Application Process

Undergraduate applicants must be high school graduates (or hold a GED). No minimum GPA is explicitly required for admissions. High school dual-enrollment students should have completed 10th grade with at least a 2.5 GPA. Applicants should submit a high school transcript, GED certificate, or college transcript of higher education courses taken.

Graduate applicants need an appropriate prior degree: a completed bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.5 GPA) for the Master of Divinity (CCS accepts a variety of bachelor’s degrees outside of Bible and Theology), and a completed master’s degree (minimum 3.0 GPA) for the Doctor of Ministry. The doctoral program requires a writing sample demonstrating academic writing ability.  All applicants (undergraduate and graduate) are expected to affirm CCS’s Christian Statement of Faith and Code of Conduct as part of the application. The good news is that standardized test scores are not required. CCS is test-optional, meaning SAT/ACT scores are not needed for admission. In summary, if you have the required prior education and are on board with our Christ-centered mission, you can apply to join the CCS community.

Applying to Cornerstone is a straightforward 3-step process. First, you’ll submit an online application form through the college website at   and pay the small application fee. The application fee is $25 (non-refundable). During the application, you will be asked to affirm the CCS Code of Ethics and Statement of Faith. Second, you need to request your transcripts: incoming undergraduates provide a high school transcript (unless you’ve attended college before, in which case college transcripts suffice), and graduate applicants provide college/university transcripts. (If you’re missing transcripts or your writing sample during the initial application, don’t worry – admissions counselors can help you submit those later,) Finally, once you’ve applied, think about your calling and goals – a CCS admissions counselor will reach out to discuss your program interests and help “craft a degree plan that meets your needs,” whether entirely online, on-campus, or a mix. Tip: You do not need to declare a major upfront or know exactly how you’ll take courses – CCS will guide you through those decisions after acceptance. After submitting your application and documents, you can expect an admissions decision on a rolling basis. If accepted, you’ll be on your way to answering your calling at CCS!

No, standardized test scores are not required for admission to CCS. Cornerstone College & Seminary has adopted a test-optional policy, so submitting SAT, ACT, or CLT scores is voluntary. You will not be penalized for not providing a test score – applications are evaluated primarily on your academic transcripts, personal statements, and alignment with CCS’s mission. If you do have strong test scores and choose to submit them, the admissions team will consider them as part of your profile, but they are entirely optional. In short, don’t stress about the SAT/ACT for CCS. Focus on showcasing your heart for learning and ministry in your application.

CCS operates on a semester-subterm system with eight start times per year, and the admissions process is rolling. This means you can apply at any time, but you’ll want to have your materials in before the start of the term you wish to join. Generally, Spring Semester begins in January, Summer Semester in May/June, and Fall Semester in August. Enrollment is flexible, and late applications may be accepted up until the semester begins, provided space is available. We encourage you to reach out to admissions for the specific dates of the next start if you’re unsure. Remember, you can be accepted any time prior to the beginning of a semester as long as you meet the documentation deadlines for that term.

Yes. Cornerstone welcomes transfer students and understands many applicants have prior college coursework or relevant life experience. If you have taken courses at an accredited college or a reputable Bible institute, you can apply for a transfer credit evaluation. Generally, courses with a grade of C or higher (for undergraduate) or B or higher (for graduate) are considered for transfer. CCS allows transfer of a substantial portion of your program credits; however, at least 25% of the credits for your degree must be completed at CCS to earn a Cornerstone degree (ensuring you experience CCS’s core curriculum and community) . For example, in a 120-credit bachelor’s program, up to 90 credits might be transferred in, but 30 credits (25%) must be taken with CCS. CCS also offers the possibility of credit for ministry or life experience in some cases. Undergraduate students can have prior learning (such as military training, extensive ministry work, etc.) evaluated for credit (a Life Experience Credit fee applies for the evaluation) . After you’re admitted, the Registrar will work with you to maximize your transfer credits and potentially save you time and money on your degree. In short: yes, you can transfer to CCS – we’ll help you make the most of credits you’ve already earned while ensuring you complete the key courses needed for a CCS degree.

Absolutely. We encourage prospective students and their families to experience CCS in person. You can schedule a campus visit to tour our facilities, meet faculty and current students, and even observe a class session if desired. The campus in Spotsylvania, VA, includes a chapel, classrooms, offices, and a cozy café, providing a friendly environment for visitors and students alike. During a visit, the admissions team will be happy to answer your specific questions and show you how CCS “feels like family.” As one student puts it, “I feel like I am a part of a family campus community that loves me and cares about my future”. To arrange a visit, you can use the “Visit CCS” link on our website or contact the admissions office. We also host periodic open house events and are willing to accommodate individual visit requests. Whether you’re local or traveling in, we want you to “see and experience the campus and classroom environment” firsthand  – it’s often the best way to discern if CCS is the right fit for you.