Ascent College is a private nonprofit institution offering bachelor's degrees based in Gainesville, Virginia. It enrolls 82 students (a very small, intimate student body), according to IPEDS 2023-24 data. Below you'll find verified data on admissions, cost, student outcomes, programs offered, and what graduates typically earn, all pulled from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and IPEDS.
AccreditorAssociation for Biblical Higher Education
Academic CalendarSemester
How It Measures Up
US College Data scores each college on four pillars (outcomes, value, affordability, and selectivity) on a 0–100 scale, ranked within its peer group (4-Year Open / Online). Scores are calculated from verified College Scorecard and IPEDS data, not opinion or paid placement. Where data is missing, that pillar isn't scored.
Strong
80/100
UCD Score · 4-Year Open / Online
Outcomes98
Value—
Affordability27
Selectivity—
Admissions & Acceptance Rate
Admissions data is not yet reported for Ascent College.
Acceptance Rate
—
SAT Range (25th–75th)
—
Not reported
ACT Range (25th–75th)
—
Not reported
Cost & Financial Aid
The real cost of attending Ascent College isn't the sticker price. It's the net price,which is what most students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Net-price data is not yet reported for this school.
Average Net Price
—
Per year, after typical aid
Receive Pell Grants
27%
Need-based federal aid
Receive Federal Loans
36%
Borrowing to attend
Full Cost Breakdown
Published cost of attendance, the sticker price before grants and scholarships. Most students underestimate room & board and other expenses.
Tuition & Fees
$8,550
Room & Board (off-campus)
$11,960
Books & Supplies
$760
Other Expenses (off-campus)
$7,800
Application fee: $25 (one-time, due at submission)
What this means:
27% of students receive Pell grants. Most cost is borne by families above Pell thresholds. Verify your individual aid offer before deciding.
Graduation Rate & Retention
100% return for their second year, per IPEDS 2023-24 completion data.
6-Year Graduation Rate
—
Of students who graduate within six years
First-Year Retention
100%
Returning for their second year
What this means:
High first-year retention. Students who arrive tend to stay.
After Graduation: Earnings & Outcomes
Post-graduation earnings data is not yet reported for Ascent College.
Median Earnings (10 yrs)
—
Earning > $25K
—
10 yrs after entry
Who Studies Here
Ascent College is home to 82 students, an intimate, close-knit community. Some distinctive traits: 100% study part-time.
Total Enrolled
82
Part-Time
100%
First-Generation
—
Race & Ethnicity Breakdown
Undergraduate student body composition reported to the US Department of Education.
GroupShareStudents
White 46.3%38
Black 11.0%9
Hispanic 6.1%5
Other 2.4%2
Asian 1.2%1
Student Life & Campus Culture
Where students live, learn, and connect at Ascent College. The campus setting, housing profile, and signals that shape day-to-day life here.
Setting
Large SuburbGainesville, Virginia
Housing
Commuter campusNo on-campus housing
Adult Learners
64%of students are 25 or older
Athletics
NAIAathletic-conference member
Academic Calendar
Semesterscheduling structure
Designation
Religiously affiliated
What You Can Study
Ascent College offers
a focused set of programs:
4 distinct programs across
1 major.
Below are its strongest majors, each with flagship programs and typical earnings.
Open a major to explore it in depth, or browse the full program catalog.
The student-to-faculty ratio at Ascent College is 8:1, low (small classes, more faculty contact).
Student : Faculty
8:1
Students per instructional faculty member
Endowment
$267,020
Modest endowment
Avg Faculty Salary
$16,875
9-month equivalent across all ranks
Pros & Cons of Ascent College
A quick at-a-glance summary of how Ascent College tends to stack up for prospective students,weighing its data, size, setting, and cost profile together.
PROS
Small classes (low student-faculty ratio)
Tight-knit, close community feel
Strong first-year retention
Flexible part-time enrollment options
CONS
Fewer clubs, activities, and social options
No graduate programs offered at this institution
Narrow program catalog compared to mid-sized peers
Mostly part-time student body, less full-time campus feel
Best for:
Based on the data, Ascent College is a fit for
working adults or students needing part-time study options; students who thrive in small, close-knit environments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ascent College
Quick answers to the questions most students and parents ask. Every answer below is calculated from verified government data about Ascent College.
What is Ascent College known for?
Ascent College is best known for its programs in Theology, Theology, Theology. These are the most popular fields by completed degrees, per IPEDS 2023-24 completion data.
Is Ascent College accredited?
Yes. Ascent College is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
How many students attend Ascent College?
Ascent College enrolls 82 students, per IPEDS 2023-24 fall enrollment data.
Is Ascent College a public or private college?
Ascent College is a Private Nonprofit institution.
Where is Ascent College located?
Ascent College is located in Gainesville, Virginia.
What programs does Ascent College offer?
Ascent College offers 4 distinct programs. The most popular include Theology, Theology, Theology.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Ascent College?
The student-to-faculty ratio at Ascent College is 8:1, per IPEDS 2023-24 data.
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