Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions Questions

Am I required to go to a specific church?

No, but we do expect that all our students will be actively involved in a local, evangelical church. There are three assemblies in town, as well as a number of other evangelical churches from which to choose.

Is Emmaus accredited?

Emmaus Bible College is nationally accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). ABHE is a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), the national organization that coordinates accreditation activity in the United States. The Association for Biblical Higher Education is the recognized accrediting agency for biblical higher education by relevant federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Justice, and the Veterans Administration.

In addition, Emmaus Bible College is a candidate with the Higher Learning Commission and an affiliate of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. NCA is a regional accrediting agency, and a member of CHEA. 

Emmaus Bible College is also approved by the Iowa State Department Education to offer programs leading to teacher licensure in elementary education.

How many Bible classes will I take if I major in Computer Information Systems or Elementary Education?

Every student pursuing a 4-year degree at Emmaus completes 45 credit hours of Bible, a complete Bible major. A second major can be added in Elementary Education, Computer Information Systems, Intercultural Studies, or Youth Ministries. In addition students take general studies courses in English, History, Science, and Math.

How hard is it to transfer credits into Emmaus?

Pretty easy! We don't want any classes that you have taken to go to waste so we work very hard to fit them in with your required courses.

Do you accept AP and CLEP scores?

We require you to get a 50 on each CLEP test in order for us to accept it. (See CLEP Testing Information.) AP test scores vary depending on the subject.

Am I required to submit SAT and ACT scores?

We require only one of these tests. If you have at least 24 college credit hours or graduated from high school 2 years earlier, we will waive this requirement.

Is Emmaus a four-year college?

Yes, but in addition to our 4-year Bachelors degrees, we offer a one-year Certificate in Biblical Studies as well as an Associate's degree.

Is there an application deadline?

While we don't have an application deadline, we encourage you to turn your application in as soon as possible. We do still take applications through August but we have a deposit due June 1st or as soon as you are accepted after that point. You can apply online right now!

Are the rules at Emmaus strict?

The rules that Emmaus has established are in order to establish and maintain Christian values. For a full list of rules, check out our Student Handbook.

How many students attend Emmaus?

Around 250 full time and part time students.

Will I have a roommate at Emmaus?

The majority of rooms are single rooms. The sooner you turn in your deposit, the better choice for dorm rooms you get.

How do I get to Emmaus? 

Click here to get directions.

How can I arrange a personal tour?

You can either call us and set up a time you'd like to visit or plan your own visit here on our website. Just let us know what works for you and we'll do what we can to make it work.  We also have Discover Emmaus Weekends and Experience Emmaus Days, which are great ways to check out the college with other prospective students.

Do you have financial aid available?

Yes, we do! Look on this page to view the Financial Aid FAQ's.

If I'm studying all the time will I have time to apply what I'm learning and be involved in some type of Christian service?

Yes. Emmaus requires 30 hours of Christian Service a semester and even give you college credit for it! We offer a Christian Service Program, which is designed to help you get plugged in with a variety of ministries.

What is there to do in Dubuque?

Dubuque is a college town right on the Mississippi River. We have a lot to see and do right here in town. We are enjoying the recently constructed Mississippi River Aquarium and Museum at the Port of Dubuque. There's skiing (more skiing), visiting coffee shops, shopping, hanging out a different parks, checking out the water park, and a lot more. We are also only 3 hours from Chicago, 1½hours from Madison, and1½ from Iowa City. Click here to see more about what Dubuque has to offer.

Can I have a car if I am living on campus?

Absolutely! Parking permits are available for $30 for both semesters.

Will I have Internet access and a phone in my room?

Yes, each room is Internet ready with broadband service, and each dorm is set up with its own wireless router. A phone with its own extension and voicemail is provided for each room as well.

Once accepted, what should I bring to Emmaus?

What You'll Definitely Need...