1. What is EXCEL?

EXCEL is an accelerated program of study to help adults complete their bachelor's degree in a convenient, cost effective way. Students meet one evening or Saturday morning, taking one subject at a time at a campus nearby. The courses are accelerated, with most 3-credit courses meeting for 5 weeks. Some quantitative courses such as Math, Accounting, Finance, and Statistics meet for 8 weeks which allows more in-class time for more individualized instruction.

2. What is transferable credit?

Any credit from an accredited college/university that represents work of "C" or better

3. What if I don't have sufficient credit to enter my major of interest?

There are various ways to earn sufficient transferable credit. You can enroll in classes at a community college or local college/university and take the CLEP (College Level Examination Program - www.collegeboard.com/clep). If you have a minimum of 15 transferable college credits, you may be eligible to enroll in Trinity's Ready-II-EXCEL program. Please contact an Admissions Counselor for more information.

4. What does "accredited" mean and why do I need an accredited degree?

Accreditation is granted to a college or university when it has met specific standards set up by a national or regional board. Accreditation is a guarantee that the school has qualified professors, financial stability and approved programs of study. Trinity holds regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS), www.ncacasi.org. Accreditation is beneficial for several reasons, to include the school's improved performance, ease in transfer of credits and student access to financial aid and scholarships. For more information regarding accreditation and its benefits go to www.ncacasi.org/publications/valueaccred.

5. What is CLEP?

CLEP is the College Level Examination Program, prepared and administered by the College Board, the creators of the SAT. It is possible to earn transferable credit through CLEP examinations. More information is available at www.collegeboard.com. You can see a complete listing of the CLEP exams that Trinity accepts for transfer credit at (link to CLEP at TIU).

6. What is cohort-learning?

Cohort learning is comprised of small, intimate classes that stay together throughout an entire program of study. One of the advantages of the EXCEL program is the fact that adults can learn together in a cooperative, exciting learning community in the cohort style.

7. Will Trinity give me credit for life experiences? What is Prior learning?

Trinity extends the opportunity to earn credit for life experiences to all registered undergraduate students. Students can use Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) as an effective option to earn college credit for non-accredited learning from previous experiences. The experience itself is not what earns college credit, but what has been learned from the experience. Students can petition up to 32 credits for Prior Learning. Credentialed learning can also be petitioned for college credit by submitting certificates of completion for classes or seminars; this is called Business and Professional Training, (BPT).

8. What if my job offers tuition reimbursement?

Many employers offer the benefit of tuition reimbursement. You should ask your employer if they offer this benefit, and if so, how it works. Your admissions counselor will then provide you with the necessary forms for submission. Please note that your employer may require you to provide grade reports and fill out forms other than those used here at Trinity.

9. What if I attended college outside of the United States? What if I am not a US Resident or Citizen?

Trinity is pleased to offer students who have studied outside the United States the opportunity to complete their degree through EXCEL. You can have your transcripts translated and evaluated through World Educational Services, www.wes.org, or through another agency that performs such evaluations. WES evaluations are preferred. Once Trinity receives the translation and you have applied for admission to the EXCEL program, it will be assessed for transferable credit.

10. Are there any scholarships available?

Trinity offers both scholarships and financial aid. You may contact the financial aid office at kgual@tiu.edu or (305) 770-5142. You can also sign up for a free scholarship search engine at www.fastweb.com. Please see the financial aid link for details.

11. How do I apply for financial aid?

To apply for financial aid, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We encourage you to apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Trinity's school code is 012314. In order to apply for financial aid you must request a PIN (Personal Identification Number) at www.fafsa.ed.gov; upon receipt of your PIN you can complete the application. You will need your tax return information in order to fill out the FAFSA.

12. How long will it take me to graduate?

Each program of study has a specific length of time, however that does not mean you will graduate as soon as you complete your core classes. You will need 126 credits to graduate, and will meet with your advisor to come up with your individualized graduation plan.

13. Are my credits from Trinity transferable to other colleges/universities?

Since Trinity is regionally accredited, your credits earned Trinity are transferable. The college/university that you are considering attending will have it's own transfer policy.

14. What if I have vocational/technical credits?

Your vocational or technical credits may or may not be transferable depending on what area of study in which you received credits. The best way to determine whether or not your credits are transferable is to apply and have your official college transcripts assessed.

15. How are my credits assessed?

Once you have applied and all of your official transcripts have been received, your admissions counselor will then submit your file for assessment. Each of your transcripts will be thoroughly evaluated and your transferable credits determined.

16. Why do I need to request official transcripts from EVERY college/university that I have attended?

Because each college or university has a different credit transfer policy, in order to ensure fair and accurate assessment of your transfer credits according to Trinity's transfer policy, we must receive official transcripts from each college or university you have attended.

17. Why do I need to write an essay?

Due to the volume of writing in the EXCEL program it is important for us to be able to determine whether or not you are able to write at a college level. Your essay should demonstrate your ability to conceptualize a topic and communicate it clearly and concisely at the college level.

18. When should I apply for financial aid?

You should begin the financial aid process as soon as you know you are going to apply to the EXCEL program. It is imperative that your financial aid status be solidified before registration to avoid out-of-pocket expenses and being placed on a monthly payment plan.

19. What does it mean when a class is "accelerated"?

Most colleges or universities have sixteen-week semesters in which students take multiple courses at multiple times, which can prove difficult for most working adults. The EXCEL program is comprised of classes that meet only one night a week for five to seven weeks. After five to seven weeks a class is completed and a new one begun. In this accelerated format, a working adult can successfully complete twelve college credits a semester while attending class only one night a week.

20. What denomination is Trinity affiliated with?

Trinity International University is affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America. For more information about the Evangelical Free Church of America and Trinity's statement of faith, please visit www.tiu.edu/trinity/about/efca.htm.