Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Verity Institute?

A: Verity Institute is an innovative higher education program that assists young adults in earning college credit through non-traditional means while learning and applying the principles of the Bible. Verity offers a structured, 21-month schedule, biblically-integrated curriculum, and personalized coaching to assist students in obtaining a fully-accredited bachelor’s degree.

Q: What degrees does Verity Institute offer?

A: Verity Institute currently offers the following degree programs: Animal Science, Biology, Business, Communications, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, English, Humanities, Journalism, Liberal Studies, Music, Nutritional Science, Political Science, and Social Sciences and History.

Verity is not a college, and therefore does not grant credit nor award degrees. However, as a group study center, Verity assists students in their pursuit of a fully-accredited Bachelor of Arts or Science degree. Most Verity students earn their degrees from one of the following regionally-accredited institutions: Thomas Edison State College, Excelsior College, or Charter Oak State College. Verity does grant a diploma at graduation which attests to a student’s successful completion of the spiritual and practical goals of the program.

Q: Is a degree through Verity Institute accredited?

A: Yes. While Verity itself does not offer degrees, students earn their fully-accredited B.A. or B.S. degrees through one of the following regionally-accredited institutions: Thomas Edison State College, Excelsior College, or Charter Oak State College. Regional accreditation is the highest and most esteemed level of accreditation.

Q: How does Verity Institute work?

A: Verity aids students in earning their degrees at an accelerated rate through testing, correspondence courses, and portfolios. For students’ general education credits, Verity offers a structured schedule in two-week-long increments, complete with classes and study aids. At the end of each two-week module, students take a college-level test in the Verity testing center (for campus students) or at a local testing center (for Distance Learning students).

Q: What are the advantages of Verity Institute over other distance learning programs?

A: Verity offers much more than a degree. Students and parents choose Verity for the following reasons:

  • Christ-centered campus—the goal at Verity is spiritual growth
  • Size—a small student body leads to a close-knit family atmosphere
  • Time—the accountability helps students stay on schedule to earn their degree in less than two years
  • Price

Q: What are the prerequisites for enrollment?

A: Participants in the Verity program must meet the following prerequisites:

  • Yielded follower of Jesus Christ
  • Fulfillment of high school requirements for a diploma or GED
  • SAT score of at least 1530 or ACT score of at least 21 (exceptions on case-by-case basis)
  • Completion of Verity application
  • 18 years of age or older by matriculation
  • Attendance of the Institute in Basic Life Principles’ Basic Seminar (ATI enrollment is not necessary)

Q: How much academic background does someone need to succeed at Verity Institute?

A: Verity is for disciplined, personally motivated students who are determined to press toward their goals, despite obstacles. Academic excellence is helpful; however, an average student can succeed at Verity through diligence, perseverance, and willingness to learn.

Q: What if a student has prior college credit?

A: Most regionally accredited college credits will be transferable toward a student’s degree. Credits earned from non-accredited colleges, such as Telos, are not directly transferable. It may be possible for students to use that knowledge for college credit by writing a portfolio about what they learned, how they learned it, and how they have applied it. However, it is easier for the student to take a credit-granting test that is similar to what they have learned.

Q: Can I pursue a master’s degree after graduation from Verity Institute?

A: Yes. A number of Verity graduates have enrolled in graduate school. Students at Verity earn a fully-accredited bachelor’s degree; moreover, the disciplined schedule required for accelerated learning motivates students to develop the time management and study skills essential for success in further education.

Q: What is a typical term schedule?

A: See our calendar for specific dates. In general, Verity’s 21-month schedule is as follows:

  • Fall Term: Orientation starts at the beginning of September. Following orientation through Thanksgiving, students study and test to obtain general education credits.
  • Winter Break: Break starts at Thanksgiving and extends through New Year’s.
  • Winter–Spring Term: At the beginning of January, general education studies resume. The term continues through the end of May, with a week-long break at Easter.
  • Summer Break: Summer break is about six weeks long.
  • Summer–Fall Term: Students return in July to tackle their core coursework. Students may take a week-long break in September to recharge for the remainder of the term, which extends to Thanksgiving.
  • Winter Break: Break starts at Thanksgiving and extends through New Year’s.
  • Winter–Spring Term: After New Year’s, students return for their final term at Verity. For many students, the term includes a several-week-long foreign missions trip in the late winter or early spring. Students graduate at the end of May.

Q: Where is Verity Institute located?

A: Our campus is located in the suburbs of Indianapolis, Indiana. Students live and study at IBLP’s South Campus. Some students may be able to study from home instead via our Distance Learning program.

Q: What is the cost of the Verity Institute program?

A: Please see our Program costs page. Verity has three programs: Campus Program, Distance Learning, and Dual Enrollment.

Q: Does Verity Institute offer financial aid?

A: Since Verity is not a college, we do not qualify for Pell Grants of other government aid. However, students have obtained scholarships and grants to attend Verity through private foundations, corporations, and Christian organizations. Verity offers assistance in pursuing scholarships and grants. For more information, please see the Financial Aid page for information about eligiblity and suggestions for scholarship.