Moody Bible Institute
Moody Bible Institute has an acceptance rate of 82.7%, an average net price of $19,426, and an overall rank of #998 (Grade B). About 62.8% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $46,175 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
Moody Bible Institute is a private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL. Students most often pursue Bible/Biblical Studies and Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, and 83.9% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 55.1%, roughly 5.2 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Moody Bible Institute Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Moody Bible Institute graduates 62.8% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 55.1% and keeps 83.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Moody Bible Institute's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $16,104 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $16,314 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,088 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,150 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,256 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $35,530 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 50.1% of Moody Bible Institute students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $20,044 to $23,438 depending on family income. Use Moody Bible Institute's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $19,534/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $23,438/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $46,175
- 10-Year Median Earnings $49,594
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Debt-to-Earnings ~42.2%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) Not reported
- Employment Rate 82.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Moody Bible Institute graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
Moody Bible Institute vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Moody Bible Institute's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Moody Bible Institute's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Moody Bible Institute graduates earn $46,175 median five years after graduation, 25% below the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,510
- Full-Time Students 80.9%
- Part-Time Students 19.1%
- Retention Rate 83.9%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 62.8%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 55.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into Moody Bible Institute
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Moody Bible Institute requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 82.7%, Moody Bible Institute is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 82.7% acceptance rate, Moody Bible Institute is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Moody Bible Institute undergraduates. Theological and Ministerial Studies, Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, and Theology and Religious Vocations, Other draw the most students.
- Theological and Ministerial Studies 30.6%
- Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology 18.0%
- Theology and Religious Vocations, Other 16.0%
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries 15.3%
- Bible/Biblical Studies 10.9%
- Religious Education 6.8%
See more majors
- Religious Music and Worship 2.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Bible/Biblical Studies $53,894
- 2. Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries $52,943
- 3. Theological and Ministerial Studies $42,926
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology $41,321
- 5. Religious Education $34,465
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degree) $75,459
- 2. Bible/Biblical Studies (Master's Degree) $67,282
- 3. Theology and Religious Vocations, Other (Master's Degree) $61,210
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Bible/Biblical Studies grads earn $53,894—56% more than Religious Education ($34,465). Graduate: Theological and Ministerial Studies programs lead with $75,459 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for Moody Bible Institute. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (Bachelor's Degree, 63 graduates)
- Religious Education (Bachelor's Degree, 28 graduates)
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree, 20 graduates)
- Religious Music and Worship (Bachelor's Degree, 10 graduates)
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (Master's Degree, 3 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (3 programs)â–Ľ
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Religious Education
- Religious Music and Worship
Online Master's Degrees (3 programs)â–Ľ
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)â–Ľ
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,510
- Full-Time Students 80.9%
- Part-Time Students 19.1%
- Male Students 54.2%
- Female Students 45.8%
- Caucasian 46.7%
- Asian 2.6%
- Hispanic 7.3%
- Black 5.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 50.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Moody Bible Institute's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Moody Bible Institute's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Moody Bible Institute support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Moody Bible Institute, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Moody Bible Institute has a diverse student body, with 46.7% identifying as White. 50.1% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Moody Bible Institute support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Moody Bible Institute, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Moody Bible Institute offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 55.1% ROI. Ranked #998 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $19,426 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $46,175 median earnings. With 62.8% graduating within 150% of normal time and 83.9% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Moody Bible Institute's Positioning
With a B grade and #998 ranking, Moody Bible Institute competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $19,426 annually, Moody Bible Institute charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 83.9% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $13,598 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 55.1% ROI and $46,175 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $9,426+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Moody Bible Institute ranks #998 of 1955 institutions, with 1245 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 62.8% graduation rate sits 0.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 83.9% first-year retention is 7.1 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 55.1% return on investment is 5.2 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $46,175 run about 25% lower than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $19,426 is roughly $455 lower than the national median of $19,881.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 83.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 82.2% employment rate within three years sits 14.0 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Moody Bible Institute is a private nonprofit university based in Chicago, IL and earns a B overall grade. It is currently ranked #998 overall Grades by category break down as Completion B+, Support B+, Career Outcomes C-, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 83.9% retention, 62.8% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 55.1% earning an award within eight years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 55.1%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $19,426 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $35,530.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $16,104 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 50.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $46,175 five years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 25% lower.
Roughly 82.2% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about 55.1% according to U.S. Department of Education data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
82.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Moody Bible Institute admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Moody Bible Institute: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/moody-bible-institute/
MLA (9th): “Moody Bible Institute: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/moody-bible-institute/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Moody Bible Institute: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/moody-bible-institute/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moody Bible Institute's acceptance rate?
Moody Bible Institute's acceptance rate is 82.7%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Moody Bible Institute cost?
At Moody Bible Institute, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $19,426 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $35,530 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $16,314. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Moody Bible Institute's ranking?
Moody Bible Institute ranks #998 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Moody Bible Institute's graduation rate?
At Moody Bible Institute, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 62.8% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 55.1%, and first-year retention is 83.9%.
What are Moody Bible Institute's job outcomes?
Graduates of Moody Bible Institute report median earnings of $46,175 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Moody Bible Institute's student population?
Moody Bible Institute enrolls about 1,510 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 820 N LaSalle Blvd, Chicago, IL 60610-3284
- Website www.moody.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$50.2M