Elim Bible College

Lima, New York, United States · Est. 1924 · Private Non-profit

Spirit-empowered Bible college in rural New York, training servant-leaders for ministry and business since 1924.

  • Founded 1924 by Ivan Q. Spencer in Endwell, NY; relocated to Lima in 1951
  • Private Christian college accredited by TRACS (2020); 98 students, 33 faculty (2023)
  • 75-acre historic campus featuring Greek Revival buildings from Genesee Wesleyan Seminary (1831)
  • Bachelor's degrees in Theology and Business Management; Associate degrees and certificates
  • 100% of full-time students receive financial aid; 66% graduation rate, 88% retention rate
  • 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio; emphasis on Bible-focused curriculum (2x more Bible credits than peer Christian colleges)

Academics

Elim Bible College offers accredited degree programs including Bachelor of Science in Theology, Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Associate of Applied Science in Biblical and Theological Studies, and Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration. The college also provides one-year Launch Certificate, Ministry Certificates, Business Certificates, and Vocational Certificates. All programs emphasize Bible-centered education with more than twice as many credits in biblical studies compared to similar Christian colleges. Distance education options are available for both domestic and international students.

Campus & Student Life

The 75-acre Lima campus occupies the historic site of Genesee Wesleyan Seminary (opened 1831), one of the first coeducational schools in the United States. Two campus buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The S. Joy Niswander Library, established in 1924, houses approximately 30,000 physical holdings and archival materials documenting Elim's history and early Pentecostalism. Students enjoy on-campus housing, dining, chapel worship, and a tight-knit community with a 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio and average class size of 13 students.

Admissions

Elim accepts applications online through its Populi system. Applicants must submit a high school transcript (or equivalent); official SAT/ACT scores are helpful but not required. International applicants have additional requirements. A $150 non-refundable Reservation Deposit is due by July 15 (or December 1 for spring semester). About 70% of Elim students receive federal or state financial aid; 48% of those receive more than $5,000 in grant aid. Elim is committed to making attendance affordable through scholarships and campus employment.

Outcomes & Mission

Elim maintains a 66% graduation rate and 88% retention rate. The college's mission centers on forming young believers as servant-leaders equipped for vocational ministry or business. Notable alumni include anti-abortion activists Paul Schenck, Rob Schenck, and Randall Terry (class of 1981). The college is affiliated with Elim Fellowship, formed in 1933 to support Pentecostal and Charismatic churches, ministers, and missionaries globally.

Founded
1924
Type
Private Non-profit
Courses
14
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationChristian (Pentecostal/Charismatic); affiliated with Elim Fellowship
Websitehttps://elim.edu/
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
14
Avg career outcomes
Not yet verified
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources