Moody Bible Institute
Chicago, IL, USA

Reviews

Moody Bible Institute

Ryan from Gilberts, IL

a past student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
Moody is renowned for its ability to teach the future generation solid, biblically based teaching and my experience so far has been just that. I came to MBI (the Spokane campus) with quite minimal knowledge of the Bible. In fact, I don't think I've even read THROUGH the Bible at that point. However, since then I've been learning from world-class teachers. Teachers who have been in Jerusalem excavating actual biblical sites and teachers who have studied AND taught at Oxford and are currently translating Eusebius' commentary on Isaiah from Greek to English for the first time. (Sounds like a big deal, huh). Yet all these teachers care about you. Personally. And are willing to go get a cup of coffee with you just to talk (if you pay of course! :) ) Needless to say, when you come to study at Moody, you tap into a world class arsenal of Biblical teaching and knowledge with Christ being at the very core.
Am enjoying being here
Again, I am currently at the Moody-Spokane campus and am completely in love with the atmosphere, the people, and the teaching. Expect to be challenged to grow when/if you come here. You're going to get beat up mentally in a benevolent way as a well-driven nail for the Word of God. The analogy of a well-driven nail is what one of Moody professors compares Moody's students to. If you look at the top of a well-driven nail... you'll realize that the nail is not... nice and polished. The nail has undergone a hammer smashing its head into a wooden plank. The nail is beat up. However, the nail isn't going to go anywhere either. That is what Moody does to you. It will help you be built on the solid foundation of Christ. Moody will challenge you in the classroom and outside of the classroom and help you grow into that well-driven nail. A man/woman of God.
Bang for the buck
Moody is fairly cheap in regards to other colleges and with the type of education offered here, a bang for the buck is an understatement. Of course, with all colleges you'll only get as much as you put in. That means... if you strive to learn, you are going to be able to learn so much.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early if you are interested in the Chicago campus. Spots fill up very quickly. Spokane was considered the overflow campus the past few years but is now becoming the Moody boom-college with how much it is growing. So apply early, and don't be afraid to apply to Spokane (biased but really... it's an incredible campus even though you can't search too much for it).
Great for these types of students
Students passionate about the Word of God; Future Missionaries; Future Missionary Pilots (Spokane Campus); Future Pastors; Future Leaders; Future Ministry Leaders; Students who wish to know why they believe what they believe; Students called to study the Bible

Nathan - New Port Richey, FL

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Deeply theological.
Biblically rooted.
Extremely practical.
Academic Rigor
I’ve noticed that Moody is a more tough than most colleges when it comes to academic rigor. As it should be. What we are learning is literally the most important thing to be learning. It should be hard and it should be thorough. However, there are professors who will help you and there are resources available if academia is not your strong point.
Dorm Life
The dorm life leaves some to be desired. If you enjoy the idea of living in a dorm, you will enjoy it. The floor cultures are rich, and you could spend all day in your dorm hall, talking and hanging out. However, if you are a little more mature and you desire a quiet, clean, space of your own, you may struggle a little bit to appreciate the dorm life.
Tips for prospective students
Come to Moody with a humble heart and a desire to truly learn. Don’t come if you think you already know it all, and you just want a degree saying that you do. Come to learn, not just pass classes. Be sure that you are fully committed to Christ.
Campus Safety
Moody has its own trained police department that keeps all the campus safe and secure.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Moody has many quirky people, and thus, the school has its own quirks. No traditions that are overbearing or super noticeable. Many floors have their own traditions that cultures. It would take way too long to tell about all of them. One floor, for instance, has a skip day tradition, where they all go to our plaza, and have a grill out, with music, hammocks, and games, while everyone else is in class.
Food and Dining
Many people complain about the food. But the truth is, it is good food and there are a pleatora of options for a wide variety of dietary needs.
Clubs and Activities
Moody has no shortage of clubs and student groups to be a part of. They are all worth while, and it is sometimes hard to choose.
Bang for the buck
Praise the Lord that Moody is a tuition paid school. Cheaper than almost any college, but it is still and investment.
Great for these types of students
Moody is a wonderful place. Like any school, it has it’s problems. However, these problems are not worth ranting about because this school really cares about training men and women to serve the Lord by equipping them with the tools and knowledge they will need to enter into a variety of different ministries.

Deeply Biblical and theological, immensely practical. The professors and faculty truly love the students, and see their teaching jobs as their ministry. Moody seems a holistic education. Theology for the head, Bible for the heart, and they actually have required firness classes for the body.

Moody is an outstanding school for all who desire to serve the Lord with their lives.
What to do for fun
Moody has a campus gym, a great coffee shop, a game room, and a huge library with not only books for school, but also movies to rent. Another plus is that Moody is in a world class city with no end to exploring and having fun.
Greek Life
Some majors are required to take Greek. It is difficult but definitely not impossible. If you are diligent and committed, you will do just fine.

Laurel from St. Louis, Missouri

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Serving the world in creative yet wonderfully unorthodox ways will become your passion. Hard work does produce fruit, in your life and the lives you seek to impact. Moody is exceptional in its environment, its impact, and it's service.
Tips for prospective students
Seek out your gifts.
Have a heart for people.
Desire adventure.
Love God.
Academic Rigor
A curious mind is a must.
Dorm Life
I actually live off campus, but being in downtown Chicago, the vibe is terrific.
Food and Dining
Chicago darling, speaks for itself. Be as adventurous with your dining as you are with your mission.
What to do for fun
Be yourself. Explore the world. Read. Eat a new food once a week. Care for someone without a single motive but their betterment. Sing. Meet new wonderful souls. Bundle up!
Bang for the buck
If accepted to the Chicago campus, tuition is paid for!
Great for these types of students
Creative
Ready to Serve
Mission-minded
Hard Workers
Campus Safety
Despite being in Chicago, the school's excellent city ministry and service record shows Chicago everyday, the caliber of the students, and the school has an excellent record.

Elisabeth from Prophetstown, IL

accepted here and planning to attend soon
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Moody Bible Institute is excited about the Bible. The professors care about you and want to help you to learn, and grow in your relationship with God. Every time I visit MBI I feel at home and know that God is at work through the students and staff.
Tips for prospective students
Don't rush or cram the information, but absorb all you can from your studies. Take time to really learn from the professors.
Academic Rigor
They give you a very full, but a very good syllabus.
Food and Dining
The food is pretty good! Nothing compares to homemade food, but MBI food was better than I had expected.
What to do for fun
There is China town, Ice cream shops, craft shops, coffee shops, the beach on Lake Michigan, biking, running, a variety of cultures to experience, the Sears Tower, and lots of picture taking :)
Campus Safety
The buildings have very good security and there have been very few incidents, on campus, in Moody's entire history and rarely towards Moody students.

Melinda from Chicago, IL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
When you enter the campus of Moody, you will walk out four years later a completely different person. Armored with the knowledge of God, and of the world and its cultures, you will be fully equipped to carry out every good work. AND, have an AMAZING experience along the way!
Tips for prospective students
Be willing to be open to what God is showing you, and keep him your constant focus.
Academic Rigor
Lets face it, Moody is KNOWN for its Academic Rigor that produces a Man or Woman that is HIGH DEMAND by both professional and missional organizations. You will study hard, grow leaps and bounds in your learning and understanding of God and his word, and be truly transformed into the who you have been destined to become.
Dorm Life
The community aspect of Moody is part of what makes life spectacular here. There are separate Men and Women dorms, but we operate on what's called a Bro-Sis (Brother floor-Sister Floor) so there is as much, or as little opportunity to commune with both sexes as you wish.
Food and Dining
The SDR (Student Dining Room) is loud, fun, and a place of community and friends. There are many great and tasty meal options, and if you don't like them than you can choose a meal replacement from The Commons. This is similar to the Ala-carte options of pizza, subs, grilled foods, etc
What to do for fun
We are in the HEART of Downtown Chicago, two blocks from Magnificent Mile, and minutes from Millenium Park. Basically, we have anything you could ever dream of, and things you've never thought of, at your fingertips. AND, if you need a break, Lake Michigan is a 5-minute walk to silence, and the beautiful splendor of the beach and water.
Bang for the buck
Tuition-PAID SCHOOL!!! Enough said! :) Look it up, I SWEAR it's true, Tuition is FREE-you only pay Room and Board. (Maximum of $2900 a semester)
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Hmm....well we are lovingly referred to as Moody Bridal Institute; but the festivities when someone is engaged involves flagpoles, video footage, lots of noise and boisterous FUN!
Great for these types of students
Christian. Every other type of person that fits under the umbrella as Christian would find something they love and FALL IN LOVE with Moody. I promise!
Clubs and Activities
Missions focused clubs, Student developments, Language clubs, Athletics, Intramurals, Specific Ministry and Major focused clubs, etc. Mission trips in ABUNDANCE during all times of the year including winter, spring, and summer breaks.
Campus Safety
Moody employs ONLY security officers that have experience in Law Enforcement. I am a scaredy-cat, yet I feel EXTREMELY safe on campus. However, if you are ever in need any time of day or night one phone call will get a Brother, or Public Safety Officer to you in minutes to walk home with you from the El-trains, or bus. They will also take you to and from areas in the city you may be transportation to, as well as help with flat tires or minor car repairs if you have a car on campus.

Bianca from Chicago, IL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A great solid Christian Institution that enables its students to go for ministry or work in the areas they are studying .
Tips for prospective students
Live their lives pleasing to our God with an impeccable testimony and be interested in ministry; that's all Moody wants!
Academic Rigor
Moody is very stretching. Lots of reading, projects and other assignments in general.
Dorm Life
That is one of the best parts about Moody. Its facilities are all renovated, and we can make close associations with other students that are currently attending the school
Food and Dining
they have a great diversity in the food. Salad, dely, glutten free, vegetarian, and hot food bar. In general, the good is great.
What to do for fun
Chicago is a great place to live, and Moody is situated in a very well located place. There are a lot of options to do for fun, go to the beach, shopping downtown, parks, the zoo, aquarium, etc
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
an unsual tradition is when people get engaged, they hang the guy on the pole on campus. And the lady has to come kiss him in order to set him free!
Clubs and Activities
Moody offers many clubs, such as sports and drama
Campus Safety
we live in the middle of Chicago downtown, so anything can happen anytime. Moody offers Public Safety in order to have more protection on campus.

Arielle from Walworth, WI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Moody Bible Institute is an incredible school. I have been challenged and grown in so many ways, and the community has been so awesome. Moody provides a quality education - both academically and spiritually.
Tips for prospective students
1. Apply, apply, apply
2. Be prepared to be stretched and grown academically, spiritually, and emotionally.
3. Visit the campus during the school year on a visit day and a day that isn't a formal visit day to get a feel for the campus and community at Moody.
Academic Rigor
The professors at Moody strive to ensure a quality education. A student going into Moody must be prepared to be challenged in course work and an incredibly difficult grading scale.
Dorm Life
The community in the dorms at Moody is incredible. In my first year at Moody, I was so thankful for each of the girls on my floor. Also, Moody has something called bro/sis, which means that each guys' floor has a sister floor and each girls' floor has a brother floor for the year.
Food and Dining
The food at Moody is like any other college cafeteria food. Honestly, there are great meals and not so great meals However, there is an amazing little coffee shop on campus and another place to get food called The Commons.
What to do for fun
Moody Bible Institute is in downtown Chicago, which means there are many activities an individual can do for fun whether eating at the many different restaurants in Chicago, going to the museums, or just going to a beach on Lake Michigan. Also, there are several different frozen yogurt and cupcake places. One of the cupcake shops even gives away free cupcakes to those who can say the secret word that can be found through Facebook or email.
Bang for the buck
Moody is a tuition-paid school. Furthermore, a student is only paying for room and board. Although a student does not pay tuition, that student may be getting an as good or better education that a 4-year school that charges tuition.
Great for these types of students
Moody Bible Institute is an incredible school for students who are seeking a quality education in which they will be challenged academically. However, more importantly Moody is the perfect Bible college to prepare for a life of ministry.
Clubs and Activities
As a Moody student, there are so many clubs and activities to be a part of such as intramural sports, 4-5 different music groups, and many other clubs/groups.
Campus Safety
As it is in the heart of downtown Chicago, Moody takes safety and security very seriously. No matter where a student or faculty member is on campus, they must always show their student or faculty ID, and those who are visiting must sign in at one of the desks to be given a special visitor ID.

Natalia from Spokane, WA

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Moody Bible Institute - Spokane is a wonderful and academically rigorous school. It offers a very family like environment with professors and students alike, while maintaining a professional and respectful atmosphere. At Moody - Spokane, one will not only grow spiritually, but academically.
Tips for prospective students
Do not be lazy. If you are expecting a Bible school to be easy, you are sorely mistaken. The fact that it is a Bible school means you will be doing a lot of research and writing many long papers.
The Spokane campus is very small so take advantage of being able to form relationships with your professors and the faculty.
Academic Rigor
Professors expect the most out of their students so they will challenge you academically, but also help you in areas of need. Grading is tough but you will learn a lot; the teachers really want you to learn things that are relevant and important, not just have you spit back information.
Dorm Life
Moody - Spokane does not have dorms, rather they have Investor Owned Housing, so you get to live in an actual house with a couple to several other students. The plus side to this is that you get to chose which house you live in based on your own preference.
Food and Dining
You live in your own house, so you buy and make your own food. Start practicing now!
What to do for fun
Go downtown and try all the restaurants.
There is a coffee shop or kiosk on every street. Atticus downtown in the best (in my own opinion)
Cliff Jump in Idaho.
Go hike in Bowl and Pitcher.
Pick Apples off Apple Trees in Green Bluff.
Bang for the buck
For the quality of education and the relationships that can be formed with professors, it is definitely a great affordable price.
Great for these types of students
If you love research you will get along just fine.
If you love intimate settings and getting to know the faces you see you will love it.
If you are truly seeking to gain a deep understanding of the Bible you will get that here.
Campus Safety
The building on campus itself is safe, you will be given a FOB (electronic key) they will get you into campus. No one without a FOB can get in from any door, unless they are buzzed in through the main door after being asked why they are there.
The area outside of the building is not the safest. Spokane has a lot of crime, especially the Logan neighborhood where the campus is located. It is safe to walk in daylight but never walk alone at night.
Always, always, always lock your doors and windows at your house and there are many robberies and break-in's. Also never keep anything in your car as there are many car thefts too.
Though it sounds horrible from what I said, it really isn't that bad. Just lock everything up, have a walking buddy and know where you are going.

Emily from Gilmer, TX

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
*Disclaimer!* I do not attend the Chicago campus, but the Spokane one. Though I applied to the Chicago campus and was deferred here, I would highly suggest anyone to take this route. It is the best decision I ever made!
Academic Rigor
The classes are amazing and I love my professors! Michael Orr is my favorite so far because, though his class is challenging, he absolutely cares that you are growing into everything God wants you to be. Though your grades are of significant importance your relationship with God is even more. Also, watch out for syllabus shock, it's a doozy.
Dorm Life
You don't live in a dorm but you live in an investor owned house close to the campus (my house is a five minute walk away). There is also a Safeway right behind my house so I don't have to go far for groceries.
Food and Dining
There is no cafeteria here, but it's kind of nice that way because you buy your own food and make what you want when you want it. You live on your own!
What to do for fun
Go meet your brother and sister houses! Everyone here is so relaxed and welcoming and, for about a month before classes start, people are hosting swing dances, bonfires, game nights, movie nights, ultimate frisbee championships, or going cliff jumping in Coeur d'Alene. There is so much to do! I haven't even been downtown yet.
Bang for the buck
It costs about the same as it would to go to the Chicago campus, but the experience is better. I know a few people who switched from the Chicago campus to come out here and prefer this.
Great for these types of students
People Who are ready to move out! It's perfect for those kinds of students.
Greek Life
I hear that the Greek classes are really hard. Good luck with that.
Campus Safety
It's a big city so safety is always a concern (not as big as with Chicago, I imagine). Be smart. Never walk alone places and girls: never walk home alone at night. The guys in your brother house are required to walk you home, sometimes you get a whole entourage. I bought pepper spray just to be on the safe side, but honestly, put your safety in God's hands. He'll take care of you.

Jesse Ann

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Excellent for ministry-oriented students. Easy on the wallet. Great for getting to know solid Christian friends.
Tips for prospective students
1) Apply early

2) Pray about what ministry to go into

3) If you get accepted into the Spokane Campus, it's okay. If you're given the opportunity to wait until the spring semester to go to Chicago, take that as well.

4) Get ministry experience. Not just one time trips but multiple activities.
Academic Rigor
Very academically challenging... a 93% is a B+.
Dorm Life
From the time I visited, the girls on the dorm seem to have a very good relationship. Also, Moody has something called Bro-Sis floors, where a girl dorm floor is hangs out with a guy dorm floor and go out to do different things, which is a good way to make friends without pressures of dating.
Food and Dining
I'm not a fan of the cafeteria food, but since Moody is in Chicago, there are several food choices available.
What to do for fun
Moody is walking distance from the Magnificent Mile, you can go to Lake Michigan, Navy Pier and so much more!
Bang for the buck
$10,000-12,000 a year!!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Flag polling. When a guy gets engaged on campus, the guys on his floor tie him up to a flagpole, give him a 'trial' which the guy ends up losing and gets covered with shaving cream. The only way to free him is for his fiance to kiss him.
Great for these types of students
This college is ideal for students who want to go into ministry.
Campus Safety
They take safety seriously here.