Frequently Asked Questions
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Rosedale Bible College Basics
How is the Mennonite/Anabaptist faith tradition reflected at Rosedale?
Our instructors are Mennonites who affirm the Rosedale Network of Churches statement of faith and who teach from an Anabaptist faith perspective. This includes a focus on Anabaptist themes like believer’s church, discipleship, non-resistance, simplicity, non-conformity, New Testament finality, and the centrality of Christ. The inspiration and authority of scripture serves as the basis for these teachings.
Do I need to be a Mennonite or from Rosedale Network of Churches to benefit from attending Rosedale?
Nope! We teach and practice in an evangelical Anabaptist tradition, and we’re affiliated with Mennonite denomination Rosedale Network of Churches, but we have students from across the United States and even outside the US, and from a wide range of Christian groups. In our experience, students don’t have to be Mennonite to thrive at Rosedale, and to benefit from our transformative spiritual atmosphere, academic excellence and supportive social climate.Â
How many students attend Rosedale?
Our enrollment is 100 students.
What agency accredits Rosedale?
We are accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education. We are also authorized by the Ohio Department of Higher Education to grant an associate degree in Biblical studies and recognized by the United States Department of Education as an agency for Biblical higher education.Â
Where is Rosedale?
Rosedale Bible College is in the tiny town of Rosedale, approximately thirty minutes west of downtown Columbus, Ohio.
Academics
What's the difference between an official and unofficial audit?
Audits are typically taken as an overload for personal enrichment. Official audits require the student to read the text(s) and attend 85–90% of classes. These audits appear on the student’s transcript. Unofficial audits include no requirements and do not appear on transcripts.
Why don't Rosedale Choir and Rosedale Chorale show up on my class registration form?
Rosedale Choir, which rehearses during the fall semester, is an extracurricular activity which you will need to officially sign up for at the beginning of the semester. The Rosedale Chorale is a select group with auditions held at the beginning of the winter term. Once auditions have been held, the course will be added to each participant’s schedule.
What can I do with an associate's degree in Biblical Studies?
Our degrees are most vocationally helpful if you hope to do any type of church, ministry, Christian education or mission work. Many ministries, mission organizations, Christian schools and churches require this type of training as a minimum preparation for service. The related concentrations also show that you have studied a particular area more intently.
For many of our students, a degree from RBC serves as the starting point for further degrees. We’re constantly expanding our list of partners offering 2+2 programs in a variety of majors. Also, because Rosedale is accredited by a governmentally recognized accrediting body (ABHE), there are many other colleges that accept Rosedale credits, even outside of our established agreements.
Do you offer courses online?
Recognizing the importance of physical community and in-person instruction for the education that we offer, at this time RBC does not offer any online courses.Â
Financial Aid
When is payment due?
Tuition and fees are billed one semester or term at a time, and payment is due the first Friday of each term. Payment plans are available upon request. Please contact registrar@rosedale.edu for further questions or to set one up.Â
Is there an ATM on campus?
We don’t have an ATM on campus, but our finance department can cash checks for you, or hold money for you for withdrawal. Our campus coffee shop and store accept credit card payments.Â
Does Rosedale offer in-house scholarships?
Yes! We work hard to make the Rosedale experience affordable for everyone, and one element of that work is our range of targeted scholarships and discounts for incoming students.Â
For students from a select group of Anabaptist denominations (presently RNOC, LMC, Evana and Good News Fellowship), we offer the Multiply Scholarship, our most substantial discount.Â
We offer other scholarships based on need, academic achievement, service, church attendance, parents’ ministry and more. You can find a full list on our financial aid page. Students who apply also complete a Rosedale Bible College Scholarship application to ensure that we can apply as much internal aid as possible for each student.
Can I pay my bill with a credit card?
Yes, you can pay with a credit card through our student portal, Populi. You will be notified when your bill is set up and ready to be paid. You can also pay your bill by check or by money order after you arrive on campus or through the mail.
Admissions
Can I transfer credits from another college to Rosedale?
In most cases. If you’re enrolled in the degree program at Rosedale, you may request a credit transfer from another college. You’ll need to make your request to our Academic Office, and you’ll have to provide them with your official transcript from any other college you attended, so they can review your credits and evaluate them for transfer credit. We won’t accept credit for courses in which you didn’t earn at least a C.Â
What are the deadlines for applying and registering for classes?
While we don’t have a hard deadline for enrollment, we encourage you to apply at least 3 weeks before the start of the intended semester/term of enrollment. There are certain scholarships with a deadline of May 1, and we encourage all students to fill out FAFSA for federal and state aid as soon as possible.Â
All class registrations and changes to registrations must be made by 4:00 p.m. on the second day of classes in any given term.
What are the admissions requirements at Rosedale?
What we look for most is evidence of a desire to deepen your relationship with God, a desire to put your faith into practice, and a willingness to participate in our campus community in healthy, constructive ways. High school graduation or an equivalency diploma is required for normal admission. If you don’t have a high school diploma, you can still apply for admission on academic probation. While SAT and ACT scores are helpful, they aren’t required for admission to Rosedale Bible College.
Can I fax my application materials to you?
You may fax your application materials to 877-857-1312, if a fax is more convenient than conventional mail or email.
Can I change which courses I'm enrolled in?
Yup. You can change your class registration up until 4:00 p.m. on the second class day of each study term.
How quickly will you process my application?
It varies, depending on how quickly we receive transcripts and reference forms. Once all of your materials are turned in, you can expect to hear back from us within two weeks.
Student Life
Is there lodging on campus for my family when they pick me up/drop me off?
Occasionally there will be space available on campus for family members to rent. Contact info@rosedale.edu to see availability.Â
What will my address be?
Mail can be sent in your name to 2270 Rosedale Road, Irwin, OH 43029.
The number for the Main Office/Emergencies is 740-857-1311
Will I be able to manage without a car if I don't have one?
Transportation can be a concern on a rural campus. In our experience, though, students without cars are usually able to get where they need to go by riding along with other students or staff, or borrowing cars.
Will Rosedale make accommodations for my disability?
Yes! Accommodations are made on an individual basis depending on your individual needs. For questions about your specific situation, feel free to get in touch with admissions, or contact the Academic Office, or the Office of Student Life.
What size are the dorm beds?
All rooms include two twin sized bunks. One bunk only has one bed on it making it a total of 3 beds per room. There are never more than 2 students per dorm room.
Am I allowed to bring a microwave/fridge/coffeepot/toaster, etc., for my dorm room?
They’re not prohibited, but due to limited space and the possibility of electrical overloads we discourage bringing those appliances. A microwave, refrigerator, and toaster are available in each dorm lounge area for students to use. Coffee is available in the cafeteria or coffee shop.
Are there public computers available on campus?
 Yes, computers are located in the student computer lab and the library.
Can I request a roommate?
Yes. A Roommate Selection Questionnaire is mailed in each acceptance packet. Requests are honored at the discretion of the Resident Directors.
When will I know who my roommate is?
Roommates for incoming students are assigned one week before the beginning of each term. Unless you request a specific roommate, you’ll find out the dorm assignments once you arrive on campus.
Am I allowed to have an off-campus job?
Yup. You can work off-campus as long as the job doesn’t interfere with your course schedule. There are also on-campus jobs available for students. To apply, please fill out and return this form. If you have any questions contact admissions@rosedale.edu.
Do I need to do anything if I have overnight guests?
Yes! We ask that you inform your Resident Director of expected visitors and receive approval. They’ll also need to pay for lodging, and any meals they eat on campus.
Will my mail be forwarded to me after I leave RBC?
Yes, RBC will forward your mail for up to one year with the provision of a current mailing address.
