University of Valley Forge

Close-Knit, Christian Liberal Arts Education at UVF

The University of Valley Forge appears in our ranking of the 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs at Private Colleges. The University of Valley Forge is a private, nonprofit CCCU member in Pennsylvania. It offers:

• six associate degrees
• 42 bachelor’s degrees
• five master’s degrees

There are also 10 fully online programs plus a Dual Enrollment Program. The student/teacher ratio is 12:1. The B.S. in Graphic Design is a 126-credit, four-year curriculum.  Undergrads can:

• attend Digital Media Camp
• join the Media Production Team
• intern at Hershey Entertainment

The Bachelor of Social Work has a 121-credit, CSWE-accredited sequence that blends courses like:

• Life Formation with two field practica
• trips abroad from Brussels to Bali
• La Casa Unida Worship Team service

The online M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction is a 30-credit, 24-month program for licensed K-12 teachers. They take seven-week Christian courses like Literacy Leadership part-time and complete an action research project or thesis. The M.M. in Music Technology is a 33-credit hybrid degree for Education, Composition, and Production tracks. There is hands-on in the Capeci Hall Choir Room practice. There is also Music Ministry Team membership. Other Valley Forge options include:

• the A.A. in Ministry Leadership
• B.A. in Pastoral Counseling
• B.S. in Criminal Justice
• B.S. in Global Business
• B.S. in Sport Management
• B.A. in English
• B.A. in Deaf Culture Studies
• M.A. in Organizational Leadership

About the University of Valley Forge

The University of Valley Forge originated in 1932. Local Christian missionaries started hosting the Summer Bible School at Maranatha Park. In 1939, the Commonwealth permanently chartered it as the Maranatha Bible School with an inaugural class of 35. By 1950, it merged with Beulah Heights Bible School and became the Eastern Bible Institute. In 1962, it was renamed the Northeast Bible Institute. The next Fall, four-year bachelor’s programs were authorized. Accredited in 1967, it transformed into the Northeast Bible College in 1975. Two years later, President Obie Harrup Sr. moved it to the former Valley Forge Army Hospital. In 1978, the Assemblies of God affiliate became Valley Forge Christian College. In 2005, Valley Forge piloted the earliest Master of Arts program. On September 16, 2014, the University of Valley Forge name was formally adopted. It’s endowed for $1.7 million. The University of Valley Forge employs 94 faculty teaching 1,130 students from 37 states and 14 countries. It has 20+ clubs like Light Children’s Ministry. It has a 78 percent retention rate. In 2019, Valley Forge accepted the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce Hidden Gem Award. In 2017, the University of Valley Forge won a CSAC Institutional Academic Excellence Award. The U.S. News & World Report named UVF 25th for social mobility in the North, and the North’s 32nd top school. College Factual ranked Valley Forge:

• 223rd for diversity
• ninth for Assemblies of God education
• 113th for digital media degrees

PayScale recorded a $65,100 mid-career salary for University of Valley Forge alums too.

University of Valley Forge Accreditation Details

The University of Valley Forge is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This  six-state Mid-Atlantic Region accreditor is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and Pennsylvania Department of Education. Further, UVF is endorsed by the Alliance for Assemblies of God Higher Education (AAGHE). The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) also reaffirmed Valley Forge through 2024.

University of Valley Forge Application Requirements

Enrollment at the University of Valley Forge is classified as “moderately difficult” by Peterson’s. There is a 53 percent acceptance rate. First-year students must hold an accredited high school diploma or the GED equivalent. The Class of 2020 had an average secondary GPA of 3.13. The middle 50th percentile had SAT scores of 950-1120. Mid-range admitted ACT scores were 16-21. The Honors Program requires a minimum 1220 SAT, 27 ACT, or 87 CLT mark. The Dual Enrollment Program considers a 17 ACT or 420 Reading and 440 Math SAT score prerequisite. Transfers must finish 12+ compatible college-level credits with GPAs above 2.0. International students taking the TOEFL exam need at least 500 pBT or 61 iBT scores. Graduate programs require four-year bachelor’s completion with 2.75 or higher GPAs. Up to six master’s credits graded C or better would transfer. The Master of Education degree also requires current K-12 teaching credentials. The University of Valley Forge keeps the admission process rolling until August 1st for Fall and December 1st for Spring. Freshman priority dates are May 1st and October 1st. The Dual Enrollment Program has final deadlines of:

• August 14th
• December 18th
• April 17th

Enrollment deposits of $100 are due within 30 days of acceptance. Accordingly, complete the UVF Application online with $25 or a fee waiver. Send official transcripts to 1401 Charlestown Road in Phoenixville, PA 19460. File test reports using SAT/TOEFL code 2579 or ACT code 3643. Attach program-specific materials, such a:

• s the 1-2 recommendations
• current resume or CV
• 500-word purpose statement
• teacher certification

Contact (610) 917-1487 or admissions@valleyforge.edu with questions.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For 2019-20, the University of Valley Forge is charging traditional full-time undergrads $10,390 per semester or $20,780 annually. Part-time campus study is $805 per credit. Summer courses are priced at $610 per credit. Undergrads cover the $500 student service fee each term. Residing at the Phoenixville housing adds $2,260 to $2,910 for semester rent. Unlimited meal plans for the Dining Commons are $2,305 extra. UVF budgets $1,500 for books and $3,060 for personal expenses. Annual bachelor’s attendance equals about $35,787 on-site or $25,901 if commuting. Online undergrad programs cost $410 per credit with a $210 semester fee. Graduate degrees require $480 per credit. Thesis extensions are $770 each term. According to the NCES College Navigator, the Financial Aid Office links 98 percent of new full-time UVF students to assistance averaging $14,071 each.  University funds include:

• the Fine Arts Scholarship
• Bible Quiz Scholarship
• Royal Ranger/Missionette Scholarship
• Virtuoso Scholarship
• Church Match Scholarship
• Spanish Eastern District Scholarship
• Missionary Dependent Scholarship
• District Youth Director Scholarship
• J. Roswell Flower Scholarship
• Riggs Assemblies of God Scholarship
• Donor Scholarship
• Next Generation Scholarship

The Honors Scholarship gifts $2,000 annually to freshmen who meet the 1220 SAT, 27 ACT, or 87 CLT score minimum. The $2,000 Leadership Scholarship assists undergrads with 2.5 or higher GPAs who engage in co-curricular campus activities. Federal resources, such as the Pell Grant and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, require FAFSA forms coded 003306 by May 1st. In-state residents can also pursue:

• the Pennsylvania State Grant
• Ronnie Williams Scholarship
• Horatio Alger Scholarship
• Olivia Marquart Scholarshi
• , I Matter Scholarship, and more.

Search through nine accredited departments conferring 50+ Biblical-based degrees placed 312nd by Washington Monthly at the University of Valley Forge website.

Related Resources:

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