Elim Bible Institute and College combines open access admission with exceptional cost management, ranking at the 97.7th percentile nationally for affordability. Students graduate with debt levels $14,753 below peer institutions while maintaining perfect retention rates.
Nationally, placing the institution among the highest we track for cost management and debt control
Lower enrollment of traditionally underrepresented populations compared to peer institutions, despite the 47.4% Pell share
Placing the institution above average for economic advancement potential
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisOpen admission with exceptional affordability
Elim Bible Institute and College delivers exceptional affordability with median student debt of just $10,247, ranking at the 90.0th percentile nationally for low borrowing levels. This represents $14,753 less debt than the peer median of $25,000, creating favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability.
The institution's net price of $9,641 falls $12,171 below the peer median of $21,812, demonstrating significant cost advantages relative to similar institutions. Net pricing varies by family income from $5,667 for lowest-income students to $17,432 for highest-income families, indicating substantial financial aid targeting toward those with greatest need.
Students seeking affordable Christian education with strong financial aid packages and flexible transfer pathways. Best suited for those prioritizing low debt levels and faith-based learning over high post-graduation earnings or competitive admissions prestige.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
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Elim Bible Institute and College ranks #486 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with performance at the 70.2nd percentile. Located in Lima, New York, this small private nonprofit institution operates with open access admission, accepting all applicants who apply.
The college enrolls 47.4% Pell-eligible students and welcomes 50% transfer students, reflecting its commitment to educational accessibility and second-chance pathways. With a 100% retention rate and 69.7% six-year graduation rate, Elim demonstrates strong student support despite serving diverse academic backgrounds.
The institution's affordability index ranks at the 97.7th percentile nationally, placing it among the highest we track for cost management. However, access performance ranks at the 11.2nd percentile, indicating lower enrollment of traditionally underrepresented populations than peer institutions.
Mobility performance reaches the 58.5th percentile, positioning the institution above average for economic advancement outcomes.
Elim Bible Institute and College operates with open admission policies, accepting 100% of applicants who apply. This places the institution at the most accessible end of the selectivity spectrum, where admission is guaranteed for all students who complete the application process.
The peer median admission rate of 75.6% demonstrates that even among similar small private institutions, Elim maintains particularly welcoming admission standards. Open admission reflects the college's mission to provide educational opportunity regardless of previous academic performance, test scores, or competitive metrics.
For prospective students, this means admission certainty once application materials are submitted, eliminating the stress and uncertainty common in competitive admission processes. Students should understand that open admission does not indicate lower academic standards once enrolled, but rather reflects the institution's commitment to educational access and transformation through Christian education.
This admission approach particularly benefits students seeking second chances, those with non-traditional academic backgrounds, or individuals called to ministry regardless of previous academic credentials. Applicants should focus on demonstrating genuine interest in the institution's religious mission and educational philosophy rather than competitive academic achievements.
The 50% transfer student population indicates Elim frequently serves students completing degrees started elsewhere, making it an attractive option for those seeking to finish their education in a faith-based environment.
Elim Bible Institute and College focuses primarily on biblical and theological education, though specific program-level outcomes data is not available through federal reporting systems. The institution's curriculum centers on ministry preparation, biblical studies, and Christian education, reflecting its mission as a specialized religious institution.
With 50% of students transferring in from other institutions, Elim serves as a destination for students seeking to complete degrees with strong faith-based components. The college's small size allows for personalized attention and mentorship within its specialized academic offerings.
While national rankings and earnings data are not available for individual programs due to limited cohort sizes, the institution's 100% retention rate suggests students find value and satisfaction in their chosen fields of study. The combination of affordable tuition, strong financial aid, and specialized religious curriculum creates a distinctive educational pathway for students called to ministry and Christian service careers.
Elim Bible Institute and College demonstrates exceptional affordability among higher education institutions. The published cost of attendance totals $19,182 annually, including $10,480 in tuition, $7,400 for room and board, and $700 for books and supplies.
However, the average student pays just $9,641 after financial aid, representing savings of $9,541 or nearly half of total costs. This net price of $9,641 falls $12,171 below the peer median of $21,812, positioning Elim as significantly more affordable than similar private institutions.
The institution's affordability index ranks at the 97.7th percentile nationally, placing it among the highest we track for cost management and financial accessibility. This exceptional performance reflects both modest base prices and substantial financial aid distribution.
The combination of relatively low published costs and generous aid packages creates opportunities for students from diverse economic backgrounds to access private Christian education without prohibitive financial barriers. For families concerned about college affordability, Elim's pricing structure provides predictable and manageable educational costs well below national averages.
Graduate outcomes data for Elim Bible Institute and College is not available through federal College Scorecard reporting, which occurs when institutions have fewer than 30 graduates in tracked cohorts or when graduates do not meet federal aid requirements for inclusion. This data limitation is common among smaller specialized institutions, particularly those focused on religious studies and ministry preparation.
The college maintains a 69.7% six-year graduation rate, which compares favorably to the peer median of 54.9% among similar institutions. With a 100% first-year retention rate, significantly above the peer median of 74.0%, students who enroll at Elim demonstrate strong persistence and satisfaction with their educational experience.
Graduate school continuation is estimated through program mix analysis, though confidence levels remain low due to limited cohort sizes. The institution's focus on biblical studies and ministry preparation typically leads graduates toward religious vocations, nonprofit work, and continued theological education rather than immediately measurable earnings outcomes.
While specific earnings figures are unavailable, the combination of low debt levels and specialized career preparation suggests graduates enter their chosen fields with minimal financial burden.