College of Biblical Studies–Houston

About College of Biblical Studies–Houston

College of Biblical Studies–Houston traces its origins to Houston Bible & Vocational Institute, incorporated in 1976 to provide biblical and theological preparation for pastors and lay leaders, particularly within underserved inner-city communities. The first classes followed in 1979. The institution later adopted its current identity and expanded from a small set of courses to accredited associate and bachelor’s programs. In 2019, it merged with Crossroads Bible College; the resulting institution now operates in Houston and Indianapolis as well as online. The former Fort Wayne location closed in July 2024, while the Houston operation remains active for 2026–2027. CBS describes itself as multi-ethnic, interdenominational, and grounded in conservative Christianity. Its institutional mission is explicitly faith-based, and the student handbook contains detailed doctrinal and conduct expectations. Applicants should review those commitments carefully because they shape coursework, chapel, community life, and institutional policies. The Houston campus offers day, evening, and weekend classes, while the broader institution also delivers online and hybrid instruction. This flexibility may suit working adults, ministry practitioners, and students returning to education. CBS holds institutional accreditation from both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation, with authority to grant certificates and degrees at the associate and baccalaureate levels.

CBS accepts applicants ranging from recent high-school graduates to adult learners, transfer students, dual-credit students, and international applicants. Classes are offered in person, online, and in hybrid formats. The Houston application asks applicants to have an unexpired government-issued photo identification and a list of previously attended schools available. The college’s FAQ also indicates that admissions review depends on receiving the required supporting records, which can include transcripts and other documents appropriate to the applicant’s category. Requirements may differ for first-time, transfer, returning, accelerated-completion, and dual-credit applicants, so candidates should use the current application and confirm their checklist directly with Admissions. F-1 applicants to the Houston campus follow a separate international process. The official international page lists July 15 for fall entry and December 15 for spring entry and requires documentation that may include evaluated academic records, proof of English proficiency, and evidence of sufficient financial resources. A $500 international-student deposit is listed for new international students. Because the international page does not label those deadlines by academic year, applicants should reconfirm them before relying on them for 2026–2027. The public admissions page does not publish a universal GPA threshold, standardized-test cutoff, or general domestic deadline. Applicants should not infer an open-admission or rolling-admission policy from the absence of those figures. Texas meningitis documentation requirements may apply before registration, with exemptions or waivers available under specified conditions.

CBS is a specialized undergraduate institution whose degree offerings concentrate on biblical studies and related applied fields. Its current academic pages identify Bachelor of Science pathways, an Accelerated Degree Completion Program, the Associate of Biblical Studies, certificates, dual-credit study, and online career-training options. Published program areas include biblical studies, biblical counseling, Christian leadership, organizational leadership, and women’s ministry or leadership study. The 60-credit Associate of Biblical Studies is designed as foundational preparation for church and parachurch service and may also serve as the first two years of a CBS bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s curricula combine general education with Bible, theology, ministry, leadership, or counseling coursework. The accelerated completion format is intended for students bringing substantial prior college credit, so applicants should request an individual transfer evaluation rather than assume that all previous work will apply. CBS also advertises English- and Spanish-language pathways in parts of its curriculum. The “master’s track” terminology on the website does not mean that CBS itself awards graduate degrees. Its 4+1 and 4+2 arrangements connect a CBS bachelor’s degree with graduate study at Dallas Theological Seminary, whose Houston extension is located on the CBS campus. Students considering these tracks should compare the admissions, tuition, accreditation, and completion requirements of both institutions separately. Academic support includes the Miller Library, with physical holdings, electronic journals and databases, a computer lab, Wi-Fi, and group study rooms; remote students can access subscribed databases through the learning platform.

Key Highlights

• Founded in Houston in 1976; first classes were offered in 1979.
• Institutionally accredited by SACSCOC and ABHE.
• Authorized to award associate and baccalaureate degrees.
• Houston classes are available during the day, evening, and weekend.

Student Life & Environment

Student life is organized around Christian formation, worship, service, and relationships rather than a conventional residential-college model. The 2025–2026 student handbook says chapel brings students, faculty, and staff together for worship, prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. Chapel is typically accessible through a weekly online meeting, with periodic in-person gatherings and livestreaming. The Discipleship Department also provides spiritual support, while faculty, staff, and an approved external-counselor referral list are available for personal, spiritual, or academic concerns. The Student Council coordinates student-led activities, promotes fellowship and spiritual life, and provides a channel for student ideas. The college’s student-life page also advertises community-service activities and events. Houston students have access to a student lounge, prayer space, study areas, library resources, and an emergency notification system. The Miller Library includes a computer lab and four audiovisual-equipped group study rooms. CBS’s faith commitments materially shape the campus environment. Students should read the doctrinal statement, code of conduct, and policies in the current handbook before enrolling. The official materials reviewed do not identify institution-operated residence halls or a meal plan, so students who need housing should ask the college whether any referral assistance exists and budget independently until arrangements are confirmed.

Location & Surroundings

The Houston campus is at 7000 Regency Square Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77036. It serves as the institution’s principal office and is distinct from the additional Indianapolis location and the online campus. Students should make sure that any program, class schedule, student service, or immigration information they use applies specifically to Houston. The campus format appears oriented toward students who commute, combine school with employment or ministry, or mix campus and online courses. Day, evening, and weekend classes provide scheduling flexibility, but actual course availability can vary by term and program. The reviewed official materials do not confirm residential facilities, a dining program, or routine transportation services. Prospective students should therefore investigate travel time, parking or public-transit options, and nearby housing before committing, particularly if relocating to Houston. Dallas Theological Seminary’s Houston extension is located on the CBS campus, which is relevant to students considering the linked 4+1 or 4+2 pathways. That physical proximity does not make the two institutions or their admissions processes interchangeable.

Costs & Career Outcomes

For 2026–2027, CBS lists tuition at $395 per credit hour and a $350 general-services fee each semester. Its published example for a traditional bachelor’s student taking 12 credits in both fall and spring totals $9,480 in tuition plus $700 in general-services fees, or $10,180 for the academic year. The application fee is $40. Other charges can apply, including graduation, independent-study, late-payment, transcript, and international-student fees. The college reserves the right to change charges, so students should obtain a personalized bill. No current institutional room-and-board figure was found, consistent with the absence of verified college housing. Students may apply for federal aid using school code 034224. The official aid page lists federal grants and loans, possible Federal Work-Study, the Texas Tuition Equalization Grant for eligible Texas residents, institutional scholarships, and specified veterans’ benefits. Institutional scholarship applicants must first be admitted and generally complete the scholarship portal application; many recipients must also file the FAFSA annually. Awards are not guaranteed and may change if enrollment changes. Career support is ministry-oriented but not limited to ministry searches. The 2025–2026 handbook describes a WorkFaith partnership offering coaching, résumé review, interview preparation, training, and job-search assistance, plus a directory of career and ministry opportunities. CBS explicitly says it does not track alumni employment or make statistical claims about graduate employability, so applicants should evaluate program fit without assuming a published placement rate or salary outcome.