About Us

Practicums

Discover what you love to do and exactly who your Creator designed you to be through a practicum that fits you. In practicums, you will be equipped to lead, connected with amazing leaders, and build lifelong relationships.

Hands-On Leadership

You can change the world! Make a difference and have fun doing it through powerful, hands-on leadership experience all in the inspiring context of James River Church.

Residencies

James River College students receive intentional leadership development from the team at James River Church. This unique access to staff creates amazing opportunities for internships where the possibilities are endless!

Campus Life

Experience college life at one of the largest churches in America, with over ten worship venues across four campuses.

Student Life

> > weekly schedule

[ sunday ]
church & ministry
experience

[ monday ]
classes

[ tuesday ]
classes, chapel
& practicums

[ wednesday ]
classes, practicums, book study,
& prayer meeting

[ thursday ]
classes & chapel

[ friday ]
study day

[ saturday ]
day off

Convenient & Safe Housing

Welcome Home to exclusive two and three-bedroom apartments with full kitchen, two bathrooms, patio/balcony, living room, and outdoor pool all just a few steps away from the James River South Campus.

Meal Plan

The meal plan is designed for your benefit. Homestyle breakfast and lunch are made with your health needs in mind, as well as a full-service café.

Libraries

Stay on top of your studies at the James River College Library and Evangel Library. Enjoy access to books, DVDs, computers, and academic advisors.

FAQs

Admissions & Financial Aid

What are the general requirements for James River College?

Faith: As a Christian University, all of our students have made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Diploma: Graduation from high school, or having the equivalent of a high school diploma such as the General Education Development (GED) examination.

Core Subjects: A minimum of a 2.0 GPA in core college-prep classes (English, Mathematics, Social Sciences, and a Science with a lab).

GPA Requirements: All students who have a 2.5 GPA or above will be admitted test-optional. Students with a GPA lower than a 2.5 should see chart below to determine their admission requirements.

Admission Requirements Chart: 

A 2.2-2.49 GPA requires an ACT score of at least 18.

A 2.0-2.19 GPA requires an ACT score of 17. 

Standardized Tests: Standardized Tests: Incoming freshmen who can not be admitted test-optional are required to take the ACT or SAT test. As an approved location of Evangel University, the code that is used is Evangel’s code. The codes are as follows: SAT: 6198. ACT: 2296.

When should I start my application?
We recommend starting the application process at the beginning of your senior year. Applications stay active for one year. The earlier you start the better chance you have of qualifying for scholarship opportunities.
Is there an application deadline?
Yes, the application deadline for the fall semester is August 1st; the application deadline for the spring semester is December 15th.
Are scholarships available?
James River College offers a variety of scholarships to incoming and current students. See all the scholarships James River College offers on the scholarships page.
Where do I apply for financial aid?
To receive any Financial Aid, applicants will need to fill out a FAFSA. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. To fill out your FAFSA or simply learn more about the FAFSA visit: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. You will also need to fill out a school code when completing your FAFSA. This is assigned by the federal government as a unique identifier for each school. James River College is a campus of Evangel University, therefore, the code for Evangel applies to James River College also. The FAFSA code for Evangel is 002463.
Can I re-apply for scholarships in my second year?
Students in their second year can apply for scholarships that are distributed evenly across 2 semesters, as long as there is no indication in the requirements are for Freshmen only.

Scholarships that are distributed evenly across 4 semesters are one-time scholarships for incoming Freshmen designed to give students a consistent financial aid package during their time at James River College.

How many students receive the practicum scholarships?
Our practicum scholarships are awarded to a limited number of students based on merit. Depending on the specific practicum scholarship – some are only awarded to 1 student whereas another may be available to as many as 4 students.

Academics

Does James River College offer an accredited degree?
Yes, James River College students earn an Associates of Arts Degree in Leadership in the dynamic environment of James River Church; an authorized location of Evangel University.
Where do you receive your accredidation?
James River College is an authorized location of Evangel University. Evangel is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Where do my classes take place?

All James River College courses are live seated classes taught by Evangel University professors at the James River Church South Campus.

Can I transfer credits?
Since James River College is a campus of Evangel University, there is no need to transfer credits to EU, students merely transition into their junior year.
Once I graduate from James River College, can credits be transferred to another institution?
Yes, most colleges and universities have their own approval process in transferring credits. We suggest looking through the requirements they have for accepting credits from other institutions.
Can I take James River College classes part-time or online?
James River College students must be enrolled as full-time students. We allow students to take online courses on a case-by-case basis with approval from the James River College Director.

Practicums

Do I receive class credit for my practicum involvement?
Yes, our students receive 2 academic credits every semester from their practicum.
Do I get to choose which ministries I will be involved in?
Yes, students have the opportunity to choose a practicum that correlates with their particular interests. Students will also be involved in ministries outside of their leadership practicum. Please refer to the updated list of practicums.
How many hours of ministry experience will I receive each week?
Students can expect between 10 and 15 hours of leadership involvement (in addition to class time) per week.
Is participation required for services and major events at James River Church?
Yes, the heart of James River College is to build the local church. Students are expected to attend all James River Church services (except during Holiday Breaks) during their enrollment in James River College. James River Church events are also required for our college students.

Housing

Where is housing located?
Housing is located at Embassy Apartments which is within walking distance from James River College.
Can I live off campus?
Students who are married or currently live in the area do not have an on-campus requirement. James River College encourages students to live in Housing to get the full college experience and have a greater ability to be a part of the student community.
Do students live in dorm rooms?
No, our students live in spacious apartments that have a full kitchen, a living room, two or three bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Our students also enjoy amenities such as a pool and fitness center.
Can I bring a washer and dryer?
Student Housing has washer and dryer hook-ups available. They can be rented from the apartment complex or purchased. We ask that you communicate your intent to bring these items to the Residence Director and future roommates.
How do I apply for student housing?
If you are planning to stay in housing, you must complete the Student Housing Form during the admissions process. This form is located on your student portal after you have been accepted to James River College.

General

Can I still have a job while attending James River College?
Yes, however, students must prepare their schedules in advance knowing their attendance in church-related activities will take priority over employment.
How safe is campus?
The safety of our students is very important to us. All classes and most ministry opportunities take place at James River Church, where there is always on-site security personnel present to make sure everyone on campus is safe.

All staff, students, and church volunteers are also required to wear a security badge, which allows them to have fob access to the church building.

Nightly walkthroughs of our student housing are also conducted by our resident assistants to ensure every student’s apartment is safe & secure.

Do I need to have a car?
It is not required of students to have a car. Classes, ministry opportunities, and a grocery store are all within walking distance of student housing. However, it is beneficial to acquire a vehicle if possible to travel throughout the area and other James River Church campuses.
Is there a student dating policy?
There is not a dating policy for students but we do encourage students to become familiar with the new environment before pursuing a dating relationship.
How much does James River College cost?
Learn more about costs for James River College on the Scholarships Page.

More Questions?

We understand!
Please contact us with any questions you may have.