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So you’re thinking about going back to school.
Exciting!!! And likely a bit scary.
If you’re like many of our other Ascent College students, you may have never attended an online college, or maybe it’s been many years since you were last in an academic setting. You probably have a lot of questions and nagging doubts.
We want you to know that’s entirely normal. We know taking the leap of faith to return to school can feel overwhelming and confusing.
We’re here to walk with you every step of the way.
As you continue exploring the resources and information laid out for you on our website, we encourage you to reach out to our Director of Admissions, Amy Barney, at abarney@ascent.edu at any time. Whether you have a few simple questions, would like to pray together, or officially begin the admissions process, she’s always available to help determine whether Ascent College is the right fit for you. No pressure!
Why Choose Ascent College?
Key Highlights
- Flexible online programs
- Christ-centered curriculum
- Affordable tuition rates
You will need to check the box on the following tasks:
Step 1Check the Calendar
Ascent College offers rolling admissions, so students can join us year-round! We do have registration cutoffs for each term to ensure students and staff have enough time to properly prepare for academic study.
Last Dates to Register 2024-2025 Academic Year
| Spring A 2025 | December 20, 2024 |
| Spring B 2025 | March 5, 2025 |
| Summer A 2025 | April 30, 2025 |
| Summer B 2025 | June 25, 2025 |
Last Dates to Register 2025-2026 Academic Year
| Fall A 2025 | August 13, 2025 |
| Fall B 2025 | October 15, 2025 |
| Spring A 2026 | December 19, 2025 |
| Spring B 2026 | March 4, 2026 |
| Summer A 2026 | April 29, 2026 |
| Summer B 2026 | June 24, 2026 |
Last Dates to Register 2026-2027 Academic Year
| Fall A 2026 | August 12, 2026 |
TBD
Step 2Submit Your Completed Application
Step 3Pay Your Non-Refundable $25 Application Fee
Your application will include a biographical essay entitled “Why Ascent College?” which should be two typed pages long and double-spaced. Describe your spiritual journey, including your personal Christian faith and growth, ministry experience, expectations, and goals in ministry. Why do you feel called to Ascent College?
*For those students applying to the Potomac School of Leadership, please include why you are interested in this program.
Step 4Submit Any Official Transcripts
We must receive an official high school transcript(s) or official record of a high school equivalency diploma (GED) with test scores and/or any official transcripts from all accredited postsecondary institutions you have attended. Transcripts must be directly mailed from an electronic clearinghouse (i.e., prospective students may not send personally) or mailed to Amy Barney directly from the school in a sealed and stamped official envelope to:
Ascent College
Attn: Amy Barney/Sonji Thee
P.O. Box 690
Gainesville, VA 20156-0690
Ascent College may request additional documentation where appropriate. Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information.
Step 5Submit Two References
You must submit two references, including one required pastoral reference. Our Director of Admissions will request the email addresses of your selected parties, as they will receive an email invitation to submit their feedback.
FAQs
How much time does a class take?
The official answer for most courses is 12-15 hours per week (per course).
That being said, every student is different!
We recommend beginning with one class so you can get a feel for the rhythm and flow of the course load. Yes, each class has its own content and follows a similar model.
Once you’ve completed a course, you’ll have a much better feel for how much time to allow going forward and can work with your advisor to chart a pace that works for you in future terms.
Our terms are eight weeks long, and a semester consists of two terms (or sixteen weeks). We have Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.
Most students take 1-2 courses each term, and many take the summer off.
All students seeking credit for completed courses are required to take GEN102 Orientation and Library Resources during their first term to shed light on the academic expectations of Ascent College and spotlight available tools and resources.
Can I still work while I’m in school?
Absolutely!
Many of our students work and have family and ministry commitments while attending Ascent College.
Our classes are mostly online, so you can fit school into your schedule. (We offer some unique hybrid courses with in-person learning components in select regions.)
Additionally, many of our faculty and staff are family-oriented and serve in active ministry roles themselves, so needless to say, we get it!
We intend to equip and empower your learning with a reasonable expectation of your time as complex individuals with busy lives.
Will all of the other students be younger than me?
We have students of all ages at Ascent!
We have high school students who are taking dual-enrollment courses with us as well as senior citizens!
We even have a scholarship for students who are 55 and older. You’re never too old to learn!
Many of our students come to us after they’ve spent decades in a career field but are now feeling a pull into full-time ministry. Some have been pastoring for years but never finished their degree. Some lifelong learners feel personally compelled to deepen their faith through education. We have found that the mix of ages benefits everyone.
We celebrate our diverse student body as the mark of the beautiful creativity of God our Creator, who calls and purposes His children in various unique ways and all seasons!
Can I transfer credits from other colleges?
Most definitely!
When you apply to Ascent College, you’ll work one-on-one with our Director of Admissions. You can submit official transcript(s) from other colleges directly to our Registrar for review.
We’ll present you with a workup that clearly identifies how many credits may be transferred.
Feel free to explore our Transfer Credit Policy in more detail here.
Do I need to attend an Assemblies of God church to attend Ascent College?
No. While many of our students attend Assemblies of God churches, it is not required!
We have had students from different denominations study with us, and we welcome them!
We have a Statement of Faith posted on our About page so you can review and prayerfully consider how we align with your personal beliefs.
We are here for you! We believe in God’s call on your life and continually pray for you and every student God entrusts to our care. The vibrantly diverse testimonies of our many students always remind us that God is at work and will light the path for His children to thrive at Ascent College so they are equipped as passionate, principled, and practical Spirit-empowered ministry leaders.
Whatever questions or doubts you may have, God is the answer! If He is calling you back to school, rest assured we will stand in holy confidence alongside you and position you for success for your good and His glory.
Admissions Policy
In accordance with our mission to prepare students spiritually, practically, and academically for professional and lay ministry, Ascent College’s requirements for admission consider each prospective student’s relationship with Christ and His Church, calling to ministry, commitment to Christian service, and scholastic aptitude for post-secondary education. The application process requires the submission of documentation demonstrating the applicant’s suitability/aptitude in each of these areas.
While maintaining high standards for admission to Ascent College, our admissions policy does not discriminate between prospective students based on race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, or gender. Ascent College does not discriminate against disabled persons who are otherwise eligible for admission to the College. Furthermore, all students granted admission have the right to participate in all programs and activities available to the student body.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for the fall, spring, and summer semesters, and are accepted as early as twelve (12) months before the requested entry semester. To allow adequate time for processing, all applications should be submitted at least one month prior to the beginning of official registration. All applications should be directed to the admission office. Once Ascent College receives and processes an application, notification of status will be sent to the student. If accepted, the student will also receive an enrollment packet which will include additional required information for enrollment and registration.
Academic Requirements
The following requirements are designed to determine academic record and scholastic aptitude. All applicants must show that they have maintained a grade point average of 2.0, equivalent to a grade of “C.”
Conditional Status
Students may be placed on conditional status if all requirements for full acceptance (all official and unofficial documents have not been submitted) are not fulfilled and approved by the Registrar. Conditional students cannot be enrolled in future classes until cleared by the Registrar.
Provisional Status
Students may be placed on provisional status if requirements for full acceptance (GPA at or above 2.0) are not met. The provisional status will be removed if the student achieves a cumulative GPA of 2.0 during the first semester of enrollment. If the provisional student does not achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 during the first semester of enrollment, the student will be subject to academic dismissal.
Home-schooled Applicants
Home-schooled applicants must submit the following academic documentation in lieu of official high school transcripts:
- Transcripts of all courses taken in secondary education reflecting the grades attained and the date of graduation;
- A letter signed by the prospective student’s parents indicating that all home-schooling standards required by the state in which the home-schooling occurred have been met.
- If these two submissions cannot be made, it will be necessary to obtain GED test scores.
Ascent College admits students of any race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, national, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and other school-administered programs.
The College reserves the right to withdraw a student for what it considers to be a necessary cause at any time.