School of Biblical Studies (SBS)

Looking for a YWAM Bible school? The School of Biblical Studies (SBS) is a great option.

What is SBS? SBS is a 9-month school that uses the inductive method to study all 66 books of the Bible. The inductive method focuses on observation (What does the text say?), interpretation (What does it mean?), and application (What does it mean for me and our world today?). Emphasis is placed on understanding the original context of each book by looking at the historical background, author and original reader of the text. It is from this place that students interpret the scriptures, arriving at timeless truths that can then be applied to their lives today, both for personal transformation and application in the nations.

Because we, as YWAM, are a missions movement, we are not simply studying the scriptures to only gain knowledge and personal growth, but to also take it to the nations so that they too may be transformed by the word of God.

We live in an age where truth is considered relative and God ambiguous and unknowable, if he even exists. The Bible tells a different story; one of truth, promise, faithfulness, and a sovereign, knowable God who has always and will always be on the throne.

Come join us in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and build a foundation on the truth of God’s word that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

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What is your tuition policy?

School Fees (36 - Weeks Lecture Phase): $9500

We require a *refundable $500 deposit to reserve your spot in the school and confirm your arrival which will be due at least 30 days before your school start date. For example, if your school starts on March 28, we would expect your deposit to be paid by February 28.

Your total school fees are recommended to be paid upon arrival. We want you to be able to focus on being a student, not fundraising for your school fees! However, if for some reason you cannot pay your school fees upon arrival, you can set up a payment schedule with your School Leader.

If you are an international, we understand it may be difficult to pay online, therefore your $500 deposit is due upon arrival.

Minimum guidelines for payment schedule:

Week 18 – 50% of school paid off

Week 34 – School paid off

Outreach Costs

If your school has an outreach option, you will receive information from the school leader with details.

Refund Policy

If for any reason it becomes necessary for a student to cancel, resign, and/or be asked to withdraw after the start of the school, the following refund schedule will take effect.

If the student withdraws or does not attend the school the $500 deposit is refundable up to 30 days after withdrawal/no show. After 30 days of notification of withdrawal or no show this is non refundable.

Any money due prior to cancellation will still be required. For example: if the student cancels during week 1 and still has not paid any tuition, the student still owes 10% of the total tuition, during week 2, 25% and so on.

Due to costs the school incurs for each student there will be no refund after week 8. These amounts go towards your room and food costs for the time you spent on this campus.

Refund Schedule

Week 1 90%

Week 2 75%

Week 3 40%

Week 4 30%

Week 5 25%

Week 6 20%

Week 7 15%

Week 8 10%

Tuition payments refunds (if applicable) are issued to the student only. Students are responsible for communication with sponsors.

These guidelines are non-negotiable. These costs are the minimum requirements and without them YWAM Salem cannot pay the costs (food and boarding) to have each student on campus. Please speak to your school staff if you are unable to meet these requirements.

How do I make a tuition payment or pay my deposit?

As soon as you are accepted to the school you should begin fundraising for your tuition. Here are instructions on how to make payments or to point sponsors to give you funds:

Pay Online

Visit our giving/payment page, https://www.ywamsalem.org/student-payments
Enter amount you would like to give/pay
“Designated for” – select “Student Tuition”
You will then be prompted to enter the name of the student (or your name)
Enter in your payment information and you will be emailed a receipt!

Pay by Check

Please make check payable to Youth With a Mission or YWAM. Please put the name of the student in the memo of the check.

Send checks to:

Youth With a Mission Salem

Attn: Accounting

7085 Battle Creek Rd. SE

Salem, OR 97317

*Unfortunately due to IRS guidelines, funds given towards a student payment are not tax deductible. Youth With a Mission Salem is registered with the IRS as a 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation and all donations towards staff members are tax deductible. However, when giving towards a student in one of our University of the Nations registered courses (such as the Discipleship Training School), your payment will not be eligible for a tax deduction. This is because when you give toward one of our students training, legally it is viewed as a payment towards tuition. Per IRS guidelines and according to Oregon state law, tax deductions are not available for tuition payments.

Can I take this school if I have a spouse/kids?

Yes! YWAM loves families. Our secondary schools can be academically intense, so this may be a busier season of your life. However we have had many families successfully complete our courses. Here's some more information that may be helpful to you.

Spouse Options and Pricing

Secondary School spouses are not allowed to sit in lecture on a regular basis. If the spouse wants to sit in lecture, we recommend you both take the school! Many secondary school spouses who are not taking the school will be focused on caring for their children. However, if you are not attending the school and do not have children, we recommend volunteering on the YWAM Salem Campus. This is a great way to connect with the community and get your rent and meals free.

Option 1: $2250 total ($250/month), this charge covers housing and all meals.
Option 2: Volunteer full time at YWAM Salem, free housing and meals. Visit our website and fill out a volunteer application form!

Children On Campus Pricing (Includes 3 months of room and board)

- 0-3: Free
- 4-10: $75
- 11-14: $225
- 15-17: $300

How and when do I arrive for the school?

Confirm your school start date in the program details section of this webpage. Arrival Day is always the day before the scheduled school start date. We typically start bright and early on the first day of the school, so it is best to show up earlier the day before to unpack and get settled. Here are your arrival options:

Plane

If you are arriving by plane, you must fly into PDX (Portland International Airport) our staff will pick you up at baggage claim. We will contact you with the exact pick-up times of the YWAM Salem Shuttle upon your acceptance.

Train or Bus

If you are arriving by train or bus, you must come into the Salem, Oregon Terminal. Our staff will be there to pick you up. Please email us with the itinerary.

Car

If you are driving in, email or call the Student Communications office with your specific arrival information so we can know when to expect you.

Our admissions team will send you an arrival detail form upon acceptance. Make sure to fill it out ASAP so we can plan for your arrival.

Can I have a job while in this course?

The course schedule does not allow time for outside work. In addition to this, we want you to get the most out of your course and advise against anything that would distract you from being fully involved.

Do you offer scholarships?

YWAM Salem is a non-profit organization and as such all of our staff and students rely upon the financial support of others in order to be here. Due to this, we are unable to offer a large scholarship program. We do however have a small scholarship fund to offset the cost of our courses for international applicants. Reach out to our Admissions team to inquire about a scholarship application form (admissions@ywamsalem.org). Please note that completing the application does not guarantee you any financial assistance.

Can I take this school if I am an international applicant?

Yes! Completed applications should be received 4 months prior to the start of the school (Africans at least 6 months.) Each family member, including children, that are coming to the school must have their own passport that is valid up to six months after the end date of the school. We will begin your visa process after you have been accepted.

Where will I be living?

You will be living in dorm style housing on our beautiful 35 acre rural campus. For secondary schools, we usually fit 3-4 students per room. There's plenty of room for you to study, hang out, and go on walks. Check out our campus tour for a look around.

→ Take a virtual tour of our campus

Do I need to bring a bible? What type?

Yes, bring a Bible! But the Bible you bring will not be used for your homework/studies. Each book you study will be printed out on paper for you. We will be using the ESV (English Standard Version) for our studies. A new ESV print Bible is not required but recommended.

I have a wedding/event/etc. back home, can I miss a week? Can I miss a weekend?

We have had many students in the past need to go home for graduations or other events. You can certainly miss a weekend, but plan on the majority of your Saturdays spent studying. We highly discourage missing an entire week of class, as that will put you behind in this fast paced course. If you are needing to miss full weeks, we recommend taking the school at a different time where you can fully focus on the entirety of the course.

Do we need a laptop for coursework?

A laptop is not required to take the school. However it is highly recommended. Each week you will have some typed assignments, although the majority of your time will not be spent on the computer. We have a cafe with computers you can use. In the past students have been grateful for this, but at times the situation can be inconvenient, with so many people wanting to use the computers.

We want to help you discover your passions and gifts and provide channels for you to use those to serve God in the world.

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