Frequently Asked Questions 

Is SBI accredited?

No, Southern Bible Institute is not accredited, but SBI is actively pursuing the accreditation process with the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). However, SBI currently holds “Affiliate” status with ABHE and is listed on the association’s school directory at: http://www.abhe.org/pages/NAV-Directory.html. See Academic Recognition below.

Which accreditation agency is SBI using?

SBI has aligned itself with the Association for Biblical Higher Education (5850 T. G. Lee Blvd., Orlando, FL 32822; 407.207.0808). ABHE is a North American higher education agency officially recognized “national accrediting association” by the U.S. Department of Education and is an officially recognized “faith?based” accrediting agency by CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation, http://www.chea.org/pdf/CHEA_USDE_AllAccred.pdf). For more information about ABHE visit their website at www.abhe.org. 

We chose ABHE because we believe this accrediting agency provides the best choice for helping us grow institutionally and advance high academic standards, while also carrying out our bible-centered curriculum and institutional mission statement which is “to equip men and women to be competent servant leaders with a Bible centered worldview.”

What is and where is SBI in the accreditation process?

ABHE states: “Accreditation is a process by which an institution evaluates its educational activities, in whole or in part, and seeks an independent judgment to confirm that it achieves its mission and goals and is generally equal in quality to comparable institutions or specialized units http://www.abhe.org/pages/NAV-aboutAccreditation.html.”

As of September, 2011, Southern Bible Institute has begun the process for documenting its compliance with the ABHE Association’s “Conditions of Eligibility” as it moves forward toward submitting its application May 2012. http://www.abhe.org/pages/accreditation/NAV-Conditions.html.

Academic Recognition? What about attending an unaccredited school?

SBI has educated students for 85 years. Its mission has not wavered and with over eight decades in operation with its students. . .this speaks well about the institute’s longevity and respectability in the Dallas/Fort Worth community.

What about admission into Graduate School? It should be kept in mind that admission decisions are completely up to the staff and policies of the school to which a student applies. SBI graduates have been accepted into graduate programs at major bible-centered colleges, seminaries and universities, who maintain focused accreditation status with agencies like ABHE, SACS (Southern Association Colleges and Schools), ATS (Association of Theological Schools), and also may hold regional accreditation status.

SBI student course work credit has likewise been accepted for transfer credit by these institutions. Some of these institutions include Dallas Baptist University, Criswell College, and Dallas Theological Seminary.

Does SBI accept financial aid through FAFSA, student loans or a GI Bill?

Veterans are welcome to use their GI Bill educational benefits at SBI. SBI has very affordable tuition when compared to other higher education programs. SBI’s own financial aid system assists students in obeying God’s leadership preparation in school. SBI’s many generous makes this possible. SBI does not receive federal financial aid, since it is not accredited. See our website for financial aid information, tuition, and fees http://www.southernbible.org/tuition.

Can SBI take International Students?

Currently, SBI is unable to grant I-20 student visas to attend on?site. Consequently, international students

may choose to get a visa / residence card for another reason to be here and study as part of that reason.

Once SBI achieves full-accreditation it may begin the process of applying for the ability to grant student visas under the US Department of Homeland Security/SEVIS.

Will my degree be “grandfathered” after SBI is accredited?

The concept of “grandfathering” a degree does not apply to accreditation. Accreditation applies to the school or programs and not to a degree. If a student graduates from SBI prior to accreditation, they will graduate from an unaccredited institution. If they graduate after accreditation they will graduate from an accredited institution.

What happens if SBI gets accredited while I am still in school?

If a student is applying to another school, the registrar will ask or look to see if the school is accredited. If it is accredited at that time, then the conversation will usually end there. Each higher education school has its own evaluation process and in some cases may require equivalency or validation type entrance exams to form an objective decision. In SBI’s evaluation and with collaboration from other independent higher education professionals, all syllabi and course work are comparable with other accredited institutions. Professors currently meet the credential and experience requirements for ABHE and other regionally accredited agencies.

When will SBI be accredited?

SBI is unable to make any predictions or guarantees regarding future accreditation because that is up to ABHE to grant. As noted above, ABHE accreditation is an independent peer review process based on peer evaluation by a school achieving compliance with ABHE standards for accreditation. Continuous improvement it the main thread leading to accreditation, not simply complying with a list of requirements. These standards can be located on the associational website at: http://www.abhe-sln.org/opac/comprehensive_standards.pdf. If Applicant status is granted to SBI, Candidate and Accredited statuses are next and may be achieved within four years at each of these levels.