Is Southern California Seminary a Christian college?

Yes. Southern California Seminary is a Christian college.

Christian college

Southern California Seminary

El Cajon, CA · Private nonprofit · 4-year

Southern California Seminary offers a 120-unit Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, available on campus and online. Its required curriculum includes a 30-unit biblical studies block with Old and New Testament surveys, three theology courses and a biblical worldview course, and the trustees, administrators and faculty affirm a published statement of faith.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

“All students are encouraged to cultivate habits of devotion to God and service to others based on the Word of God.”
Source: socalsem.edu
“Prayer is a normal part of campus life.”
Source: socalsem.edu

Questions students ask

What's a normal week?

Prayer is a normal part of campus life, and classes regularly begin or end in prayer.

Source: socalsem.edu

Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Students are encouraged to develop habits of devotion and service based on the Word of God.

Source: socalsem.edu

Academic Excellence

Academic Excellence is computed for four-year colleges with at least 100 undergraduates. Seminaries, graduate-only schools, and two-year colleges are not rated.

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

Partly researched

We have checked some of this college’s faith and campus life facts against its own official pages. There is not yet enough verified to grade them, so the findings below are what we could confirm. Anything not listed has not been confirmed yet.

Faculty affirm the college's statement of faith: All faculty (Value 'halls' is the rubric's 'All faculty' option. The catalog says trustees, administrators and faculty must agree with the statement and indicate it in writing.)
Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches): Yes (Students seeking a church are directed to Student Services for help.)
Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer): Weekly (Classes regularly begin or end in prayer.)
Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students: 3 or more courses (The required Biblical Studies block (30 units) and the Theology block (13 units) include TH-204, TH-220 and TH-300, all required of every BABS student. Counted as three or more theology courses.)
Required courses include study of the Old and New Testaments: Required of all students (OT Surveys 1 to 4 and NT Surveys 1 to 3 are required in the BABS curriculum.)
Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses required: 1 course (AP-100 Biblical Worldview is required of all BABS students. It is the only required course described as a biblical worldview course. It is not counted under T1.)
Bible, theology or ministry major offered: Yes (The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies is the college's bachelor's degree.)
A published statement of faith: Yes
Service hours or service-learning in the curriculum: Required of all students (Ministry participation with a planning and evaluation component (PM-451 and PM-452) is required to graduate.)
Cross-cultural or global ministry programs: Some (World missions courses are listed as open electives.)
Service explicitly rooted in the Christian mission: Yes

N/A

Worship and chapel

Not enough information · 1 of 7 found

Not enough information:
Chapel services during the weekNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Chapel attendance expected of studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Weekly (Classes regularly begin or end in prayer.)
Sources (1)
1. Southern California Seminary Academic Catalog 2025-26socalsem.edu/wpdm-package/academic-catalogs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Prayer is a normal part of campus life. The staff regularly prays together. Classes regularly begin or end in prayer.”
  The catalog says prayer is a normal part of campus life and that classes regularly begin or end in prayer.
Not enough information:
Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
A chapel or worship space on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayerNot enough information: no verified chapel or worship times are recorded.

Bible and theology

95 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

Yes:
Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (The required Biblical Studies block (30 units) and the Theology block (13 units) include TH-204, TH-220 and TH-300, all required of every BABS student. Counted as three or more theology courses.)
Sources (2)
1. Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies | Southern California Seminarysocalsem.edu/bachelor-of-arts-biblical-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BIBLICAL STUDIES – 30 UNITS”
  The BABS curriculum has a 30-unit biblical studies block.
2. Southern California Seminary Academic Catalog 2025-26socalsem.edu/wpdm-package/academic-catalogs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “TH-204 Doctrine of the Bible”
  Doctrine of the Bible is a required theology course.
  “TH-300 Christian Theology”
  Christian Theology is a required theology course.
Yes:
Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (OT Surveys 1 to 4 and NT Surveys 1 to 3 are required in the BABS curriculum.)
Sources (1)
1. Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies | Southern California Seminarysocalsem.edu/bachelor-of-arts-biblical-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “OT-203 OT SURVEY 1: PENTATEUCH OT-205 OT SURVEY 2: HISTORICAL BOOKS”
  Old Testament surveys are in the BABS curriculum.
  “NT-218 NT SURVEY 1: GOSPELS AND ACTS NT-219 NT SURVEY 2: PAULINE EPISTLES AND HEBREWS”
  New Testament surveys are in the BABS curriculum.
Partly:
Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses required1 course (AP-100 Biblical Worldview is required of all BABS students. It is the only required course described as a biblical worldview course. It is not counted under T1.)
Sources (1)
1. Southern California Seminary Academic Catalog 2025-26socalsem.edu/wpdm-package/academic-catalogs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Students are introduced to the biblical worldview which provides a conceptual framework for understanding life, truth, morality, and the world.”
  AP-100 Biblical Worldview introduces students to the biblical worldview.
Not enough information:
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies is the college's bachelor's degree.)
Sources (1)
1. Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies | Southern California Seminarysocalsem.edu/bachelor-of-arts-biblical-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies (BABS) degree is a 120-unit course of instruction”
  The college offers a 120-unit Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies.
Yes:
A published statement of faithYes
Sources (2)
1. Statement of Faith | Southern California Seminarysocalsem.edu/doctrine · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The trustees, administrators, and faculty of SCS affirm the following statement of faith while recognizing that only the Word of God is the final authority for faith and practice.”
  The college publishes a statement of faith that its trustees, administrators and faculty affirm.
2. Southern California Seminary Academic Catalog 2025-26socalsem.edu/wpdm-package/academic-catalogs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The trustees, administrators, and faculty of SCS affirm the following statement of faith”
  Trustees, administrators and faculty affirm the statement of faith.

N/A

Christian community

Not enough information · 2 of 7 found

Not enough information:
Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithAll faculty (Value 'halls' is the rubric's 'All faculty' option. The catalog says trustees, administrators and faculty must agree with the statement and indicate it in writing.)
Sources (1)
1. Southern California Seminary Academic Catalog 2025-26socalsem.edu/wpdm-package/academic-catalogs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The trustees, administrators, and faculty of SCS affirm the following statement of faith”
  Trustees, administrators and faculty affirm the statement of faith.
  “Trustees, administrators, and faculty must be in agreement with the statement and so indicate in writing.”
  Faculty must agree with the statement of faith and indicate so in writing.
Not enough information:
Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Yes (Students seeking a church are directed to Student Services for help.)
Sources (1)
1. Southern California Seminary Academic Catalog 2025-26socalsem.edu/wpdm-package/academic-catalogs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “If you are unfamiliar with the San Diego area and are seeking a church, please contact Student Services”
  Students seeking a local church are directed to Student Services for help.
Not enough information:
Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionNot enough information: not found in official sources.

N/A

Missions and service

Not enough information · 3 of 6 found

Not enough information:
Service or outreach officeNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumRequired of all students (Ministry participation with a planning and evaluation component (PM-451 and PM-452) is required to graduate.)
Sources (2)
1. Southern California Seminary Academic Catalog 2025-26socalsem.edu/wpdm-package/academic-catalogs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “is required to graduate with the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies degree.”
  Ministry participation with planning and evaluation is required to graduate with the BABS degree.
2. Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies | Southern California Seminarysocalsem.edu/bachelor-of-arts-biblical-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “PM-451 MINISTRY INTERNSHIP 1 (TRIMESTER) PM-452 MINISTRY INTERNSHIP 2 (TRIMESTER)”
  Ministry Internship 1 and 2 are listed in the BABS curriculum.
Not enough information:
Missions trips offered to studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Cross-cultural or global ministry programsSome (World missions courses are listed as open electives.)
Sources (1)
1. Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies | Southern California Seminarysocalsem.edu/bachelor-of-arts-biblical-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “MI-101 INTRODUCTION TO WORLD MISSIONS MI-201 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MISSIONS”
  Two world missions courses are listed among the open electives.
Yes:
Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Southern California Seminary Academic Catalog 2025-26socalsem.edu/wpdm-package/academic-catalogs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “All students are encouraged to cultivate habits of devotion to God and service to others based on the Word of God.”
  The catalog encourages students to serve others based on the Word of God.

Strengths

Every BABS student takes a required biblical studies block of 30 units, including Old and New Testament surveys.
Sources (1)
1. Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies | Southern California Seminarysocalsem.edu/bachelor-of-arts-biblical-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BIBLICAL STUDIES – 30 UNITS”
  The BABS curriculum has a 30-unit biblical studies block.
  “OT-203 OT SURVEY 1: PENTATEUCH OT-205 OT SURVEY 2: HISTORICAL BOOKS”
  Old Testament surveys are in the BABS curriculum.
  “NT-218 NT SURVEY 1: GOSPELS AND ACTS NT-219 NT SURVEY 2: PAULINE EPISTLES AND HEBREWS”
  New Testament surveys are in the BABS curriculum.
The trustees, administrators and faculty affirm a published statement of faith.
Sources (2)
1. Southern California Seminary Academic Catalog 2025-26socalsem.edu/wpdm-package/academic-catalogs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The trustees, administrators, and faculty of SCS affirm the following statement of faith”
  Trustees, administrators and faculty affirm the statement of faith.
2. Statement of Faith | Southern California Seminarysocalsem.edu/doctrine · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The trustees, administrators, and faculty of SCS affirm the following statement of faith while recognizing that only the Word of God is the final authority for faith and practice.”
  The college publishes a statement of faith that its trustees, administrators and faculty affirm.
Ministry internships are required to graduate, and the catalog encourages students to serve others based on the Word of God.
Sources (2)
1. Southern California Seminary Academic Catalog 2025-26socalsem.edu/wpdm-package/academic-catalogs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “is required to graduate with the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies degree.”
  Ministry participation with planning and evaluation is required to graduate with the BABS degree.
  “All students are encouraged to cultivate habits of devotion to God and service to others based on the Word of God.”
  The catalog encourages students to serve others based on the Word of God.
2. Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies | Southern California Seminarysocalsem.edu/bachelor-of-arts-biblical-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “PM-451 MINISTRY INTERNSHIP 1 (TRIMESTER) PM-452 MINISTRY INTERNSHIP 2 (TRIMESTER)”
  Ministry Internship 1 and 2 are listed in the BABS curriculum.
Students who are seeking a local church can ask Student Services for help.
Sources (1)
1. Southern California Seminary Academic Catalog 2025-26socalsem.edu/wpdm-package/academic-catalogs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “If you are unfamiliar with the San Diego area and are seeking a church, please contact Student Services”
  Students seeking a local church are directed to Student Services for help.

Concerns

The catalog describes the programs as adult and commuter, and some traditional student activities are not conducted.
Sources (1)
1. Southern California Seminary Academic Catalog 2025-26socalsem.edu/wpdm-package/academic-catalogs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The programs at SCS are operated within an adult, commuter student learning and social environment.”
  The catalog describes the programs as adult and commuter.
World missions courses are open electives rather than required courses.
Sources (1)
1. Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies | Southern California Seminarysocalsem.edu/bachelor-of-arts-biblical-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “MI-101 INTRODUCTION TO WORLD MISSIONS MI-201 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MISSIONS”
  Two world missions courses are listed among the open electives.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS)	31
Men and women College Scorecard, fall 2023	Men 72% · Women 28%
Total students	138
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	50%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years College Scorecard, within 3 years	55%
First-year retention	0%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$39,607
Application fee IPEDS, 2023–24	$50
Typical rent HUD fair market rent, FY2026	About $2,459 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants	34%

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Campus facts

Setting	Suburb
Part-time undergraduates	69%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older	77%
On-campus room and board (per year)	$15,633
Students per faculty member	9 to 1
Faculty who are full-time	33%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student	$1,302IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm space	For about 26% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline service	San Diego International Airport (SAN)About 17 miles away
Town population	104,449Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or more	San DiegoAbout 13 miles away
Typical weather	56°F in January · 75°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from El Cajon, CA

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

On-campus crimes per 1,000 students
Category	This campus	U.S. rate
Rape	0.00	0.07
Robbery	0.00	0.01
Aggravated assault	0.00	0.04
Burglary	0.00	0.08
Motor vehicle theft	0.00	0.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Questions families ask

Is Southern California Seminary a Christian college?: Yes. Southern California Seminary is a Christian college.

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About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 117575
Carnegie classification: Baccalaureate college (diverse fields)
Accreditation: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Baptist
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