Elevation College’s website has gone live, with applications opening January 1, 2026, and the first classes starting in Fall 2026.
The new college is a partnership between Elevation Church, led by Steven Furtick with approximately 17,000 weekly attendees across 20 locations, and Southeastern University, a private Christian institution with about 10,000 students that is affiliated with the Assemblies of God. According to promotional materials:
“This Christ-centered college experience is designed to develop students personally and prepare them to make a lasting impact, both in ministry and in life.”
Elevation College is offering two different 2-year programs: an Associate of Arts in General Education and an Associate of Ministerial Leadership. For the latter, students who complete the degree program satisfy the educational requirements for Assemblies of God ministerial credentials, and will be able to:
- Properly use hermeneutical tools to exegete and apply the Bible in ministry contexts
- Analyze and apply basic Christian theology in ministry contexts
- Construct and present expository sermons in ministry contexts
- Integrate their biblical interpretation, theological, leadership, and Christian ministry competencies in ministry contexts
Elevation will also offer 4 year programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Ministerial Leadership, Worship Ministries, Biblical Studies, Christian Ministry, Family Ministries, Humanitarian Ministry and Digital Media & Design.
The tuition? If you don’t need housing, $13,136. If you do: $19,936 per year.
Tuition covers academic coursework through Southeastern University, but does not necessarily cover books and other supplies, which are extra.
This comes out to “$339 per credit hour, based on 15 credits per semester with practicum scholarship applied.”
Put another way, a four-year degree in Worship Ministry, which prepares students to serve as worship pastors, could costs more than $80,000.
As far as housing, Elevation College notes:
“All first-year students are encouraged to live in Elevation Church-provided housing to experience the full community environment. This flat-rate fee covers all standard housing-related expenses.”
A crucial aspect of college life, however, is the practicum, during which students are expected to serve exclusively at Elevation Church. The FAQ explains:
You’ll spend about 15–18 hours each week in SEU classes and coursework, plus time serving in your ministry practicum at Elevation Church. You’ll also meet weekly with a mentorship group, attend Chapel and Morning Prayer, and take part in community events and leadership labs.
And
At Elevation Church, you’ll be part of a vibrant community passionate about Jesus and building His Church. Students gain real ministry experience, learning directly from our pastors, worship leaders, and creative teams who are shaping church culture globally.
Note: Students will live and learn in Charlotte, NC, fully immersed in the life of Elevation Church. This isn’t just a classroom-based education; it’s ministry in motion.
From weekend worship experiences and outreach to creative environments and team leadership, students are immersed in the daily rhythm of Elevation Church. You won’t just learn about ministry, you’ll live it.
