1) Where is The Master's College Located?
TMC is located in Southern California, in suburban Santa Clarita, about 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.
2) How much does it cost to attend TMC?
Approximately $33,000 per year, including Tuition, Room, Meals, Books, and Fees.
3) What kind of financial aid is offered at TMC?
Although International Students (non-US citizens) are not eligible for Government Aid, TMC does offer various scholarships. More info can be found on our International Student Financial Aid Page
4) How many students receive Financial Aid?
Approximately 89% of undergraduate students at TMC receive some form of Financial Aid.
5) Can I find out how much Financial Aid I will receive before I go through the entire application process?
No. We cannot award you any Financial Aid until you have completed the entire application process, submitted all the necessary Financial Aid documents, and been offered admission to TMC.
6) Can I get low-interest student loans?
Government-sponsored student loads are not available for non-US citizens. International Students should not plan on paying for any of their schooling with loans.
7) Is there a dress code?
Yes. Check our Student Handbook (pdf) for more information regarding our dress code.
8) Is chapel required?
Yes. Chapel is held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:10 - 10:25 am. Each student is allowed six missed chapels per semester.
9) What kind of rules does TMC have?
Please consult the Student Handbook (pdf) for specifics.
10) Can I live off campus?
Off campus housing is restricted to married students, part-time students, students over the age of 21, or students who live at home (aka, commuter students). For further explanation, please consult the Student Handbook (pdf).
11) Are there special housing arrangements for International Students?
No. We intentionally integrate our international and TCK (third culture kid) students throughout our residence halls. Nearly 1 out of every 8 students at The Master's College is an international student or TCK, so you will find some on nearly every dorm wing.
12) How many academic programs do we offer?
13 majors with 57 areas of study, and that number continues to grow.
13) What is the student/teacher ratio?
16:1
14) Will my credits transfer from _____________?
Transcripts will be evaluated by the Registrar. The student must have the equivalent of at least a C grade (not a C-) or better in a college level class for it to transfer to TMC.
15) What is the average class size at TMC?
Class sizes range from 30-40 students in lower division classes down to 8-15 students in upper division courses. However, some Bible classes will have close to 100 students. Over four years, the average class size is 20-25 students.
16) What denomination is TMC?
TMC is non-denominational.
17) What is the ethnic make-up of TMC?
Five-Year Average Breakdown:
White, Non-Hispanic 88%
Black, Non-Hispanic 3.3%
American Indian & Alaskan 1.3%
Asian & Pacific Islander 3.5%
Hispanic 3.6%
Non-Resident Alien 1.5%
Total Minority Population 12%
18) Is TMC accredited?
Yes, The Master's College holds the following accreditations and/or memberships:
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Association of Independent California Schools and Universities
Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
National Association of Schools of Music
California Council on the Education of Teachers
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
National Association of Nouthetic Counseling
National Association of College Admissions Counselors
The Evangelical Theological Society
19) What is the male/female ratio at TMC?
1:1
20) What are TMC's admission requirements for international students?
a) Faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior
b) English Language Test Scores (e.g. TOEFL)
c) Application + Personal Statements
d) Doctrinal Questionnaire
e) High School and/or College Transcripts
f) Two Recommendations
21) I'm a "Third Culture Kid" or "Missionary Kid"--do I follow the International Application process?
If you are a US citizen, then follow the application process for American students, not International Students. However, please let us know early in the process that you are a TCK (whether or not you are currently residing abroad), as we have some special adjustments that gear the application process toward your circumstances.
22) I have a US "Green Card", what does that change?
As a Green Card holder, you are basically considered a US citizen for application purposes. However, we ask to you still complete the Doctrinal Questionnaire (see below). You may submit either TOEFL or SAT/ACT scores. Additionally, you are eligible for government financial aid, so make sure you fill out a FAFSA instead of the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA).
23) When is my application due?
Please complete your entire application no later than March 2. You will be notified regarding your acceptance no later than April 1, and your spot will be guaranteed if you accept our offer by May 1. You may also apply "Early Action". Submit your complete application by November 15 and a decision will be mailed to you by December 22.
24) When are my Financial Aid documents due?
The priority deadline for all Financial Aid documents is March 2nd. If you are filling out the FAFSA (e.g. Green Card holders, TCK's, etc...), please complete it between January 1 and January 31 (which allows it to reach our office by early March), or as soon as possible after that. If the priority deadline for the Financial Aid application is not met, a student may still apply, but funding for certain aid programs may be exhausted.
25) What does TOEFL stand for?
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. The TOEFL exam is required for International Students at almost every college and university in the United States.
26) What are the minimum TOEFL score requirements?
The Master's College minimum acceptance score is 530 for paper-based or 77 for internet-based (iBT).
27) How do I register for the TOEFL exam and where do I send my scores?
Visit the official TOEFL website at www.toefl.org for information about registering in your country. Scores should be submitted electronically using the school code for TMC: 4411.
28) Is there a due-date for the TOEFL?
If you take the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), scores are mailed within 15 days of the test. In order to meet TMC's March 1 application deadline, please plan to take your TOEFL iBT before February. If you are in an area that still offers the paper-based TOEFL, scores can take 7-8 weeks to reach us. Therefore you should take the paper-based TOEFL before January.
29) Will I need to take the SAT or ACT exams?
If English is your native language, we ask that you submit an SAT or ACT score instead of a TOEFL score. If English is not your native language, then you do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores. The TOEFL is sufficient.
30) What are the "Personal Statements"?
You need to submit two personal statements as part of your application. You will find the questions within the application itself, either on paper or online. The questions help the Admissions Committee evaluate your Christian testimony and maturity.
31) What is the "Doctrinal Questionnaire"?
The Doctrinal Questionnaire is a brief, two-question form that helps the Admissions Committee understand more about your Christian background and beliefs. It can be downloaded here and should be submitted along with your application.
32) My high school or college transcripts are not in English--what should I do?
Your transcripts must be officially translated into English, and then evaluated by a credential evaluation service. Click here for more details.
33) I'm an International Student, but have already completed some university coursework in the USA--does that change anything?
If you have completed the equivalent of at least 24 semester credit-hours at an accredited college or university in the USA, then you need only to send us your college transcripts--not your high school (secondary) transcripts. Additionally, you do not need to submit TOEFL or SAT/ACT scores.
34) Do I need to pay an application fee?
International students applying from abroad do not need to pay the application fee.
35) Can I fax application or financial aid documents to you?
Yes. Please fax to (661) 288-1037, attn: International Admissions.
36) Can I email application or financial aid documents to you?
Yes. If you have access to a scanner, or complete some of the forms on your computer (e.g. your personal statements), you may email them to the International Admissions Counselor
37) Will I need a special Visa?
International Students--those who are not US citizens nor Green Card holders--will generally need an F-1 student Visa to attend TMC.
38) Can I have a job while at TMC?
International Students on an F-1 Visa are permitted to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week. Many International Students at TMC receive on-campus Work Study awards in their Financial Aid award letters ($2,500 or $5,000). On-campus jobs are handled through the Office of Student Employment. F-1 Visa holders should not plan to work off-campus.
39) Will I be the only one without a car?
No. Many American students do not have cars either. Finding rides will be easier than you think.
40) Will I need a laptop computer?
Yes. TMC no longer provides or sells laptops to students. Therefore you must obtain your own laptop, either in your home country (make sure your bring the appropriate electrical adapter!) or here in the USA. Average prices for laptops in the USA range from $800-$1600.
41) When should I arrive on campus?
If you will be on an F-1 Visa, you are not permitted in the United States until 30 days before orientation day. Orientation for incoming International Students begins the day before WOW (Week of Welcome). You will be notified of the specific date. We do not provide any housing for incoming students before that date, so make your plans accordingly.
42) Where should I fly to?
If you are flying from overseas, you should fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). If flying in from the US or Canada, you may want to try for Burbank (Bob Hope) Airport, which is significantly closer to the TMC campus.
43) How will I get from the airport to The Master's College campus?
If you let the International Student Office know your travel plans as soon as you make them, we may be able to arrange pick-up from LAX.
44) Can I contact you via Skype?
Yes. Skype provides free "phone calls" via the Internet from computer-to-computer. You can download the program for free at www.skype.com. Contact us via email to set up a conversation appointment.
45) Where can I find more info about transitioning to college in the USA?
The US government has established a helpful website: EducationUSA. The site contains information about American society and culture, and how you can prepare for the adjustment. The site also has its own helpful "Frequently Asked Questions" page here. Keep in mind that not all the info on the EducationUSA site will necessarily apply to The Master's College. Remember, our International Student Office staff are always available to help...
If you have additional questions not answered above, please let us know. Email the International Student Office
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