum threshold of acceptability: 40%
Aspirational goal: 60%
The most recent graduation rate was 67%.
| YEAR | Cohort Year | Potential Completers | Completers | IPEDS Bachelor’s Percentage Rate | IPEDS Overall Percentage | 200% (8 years) |
| 2019-20 | 2014 | 3 | 2 | — | 67% | — |
| 2018-19 | 2013 | 6 | 1 | 50% | 17% | — |
| 2017-18 | 2012 | 4 | 2 | 100% | 50% | 100% |
| 2016-17 | 2011 | 7 | 1 | 0% | 14% | — |
*First-time/full-time students entering college at Carolina College of Biblical Studies, and completing their program within 150% of published time.
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 100%.
| Graduate Employment Rate | |
| 2021-22 | |
| 2020-21 | 100% |
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 ___%.
| Involved in Local Church Ministry | |
| 2021-22 |
Graduates answering “yes” to the question, “I am currently serving in a volunteer capacity within my local church,” on the most recent Survey of Recent Graduates.
**This question is new and will be first administered with the 2022 graduating class.
Graduate Enrollment Rates
Many students move on to the next higher degree level (masters, 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 ___%.
| Completed or Enrolled in Graduate School | |
| 2021-22 |
Graduates answering “yes” to the question, “I have completed or am currently enrolled in a graduate degree,” on the most recent Survey of Recent Graduates.
**This question is new and will be first administered with the 2022 graduating class.
ABHE Bible Enrollment
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 value-added score (pre-test/post-test)
Aspirational goal: 20% improvement in value-added (pre-test/post-test)
The average improvement of entry/exit score for CCBS graduates in the most recent assessment was 12%.
Based on the Fall 2020-21 Assessment.
ABHE Bible Exam Value-Added Scores
- Spring 2021 = 12%
- Fall 2021 = 12%
Bible Knowledge (Fall 2021)
| By Bible Category | Freshmen | Senior | ABHE Schools | CCBS |
| Acts | 61% | 67% | 51% | 62% |
| Bible as a whole | 60% | 75% | 63% | 61% |
| General Epistles | 50% | 53% | 46% | 50% |
| Gospels | 63% | 79% | 54% | 65% |
| Pauline Epistles | 61% | 90% | 50% | 64% |
| Revelation | 68% | 100% | 66% | 72% |
| Historical books | 65% | 69% | 53% | 65% |
| Pentateuch | 72% | 79% | 62% | 73% |
| Prophets | 57% | 75% | 45% | 60% |
| Psalms & Wisdom Literature | 47% | 44% | 44% | 47% |
Biblical Teaching (Fall 2021)
| By Bible Category | Freshmen | Senior | ABHE Schools | CCBS |
| Bible Gen Knowledge | 64% | 67% | 56% | 64% |
| Bible Genre | 52% | 17% | 50% | 48% |
| Christology | 60% | 74% | 53% | 62% |
| Covenant | 64% | 78% | 54% | 65% |
| Eschatology | 68% | 83% | 74% | 70% |
| NT Gen Knowledge | 62% | 82% | 53% | 65% |
| NT Vocabulary | 60% | 58% | 51% | 60% |
| OT Gen Knowledge | 64% | 73% | 51% | 65% |
| OT Vocabulary | 77% | 100% | 68% | 80% |
| Revelation | 56% | 75% | 65% | 58% |
| Soteriology | 60% | 72% | 60% | 61% |
| Theology | 59% | 100% | 62% | 64% |
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 | CCBS | |||||
| Norm | ||||||
| Difference |
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
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 |
| Associate of Arts in Leadership & Ministry | 39.0401 |
Bachelor of Arts Degrees
| Bachelor of Arts in Apologetics | 39.0601 |
| Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies | 39.0201 |
| Bachelor of Arts in Advanced Theological Studies | 39.0601 |
| Bachelor of Arts in Leadership & Ministry | 39.0401 |
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 (launching 2022-23) | 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:
- Forthcoming
Associate of Arts in Leadership & Ministry
Program Description:
The Associate of Arts in Leadership and Ministry is for adults involved in or preparing for ministry as a vocation. Students are challenged to think biblically about all aspects of life, develop spiritually, enhance their ministry skills, and engage with the world. The curriculum mixes practical and theoretical knowledge through classroom work, research, and community church or para-church involvement. The associate degree in Leadership & Ministry also serves as the first two years of the bachelor’s degree program.
Student Learning Objectives
- To provide graduates a foundation in biblical truths that equip them to defend and communicate the Bible.
- To demonstrate a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ evidenced in a greater commitment to service.
- To construct a personal philosophy for ministry that is consistent with Scripture and proven leadership principles.
- To apply practical principles and strategies in creating a model for effective ministry practice.
- To develop a foundation of leadership skills and understandings for effective ministry.
Assessment:
- Forthcoming
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 Advanced Theological Studies
Program Description:
The Bachelor of Arts in Advanced Theological Studies (ATS) is designed for people who intend to pursue a graduate degree by providing a foundation in biblical languages, research, and thesis writing. The goal of this degree is to prepare students for studies at the graduate level; therefore, the rigor of the program is intentionally increased.
Student Learning Objectives:
- To provide graduates a foundation in biblical truths that equip them to defend and communicate the Bible.
- To challenge graduates to express an understanding and appreciation of their position in Christ.
- To give graduates a foundation in biblical languages in preparation for the graduate level.
- To enable graduates the skills necessary to complete advanced research and thesis writing in preparation for graduate level work.
- To provide graduates the ability to recognize differing worldviews and minister effectively and creatively to them.
- To encourage graduates to be active participants in God’s global work.
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:
- Forthcoming
Bachelor of Arts in Leadership & Ministry
Program Description:
The Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Ministry is for adults involved in or preparing for ministry in a church or secular vocation. Students are challenged to think biblically about all aspects of life, develop spiritually, enhance their ministry skills, and engage with the world. The curriculum mixes practical and theoretical knowledge through classroom work, research, and community church or para-church involvement.
Student Learning Objectives:
- To equip graduates with the competencies necessary to serve as effective servant leaders in churches, Christian organizations, and other contexts.
- To develop a biblical worldview of Christian leadership in various contexts.
- To enable graduates to recognize differing worldviews and minister effectively and creatively to them.
- To construct a personal philosophy for ministry that is consistent with Scripture and proven leadership principles.
Assessment:
- Forthcoming
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
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
