We are always happy to answer this question because SIBI is tuition-free for residential students.

Most of your support will come from people you know. Do not be afraid to ask everyone you know to help you prepare for the greatest work on the face of the earth. Also, encourage those who know you to share with others your desire for training and your need to raise support. A sample brochure can be sent to you as a guide to help you prepare material explaining your future plans in ministry. This should be prepared and ready for distribution once you have received your acceptance letter from the school. It is important that you complete your application in a timely manner once you have made your decision to come. Also included in the acceptance packet is a list of suggestions to help you raise your support.

There are two basic options for the collection and distribution of student support. The first option is that you arrange for a congregation to be your sponsoring church and have your supporters send checks there. That congregation then gathers your support together each month and sends it directly to you in one check. This is the best avenue for the collection of your support.

If this arrangement is not possible, your second option is to have your support sent directly to SIBI. The school will keep a ledger and give you a check on the first and fifteenth of each month. You will receive only what is in your account, and it is your responsibility to manage your monthly support. If your supporters choose to send their money through the school, they need to be sure to attach paperwork that tells us that the contribution is for you. You will also need to let them know that this does not mean that their support is automatically tax-deductible. That must be determined on an individual basis by their own tax advisor.

How you claim your support on your taxes needs to be discussed with your own tax advisor. We cannot give legal or tax advice.

Lubbock has hundreds of apartment complexes and a good supply of houses and duplexes to choose from. Due to Lubbock’s large college population, rental houses are harder to find once the college students start looking, so it is best you have something secured by July.

SIBI has limited avenues to help with housing. The easiest and most efficient way for you to secure housing is to find it yourself, especially by taking advantage of online resources. There are also several house-locating services and an apartment guide that is available online or in local grocery stores. Log onto the following links to research housing: Lubbock Apartments, Zillow, or Realtor.com

No, but wives are highly encouraged to be involved as much as possible in the Women’s Ministry activities and in school functions. Many courses will be of great value and encouragement to the husband and wife who attend together. Women at SIBI can choose from several levels of study or involvement, ranging from taking a single class to a full Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree. For more details, see the Women’s Ministry page.

With five core courses and a preaching practicum every term, it is almost impossible for a full-time student to have a job, and at the same time keep up with his/her studies. For this reason, SIBI strongly discourages full-time students from working. If a student chooses to work, it cannot be at the expense of academic performance. The school does offer a three-year program that allows the student a reduced course load, which could provide the student enough time for employment.