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History

A vintage photo shows a two-story wooden house with three figures and an old car nearby, against a snowy, overcast backdrop.

1939-1975

The story of the University of Valley Forge began in 1939 in Green Lane, PA with the small school of Eastern Bible Institute (EBI). The Eastern Bible Institute charter was granted to train pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and Christian educators and lay workers. There were 35 students enrolled the first year. 

In 1962, after consolidation with a number of other Bible Institutes in the northeast, EBI became Northeast Bible Institute (NBI). The next year, the four-year Bible College program was officially inaugurated, in addition to the three-year program. In 1967, NBI earned accreditation from the American Association of Bible Colleges. In 1975, the school received state recognition with the authority to grant Bachelor of Science in Bible degrees, and the name became Northeast Bible College.

1974-1977

By this time, the school had outgrown its facilities in Green Lane, PA. In 1974, President Obie L. Harrup, Sr. (1972-1979) visited the site of the closed Valley Forge General Hospital in Phoenixville, PA. God spoke to him and revealed this location as the future home of NBI. While their initial application was turned down, God was faithful, and the land was granted to the school from the federal government. In January 1977, classes began on the new campus under the name of Valley Forge Christian College (VFCC).

The Valley Forge Christian College sign has a church and mascot in a tricorner hat against a partly cloudy sky.
A historic brick building with University of Valley Forges 1939 cross emblem is framed by yellow autumn leaves and green grass.

2002-Present

VFCC was quickly approved to grant bachelor’s degrees in religious education by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, afforded to nearly all the major educational institutions throughout the Northeast, followed in 2002. In addition, the curriculum rapidly expanded to include more than 40 undergraduate programs and 6 graduate programs, many available online.

On September 16, 2014, VFCC became the University of Valley Forge. Rev. David J. Kim was inaugurated as UVF’s 10th president on October 12, 2017. The University of Valley Forge (UVF) is affiliated with the Assemblies of God. To read the history of the Assemblies of God, click here.

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Seal of the University of Valley Forge: shield with cross, text UNIVERSITY OF VALLEY FORGE at top, 1939 at bottom.
1401 Charlestown Road Phoenixville PA 19460
800.432.8322 | 610.935.0450
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Admissions FAQs

Yes, most colleges and universities accept homeschool transcripts. You’ll need to create a transcript that lists all courses taken, grades earned, and a brief description of each subject. Many colleges may ask for additional documentation to verify the curriculum or learning outcomes. 

A homeschool transcript should include the following:   

  • Student’s name and contact information   
  • A list of courses by grade level (9th-12th)   
  • The grades and credits earned for each course   
  • GPA  

You can use online tools or templates to help structure your transcript.

Transcript Template (Right-click and “Save Link As” to download)

No, colleges understand that homeschool students may follow a non-traditional curriculum. You are not required to use a specific homeschooling program, but the courses should be rigorous and meet the academic standards of the college. 

UVF is test-optional, . It’s best to check each college’s specific testing policy. If you submit them, we will use those test scores for placement into math and English courses.  If you don’t submit test scores, we have placement tests that we designed that you will take instead. 

Homeschool students are encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, volunteering, internships, etc.). For letters of recommendation, you can ask mentors, tutors, employers, or community leaders who are familiar with your work and character. We understand that your experiences may look different from those of traditional students. 

Homeschool students typically don’t have a GPA or class rank based on a standardized grading system. You may be asked to provide your grading scale (e.g., A = 90-100, B = 80-89, etc.) and explain how you evaluate coursework. . 

If your grading was pass/fail, a work sample does help us evaluate the rigor of your coursework. 

Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for the same federal and state financial aid (e.g., FAFSA) as other students. You are also eligible for institutional scholarships. 

You may be asked to provide documentation showing that your homeschooling complies with the laws of your state (e.g., notice of intent to homeschool, records of testing or assessments). We are familiar with most states’ homeschool laws. 

Yes, you can still apply as a homeschooled student if you were homeschooled for any portion of high school. You’ll need to explain the structure of your education and provide transcripts for both your public/private school and homeschool years, if applicable. 

A GED is not required if you have completed your high school education through homeschooling, provided you can submit a detailed transcript and meet the other application requirements. However, if you took the GED, you may submit those scores as part of your application if they are beneficial. 

We value the self-motivation and discipline that often come with homeschooling.  Our homeschooled students typically excel in academic curiosity, resilience, and ability to work independently. 

We always encourage students to come for an on-campus visit.  It can be a great opportunity to showcase your personality and explain your homeschooling background in person. It’s also a chance to ask questions about the college and demonstrate your interest in the school. 

Homeschooling allows you to tailor your education to your interests and strengths. We appreciate the diversity of perspectives that homeschool students bring, so don’t be afraid to highlight how your education has been non-traditional but still rigorous and meaningful. 

If you’ve taken college-level courses during high school (dual enrollment), make sure to include those credits on your application. You’ll need to request official transcripts from the college(s) where you took courses and submit them to your prospective schools. 

Some scholarships are specifically for homeschool graduates. These may be offered by homeschool associations, local foundations, or certain colleges. It’s a good idea to research scholarships in your area or inquire about opportunities at the colleges you’re applying to.