RBC began in 1952 near the town of Berlin, Ohio, as a six-week Bible school that met in a local Mennonite church.^[3] In 1964 the college moved to its present campus and became known as Rosedale Bible Institute. The ensuing years saw growth in both course offerings and length of the school year. In conjunction with accreditation and degree granting privileges recognized by the Ohio Board of Regents, the institution changed its name in 2001 to Rosedale Bible College.^[4]

Currently the college serves approximately 70 students annually, a large majority of them coming from Mennonite congregations. The ratio of men to women is generally 50/50. The institution has roughly 7,000 alumni, with a relatively large number serving the church as missionaries, pastors, and ministry workers throughout the world. A majority of RBC students transfer to four-year institutions to further their education.^[2]

Rosedale Bible College offers a transferable 2-year Associate Degree in Biblical Studies. RBC also offers an Academic Fast Track which allows students to graduate from the college and transfer to another school to complete a bachelor’s degree in two additional years.^[5] Rosedale Bible College is authorized by Ohio Higher Education (the state’s educational oversight body) to grant associate degrees.^[6]

As part of Rosedale Bible College’s core curriculum, the Explore Program requires every student to spend 20-25 hours per year in the local community, serving, learning, growing, and being challenged.^[7]

Rosedale Bible College offers transformative learning programs designed to provide students with hands-on, real-life experiences. These transformative learning programs include:

• Distance Learning Training in Ministry
• Short-term Ministry Programs
• Rosedale School of Business and Leadership
• Cross-Cultural Learning
• Venture Program
• Bridge Internships

Distance Learning Training in Ministry Program edit

The Distance Learning Training in Ministry is a program designed to equip students to serve in their local congregation. ^[8]

Short-term Ministry Programs edit

The Short-term Ministry Programs is for students who’ve been part of a short-term ministry program. They may be eligible to turn those experiences into college credit at Rosedale Bible College. The REACH and YES programs operated by Mennonite missions agencies are programs that are approved by the academic committee for inclusion in this policy.^[9]

Rosedale School of Business and Leadership edit

The Rosedale School of Business and Leadership is a program that allows students to get an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies with a concentration in business and leadership. The program’s purpose is to prepare students to move directly into business management, or transfer to another institution to earn a Bachelor's degree in business with two more years of study.^[10]

Cross-cultural Learning edit

Every Winter Term, Rosedale Bible College students are provided the opportunity to study with Christians outside the United States, and explore the host nation’s history and culture. For second-year students, the extra cost of the study term is covered by an institutional grant.

Venture Programs edit

The Venture Programs are a three week leadership and spiritual formation program that takes place in the Canadian wilderness. Student participants learn how to canoe, portage and navigate using a compass while also learning various leadership skills and spiritual habits.

Bridge Internships edit

Bridge is an internship program for second or third-year students to develop vocational skills while serving in ministries and other occupational roles in their local community.^[11]

The average school enrollment is 70 students, while typical class size is 15 – 20 students.^[12]

The total estimated annual cost for full-time students (including room and board) is $15,000. Costs are kept lower due to gifts from Rosedale Bible College alumni, friends, and RNOC churches. In 2022-2023, the average student paid $4,218 out-of-pocket after receiving financial aid.^[13]

For students from a select group of Anabaptist denominations (presently RNOC, LMC, Evana and Good News Fellowship), Rosedale Bible College offers the Multiply Scholarship, their most substantial discount.

RBC offers other scholarships based on need, academic achievement, service, church attendance, and parents’ ministry.

Rosedale Bible College offers the following extracurricular activities:^[14]

• Rosedale Choir
• Rosedale Chorale
• Annual Drama Production
• Salt and Light Co.
• Intramural Sports

Rosedale Choir edit

The Rosedale Choir sings at churches and events during the fall semester.

Rosedale Chorale edit

The Rosedale Chorale is a select touring choir who performs a variety of music at weekend shows and does a 10-day tour in the spring semester.

Annual Drama Production edit

The Annual Drama Production is for students interested in performing or contributing behind the scenes in the annual theatrical production.

Salt and Light Co. edit

The Salt and Light Co. is a folk and world music sound group who perform weekend tours throughout the year and an extended tour between sessions.

Intramural Sports edit

Intramural Sports include: volleyball, basketball, Ultimate, Roundnet, soccer and disc golf.

Rosedale Bible College students gather for chapel twice a week. The service format varies widely throughout the year between teaching and worship, and entire services dedicated to prayer.

Students meet with a Discipleship Group every week. The Discipleship Group consists of a series of lessons designed for students to continually grow as followers of Jesus, and to help them process their studies.^[15]

David R. Swartz (‘96) is an associate professor of history at Asbury University. He is the author of Moral Minority: The Evangelical Left in an Age of Conservatism'.^[16]

Robert Roberg (‘86) has paintings in a number of museums including two in the Smithsonian Museum of Art. He drew the full-color illustrations for The Littlest Star: A Musical Story.^[17]