Charlotte, N.C., December 24, 2025
Elevation College, a new educational initiative by Elevation Church in partnership with Southeastern University, is set to launch in Charlotte in Fall 2026. The college will focus on providing degree paths primarily aimed at preparing students for careers in Christian ministry, combining academic education with practical church experience. Applications will open in January 2026 for prospective students interested in various ministry-focused programs, including associate and bachelor’s degrees. Elevation College aims to create a nurturing environment for future leaders in the faith community.
Charlotte, N.C. – Charlotte will welcome a new educational institution in the fall of 2026 with the launch of Elevation College, an initiative by Elevation Church in partnership with Florida-based Southeastern University. This new program aims to provide traditional college-aged students with degree paths primarily focused on Christian ministry, combining academic instruction with practical, hands-on experience within the church. The announcement of Elevation College was made in late November 2025, with applications slated to open in January 2026 for the inaugural class.
Comprehensive Ministry-Focused Education
Elevation College is designed for individuals feeling a call to ministry, offering a structured environment to earn an accredited degree while gaining real-world experience. Although Elevation College itself does not hold accreditation, students will receive degrees from Southeastern University, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The college plans to offer a variety of programs, including two-year associate degrees and eight four-year bachelor’s degree options. The two-year programs available are an Associate of Arts in General Education and an Associate’s degree in Ministerial Leadership. For those pursuing a bachelor’s degree, the four-year programs will focus on areas such as Worship, Biblical Studies, Christian Ministry, Pastoral Care & Counseling, Production Ministry, Family Ministry, Humanitarian Ministry, and Digital Media & Design.
Students enrolled in Elevation College will experience a hybrid learning model, incorporating both online and in-person coursework. A key component of the curriculum is the practicum program, which provides hands-on experience by allowing students to work directly alongside Elevation Church staff. This practical training is complemented by weekly mentorship group meetings, regular chapel attendance, morning prayer sessions, community events, and leadership labs, fostering comprehensive development.
Admission and Campus Life
Prospective students can anticipate applying through Southeastern University’s system, selecting Elevation Church as their partner site. It is required that students reside in Charlotte, N.C., and possess both a car and a laptop to facilitate their studies and practical engagements. While transfer students are accepted into the program, dual enrollment is not currently offered.
The annual cost for attending Elevation College is projected to be just under $20,000. This encompasses tuition, a site fee, and housing expenses. Over $8,000 is allocated for tuition, with an additional $5,000 site fee covering ministry training, leadership development, classroom space, spiritual formation, and student programming. Housing is estimated at $6,800 per year, and Elevation Church offers furnished townhomes located minutes from campus, with first-year students encouraged to utilize this housing option for a full community experience. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities will be processed through Southeastern University, allowing eligible students to apply for federal funding via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Southeastern University Partnership Model
The collaboration with Southeastern University is a significant aspect of Elevation College. Southeastern University, based in Lakeland, Florida, is recognized as the largest Assemblies of God educational institution in the United States. The university has an established track record of partnering with churches across the country, operating over 200 “Network Campuses” as of 2025. This model is designed to make accredited, faith-based education more accessible and affordable, with partner church programs potentially reducing student costs by nearly two-thirds compared to traditional private universities.
Southeastern University is responsible for vetting and employing professors, who will serve as adjunct faculty at Elevation College. This partnership model has contributed to Southeastern University’s growth, with enrollment increasing from approximately 3,400 students in 2013 to 10,400 in 2023. The university emphasizes that its network welcomes students from diverse Christian backgrounds and denominations, fostering an inclusive environment.
Background on Elevation Church
Elevation Church, founded in Charlotte, N.C., in 2006 by Pastors Steven and Holly Furtick, is a nondenominational, multi-site church known for its global reach through television, streaming, and popular praise music from Elevation Worship. In June 2023, the church formally withdrew its affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention after more than two decades, though specific reasons for the departure were not publicly announced at the time.
The establishment of Elevation College marks a new chapter in the church’s commitment to developing future leaders in ministry, leveraging a successful partnership model to offer a distinctive educational experience in Charlotte.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is Elevation College?
- Elevation College is a new educational program launched by Elevation Church in partnership with Southeastern University, offering degree paths focused on Christian ministry and hands-on experience.
- When will Elevation College launch?
- Elevation College is set to launch in the fall of 2026.
- Where is Elevation College located?
- Elevation College is located in Charlotte, N.C. Students are required to live in Charlotte.
- Is Elevation College accredited?
- Elevation College itself is not accredited; however, the degrees are awarded by Southeastern University, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
- What types of degrees will be offered?
- Elevation College will offer two-year Associate of Arts in General Education and Associate’s degree in Ministerial Leadership, as well as eight four-year bachelor’s degrees focusing on areas like Worship, Biblical Studies, Christian Ministry, and Digital Media & Design.
- What is the estimated annual cost for Elevation College?
- The anticipated annual cost for Elevation College is just under $20,000, covering tuition (over $8,000), a site fee ($5,000), and housing ($6,800).
- How can students apply to Elevation College?
- Applications for Elevation College will open in January 2026, and students will apply through Southeastern University, selecting Elevation Church as their partner site.
Key Features of Elevation College
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | Fall 2026 | Local (Charlotte, N.C.) |
| Partnership | Elevation Church with Southeastern University | Nationwide (Southeastern University’s network) |
| Accreditation | Degrees accredited through Southeastern University (SACSCOC) | Nationwide |
| Degree Types | Two-year (Associate) and four-year (Bachelor’s) degrees | Local (Charlotte, N.C.) |
| Focus Areas | Christian Ministry, Worship, Biblical Studies, Production Ministry, Digital Media & Design, etc. | Local (Charlotte, N.C.) |
| Learning Model | Hybrid (online & in-person) with hands-on practicum | Local (Charlotte, N.C.) |
| Annual Cost | Approximately $20,000 (Tuition, Site Fee, Housing) | Local (Charlotte, N.C.) |
| Housing | Church-provided furnished townhomes available | Local (Charlotte, N.C.) |
| Application Window | Opens January 2026 | Local (Charlotte, N.C.) |
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