Students choose St. Stephen's University (SSU) for its unique combination of distinctive factors. These include the fact that it is a provincially chartered Christian university, that it has chosen to remain small to create a highly personalized learning or growing environment, and that St. Stephen's University has taken the walls off the classroom by its commitment to international travel opportunities for all students. SSU offers a very favourable four-to-one student-to-teacher ratio and class sizes that seldom exceed 20 students. Over 75% of the faculty have earned doctorates and students and professors are on a first name basis. And although the school is striving for excellence in everything it does, its highest goal is to see the formation of Christ-like character in all students.

In the Liberal Arts program, integration rather than fragmentation characterizes the curriculum. Majors exist in History, Literature, Religious Studies / Ancient History, Philosophy, and Biblical Studies / Ministry; Honours is offered in Interdisciplinary Studies. All students participate in two full terms of travel and study in Europe and in Africa or Asia as part of their course at no extra cost beyond the normal tuition fees. The graduate level Ministry Studies programs are designed to provide a "non-traditional" preparation for full- or part-time involvement in Christian ministry. Although the academic standards are high, the real objective is to help equip mature disciples to become more effective builders of God's Kingdom. The school offers a Masters of Ministry or Christian Studies both residentially and by Module. SSU also hosts the Institute for Emerging and Contemporary Worship Studies for both beginner and experienced worship leaders.

All full-time students at SSU are expected to live in university-operated residences (unless family circumstances of married students cannot be accommodated within the facilities available). There is an extra charge of $500.00 for a single occupancy room, subject to availability. Apartments are available for married student accommodation and costs vary according to the space required and the meal plan selected.

A limited number of apartments are available for married couples by the University.

The first year of the B.A. program is called the "Life Base Year". It is designed to provide a manageable transition from high school to university and adult responsibility and to help lay a solid foundation for the students' personal faith and Christian understanding. Students follow a common curriculum with only limited opportunities for electives. A diploma is awarded at the conclusion of first year and students continuing at SSU then choose the area of concentration they will pursue for the next three years.

SSU does not offer an organized program of competitive sports. However, recreational gym nights, swimming, and co-ed hockey are available at little or no extra cost.

Student life activities are offered including (but not limited to) arts nights, coffee houses, progressive dinners, plays, and seasonal activities.

Clubs and other such special interest activities and groups are organized according to the interests and initiative of students from year to year.

A student computer centre is open to students 24 hours per day for the preparation of assignments, etc. Limited free wireless Internet connectivity is available to students for academic research as well as for personal Internet use.

Cultural activities vary according to the interests of students, but almost always include many and diverse musical expressions and activities. Other usual activities may include drama, poetry, art, etc.

The physical facilities at SSU do not lend themselves to easy access for students with severe physical disabilities. Since the curriculum also includes extended periods of travel abroad, the SSU program is not well suited to disabled participants either. However, applications are welcomed from qualified students who are single parents or members of visible minorities.

The Institute of Contemporary and Emerging Worship Studies.

SSU has a strong commitment to internationalism, which takes the form of extensive opportunities for students to travel and study in Europe, Africa, Asia and/or the Holy Land. We also have an occasional student exchange arrangement with the University of Zaporozhe in Ukraine. And we have many recent graduates working abroad in countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

We are very pleased to arrange personalized or group campus visits and tours throughout the school year. Prospective students are invited to spend a couple of days as guests of the University at no cost, sitting in on classes and chapel, meeting students and professors, and eating and sleeping in the University residences. Please contact the Student Information Office at the toll free number (1-888-CALL-SSU (225-5778)) to make arrangements.