Best Christian Colleges & Universities: Top 75 in 2023

With juniors and seniors in high school already looking to college, many may be wondering, “What’s the right school for me?” Many factors contribute to that answer. Perhaps you’re looking for a school that has a Christian background that feels like home. Maybe you’re looking for a particular field of study within Christian education. Maybe you want to stay close to your hometown—or not. 

Whatever you’re looking for in a Christian college, there are undoubtedly many schools to choose from. In light of that, we’ve compiled a list of the 75 best Christian colleges based on a variety of research sources. These top Christian colleges have been ranked highly and offer great academic programs. These stand-out Christian schools are a great starting point for anyone looking for the right college fit.

Best Christian Colleges & Universities for 2023

In no particular order, here is our list of the 75 best Christian colleges and universities:

 

1. Grand Canyon University

Founded in 1949 in the heart of Phoenix, within a four hours drive to the Grand Canyon, GCU offers 200+ programs across nine colleges, collaborating with industry leaders to develop programs in high-demand fields. GCU is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best National Universities. New additions include a state-of-the-art engineering building for STEM majors, three on-campus apartment buildings, and a 6,000-seat GCU Stadium. GCU has also expanded off-campus with the new and nearby GCU Hotel. As part of its commitment to affordability, GCU has frozen tuition costs since 2009. Students can speak with their university counselor about opportunities to lower their tuition to an average of $8,700/year after institutional scholarships and grants. GCU is home to 21 NCAA Division I Lopes athletics teams that compete in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) and Pacific West Conference (PacWest). GCU also offers a variety of club sports competing at the national level and a host of intramural options.

Chapel services (which also live stream on YouTube), weekly Bible studies, and outreach events enrich students’ spiritual formation. Chapel speakers come from throughout the Phoenix area to share and teach Biblical truth. GCU students volunteer with Phoenix Dream Center, Hopefest, American Cancer Society, and Phoenix Rescue Mission. Annual signature ministry events include Serve the City Days, Salute Our Troops, Canyon Cares Christmas, and the Run to Fight Children's Cancer. Each year, GCU students journey worldwide to deliver the hope of Jesus and experience transformation in Thailand, Fiji, South Africa, Costa Rica, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Kenya, Wales, India, and more.GCU’s Career IMPACT Center provides assessment tools, resume help, interviewing, networking, and employment opportunities. Grand Canyon University prepares learners to become global citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible leaders from the context of a Christian heritage.

• Location: Phoenix, AZ
• Denominational Affiliation: Non-denominational
• Enrollment: 19,000
• Tuition: $18,230 
• Room/Board: $6,200 - $11,200

For more information, visit their website at gcu.edu. 

Photo credit: Grand Canyon University 

*Enrollment accounts for undergraduate numbers unless otherwise noted. 

*Tuition and Room & Board account for yearly estimates unless otherwise noted.
 

 

2. Indiana Wesleyan University    

In 2018, Indiana Wesleyan University was ranked by U.S. News and World Report as #29 in Best Regional Universities (Midwest) and #64 in Best Value Schools (Regional Universities Midwest). IWU has several colleges and schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Adult and Professional Studies, School of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Graduate School, and Wesley Seminary.

Indiana Wesleyan works with members of the military to assist them in achieving their educational goals by providing discounts, VA benefits, and the GEM & AU-ABC Programs. IWU also has a School of Life Calling and Integrative Learning where students can receive life coaching, work on career development, and receive advice, among other services offered. Indiana Wesleyan has worship, Bible studies, and prayer sessions for students and offers mission trips as well as “a chaplaincy program for working adult students.”

• Location: Marion, Indiana
• Enrollment: 3,072
• Denominational Affiliation: The Wesleyan Church
• Tuition: $26,630
• Room & Board: $8,480

Request more information from IWU here.

Photo credit: Indiana Wesleyan University
 

 

3. Houston Baptist University   

Houston Baptist University is a private Baptist University in Sharpstown, Houston, Texas. Founded in 1960, the University was originally given the title Houston Bible College before becoming Houston Bible University in 1973. Today, Houston Baptist University’s mission is “to provide a learning experience that instills in students a passion for academic, spiritual, and professional excellence as a result of our central confession, ‘Jesus Christ is Lord.’”

Houston Baptist University has a total enrollment figure of more than 3,000 students, including 2,300 undergraduate students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1. The University is made up of nine colleges schools, which include Archie W. Dunham College of Business, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Science & Mathematics, School of Christian Thought, School of Fine Arts, School of Humanities, School of Nursing & Allied Health, and the Honors College. Houston Baptist University offers a wide variety of undergraduate majors including Accounting, Biochemistry, Computer Science, and many more. Many graduate programs are offered, which include (but are not limited to) Master of Arts in Christian Leadership, Master of Arts in Classics and Early Christianity, and Master of Arts in Philosophy. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. A selective school, the University admits 33% of applicants and has a retention rate of 67% with an overall graduation rate of 45%. Financial aid is readily available, with 90% of students receiving some type of financial assistance. 

• Location: Houston, Texas
• Enrollment: 3,000+
• Denominational Affiliation: Baptist
• Tuition: $32,530
• Room & Board: $11,640

Request more information from HBU here.

Photo credit: Houston Baptist University 
 

 

4. MidAmerica Nazarene University

Located in Olathe, Kansas, MidAmerica Nazarene University is a Christian liberal arts college. The University opened its doors 50 years ago in 1968 and has seen 20,000 students graduate in the years since. Today, its mission establishes the University as “a transformative university that nurtures Christlike community, pursues academic excellence, and cultivates a passion to serve.” Located in the fifth-largest city in Kansas, the University’s stunning campus offers a wide range of activities for students, and more than 60% of its undergraduate students reside on campus in one of the University’s nine residence halls. The campus includes ten academic buildings, one of which is the impressive 40,000-square-foot Bell Cultural Events Center. Also prominent on campus are the Virtual Patient Center, Simulation Nursing Studio and the recently remodeled Mabee Learning Commons. 

MidAmerica Nazarene University has a total enrollment figure of 1,870, with an average student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1. The University offers many degrees and programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. A few popular undergraduate majors offered include Graphic Design, Kinesiology, and Ministry. Graduate degree programs are available in the areas of Business, Counseling, Education, and Nursing. MidAmerica Nazarene University has been accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1974. The University admits 61% of applicants and has an overall retention rate of 68% with an overall graduation rate of 50%. Financial aid is readily available, with more than 94% of students receiving some type of financial assistance.

• Location: Olathe, Kansas
• Enrollment: 1,308 (undergraduate)
• Denominational Affiliation: Nazarene
• Tuition: $30,736 
• Room & Board: $8,708

For more information, visit mnu.edu

Photo credit: MidAmerican Nazarene University
 

 

5. Lancaster Bible College

Lancaster Bible College is a private Bible College located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Established in 1933, the College’s mission is “to educate Christian students to think and live a biblical worldview, and to proclaim Christ by serving Him in the Church and society.”

The main campus in Lancaster sits around 40 miles east of Harrisburg and 70 miles west of Philadelphia. The campus is only a short drive from downtown Lancaster, a flourishing community that offers exceptional dining, artistic, and cultural experiences. Lancaster Bible College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation.

Lancaster Bible College has a total enrollment figure of 1,979, including students from 32 states and 14 foreign countries. The College has an undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, and a graduate student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1. The College offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as a series of online courses. A few of the majors offered include Biblical Studies, Business Administration, and Social Work. 68% of applicants are admitted to the College, boasting an overall retention rate of 78% and an overall graduation rate of 66%. Financial aid is available, with 97% of all undergraduate students receiving some form of financial assistance.

• Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
• Enrollment: 1,979
• Denominational Affiliation: Non-denominational
• Tuition: $24,290
• Room & Board: $8,750 

For more information, visit lbc.edu

Photo credit: Lancaster Bible College
 

 

6. Lee University

Located in Cleveland, Tennessee, Lee University is a private Christian University historically affiliated with the Church of God (a Pentecostal Christian denomination). Founded in 1918, Lee was originally called the Church of God Bible Training School before being renamed in 1947 to honor the school’s second president, Reverend F.J. Lee. In 1997, the institution obtained university status. Today, Lee University’s mission is to “seek to provide education that integrates biblical truth as revealed in the Holy Scriptures with truth discovered through the study of arts and sciences and in the practice of various professions. A personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior is the controlling perspective from which our educational enterprise is carried out. The foundational purpose of all educational programs at Lee is to develop within the students knowledge, appreciation, understanding, ability, and skills which will prepare them for responsible Christian living in a complex world.”

Lee University has a total enrollment of 5,386 students from a wide variety of states and countries. The classes are fairly small, with an average student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s and education specialist degrees. Lee University comprises six colleges and schools, including the College of Arts & Sciences, the Helen DeVos College of Education, the School of Business, the School of Music, the School of Nursing, and the School of Religion. 85% of applicants are admitted by the University, which holds a 79% retention rate and has an overall graduation rate of 54%. Financial aid is readily available to students who might need it.

• Location: Cleveland, Tennessee
• Enrollment: 5,386
• Denominational Affiliation: Pentecostal (Church of God)
• Tuition: $17,690 
• Room & Board: $8,580

For more information, visit their website at leeuniversity.edu

Photo credit: Lee University
 

   

7. Hope College

Hope College was ranked this year by U.S. News and World Report in four categories. The school ranked #106 in National Liberal Arts Colleges, #95 in Best Value Schools (National Liberal Arts Colleges), #118 in High School Counselor Rankings (National Liberal Arts Colleges), and #74 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Program Rankings. Hope has degree programs and departments that range from Neuroscience and Geological and Environmental Science to American Ethnic Studies, Dance, and Computer Science.

Hope has study abroad programs as well as opportunities for international students to study. HC has an office of International and Multicultural Education and an emphasis on students achieving a well-rounded, global perspective at Hope. HC has a Center for Musical Arts and Art Museum on campus as well as programs in art, dance, theater, and music. There are several opportunities to be a part of scholarly research at HC and the school also has a Center for Leadership. Hope College participates in NCAA Division III athletics.

• Location: Holland, MI
• Enrollment: 3,234
• Denominational Affiliation: Reformed Church in America
• Tuition: $34,990
• Room & Board:$10,630

For more information, visit their website at hope.edu.

Photo credit: Hope College
 

   

8. San Diego Christian College

San Diego Christian College is a private, evangelical Christian college located in Santee, California. Founded in 1970 by Drs. Tim LaHaye, Art Peters, and Henry Morris, the school was originally known as Christian Heritage College. Its three founders set out to provide students with an education that would not only train their minds but their hearts as well. Shortly after the first degrees were awarded in 1973, the College moved campuses to share a 32 acre complex with Shadow Mountain Community Church. The College is accredited by the Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and has been since 1984. Its mission states that San Diego Christian College “exists to educate and inspire students through the truth of Scripture and the development of competencies that prepare graduates whose purpose is to impact the world.”

A small school, San Diego Christian College has a total enrollment figure of 658. San Diego Christian College offers various programs for undergraduate and graduate students, while also offering a wide selection of online courses. The College’s graduate programs include Master of Science in Leadership, Master of Arts in Teaching, Teaching Credential, and Combined Credential and Master’s Program for Teaching. A few of the school’s popular undergraduate majors include Business Administration and Management, Human Development, Psychology, Biology, Theological and Ministerial Studies, and many more. San Diego Christian College admits 52% of applicants and has an overall retention rate of 68% with an overall graduation rate of 53%. Financial aid is readily available for students who might need it, with more than 95% of students receiving some type of financial assistance. 

• Location: Santee, California
• Enrollment: 658
• Denominational Affiliation: Non-denominational
• Tuition: $29,864
• Room & Board: $11,640

For more information, visit their website at sdcc.edu. 

Photo credit: San Diego Christian College
 

   

9. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private, non-profit Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Established in 1971 by Dr. Jerry Falwell, Liberty University is “an accredited Christian university for evangelical believers.” Born and raised in Lynchburg, Dr. Falwell declared in 1985 that it would be his goal to expand Liberty to 50,000 students. Over 30 years later, this goal has been exceeded with more than 15,000 attending classes on campus. Today, the University upholds its mission as an institution that “develops Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact the world.”  The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Liberty University boasts a total enrollment figure of 45,754 undergraduate students and has a 24:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The University offers a wide variety of classes and majors, including 346 residential programs and 349 online programs. The University is made up of 17 colleges and schools, including Liberty University School of Law, Rawlings School of Divinity, and Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Liberty’s majors include (but are not limited to) Accounting, Aviation Administration, Biology, Business Administration, Chemistry, Cinematic Arts, Communication, Criminal Justice, History, Industrial Engineering, Instrumental Music, Journalism, Mathematics, Music in World Cultures, Nursing, Political Science, and Social Work. The University’s main campus is located in the foothills of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. A selective school, Liberty admits  22% of applicants and boasts an overall retention rate of 83% with an overall graduation rate of 52%. Financial aid is available to students who may need it, with around 95% of freshman students receiving some form of financial assistance.

• Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
• Enrollment: 45,754
• Denominational Affiliation: Baptist
• Tuition: $33,308
• Room & Board: $7,976

For more information, visit liberty.edu

Photo credit: Liberty University

   

10. Covenant College

U.S. News & World Report ranks Covenant among the top in the “Best Value Colleges” in the South. Covenant College is a Christ-centered liberal arts school that affiliates with the Presbyterian Church of America. Founded in 1955 in Pasadena, California, Covenant College currently thrives on the former site of historic Lookout Mountain Hotel in lovely Lookout Mountain, Georgia. An ideal location for the expanding College, Covenant purchased the once-posh “Castle in the Clouds” in 1964. Since then, the College has significantly developed its campus and cultivated enduring ties within Chattanooga. Just two hours from Atlanta and Nashville, and a 15-minute drive from Chattanooga, students enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures, a thriving city life, and numerous on-campus events. Rock City on Lookout Mountain offers a spectacular opportunity to "See Seven States" from 1700 feet above sea level. Students can explore more than 50 student organizations, and over 75% of students participate in intramural sports. 

Covenant’s students come from nearly every U.S. state and over 20 countries. Small classes, with a student-faculty ratio of 14:1, result in an abundance of individualized guidance. Students are required to live on campus their first three years. Residence housing is mixed, allowing upperclassmen and underclassmen to live alongside each other. Discipleship coordinators assigned to each hall lead Bible studies and guide spiritual development among the students. Students orient their lives around scriptural knowledge, academic inquiry, analytical skills, communication skills, and service that is Christ-like. To fulfill its motto, "In all things Christ preeminent,” Covenant’s stated goals are to: 1) build a community of people responding to their identity in Christ, 2) develop programs designed and operated from a biblical frame of reference, and 3) provide educational experiences which foster lifelong and Christ-honoring service.

• Location: Lookout Mountain, Georgia
• Denominational Affiliation: Presbyterian Church of America (PCA)
• Enrollment: 1,030
• Tuition: $34,330
• Room & Board: $10,260

For more information, visit covenant.edu

Photo credit: Covenant College
 

   

11. Regent University

Regent University is a private, Christian institution located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Founded by Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, Regent University was established as an educational institution that would prepare women and men to represent the Lord in whatever career or profession they might choose. Dr. Roberton’s dream turned into reality in 1977, as a 70-acre piece of land in Virginia Beach was cleared and preparations for the University were underway. One year later in 1978, 77 eager students started classes in nearby facilities that had been rented out. 40 years later, Regent University is home to thousands of students earning various degrees. While much has changed over these past three decades, the University’s mission remains the same: “Christian leadership to change the world.”

The University has a total enrollment figure of 4,660 undergraduate students, with an average student to faculty ratio of 21:1. Regent offers 132 areas of study both online and on campus, and provides associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees. Majors include Nursing, Education, Business & Leadership, Healthcare, Psychology & Counseling, and many more. Located on the stunning southeast coast of Virginia, Regent’s Virginia Beach campus is only 16 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associates, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. 84% of applicants are admitted into Regent, and the University has an overall retention rate of 78% with an overall graduation rate of 60%. Financial assistance is available, and 88% of Regent students receive some type of financial aid. 

• Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Enrollment: 8,630
• Denominational Affiliation: Interdenominational
• Tuition: $16,650
• Room & Board: $7,128

For more informaiton, visit regent.edu

Photo credit: Regent University 
 

   

12. Biola University

Biola University is a private Christian university in La Mirada, California. Located approximately 16 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Biola was established in over a century ago in 1908 by Lyman Stewart, founder, and president of the Union Oil Company, and the Reverend T.C. Horton. The two men had one extraordinary vision, which resulted in the created of Biola University. They were committed to promoting Christian higher education, which is still reflected in the University’s mission to this day: “The mission of Biola University is biblically centered education, scholarship, and service — equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Biola University has a total enrollment figure of 6,095 students, including 4,048 undergraduates and 2,124 graduate students and has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1. It is made up of nine schools that offer a combined total of more than 150 academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. These schools include Cook School of Intercultural Studies, Crowell School of Business, Rosemead School of Psychology, School of Cinema and Media Arts, School of Education, School of Fine Arts and Communication, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Science, Technology, and Health, and the Talbot School of Theology. Biola University holds institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission and has been since 1961. The institution and a few specific programs are also accredited by the American Psychological Association and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The University admits 70% of applicants and boasts a high overall retention rate of 84% with an overall graduation rate of 69%. Financial aid is readily available to students who might need it, with more than 90% of Biola students receiving one or more forms of financial assistance.

• Location: La Mirada, California
• Enrollment: 6,095
• Denominational Affiliation: Interdenominational 
• Tuition: $41,976
• Room & Board: $10,926

For more information, visit biola.edu

Photo credit: Biola University 
 

   

13. Central College

Central College, founded in 1853, ranks on U.S. News & World Report’s Best National Liberal Arts Colleges list and is known for its global experiential learning, STEM, sustainability education, athletics success, and leadership service. Central’s campus is situated amid gently rolling hills within the city of Pella’s picturesque flower-lined streets, Dutch architecture, charming shops, and bakeries. The Tulip Festival attracts 150,000+ visitors annually. Minutes from Des Moines and Lake Red Rock, students can access 19,000 acres of uncrowded water for fishing, boating, windsurfing, and swimming, as well as bicycling, walking, and bird-watching trails. Des Moines was ranked the No. 2 best city in the U.S. for jobs by Forbes, and Pella was ranked the 19th-best small town in the U.S. by Livability.

Central offers 70+ academic programs, including arts and theatre, and 18 musical ensembles. Students are active in more than 100 organizations. The Dutch compete in 19 varsity sports in the NCAA Division III Iowa Conference. Students are encouraged to pursue real-world service; and over 75% of students complete internships before graduation in Chicago, New York City, Washington, D.C., and hundreds of sites nearby or as part of Central’s study abroad. Over 50% of Central students study abroad in Wales, Spain, England, Mexico and more – over 5 times the national average. Students who study abroad can choose a semester, year-long, or summer program with a resident director on-site, or a shorter-term faculty-led program integrated into coursework on campus. They can also opt to earn academic credit when enrolled in programs hosted by other providers. Central is a leader in environmental stewardship in Iowa and has received silver and platinum LEED ratings from the U.S. Green Building Council. Central integrates career preparation with the development of values essential to responsible citizenship – empowering graduates for effective service locally, nationally, and internationally.

• Location: Pella, Iowa
• Denominational Affiliation: Reformed Church in America (RCA)
• Enrollment: 1,200
• Tuition: $37,295
• Room & Board: $10,280

For more information, visit central.edu

   

14. The King’s College – New York City

Founded in 1938, and now headquartered in the Manhattan’s Financial District, King’s College offers the individualized development of a small college within a host of internship and job opportunities in the world’s most global city. TKC ranks on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best National Liberal Arts Colleges. Self-described as “not a college for the timid soul” TKC values bravery, commitment, and action. Students earn degrees in Business Management, Finance, Media/Culture/Arts, Politics/Philosophy/Econ, Religious/Theological Studies, English, Philosophy, Humanities, or Journalism/Culture/Society. TKC’s Center for the Study of Human Flourishing examines moral, social, political, and economic practices that advance common good. Their McCandlish Phillips Journalism Institute (MPJI) fosters a community of ethical reporting. The campus Media Lab includes a Podcast Studio and a Production Studio for student content-creation. “Houses”(students gathering under a crest and namesake of leaders such as C.S. Lewis, Churchill, and Sojourner Truth), are at the heart of TKC student life, encouraging close friendships, exploring the city, and hosting mixers and events. Students live in apartments in some of Manhattan’s best neighborhoods.

Christian spiritual formation at TKC includes bi-weekly Refuge worship, public reading of Scripture, and Athletes in Action. Students can participate in club and recreational sports including rugby, The Great Race, kayaking, and intramural basketball. King’s Lion athletes compete in 11 teams in the USCAA and Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Students can study abroad in Oxford, Israel, Europa, Belfast, Haiti, the Middle East, and more to explore free-market capitalism, religious liberty, the dignity of human life, and freedom of the press. TKC’s Office of Career Development helps students with networking, interviewing, and job placement. Rather than sheltering students from mainstream society, TKC seeks to empower them to change it through growing in wisdom and character, speaking truth with force and flair, and leading with integrity and excellence.

• Location: New York, New York
• Denominational Affiliation: Non-denominational
• Enrollment: 555
• Tuition: $18,450
• Room & Board: $14,250

For more information, visit tkc.edu

Photo credit: The King's College
 

   

15. The College at Southeastern University

The College at Southeastern began in 1994 as an undergraduate school of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and the Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools. Their mission is to equip students to give their lives for the cause of Christ in the church, among the nations, and in every aspect of society. They are committed to keeping tuition at a “fraction of other colleges’ so you can use your degree to go places instead of being chained down by debt.” Their lovely, 300-acre campus is minutes from Raleigh and Durham in the renowned Research Triangle area. Wake Forest is a unique, walkable community with coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Historic homes decorate downtown, creating a friendly neighborhood feel.

Students can get involved in groups such as Faith and Film, International Justice Mission, Performing Arts Club, and the Southeastern Outdoors Club, or participate in a variety of intramural sports. Chapel is held twice-weekly, featuring world-renowned preachers and scholars. All students complete a minor in Christian Studies. Central to their curriculum is The History of Ideas Program, which challenges students to understand and discuss great works of literature, history, theology, philosophy, science, and government.Degree programs include 20+ B.A. and B.S., M.A.s in Teaching or Intercultural Studies, and Associate degrees. Their Hunt Scholar program, for pastoral ministry, pairs education with intense church mentorship, allowing students to earn a B.A. and M.Div. in 5 years. Southeastern’s Dual Enrollment allows high school students to earn up to 30 college credit hours. Their Center for Great Commission Studies (CGCS) hosts conferences, meals, conversations, seminars, and other events to prepare hundreds of students every semester to go on missions to Asia, London, Germany, Malaysia, and all over the world.

• Location: Wake Forest, North Carolina
• Denominational Affiliation: Southern Baptist
• Enrollment: 3,250 (including the College at Southeastern and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary)
• Tuition: $17,496
• Room & Board: $6,700

For more information, visit collegeatsoutheastern.com 

Photo credit: The College at Southeastern University 
 

   

16. Calvin College

Calvin College, founded in 1876, ranks #1 in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges - Regional Midwest.“ It’s a Money Magazine “Best Value College,” and is listed in Forbes “America’s Top Colleges.” Calvin equips its 3,800+ students from 45 U.S. states, 60 countries, and five Canadian provinces to “think deeply, act justly, and live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world.” Named in honor of 16th-century reformer John Calvin, the creeds of Reformed Christianity guide the college’s mission. Calvin will officially become a University in 2020 as part of its vision to serve as a trusted partner for learning across religious and cultural differences throughout the church and the world. Calvin’s tree-covered, 400-acre campus is just minutes from the lively city of Grand Rapids, named by Forbes as the “Best City for Raising a Family.” Miles of paved paths invite biking, running, or walking God’s creation within Calvin’s 100-acre ecosystem preserve. Here are the 50 best things to do in Michigan. 

Calvin offers 100+ majors and programs, including graduate-level offerings in accounting, education, speech pathology, and audiology. Calvin students engage in internships, community-based service learning, and research that results in publishing and presenting alongside world-class faculty. Student leaders plan Bible studies and worship. The student body represents 30 denominations, and 190+ Chapel services are held annually. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. With over 60 intramural clubs, 21 varsity teams, and 11 NCAA Division III National Titles, Calvin offers ample athletic options. Encouraging students to “make things new, provoke action, and revel in beauty” Calvin also offers abundant opportunities to explore design, dance, drama, and 20+ arts organizations on campus. Calvin’s campus hosts thousands of visitors each year for films, lectures, concerts, and art exhibitions at its spectacular galleries, concert halls, and theaters. Calvin’s Career Center and innovative Calvin LifeWork program equip graduates for a future infused with God’s plans. 

• Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Denominational Affiliation: Christian Reformed Church
• Enrollment: 3,732
• Tuition: $34,600
• Room & Board: $10,200

For more information, visit calvin.edu

Photo credit: Calvin College
 

   

17. College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks was ranked in four categories in 2018 by U.S. News and World Report. It earned #5 in Best Regional Colleges (Midwest), #4 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (Regional Colleges Midwest), #1 in Best Value Schools (Regional Colleges Midwest), and #1 in Most Innovative Schools (Regional Colleges Midwest). It was also nationally ranked by Forbes as #235 in 2017 and was listed as one of the 382 Best Colleges by The Princeton Review in 2018.

One thing that sets C of O apart is their financial aid program. Describing themselves as a “no-tuition college,” students who attend the University work to pay for their tuition and room and board. U.S. News and World Report explains it this way: “In each incoming class, 90 percent of students must show financial need to be accepted. Once registered, students work 15 hours each week for a campus program, such as the school's museum or clinic. The money earned from these jobs, plus scholarships and grants, covers the student's entire tuition.” College of the Ozarks aims to make achieving a degree possible for students with financial hardships.

The school has 5 goals pertaining to their vision: Academic Goal, Vocational Goal, Christian Goal, Cultural Goal, and Patriotic Goal. C of O has a wide range of degree programs as well as several pre-professional programs.

• Location: Point Lookout, MO
• Enrollment: 1,512
• Denominational Affiliation: Christian Interdenominational/Presbyterian Church U.S.A.
• Tuition: $0.00
• Room & Board: N/A

For more information, visit cofo.edu

Photo credit: College of the Ozarks
 

   

18. Geneva College

Geneva College was ranked in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Regional Universities (North) as #75. It was also ranked as the Report’s #3 Best Value School in Regional Universities (North) and #92 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Program Rankings, all for 2018. Geneva offers a wide variety of undergraduate majors and programs, including aviation, biblical studies, education, computer science, nursing, and criminal justice, among others. The vast majority of students at GC receive financial aid (close to 100%).

Geneva also has a Center for Student Engagement which “provides opportunities to experience social connectedness and diverse citizenship.” Some areas are Adventure Learning, Service Learning, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership Development, and Immersion Trips, to name a few. Their vision statement is: Geneva College will inspire students to integrate faith in Christ into all aspects of life in the real world and to serve faithfully within their callings for Christ and Country.

• Location: Beaver Falls, PA
• Enrollment: 1,461
• Denominational Affiliation: Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America
• Tuition: $26,730
• Room & Board: $10,170

For more information, visit their website at geneva.edu.

Photo credit: Geneva College
 

   

19. Multnomah University

Located in Portland, Oregon, Multnomah is a smaller Christian university with an average enrollment of 417. In addition to its main programs of study, Multnomah has several pre-professional programs, such as pre-law, pre-dental, pre-med, and pre-veterinary, among others. There are also graduate and online programs as well as the Multnomah Biblical Seminary. Their website reads:

“We’re pioneering a new academic landscape where the Bible intersects with art, science, business, history – you name it. You’ll share ideas with entrepreneurs, kick back with songwriters and talk about Scripture with everyone around you. You’ll learn how God’s truth applies to the career you’ve been called to. And you’ll leave with a sense of purpose that will guide you for the rest of your life.”

Multnomah boasts alumni like Luis Palau, Randy Alcorn, businessman Dave Munson and has created several ministries and businesses over the years. Among these, include the successful Multnomah Press, International Renewal Ministries, Christian Supply, and Mission Portland Networking.

• Location: Portland, OR
• Enrollment:417
• Denominational Affiliation: Interdenominational
• Tuition: $24,440
• Room & Board: $9,320

For more information, visit multnomah.edu.

Photo credit: Multnomah University
 

   

20. Westmont College

Number one on Forbes’ list of America’s Top 10 Christian Colleges (and 167 overall) for 2017, Westmont College, is situated in Santa Barbara, California. Westmont holds the U.S. News Rank of National Liberal Arts Tier 1 (#96) and one of Princeton Review’s Colleges That Pay You Back: The 200 Best-Value Colleges. It also ranks #101 in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Value Schools and #118 in High School Counselor Rankings. In addition to their wide variety of Academic Programs, ranging from computer science and engineering to communications, social science, anthropology, and kinesiology, Westmont also offers study abroad programs in several countries around the world.

Westmont encourages a love for the arts with its Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art and Westmont Classical Repertory Theatre. The school also encourages leadership with its Westmont Leadership Development Program. Westmont College is listed as one of Business Insider’s Top 50 Most Underrated Colleges in America and rated number fifteen by the Washington Post’s for “colleges and universities with greatest salary growth between starting and mid-career salaries.”

• Location: Santa Barbara, CA
• Enrollment:1,298
• Denominational Affiliation: Non-denominational
• Tuition: $$44,130
• Room & Boad: $14,296

For more information, visit westmont.edu.

Photo credit: Westmont College
 

   

21. Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College is a small Christian college located outside of Chicago. Trinity earned #20 in U.S. News and World Report’s ranking for both Best Regional Colleges (Midwest) and Best Value Schools (Regional Colleges Midwest) in 2018. Some programs that Trinity offers are Special Education, Speech-Language Pathology, Criminal Justice, Philosophy, and Physical Education, Recreation, and Kinesiology. The school also has Graduate and Adult Programs and includes study abroad opportunities to several countries throughout the world. There are many on-campus organizations for students to get involved in as well as a center for career development. According to their website, “At Trinity, we continue to offer an outstanding education concerned about the whole person—for good, for God, and for the world.”

• Location: Palos Heights, Illinois
• Enrollment: 1,286
• Denominational Affiliation: Reformed Christianity
• Tuition: $30,175
• Room & Board: $9,400 - $9,790

For more information, visit trnty.edu.

Photo credit: Trinity Christian College
 

   

22. Ouachita Baptist University

Ouachita Baptist University was ranked as Tier 2 of the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges in the category of National Liberal Arts Colleges. It was also ranked as one of the Best Undergraduate Business Programs in 2018. OBU has a low student to faculty ratio, at 13:1 and values community. They have several different Schools of study, including Interdisciplinary Studies, Business, Christian Studies, Education, Fine Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. They also have a study abroad program, with 20 different opportunities.

OBU has an Outdoor Recreation program consisting of backpacking, rock climbing, and hiking, to name a few activities and the school participates in NCAA Division II athletics. Ouachita’s Ben M. Elrod Center for Family & Community has several volunteer opportunities for students to get involved.

• Location: Arkadelphia, Arkansas
• Enrollment: 1,494
• Denominational Affiliation: Southern Baptist
• Tuition: $27,900
• Room & Board: $8,000

For more information, visit obu.edu

Photo credit: Ouachita Baptist University
 

   

23. Azusa Pacific University

Number nine on Forbes’ America’s Top 10 Christian Colleges, Azusa Pacific University “began as a Training School for Christian Workers in 1899, preparing men and women for ministry and service.” The school is ranked 357 overall by Forbes and holds the U.S. News Rank of National Universities: Tier 1 (#187). It also ranks #177 in High School Counselor Rankings. APU has over 100 programs for education, from Bachelor’s Degree to Master’s and Doctoral and includes programs on-campus as well as online. Azusa Pacific University has many schools of study, including Business and Management, Visual and Performing Arts, and also, Azusa Pacific Seminary.

• Location: Azusa, CA
• Enrollment:5,770
• Denominational Affiliation: Christian Interdenominational (Wesleyan Holiness tradition)
• Tuition: $38,880
• Room & Board: $9,000

For more information, visit apu.edu

Photo credit: Azusa Pacific University 
 

 

   

24. Dordt College

Dordt College was ranked by U.S. News and World Report for three categories in 2018. The school ranked #8 in Best Regional Colleges (Midwest), #17 in Best Value Schools (Regional Colleges Midwest), and #44 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Program Rankings. It has also been ranked by The Princeton Review, Forbes.com, Money Magazine, Business Insider, The Wall Street Journal, and Washington Monthly. The school is slated to become a University in May 2018.

According to TheologyDegrees.org, “The top majors at Dordt College are education, business, engineering, agriculture, and nursing.” Dordt’s website says that the percentage of students who are employed or continuing their education after graduation is 99.7%. DC offers a Pro-Tech program where students intern locally as part of their educational experience. This is available for Manufacturing Technology and Farm Operations and Management. The college also offers chapel services for students to attend and service opportunities along with campus ministries and student activities.

• Location: Sioux Center, Iowa
• Enrollment: 1,522
• Denominal Affiliation: Christian Reformed Church of North America
• Tuition: $30,870
• Room & Board: $9,590

For more information, visit dordt.edu

Photo credit: Dordt College
 

   

25. LeTourneau University

LeTourneau, referred to as the Christian Polytechnic University, has been ranked four times this year by U.S. News and World Report. The school was ranked #23 in Best Regional Universities (West), #15 in Best Colleges for Veterans (Regional Universities West), #11 in Best Value Schools (Regional Universities West), and #29 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Program. LeTourneau has a wide variety of undergraduate degree programs, including Education, Business, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aviation, Counseling, Nursing, and Christian Ministry, among others. The school’s Center for Faith and Work emphasizes “Promoting and preserving LeTourneau University’s distinctive legacy to help students, alumni, and the global Christian community pursue their work as a holy calling.”

LeTourneau is a member of the NCAA Division III and has several athletic programs. The school also has an emphasis on global learning, offering opportunities for students to study abroad, participate in academic travel or in a Global Service Learning project. They also offer opportunities for international students to attend the University as well, under their Office of Global Initiatives.

• Location: Longview, TX
• Enrollment: 2,253
• Denominational Affiliation: Interdenominational
• Tuition: $31,270
• Room & Board: $9,970

For more information, visit letu.edu

Photo credit: LeTourneau University
 

   

26. Mississippi College

Mississippi College was ranked by U.S. News and World Report in three categories this year. It was ranked as #32 in Best Regional Universities (South), #21 in Best Colleges for Veterans (Regional Universities South), and #12 in Best Value Schools (Regional Universities South). The school’s website states that they are “a comprehensive Christian university that seeks to lift up the teachings of Jesus Christ in a premier academic environment at an affordable price.”

MC has several schools of study, including the School of Law, School of Education, School of Christian Studies and the Arts, School of Business, School of Nursing, School of Science and Mathematics, and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. The school has several sports teams, including an equestrian program. Mississippi College also has numerous organizations and honor societies, clubs and tribes for students. According to their website, Mississippi College is “the oldest university in the state of Mississippi.”

• Location: Clinton, MS
• Enrollment: 5,059 total
• Denominational Affiliation: Southern Baptist
• Tuition: $17,513
• Room & Board: $5,400 - 13,200

For more information, visit mc.edu

Photo credit: Mississippi College
 

   

27. Anderson University

Anderson University, founded in 1917, is recognized among America's top colleges by Colleges of Distinction, US News & World Report, and The Princeton Review. A private, liberal arts institution founded in 1917 by the Church of God, AU’s mission is to educate students for lives of faith and service. In its 100+-year history, Anderson progressed from a Bible training school to a liberal arts college to its current university status, offering 50+ undergraduate majors, and graduate programs in business, music education, and theology. The beautiful 100-acre campus, designed with tree-lined pathways, is less than an hour from amenities and internships in downtown Indianapolis. AU offers students over 130 ways to get involved on campus, including 20 NCAA Division III sports, a nationally-recognized intramural program, and numerous interest clubs. AU’s Center for Career and Calling helps students gain career skills and secure internships.

Spiritual life is an important part of Anderson, including dynamic speakers at the twice-weekly chapel, student-led campus ministries, and AU’s unique Tri-S (Study, Serve, Share) program. Tri-S provides students with affordable service-learning and cross-cultural opportunities within six continents, 102 countries, and 27 states. Tri-S groups have traveled to Africa, Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East to teach in elementary schools, care for orphaned children, and help with community development. Students serve in the jungles of Peru, villages of the Caribbean, rural communities of Uganda, and urban centers of Hong Kong and Korea. In India, students care for the destitute and dying in Calcutta. Prospective ministers lead youth camps and vacation church schools in Finland, Australia, Germany, and England. AU’s expressed focus is to experience genuine transformation from knowing Jesus and asking 3 questions: “Who is God?”, “Who am I?”, and “How do we live?” AU’s core values are servant leadership, excellence, integrity, responsibility, generosity.

• Location: Anderson, Indiana
• Denominational Affiliation: Church of God
• Total Enrollment: 1,877 (including graduate students)
• Tuition: $29,950
• Room & Board: $9,890

For more information, visit anderson.edu

Photo credit: Anderson University

   

28. Bryan College

Bryan College was named by BestColleges.com as best online college in 2018, and fourth best college in Tennessee. It’s also named a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report. Its name honors the legacy of William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925) who came to Dayton in 1925 for the Scopes Evolution Trial and expressed the wish to establish a school that would teach truth from a Biblical perspective. William Jennings Bryan University was chartered in 1930 “for the higher education of men and women under auspices distinctly Christian and spiritual.” In 1958 its name was changed to William Jennings Bryan College and in 1993 was shortened to Bryan College. Bryan College’s mission is “educating students to become servants of Christ to make a difference in today’s world.” Bryan is a Christian liberal arts college which is evangelical, non-denominational, and regionally accredited. The student-faculty ratio is 15:1.

Rated #2 “Most Beautiful Christian College," Bryan is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains alongside Lake Chickamauga. Modern facilities include a new cardio gym; a library and study center with spectacular mountain views; a dining facility with made-to-order cuisine; one of the region’s finest theaters; two coffee shops; and six residence halls. Minutes from vibrant downtown Chattanooga, Dayton is a quiet and peaceful town with abundant natural beauty affording an array of outdoor activities. Bryan College Chapel attracts speakers and musicians from all over the world. Students can participate in a variety of ministries serving on campus; locally in Dayton and Chattanooga; and internationally. If you complete your Bachelor's Degree, you will have the opportunity to earn a Master’s Degree tuition-free. Although students are not required to subscribe to any religious position, the College leadership desires that graduates find their lives transformed by the living Christ, and practice a Christian lifestyle from a biblical worldview.

• Location: Dayton, TN
• Denominational Affiliation: Non-Denominational
• Enrollment: 1,592
• Tuition: $26,800
• Room & Board: $7,500

For more information, visit bryan.edu

Photo credit: Bryan College
 

   

29. Kuyper College

Kuyper College’s mission is to equip students with a biblical, Reformed worldview to serve Christ’s church and his world. Its name reflects their progression from a Bible college to a ministry-focused Christian leadership college. Founded in 1939 as Reformed Bible Institute (RBI), the school changed its name to Reformed Bible College in 1970 when it began offering a 4-year Bachelor’s degree. In 2006, it became Kuyper College, honoring the influence of theologian Abraham Kuyper, considered the father of the Biblical Reformed Worldview. Today, Kuyperian thought is the subject of scholarly and societal studies in colleges and seminaries around the world. College Factual ranks Kuyper #4 in Best Colleges Affiliated as Other Protestant.

Kuyper College is located on a serene, wooded campus eight miles from downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. The city has been named one of the top 50 places to live and play by National Geographic magazine, the best city for raising a family by Forbes magazine and the 2014 top vacation destination by Lonely Planet. Zondervan Library is a campus highlight; named in honor of P.J. Zondervan, the founder of Zondervan Publishing House and an active member of Kuyper’s founding board of trustees. Degree programs at Kuyper include accounting, marketing, social work, business, communication, information technology, education, nursing, and many others; and 16 study abroad opportunities. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, students enjoy personalized, committed instruction. Opportunities for involvement include SpiL (Spiritual Life Leadership Team), student government, intramural sports, youth ministry club, PRISM (for international and global students) and HANDS (Helping and Nurturing During Service). Kuyper puts faith first, integrating a high-quality academic curriculum with a Reformed worldview, helping students become leaders and make a godly impact in others’ lives. Their core values are: Primacy of Scripture, Biblical Worldview, Reformed Doctrine, Academic Excellence, Holistic Development, and Caring Community.

• Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Denominational Affiliation: Reformed
• Enrollment: 250
• Tuition: $21,989
• Room & Board: $7,285

For more information, visit kuyper.edu

Photo credit: Kuyper College
 

   

30. Grove City College

Grove City College, founded in 1876, is a private Christian liberal arts and sciences college delivering a top-quality education for about half the national average cost of similar institutions. The founders of Grove City College are committed to ensuring that private college education remains affordable, without any sacrifice to academic quality. Grove City College’s inclusion in Princeton Review's "The 382 Best Colleges," places Grove City College among the best of the best from more than 2,500 four-year colleges and universities, and in the top 15% of schools nationally. Situated in a quaint community of 8,000, just 60 miles north of bustling Pittsburgh, Grove City is a place of friendly restaurants and coffee shops along tree-lined streets. The master plan of Grove City College’s 180-acre campus was designed in the Collegiate Gothic style and is named one of America's Most Beautiful Christian College campuses. The campus continues to add beautiful new buildings, such as a new student union, residence hall, and STEM building, that blends perfectly with the classic historical style.

Students at Grove City College can choose from about 20 fields of undergraduate study, including pre-law and pre-medical. Over 90 percent of students live on campus, and many participate in Residence Life activities such as Bible study and intramural sports. Students hail from all 50 states and countries around the world, all sharing the desire for a Christ-centered learning and living experience. Grove City students can explore 130+ clubs and organizations, including Greek life, service groups, choirs, and bands. Student-athletes can play for the Grove City College Wolverines, competing in the NCAA Division III Presidents' Athletic Conference. Grove City College aims to cultivate purposeful and principled leaders who are eager to serve the common good.

• Location: Grove City, Pennsylvania
• Denominational Affiliation: Non-Denominational
• Enrollment: 2,373
• Annual Estim. Tuition: $17,930
• Room & Board: $9,770

For more information, visit gcc.edu

Photo credit: Grove City College
 

31. Baylor University

Baylor University is a private Christian university located in Waco, Texas. Founded in 1845, the mission of Baylor University is “to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.” The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an accreditation that was most recently reaffirmed in December 2007. The University has a total enrollment number of 16,591 students, 14,188 of whom are undergraduate students, and has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 with an average class size of 26. The Baylor University community is quite diverse and includes students from all 50 states and 86 foreign countries.

Baylor University offers over 140 baccalaureate programs in a variety of fields including business, nursing, engineering, music, pre-medicine, and computer science. Its main campus is located in the heart of Texas, within easy driving distance of the majority of the state’s major cities. Waco has a metro area population of around 234,000 and provides students with all of the amenities they might need. A selective school, Baylor University admits 44% of applicants and boasts a high overall retention rate of 89% with an overall graduation rate of 72%. Financial aid is readily available, with more than 90% of Baylor students receiving some form of financial assistance. 

• Location: Waco, Texas
• Enrollment: 16,591
• Denomination Affiliation: Affiliated with Baptist General Convention of Texas
• Tuition: $42,842
• Room & Board: $12,368

For more information, visit baylor.edu

Photo credit: Baylor University
 

32. Messiah College

Messiah College is a private, four-year Christian liberal arts college located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1909 by the Brethren in Christ Church, the College has a faith base that is widely evangelical and includes students and faculty from an array of denominations and Christian faith traditions. Messiah College upholds its mission to “educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership, and reconciliation in church and society.” The College’s beautiful Mechanicsburg campus is located only 12 miles away from the state capital, Harrisburg, and is just a short drive away from Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

More than 85 undergraduate programs are offered at the undergraduate level, including Christian ministries, engineering, and theatre. At the graduate level, Messiah College offers nine graduate degrees which include  Business and Leadership, Counseling, Dietic Internship, Education, Higher Education, Music Conducting, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. The College is made up of 2,734 undergraduate students from 38 states and 30 countries, and 641 graduate students from 38 states. Messiah College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 79% of applicants are admitted into the College, which boasts an impressive overall retention rate of 85%  and an overall graduation rate of 80%. Christian Universities Online accredited Messiah College as having the #1 Best Business Degree Program (undergraduate and graduate combined) in 2017. Financial aid is readily available, with 100% of Messiah’s undergraduate students receiving some type of financial assistance. 

• Location: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
• Enrollment: 2,759 (undergraduate)
• Denominational Affiliation: Non-Denominational
• Tuition: $34,320
• Room & Board: $10,520

For more information, visit messiah.edu

Photo credit: Messiah College
 

33. Belhaven University

Belhaven University is a private Christian liberal arts university located in Jackson, Mississippi. Founded in 1883, the University has been around for over a century. Today, its mission statement emphasizes the way in which the University “prepares students academically and spiritually to serve Christ Jesus in their careers, in human relationships and in the world of ideas.”

Belhaven offers 70 areas of study including a diverse range of academic majors and concentrations in addition to an array of Master Degree programs. Every program that Belhaven offers is instructed from a Christian perspective, influenced largely by the mission to prepare students academically and spiritually to serve Christ in every aspect of their lives. Comprised of a student body of more than 5,000, Belmont has an undergraduate enrollment of 1,200. Classes are fairly small, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. 51% of applicants are admitted, and the University has an overall retention rate of 67% with an overall graduation rate of 41%.

• Location: Jackson, Mississippi
• Enrollment: 5,000+
• Denomination Affiliation: Presbyterian
• Tuition: $21,816
• Room & Board: $8,000

For more information, visit belhaven.edu

Photo credit: Belhaven University
 

34. University of Dallas

The University of Dallas is a private, Catholic, co-educational liberal arts university located in Irving, Texas. Established in 1956 through the provocation of the Sisters of Saint Mary of Namur and a group of devoted lay people in association with the Diocese of Dallas, the University of Dallas is a Catholic institution that embraces students of all different faiths.

The University seeks to “educate its students so they may develop the intellectual and moral virtues, prepare themselves for life and work in a problematic and changing world, and become leaders able to act responsibly for their own good and for the good of their family, community, country, and church.”

The University offers a broad catalog of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and continuing education programs across four main academic divisions in the arts, humanities, sciences, education, business, and nursing. The University of Dallas has a total enrollment of 2,500, including 1,300 undergraduate students and 1,200 graduate students. The campus is located only 15 minutes away from downtown Dallas, and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system enables students to easily travel back and forth from the campus. The University has an admittance rate of 64% and boasts an overall retention rate of 83% with an overall graduation rate of 70%.

• Location: Irving, Texas
• Denomination Affiliation: Catholic
• Enrollment: 2,500
• Tuition: $35,800 
• Room & Board: $11,960

For more information, visit udallas.edu

Photo credit: University of Dallas
 

35. Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University is a private, non-profit university located in Abilene, Texas. Originally founded in 1906 as Childers Classical Institute, Abilene’s stunning campus is located in west-central Texas and offers a variety of activities and opportunities for students to become engaged in. Today, the University’s mission is to “educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world.”

Abilene has a total enrollment figure of 3,670, with an average faculty to student ratio of 14:1. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degrees. The University offers a wide variety of courses for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as a selection of online courses. A selective University, Abilene admits 50% of applicants and boasts a retention rate of 76% with an overall graduation rate of 62%. Financial aid is readily available for those who might need it, with more than 98% of incoming students receiving some form of financial assistance.

• Location: Abilene, Texas
• Denominational Affiliation: Churches of Christ
• Enrollment: 3,670
• Tuition: $34,800
• Room & Board: $10,350   

For more information, visit acu.edu

Photo credit: Abilene Christian University
 

36. Eastern Mennonite University

Eastern Mennonite University is a private liberal arts university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, the vibrant area is filled with endless opportunities for adventure where activities such as hiking, skiing, and canoeing are offered. Founded in 1917, the University has upheld their mission for over a century. Eastern Mennonite University works tirelessly to foster a community of learning that “integrates Christian faith, academic rigor, artistic creation and reflective practice informed by the liberal arts, interdisciplinary engagement, and cross-cultural encounter.” An Institution rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition, Eastern Mennonite University welcomes students from backgrounds of all different faith traditions. While a significant portion of the University’s student body attends Mennonite churches, over 50% of its current students come from other faith traditions, with more than 30 religions from all over the world are represented on campus.

With a total enrollment figure of 1,194 students, Eastern Mennonite University offers small classes with an average student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. A few popular majors offered include Accounting, Art Education, Bible, Religion and Theology, Biology Secondary Education, Chemistry Secondary Education, Computer Science, Global Development, History, and Social Science, International Business, Economics, Writing Studies, and many more. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Eastern Mennonite’s admittance and graduation rates both stand at 62%, with a retention rate of 74%. Financial aid is readily available for students who might need it, and 99% of students receive some form of financial assistance.

• Location: Harrisonburg, Virginia
• Enrollment: 1,194
• Denominational Affiliation: Mennonite
• Tuition: $36,760
• Room and Board: $11,160

For more information, visit emu.edu

Photo credit: Eastern Mennonite University
 

37. Northwestern College

Founded in 1882, Northwestern ranks 7^th on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Regional Colleges Midwest, and is included in GreatValueColleges.net’s list of 50 Great Affordable Colleges in the Midwest. Northwestern’s beautiful 100-acre campus is nestled within Orange City, which ranks 5th among the nation's top 10 Christian college towns by CollegeandSeminary.com. It has also been named one of the 100 Best Small Towns in the U.S., and the happiest city in the state. Northwestern students hail from 32 states, 18 countries, and a variety of denominations. Students can choose from 120+ majors, minors, pre-professional programs, graduate degrees, and graduate certificates. Fifty-one percent of students participate in 19 Raiders sports. Northwestern holds 9 national NAIA team titles, and 300+ Raiders have been named All-Americans. Because of their commitment to caring for God's creation, Northwestern was the first Iowa college and the second college nationwide to be named a Groundwater Guardian Green Site (GGGS).

Campus ministry teams raise students’ awareness of the world’s injustices and provide ways to respond. Students visit prisons, package food, and serve the marginalized. More than 60 percent of students put their faith to action through volunteering, which led to the college being named nine years consecutively to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. During spring break, students serve in teams around the world, including Haiti, Nicaragua and the Netherlands. Athletic teams and performing arts groups regularly go on mission trips together. Northwestern has study abroad programs in Oman and Romania, and students have their choice of 30+ programs offered through the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities and cooperative arrangements with other colleges. Northwestern’s mission is to engage students in courageous and faithful learning and living that empowers them to follow Christ and pursue God’s redeeming work in the world.

• Location: Orange City, Iowa
• Denominational Affiliation: Reformed Church in America (RCA)
• Enrollment: 1,307 (including graduate students)
• Tuition: $30,900
• Room & Board: $9,500

For more information, visit nwciowa.edu

Photo credit: Northwestern College
 

38. Gordon College

Gordon ranks in both the Princeton Review’s Best 380 Colleges and the US News and World Report's Best National Liberal Arts Colleges, and is one of 48 national liberal arts colleges with the largest proportion of international undergrads. Over 52 nations and 40+ Christian denominations are represented. Preparing students for God’s work has been Gordon College’s goal since it was founded in 1889 as a missionary training school by Rev. A.J. Gordon, who challenged convention by enrolling regardless of race, gender, or denomination.

Gordon is situated on 450 wooded acres on Boston’s north shore, three miles from the ocean; surrounded by the four-season beauty of New England. The campus offers four ponds, nature trails, and outdoor classroom settings. Approximately 98% of students live on campus where sophomores, juniors, and seniors reside together to foster community. Student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. Nearly 40% of students complete credit-bearing study abroad programs worldwide. Students can get involved in 120+ organizations such as online news, art & literary journal, theater, jazz ensemble, intramural sports, and student government. As a Member of NCAA Division III and the Commonwealth Coast Conference, athletes can join 18 Fighting Scots’ varsity sports. Facilities include The Ken Olsen Science Center, The Center for Balance, Mobility, and Wellness, an indoor rock gym, recital hall, and the A.J. Gordon Memorial Chapel where students attend dynamic worship events required for graduation. Proximity to cultural centers of education (Boston), finance (New York), and politics (Washington) allows Gordon students to connect with leading workplaces in biotech, finance, education, engineering and more. Handshake, Gordon’s career module, offers thousands of job and internship postings, as well as alumni mentor networking. Their mission is to graduate men and women distinguished by intellectual maturity and Christian character, committed to lives of service and prepared for leadership worldwide.

• Location: Wenham, Massachusetts
• Denominational Affiliation: Non-denominational
• Enrollment: 1,963 (including graduate students)
• Tuition: $36,740
• Room & Board: $11,000

For more information, visit gordon.edu

Photo credit: Gordon College
 

39. Cedarville University

Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution established in 1887, ranking #12 in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Regional Colleges Midwest.” For over 130 years, they have stood “For the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ.” Their mission is to instill five objectives: 1) glorify God, 2) think broadly and deeply, 3) communicate effectively, 4) develop academically and professionally, and 5) engage for Christ. Located in a quiet town on 400 acres with beautiful Cedar Lake at its center, Cedarville is a serene, natural campus with expansive lawns and broad walkways. Approximately 80 percent of undergraduate students live in on-campus housing. The campus hub, Stevens Center, offers a theatre, coffee shop, and a student-run Christian rock station, Resound Radio. Daily chapel is the heartbeat of the campus community, where students, faculty, and staff begin each day with high-energy worship.

Cedarville offers more than 150 programs of study, all with a built-in required Bible minor so that in any chosen vocation, students can apply Biblical truths to all areas of life. Cedarville's emphasis on faith and ministry travels outside the classroom, with mission trips and more than 60 ministry teams serving at churches, schools, and social agencies. Whether locally or around the world, students have opportunities to share hope with a hurting world. Students are encouraged to take at least one international trip. Students can also get involved by joining one of 100+ student organizations, attending events such as the Foreign Film Series and playing on one of the nearly 20 varsity sports teams. The Cedarville Yellow Jackets compete in the NCAA Division II Great Midwest Athletic Conference. Cedarville’s academic facilities and labs boast cutting-edge technology and resources. Their 97.5% placement rate affirms their focus on equipping students for wherever God calls them.

• Location: Cedarville, Ohio
• Denominational Affiliation: Baptist
• Enrollment: 3,963 (including graduate and online students)
• Tuition: $30,070
• Room & Board: $7,360

For more information, visit cedarville.edu

Photo credit: Cedarville University 
 

40. Moody Bible Institute

Moody Bible Institute is a Christian Institution of Higher Education located in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 1886 by Dwight Lyman Moody, a businessman, and evangelist, Moody Bible Institute is dedicated to helping people of all generations all over the world to advance in their spiritual maturity. Today, its mission states that the Institute “exists to equip people with the truth of God's Word to be maturing followers of Christ who are making disciples around the world.”

Moody also has seminary campuses located in Chicago and Plymouth, Michigan. With an enrollment number reaching 3,157, Moody Bible Institute offers a wide variety of undergraduate majors and minors, as well as a selection of graduate programs and online courses.  The Institute has an admittance rate of 68% and boasts a graduation rate of 73%. Financial aid is readily available for those who might need it, with many students receiving some type of financial assistance. 

• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Enrollment: 3,157
• Denominational Affiliation: Christian, evangelical  
• Tuition: $24,568
• Room & Board: $13,000

For more information, visit moody.edu

Photo credit: Moody Bible Institute
 

41. Campbell University

Campbell University is a private Christian university located in Buies Creek, North Carolina. Established in 1887 by J.A. Campbell, the University began as Buies Creek Academy and went on to evolve over the next several decades. In 1979, the school obtained the title we know today. Although the Institute has been around for more than 130 years, it has remained faithful to its founding principles to address the needs of its home state, as well as to teach men and women to provide Christian service around the world. Today, Campbell University’s mission is to graduate its students with superb scholastic and professional skills who are ready to lead purpose-driven lives and to provide meaningful service.           

Boasting a wide selection of more than 100 degree programs, The University is made up of various colleges and schools, including Business, Osteopathic Medicine, and Law. The University admits 74% of applicants and boasts a retention rate of 72% with a graduation rate of 51%. Financial aid is readily available, with 56% of full-time undergraduate students receiving some type of financial assistance. 

• Location: Buies Creek, North Carolina
• Enrollment: 6,800
• Denomination Affiliation: Christian (Baptist heritage)
• Tuition: $26,240
• Room & Board: $9,000

For more information, visit campbell.edu

Photo credit: Campbell University
 

42. Taylor University

Taylor University, established in 1846, ranks #1 on U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges Regional Midwest” list. Its name honors Bishop William Taylor, a revolutionary international missionary and evangelist. Situated in the charming town of Upland, Indiana, not far from world-class attractions in Indianapolis, Taylor’s campus is a sprawling, lush expanse of planned connectivity, with walkways, large lawns, a theatre, recital hall, and a prayer deck at Taylor Lake. The lake beachfront offers volleyball courts, bonfire pits, and a pavilion. Students fill Rediger Chapel & Auditorium 3 days a week to connect, worship, and learn from acclaimed speakers. An unwavering commitment to intentional community is fundamental at Taylor. To unify the campus body all students, faculty, and staff sign the Life Together Covenant (LTC). Residence halls aren’t divided by class year so that under and upperclassmen can learn from and mentor each another. Student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1.

Taylor offers 100+ majors and minors including art/film, Bible/ministry, business, communications, education, sciences, and arts.  Athletes can join the award-winning Taylor Trojans’ teams including baseball, basketball, cross country, football, soccer and more. Opportunities for involvement include leadership council, intercultural organizations, media & marketing services, and Lighthouse service trips. All Taylor students take classes devoted to learning about the Bible, Christian history, and Christian doctrine to become a lifelong learner and a truth-seeker—striving for a Christ-like character as a professional. Taylor students achieve an overall career placement rate of 97%. Taylor’s Calling and Career Office helps position students competitively in the market through workshops, résumé help, interviews, networking, and assessments. Graduates receive a legendary Taylor Towel, used by seniors to wash incoming freshmen’s feet in a welcome ceremony. The towel represents a willingness to live as a servant leader like Jesus: bearing pain, taking on messes, and giving hope.

• Location: Upland, Indiana
• Denominational Affiliation: Interdenominational Evangelical Christian
• Enrollment: 2,145 (including graduate students)
• Tuition: $32,640
• Room & Board: $9,245

For more information, visit taylor.edu

Photo credit: Taylor University
 

43. Erskine College

Established in 1839, Erskine College is committed to the inseparability of faith and learning. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, Erskine encourages face-to-face personal development, striving for relationships where students feel known. Erskine’s picturesque 90-acre campus in the small, historic town of Due West, is a peaceful place for study. Ranked nationally among the Best Liberal Arts Colleges byU.S. News & World Report and Forbes, Erskine combines retreat with state-of-the-art facilities including a new music and math education complex, Bowie Arts Center, and an athletic training facility. Recreational areas for boating, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking are nearby, as well as plenty of shopping and historical sites within a 30-minute drive. Within an hour drive, Greenville-Spartanburg offers concert and theatre venues, arts festivals, and an international airport for visits home or study abroad. On campus, students enjoy an outdoor pavilion, sand volleyball, auditoriums, an amphitheater, and fitness center. Over 90% of students live on campus in one of 6 residence halls.

Each of Erskine’s 23 degree programs is customizable to suit individual interests, and semester-long study abroad is available in Scotland, England, France, or Mexico. Students can get involved in over 40 campus organizations such as student government, community service, Bible studies, outreach, and more. Erskine offers intramural, recreational, and intercollegiate Flying Fleet athletics, centered on a “Fleet Way” foundation of three Cs: Christ-centered, Competitive, and Community-Focused. Flying Fleet’s 15 teams compete in NCAA Division II and Conference Carolinas. Nearly 100% of Erskine students who apply for graduate, medical, pharmacy, or law school are accepted into the programs of their choice, and Erskine enjoys one of the highest graduate school completion rates in the nation. Erskine strives to equip the whole person – intellectually, physically, and spiritually – to make positive impacts in their families, communities, and the world.

• Location: Abbeville, South Carolina
• Denominational Affiliation: Associated Reformed Presbyterian (ARP)
• Enrollment: 575
• Tuition & Fees: $36,100
• Room & Board: $11,350

For more information, visit erskine.edu

Photo credit: Erskine College
 

44. Union University

Union University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, and was founded in 1823. Union ranks in U.S. News & World Report’s list of “Best Colleges in National Universities,” and #1 in Christian Universities Online list of 25 Best Christian Colleges and Universities in the South 2017. Located in the lively city of Jackson, Tennessee, Union is approximately 80 miles east of Memphis, 120 miles west of Nashville, and has extension campuses in Germantown and Hendersonville, Tennessee. Union’s beautiful treed 360-acre campus includes modern buildings, large lawns, a library, coffee houses, chapel, gymnasium, and state-of-the-art facilities such as labs, high-def broadcast studio, and new writing center. Union’s campus housing has been ranked fifth in the nation, with a private bedroom for every student and a washer/dryer in every apartment.

Union offers over 100 programs of study, and 90 student organizations for biologists, bicyclists, actors, writers, marketers, social workers, historians, musicians and more. Annual traditions include concerts, film festivals, and Greek Olympics. Student leaders can get involved as Life Group Leaders, Student Organization Officers, Welcome Week Leaders, Residence Advisors, and Small Group Leaders. Union is an active member of NCAA DII and the Gulf South Conference. Their championship and title-winning Bulldogs athletics program offers 11 varsity sports including cross country, soccer, volleyball, basketball, golf, baseball, and softball. Fifty percent of students are involved in year-round intramural sports. Union’s Vocatio Center offers career development opportunities such as Backpack to Briefcase, College to Career: Education and Professionals Expo, and on-campus interviews throughout the year. Union’s career placement rate within 6 months of graduation is 91%, and 65-70% of students secure meaningful internships. In an elite group of less than 5% of business schools with international AACSB accreditation, Union’s global outlook attracts students from every corner of the world.

• Location: Jackson, Tennessee
• Denominational Affiliation: Southern Baptist
• Enrollment: 3,350
• Tuition: $32,610
• Room & Board: $10,570

For more information, visit uu.edu

Photo credit: Union University
 

45. Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University is a private, interdenominational Christian liberal arts university. Located in Lakewood, Colorado, the University was originally known as the Denver Bible Institute when it was founded in 1914. In 1945, Denver Bible Institute officially became Denver Bible College. The three individual schools that made up this four-year college were the College of Liberal Arts, the Theological School, and the Bible Institute. In 1949, the school became known as Rockmont College. In 1985, Rockmont College merged with Western Bible Institute to form Colorado Christian College. Finally, in 1989, Colorado Baptist University came together with Colorado Christian College to form the school that we are familiar with today. Today, the mission of the College states: “Colorado Christian University cultivates knowledge and love of God in a Christ-centered community of learners and scholars, with an enduring commitment to the integration of exemplary academics, spiritual formation, and engagement with the world. We envision graduates who think critically and creatively, lead with high ethical and professional standards, embody the character and compassion of Jesus Christ, treasure the gospel, and who thereby are prepared to impact the world in their callings.”

Colorado Christian University has a total enrollment figure of 8,156, with an average undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1. The University offers three main programs: Undergraduate, Adult Undergraduate, and Graduate. Over 100 degree programs are offered through the university’s College of Undergraduate Studies and College of Adult and Graduate Studies, including Church History, Special Education, and Biblical Studies. Colorado Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 69% of applicants are admitted, and the University boasts an overall retention rate of 78% with an overall graduation rate of 47%. Financial aid is readily available to students who might need it, with many of the University’s students receiving some form of financial assistance. 

• Location: Lakewood, Colorado
• Enrollment: 8,156
• Denominational Affiliation: Interdenominational Christian
• Tuition: $31,366
• Room and Board: $11,846

For more information, visit ccu.edu

Photo credit: Colorado Christian University 
 

46. Luther College

Luther College is a private coeducational liberal arts college located in Decorah, Iowa. Founded over 150 years ago in 1861, Luther College was originally established as a Lutheran seminary. Today, the school is an institution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has been since 1915. The school firmly maintains its mission, which states: “In the reforming spirit of Martin Luther, Luther College affirms the liberating power of faith and learning. As people of all backgrounds, we embrace diversity and challenge one another to learn in community, to discern our callings, and to serve with distinction for the common good. As a college of the church, Luther is rooted in an understanding of grace and freedom that emboldens us in worship, study, and service to seek truth, examine our faith, and care for all God’s people.”

Luther College has an enrollment figure of 2,053 undergraduate students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1. The College offers a wide selection of various majors, minors, and programs for undergraduate students. Popular majors include biology, management, music, psychology, computer science, elementary education, and environmental studies. 67% of all applicants are admitted into Luther College, and the institution’s overall retention rate reaches 84% with an overall graduation rate of 82%. Financial aid is readily available, with many students receiving some type of financial assistance.

• Location: Decorah, Iowa
• Denominational Affiliation: Lutheran
• Enrollment: 2,053 
• Tuition: $43,500
• Room and Board: $9,760

For more information, visit luther.edu

Photo credit: Luther College
 

47. Arizona Christian University

Arizona Christian University, founded in 1960, is the only Arizona school ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the West, and was ranked#1 University in Arizona by College Consensus.

The 19-acre campus is in scenic Paradise Valley, surrounded by picturesque mountains, minutes from downtown Phoenix. Students from 32 states and 23 countries major in Biblical studies, business, communication, education, political science, music, biology, criminal justice, psychology, healthcare policy, nonprofit management, and coaching. ACU also offers pre-law, pre-med, and pre-seminary tracks. Student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1. ACU’s goal is to spark and spread F.I.R.E. (Faith, Influence, Relationship, Excellence) of passionate, Bible-believing Christians that are well-educated and equipped to be leaders. Over 20 Firestorm Athletics teams compete as a member of the NAIA in over 15 sports. All students are taught “The CORE” curriculum, wherein they earn a minor in Biblical Studies, attend chapel twice a week, and complete spiritual formation and service hours. The CORE examines how humanity answers four core questions — What is truth? What is beauty? What is justice? What is goodness? It begins the first semester of freshman year and continues each semester, culminating in a senior capstone.

Worship and service are central to ACU, and the Student House of Prayer (S.H.O.P.) is open 24/7 to those seeking a quiet place to meet God. On Wednesday nights, students gather for Encounter praise and prayer. Twice-weekly, students, staff, and faculty convene for student-led worship and dynamic speakers in Chapel.ACU’s Urban Outreach team connects students with city ministries that fit their passions. On school breaks, students and faculty go on missions trips, reaching the world with the hope of the gospel. Inspired by ACU’s President, Len Munsil, Arizona’s vision is: Transforming Culture with Truth.

• Location: Phoenix, Arizona
• Denominational Affiliation: Non-denominational
• Enrollment: 787
• Tuition: $27,400
• Room & Board: $8,500 - 11,700

For more information, visit arizonachristian.edu

Photo credit: Arizona Christian University
 

48. Point Loma Nazarene University

Point Loma Nazarene University is a Christian liberal arts University located in San Diego, California. Established in 1902 by the Church of the Nazarene as a Bible college, the school was originally given the title Pacific Bible College. In 1973, the school underwent a significant transition when it was relocated to Point Loma in San Diego, where the California Western University once stood. The school was renamed Point Loma Nazarene University in 1983. The University’s mission is, “to provide higher education in a vital Christian community where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith.”

Point Loma Nazarene University has an enrollment figure of 3,150 undergraduate students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1. The University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. A wide range of programs is offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, with more than 60 areas of study. A few of the University’s most popular majors include journalism, international development, and music & ministry. 71% of applicants are admitted into the University which boasts an overall retention rate of 86% with an overall graduation rate of 74%. Financial aid is readily available, with 90% of students receiving some type of financial assistance. 

• Location: San Diego, California
• Denominational Affiliation: Nazarene, evangelical
• Enrollment: 3,150 (undergraduate)
• Tuition: $35,100
• Room & Board: $10,450

For more information visit, pointloma.edu

Photo credit: Point Loma Nazarene University 
 

49. Oklahoma Baptist University

OBU, founded in 1910, ranks #7 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Regional Colleges of the West. Its beautiful 200-acre campus is recognized as one of the region's finest arboretums. Located in the quiet city of Shawnee, OBU is close to career and cultural opportunities in Oklahoma City. OBU offers 88 areas of study and 4 master’s degree options. Students can get involved in 60+ organizations including Campus Activities Board, College Players theatre group, debate team, student government, and the University Concert Series (UCS) responsible for bringing artists such as Rector, NeedtoBreathe, and King’s Kaleidoscope to campus. Athletes can participate in 6 club sports and a variety of structured intramural leagues. As of July 11, 2014, the NCAA Division II Membership Committee recommended the membership application for the institution to set up the move from the NAIA to NCAA Division II, primarily competing in the Great American Conference, effectively the 2015–16 season.

A campus-wide chapel is held weekly, and additional chapels, such as Class chapel, GO Week, CONNECT, Bison Way and others are held throughout the year. Canterbury is an off-campus worship that meets every other Thursday in downtown Shawnee, incorporating creative arts in showing Christ's love through service projects. OBU’s Center for Global Outreach equips students to serve locally, nationally, and globally. Students can participate in ministries such as Age2Age, Hope House youth shelter, Spero Project for refugees, Project: Safe, and Cargo Ranch. Global trips are available to students in Canada, Ecuador, England, Ethiopia, Hawaii, India, Spain and more. The Career Development Office provides assessment tools and vocational assistance such as job boards, student business cards, resume development, and interviewing. 98% of graduates are employed full-time or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation. Oklahoma’s mission is to transform lives by equipping students to pursue academic excellence, integrate faith with all areas of knowledge, engage a diverse world, and live worthy of the high calling of God in Christ.

• Location: Shawnee, Oklahoma
• Denominational Affiliation: Baptist
• Enrollment: 1,965
• Tuition: $29,864
• Room & Board: $7,490

For more information, visit okbu.edu

Photo credit: Oklahoma Baptist University 
 

50. Providence Christian College

Founded in 2005, Providence is the only WASC-Accredited college on the West Coast with a Reformed theological perspective. It ranks on U.S. News & World Report’s Best National Liberal Arts Colleges. Providence’s Faith Guided Learning™ sees faith as the engine, driver, and heart of knowing, so faith is integral in every subject. Within a quiet neighborhood in view of the San Gabriel Mountains, just minutes from L.A., Providence shares its 17-acre campus with the Venture Center and other Christian schools and ministries, creating internship and ministry opportunities. Degree programs include Biblical studies, business, media, arts, education, English, sciences, philosophy, politics, history, psychology, and sports psychology. Students are required to participate in unique day-trip experiences within the local area and are offered extended cross-cultural immersions, through Providence’s Adovah (Hebrew for “work, worship, and service”) program. Adovah exposes students to local radio stations, the L.A. Times, the opera, L.A. Philharmonic, Mormon temples, the Church of Scientology, secular museums, Mt. Wilson Observatory, and Skid Row to broaden their awareness and learn critical thinking.

Students attend chapel twice-weekly and live near the centrally-located dining hall with outdoor balcony and courtyard. Providence’s NAIA athletes earned the Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award for 2017-2018 based on character training, promotion, community service, GPA, and competition conduct. The Sea Beggars compete in baseball, golf, soccer, cross country, volleyball and track & field. Clubs include film, drama, hiking, and more. Students can also enjoy intramural volleyball, soccer, basketball, dodgeball, and flag football; or join the Student Senate or Campus Activities Board. Providence’s mission is to equip students to be grounded in biblical truth; educated in the liberal arts; and engaged in their church, community, and the world for the glory of God and service to humanity.

• Location: Pasadena, California
• Denominational Affiliation: Reformed Protestant/Non-denominational
• Enrollment: 160
• Tuition: $30,720
• Room & Board: $9,500

For more information, visit providencecc.edu

Photo credit: Providence Christian College
 

51. Alaska Bible College

Alaska Bible College is a private four-year higher educational institution located in Palmer, Alaska. Founded in 1966 by missionary Vincent James Joy, the College was intended to teach theology to those who were preparing for ministry within Alaska. As the only accredited four-year Bible college in Alaska, Alaska Bible College upholds its mission “to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ and extend His Church by biblically training believers to be servant-leaders with Christ-like character.” The campus is truly one of a kind, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Alaska Bible College has a total enrollment figure of 51 and has a total of 13 faculty members. The College offers a one-year program for those who are looking to major in Bible, a two-year program for students seeking to earn an Associate of Arts degree in biblical studies, and a four-year program for students who want to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible and Christian ministry. Alaska Bible College has a steady admittance rate of 100%, with an overall graduation rate of 20%.

• Location: Palmer, Alaska
• Enrollment: 51
• Denominational Affiliation: Christian
• Tuition: $9,000
• Room & Board: $5,700

For more information, visit akbible.edu

Photo credit: Alaska Bible College
 

52. Toccoa Falls College

Established in 1907, Toccoa Falls College ranks on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Regional Colleges South, and is one of two Georgia schools chosen as a Christian College of Distinction. Its mission is to glorify God through seeking and developing Christian leaders who will impact the world with the love and message of Jesus Christ. Ranked among the Top 50 Most Beautiful Christian Colleges & Universities, and situated in the relaxed environment of a small hometown, the 1,100-acre densely wooded campus invites hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and enjoying the 186-foot historic Toccoa Falls – the tallest falls east of the Mississippi River. Students live on campus in one of two women’s residence halls or the men’s residence hall, all with laundry and kitchen facilities and spacious lobbies.

TFC offers 34 degrees and 41 minors, as well as online programs. Every degree-seeking student receives a scholarship based on academic credentials. Students hail from 37 states and 32 countries, and the average class size is 13. Students can participate in 400+ activities from SGA committees to intramurals, to worship team mentorships, running live-stream ministries from the Grace Chapel and other on-campus events. Students can also take part in Summer Band Camp, leading worship for youth camps, church retreats, and national events. Cross-cultural majors are required to complete mission trips, and some departments require summer- or semester-long internships. Every TFC student participates in four semester-long Service and Outreach (SAO) opportunities such as Mission San Pablo, ESL Café, Foothills Community Church, The Well House of Prayer, Toccoa Soup Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, Wellspring Camp, Breaking Chains Ministry, Pond Street Bread Ministry, Special Olympics, public school mentoring, and more. TFC is committed to Developing Godly Character with Intellect while preparing students to embrace the vocational field they are pursuing.

• Location: Toccoa Falls, Georgia
• Denominational Affiliation: Christian and Missionary Alliance
• Enrollment: 1,200
• Tuition: $22,744
• Room & Board: $8,330

For more information, visit tfc.edu

Photo credit: Toccoa Falls College
 

53. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Oklahoma Wesleyan University is the evangelical Christian University of the Wesleyan Church located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The University was originally founded in 1972 as Bartlesville Wesleyan College, it officially became Oklahoma Wesleyan University in 2001. Today, its mission reads that the University: “models a way of thought, a way of life, and a way of faith. It is a place of serious study, honest questions, and critical engagement, all in the context of a liberal arts community that honors the Primacy of Jesus Christ, the Priority of Scripture, the Pursuit of Truth, and the Practice of Wisdom.” Oklahoma Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

The University has an enrollment figure of 1,006 undergraduate students, and a  student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1. The school offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate studies, as well as numerous online programs. A few of the University’s popular undergraduate majors include Math Education, Criminal Justice, Pastoral Ministry, Financial Economics, and Exercise Science. Oklahoma Wesleyan University admits 95% of applicants and has a retention rate of 60% with an overall graduation rate of 42%. Financial aid is readily available, with 79% of full-time undergraduate students receiving some form of financial assistance.

• Location: Bartlesville, Oklahoma
• Enrollment: 1,006
• Denominational Affiliation: Wesleyan
• Tuition: $25,576
• Room & Board: $8,344

For more information, visit okwu.edu

Photo credit: Oklahoma Wesleyan University
 

54. Charleston Southern University

CSU was founded by the South Carolina Baptist Convention in 1964 as the Baptist College at Charleston. It was renamed Charleston Southern University in 1990 to reflect the offering of graduate programs.CSU is the largest accredited, private university in South Carolina. It is recognized as a College of Distinction, chosen based on its engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes. It ranks on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Regional Universities South, and offers 50+ undergraduate, 18 graduate, 1 doctoral, and 15 online programs. CSU is situated on a scenic 300-acre campus with lakes, benches, and trees, in its hometown of Charleston – ranked No. 1 City in the World and No. 1 Travel Destination by the leading travel publications. Charleston's rich history, sandy beaches, celebrated dining, and entertainment creates an inspiring college experience. Three residential areas are on campus, each with 24-hour laundry and gathering lounges. Students hail from 26 states and 21 countries, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14-to-1.

CSU is a founding member of the Big South Conference and fields 16 teams at the NCAA Division I Level. Service Learning and Community Service opportunities include working in soup kitchens, serving on neighborhood associations, or writing to elected officials. Students engage in ministries such as Elevate, small groups, biweekly Chapel, mission projects and on-campus conferences. They can join a variety of academic, ministry, media, Greek life, and service organizations. Professional development is available through CSU’s Career Center or Career Planning Course where students get resume help, conduct mock interviews, search for national and international jobs, apply for internships, and get critiques on their graduate school essays. CSU hosts events at their Whitfield Center for Christian Leadership which they developed to equip leaders in business, government, education, media, arts and entertainment as Ambassadors for Christ.

• Location: Charleston, South Carolina
• Denominational Affiliation: Southern Carolina Baptist Convention
• Enrollment: 3,575 (including graduate students)
• Tuition: $25,500
• Room & Board: $10,200

For more information, visit charlestonsouthern.edu

Photo credit: Charleston Southern University 
 

55. Reformation Bible College

RBC was founded in 2011 to continue the heritage and mission of Ligonier Ministries, establishing a new place for instruction and fellowship. Its mission is to redefine what Bible college can be. Inspired by John Calvin’s historic Academy, RBC is “self-consciously Reformed.” RBC desires that God would use the college to form a new generation of Christian leaders who will ignite a new Reformation. RBC strives to give students a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures and Christian Reformed doctrine, through courses in Bible, systematic theology, the great works of philosophy, literature, and music; as well as courses in apologetics, church history, and languages. RBC’s lovely tree-lined campus with fountains, gentle waterfalls, and manicured landscaping is situated on 42 acres of lakefront. The central hub is the fireplace room and library. Construction is underway for a new Student Learning Center. In the town of Sanford, students can enjoy local art galleries and dining, and a new downtown RiverWalk. Living in Seminole County offers access to scenic wilderness preserves and waterways. World-class attractions of Orlando are minutes away.

RBC’s small class sizes foster supportive relationships. RBC does not offer a meal plan; however, students are welcome to use the RBC kitchen when they bring meals to campus. A variety of food services are located near campus. RBC can help families facilitate students’ housing arrangements in several off-campus apartment complexes. On-campus, students share in events like Spirit Week, the Faculty-Student Soccer Game, and the Talent Show. Students have opportunities to organize events and student groups, such as Abide, a student-led Bible study. RBC Chapel Services are held weekly. RBC’s 3-year Accelerated Degree Program in biblical studies offers a direct path to a Master of Divinity at select seminaries and is designed to launch students into ministry in six years.

• Location: Sanford, Florida
• Denominational Affiliation: Reformed
• Enrollment: 100
• Tuition: $11,295
• Room & Board: N/A

For more information, visit reformationbiblecollege.org

Photo credit: Reformation Bible College
 

56. Ohio Christian University

OCU was founded in 1948 as Circleville Bible College to prepare clergy for the Churches of Christ in Christian Union. Through accreditations and expansion, OCU now offers 40+ undergraduate, adult degree, and graduate programs, as well as The Trailblazer Academy for high school students to earn college credits. OCU ranks on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Regional Colleges Midwest. The campus is surrounded by fields and forests in quaint Circleville, with streets of concentric circles. The town is famous for its annual Pumpkin Show (6^th largest agricultural exhibit and street fair nationwide) which attracts 300,000 visitors for contests, parades, and delectables. Minutes from Columbus, campus living affords small-town serenity and city conveniences.

Student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1, and students can join 30+ organizations. OCU’s Trailblazers compete on 15 teams in the River States Conference within the NAIA. Trailblazer athletes won the NAIA Five-Star Gold Level Award based on their pursuit of character-driven athletics. World Gospel Mission leads OCU teams globally to serve alongside missionaries in youth camps and orphanages, in areas of human trafficking, and in churches in South America, Southeast Asia, and Europe. On Church Service Day, students give back to churches in surrounding communities through dozens of hands-on work projects. OCU’s Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center, a pioneering startup-incubator, serves as a job-creation and workforce development hub, and is home to OCU’s School of Business & Government. In response to students’ growing desires to launch entrepreneurial ventures, OCU offers a minor in business startup; and access to entrepreneurial opportunities in the Center’s 22,000-square-foot collaborative space. OCU’s new Ministry and Performing Arts Center hosts twice-weekly Chapel, events, and conferences. Campus Career Services helps students with interview preparation, resume development, writing guidance, and workshops. Their vision is to prepare world-impacting Christian servant leaders.

• Location: Circleville, Ohio
• Denominational Affiliation: Churches of Christ in Christian Union
• Enrollment: 4,000 (including graduate students)
• Tuition: $21,215
• Room & Board: $8,320

For more information, visit ohiochristian.edu

Photo credit: Ohio Christian University 

57. George Fox University

George Fox University is a Christian university of liberal arts and sciences and professional studies located in the thriving city of Newberg, Oregon. As Oregon’s oldest and largest Christian college, George Fox University extends further than a single campus. While its undergraduate campus is in Newberg, the University also has a Portland Center and a Salem Site. The University’s mission proudly declares that the community centered around Christ “prepares students spiritually, academically, and professionally to think with clarity, act with integrity, and serve with passion.” The undergraduate campus stretches 108 acres filled with breathtaking scenery where students are free to enjoy free time between classes, study, or chat with friends. There are numerous buildings on campus that invite students to engage with other students and discover lively activities to become involved in. 2018 marked the opening of Hadlock Student Center, a 48,000-square-foot facility that presents three volleyball/basketball courts, a rock-climbing wall, a fitness center, and an elevated track.

George Fox University has a total enrollment figure of 3,900 students, including 2,698 undergraduate students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to 1. Every degree program at the University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. George Fox offers a wide variety of academic programs for undergraduates, graduate students, and those seeking to enroll in an adult degree program. Some of the majors offered include Biblical Studies, Chemistry, and International Studies. 77% of applicants are admitted into George Fox University which boasts a retention rate of 81% with an overall graduation rate of 65%. Financial aid is a viable option for many, with 99% of the University’s students receiving some type of aid. 

• Location: Newberg, Oregon
• Denominational Affiliation: Christian (Quaker heritage) 
• Enrollment: 3,900
• Tuition: $35,500
• Room & Board: $11,250

For more information, visit georgefox.edu

Photo credit: George Fox University 
 

58. Asbury University

Founded over a century ago in 1890, Asbury University started out as the result of a pledge that Reverend John Wesley Hughes had made during his time at Vanderbilt University ten years earlier. The Reverend, who was a Methodist evangelist, decided that Wilmore would serve as the best location for the school, not only because it was located within his evangelical preaching circuit, but also because those living in the town expressed their readiness to support the primary physical plant’s financing. The school underwent a variety of changes to its name until 2010 when it was renamed Asbury University.

It is Asbury’s goal to motivate students to study, serve, and worship together. Its diverse community includes students from 41 different states and 35 foreign nations, with 80% of students living on campus. 50 majors are offered by the university, including Psychology,, Biochemistry, and many others. The University also offers various master’s degrees in Business Administration, Media Communication, and Education (including alternative certification programs). The University admits 58% of applicants and boasts a retention rate of 82% with an overall graduation rate of 66%. 99% of its students receive financial aid, which is readily available if needed.

• Location: Wilmore, Kentucky
• Denomination Affiliation: Nondenominational Christian
• Enrollment: 1,717
• Tuition: $30,198 
• Room and board: $6,950

For more information, visit asbury.edu

Photo credit: Asbury University 
 

59. The Master’s University

Located in Santa Clarita, just miles from Los Angelas and the beach, The Master’s University was initially founded in 1927 as Los Angelas Baptist Theological Seminary with 24 students. Their first Bachelor of Arts programs was started in 1946 to accommodate WWII veterans, and the college division of LABTS began in 1950. In 1975 the school was accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges as it still is today. In 1985 Dr. John MacArthur, pastor of Grace Community Church, became the school’s president; he is currently the longest-serving president at TMU. That same year, Dr. MacArthur and the board of directors decided to change the name of the school from LABTS to The Master’s College and they also agreed that the school should be non-denominational. The school doubled in size and began an academic expansion.

Today, TMU provides a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, with 13 majors (including a one-of-a-kind marketing media major) and 4 master’s degree options; they also provide 100% online programs in both undergraduate and graduate fields. At TMU, 94% of students receive some sort of financial aid. Their athletic division is NAIA Division I, they are ranked #46 for Regional Universities West and #38 for Best Value Schools by U.S. News. Connected to TMU is The Master’s Seminary (TMS), located in Los Angelas.

TMU’s mission statement is: “The mission of The Master’s University is to empower students for a life of enduring commitment to Christ, biblical fidelity, moral integrity, intellectual growth and lasting contribution to the Kingdom of God worldwide.”

• Location: Santa Clarita, CA
• Denominational Affiliation: Non-denominational
• Enrollment: 1,340 (undergrad)
• Tuition: $24,950 (annual)
• Room & Board: $11,200 (annual)

For more information visit masters.edu.

Photo credit: Wikipedia
 

60. Bethel University

Bethel University is a private, Christian University located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Founded in 1871 by John Alexis Edgren, the University was originally given the title Baptist Union Theological Seminary. In 1914, the seminary was supported by the Baptist General Conference, who moved it from Chicago to St. Paul and joined it with a Christian high school. Bethel began offering four-year degrees following World War II after much demand and became Bethel College & Seminary. In the decades that followed, Bethel Seminary was expanded to the West and East Coasts while continuing to develop the undergraduate program in St. Paul. In 2004, Bethel officially changed its name to Bethel University, as many know it now. Today, Bethel’s mission remains strongly grounded in faith, as the University: “Educates and energizes men and women for excellence in leadership, scholarship, and service,” and Bethel continues to “prepare graduates to serve in strategic capacities to renew minds, live out biblical truth, transform culture, and advance the gospel.”

Bethel University has an enrollment figure of 2,904 undergraduate students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 and 56% of the classes having less than 20 students. Bethel University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has been since 1959. A wide variety of programs for undergraduate and graduate students are available across Bethel’s 4 schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Ault & Professional Studies, Graduate School, and Bethel Seminary. A few of the University’s popular majors include applied physics, Biblical and theological studies, and missional ministries. 95% of applicants are admitted into Bethel University, which boasts an 88% retention rate with an overall graduation rate of 67%. Financial aid is readily available, with 100% of first-year students receiving some form of financial assistance. 

• Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
• Enrollment: 2,904 
• Denominational Affiliation: Baptist
• Tuition: $37,140
• Room and Board: $10,520

For more information, visit bethel.edu

Photo credit: Bethel University 
 

61. Emmaus Bible College

Emmaus Bible College is a four-year Bible College located in Dubuque, Iowa, affiliated with the Plymouth Brethren. Founded in 1941 by missionary R.E. Harlow and two of his friends, John Smart, and C. Ernest Tatham, the College takes its name from a small village mentioned in Luke 24:13. Today, the mission of Emmaus Bible College is, "to glorify God by educating and equipping learners to impact the world for Christ through faithful and effective service in their ministries, professions, and communities." The College has a total enrollment figure of 275, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1.

Emmaus Bible College offers a wide range of academic programs, including Bible and Theology, Intercultural Studies and Health Sciences. Situated in Dubuque, the College provides a truly “big little city” atmosphere. It has everything students could when it comes to shopping, entertainment, restaurants, parks and more. The College is only 20 minutes from downtown Galena, Illinois, where students can find antique shops, restaurants, and a variety of other fun stores.  Emmaus Bible College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. A selective school, Emmaus admits 35% of applicants and has an overall retention rate of 70% with an overall graduation rate of 84%. Financial aid is readily available for students who might need it.

• Location: Dubuque, Iowa
• Enrollment: 275
• Denominational Affiliation: Plymouth Brethren (non-denominational)
• Tuition: $18,400
• Room & Board: $8,500

For more information, visit emmaus.edu

Photo credit: Emmaus Bible College
 

62. Seattle Pacific University

Founded in 1891 by the Free Methodist Church of North America, SPU represents 50+ Christian denominations. Its 43-acre city campus resides on Queen Anne Hill, minutes from Seattle’s famous Space Needle. Nicknamed the Emerald City, Seattle is a major trade and tourist destination. SPU’s 40-acre treed campus offers gardens and views of the Cascade mountains. The Center for Career and Calling helps students connect with local employers such as Amazon, Microsoft, and World Vision.  Major employers such as Google and Adobe are within walking distance. One of “America’s Top Colleges” (Forbes 2018), SPU is the only university in Washington ranked in Washington Monthly’s 2017 College Guide, based on support of low-income students, cutting-edge scholarships, and commitment to service. SPU offers 69 undergraduate, 31 master’s, and 6 doctoral degree programs; and minors in Global and Urban Ministry and Reconciliation Studies. Their unique CUE (Cultural Understanding and Engagement) curriculum helps students understand cultural, racial, ethnic, and gender differences; preparing them for God’s work of peacemaking and community in diverse workplaces. SPU’s mentor in this work is renowned civil rights leader Dr. John Perkins, co-founder with SPU of the John Perkins Center for Reconciliation, Leadership Training, and Community Development.

SPU has the state’s largest private university intramural program, offering 17+ sports. Falcon athletes compete in 13 NCAA Division II varsity sports and have won nine national championships. Students worship together at Tuesday Chapel, Wednesday Group, and Friday Communion. Students are encouraged to study abroad for exposure to cultures and languages that differ from theirs. Faculty-led, Partner Program or Independent study-abroad opportunities immerse students in Italy, China, Cuba, France, Ireland, South Korea, South Africa, the Galapagos Islands, and more. Outreach programs include Urban Involvement (tutoring and homeless shelters) and Latreia (co-curricular student-led ministry teams). SPU’s vision is: Engaging the Culture, Changing the World.

• Location: Seattle, Washington
• Denominational Affiliation: Free Methodist Church
• Enrollment: 3,688 (including graduate students)
• Tuition: $42,980
• Room & Board: $5,700 - 8,600

For more information, visit spu.edu

Photo credit: Seattle Pacific University 
 

63. Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University was founded in 1937 by George Pepperdine as a place where people of all faith backgrounds would treat one another with care and respect. George’s motto is Matthew 10:8 – “...Freely ye received, freely give.” Pepperdine University’s “Waves of Service” is inspired by its founder's mission to serve others sacrificially. While faculty are members of the Churches of Christ, courses are structured around non-denominational Christian traditions and students represent many religious backgrounds. Pepperdine ranks #39 in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Value Schools,” and #10 in Forbes’ “Most Entrepreneurial Universities.” Its stunning, beachfront, 830-acre Malibu campus is 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles. As part of its sustainability commitment, 500+ acres of the Malibu campus are preserved in a native state. Green building initiatives emphasize energy efficiency, reduced topographical grading, and optimal solar orientation. On-campus irrigation is 99% recycled water. Residence halls and apartments provide quick access to schools, recreation, and dining.

Student-to-faculty ratio is 12.5:1 across all schools which offer undergraduate, master's, doctoral, MBA, and joint degree programs at locations throughout Southern California. Undergraduates can choose from over 45 majors and 40 minors. Pepperdine Waves athletes compete on 17 NCAA Division I teams and have won 25 championships. Graduates include 48 Olympians and 6 gold medalists. Students find inspiration in weekly convocation or unique opportunities like beachside "Surf Convo" and "God in the Wilderness" retreats. As a “Waves of Service” volunteer, students participate in Project Serve, Step Forward Day, Challenge for Charity, and more. Nearly half of all undergraduates study abroad in Argentina, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and China. Summer programs allow students to complete their language requirements or focus on biology, business, humanities, music, and theatre. Pepperdine believes that everyone is called to have a life of purpose by serving others.

• Location: Malibu, CA
• Denominational Affiliation: Churches of Christ
• Enrollment: 3,604
• Tuition: $53,970
• Room & Board: $15,320

For more information, visit pepperdine.edu

Photo credit: Pepperdine University 

64. Wheaton College

Wheaton College, located in Wheaton, Illinois, is a Christian, residential liberal arts college and graduate school. Founded in 1834 as a female seminary, the school became a four-year liberal arts college nearly 80 years later in 1912. In 1988, the college officially became coeducational. The mission of the college is to provide “a transformative liberal arts education for intellectually curious students in a collaborative, academically vibrant residential community that values a diverse world.” Just a train ride to Chicago, the school is easy to reach.

Wheaton College has an enrollment figure of 2,391 undergraduate students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1. Wheaton offers a wide variety of majors, including Anthropology, Applied Health Science, Art, Biblical and Theological Studies, Biology, Chemistry, History, Modern and Classical Languages, Philosophy, Sociology, and many more.  The College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (renewed in July of 2010).  Wheaton College admits 71% of applicants and boasts a high retention rate of 95%, with a graduation rate of 89%. Financial aid is readily available, with 69% of full-time undergraduate students receiving some type of financial assistance.

• Location: Wheaton, Illinois
• Denominational affiliation: Christian evangelical Protestant
• Enrollment: 2,391
• Tuition: $35,190
• Room and board: $9,806

For more information, visit wheaton.edu

Photo credit: Wheaton College
 

65. University of Northwestern St. Paul

University of Northwestern St. Paul, founded in 1902, is located in the heart of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The 107-acre campus, nestled on Lake Johanna, has been ranked as one of the most beautiful campuses in the Midwest. Its historic architecture and wooded landscape create a serene retreat with lots of athletic, music, and theatre events on campus. The new Billy Graham Community Life Commons building gathers classes, dining, and studying together, along with a coffeehouse and fireplace. UNW ranks on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Regional Universities Midwest.

UNW offers 60+ undergraduate majors, dual-degree programs, six master’s degree programs, interdisciplinary majors, and certificates; as well as a PSEO program where high school students can earn their associate’s degree. Eagles athletes are part of NCAA-Division III, competing in 20 varsity sports as well as intramurals. Students can join 100+ student groups, enjoy daily Chapel, and serve in outreach initiatives. UNW’s Global Engagement includes 1) Global Awareness Days dedicated to clean water, human trafficking, social justice, and Earth Day; 2) Global Awareness Week where students learn from organizations focused on the Great Commission; and 3) Global Involvement mission trips during breaks. UNW’s Local Engagement offers ministry with Way in the Wilderness, Lift Up, Writing in the Sand, Living Hope, and Streetlight. The media ministry at UNW owns and operates 16 stations in seven states. Stations at the St. Paul campus are 98.5 KTIS, FAITH 90.7, and FAITH 900. UNW equips students for the workforce with career coaching, LinkedIn resume help, interviewing, networking, global job search sites, internships, career development events, webinars, and job postings on Handshake. NWU strives to prepare students for God-honoring leadership in the workplace, community, and home.

• Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
• Denominational Affiliation: Non-denominational
• Enrollment: 3,319
• Tuition: $31,540
• Room & Board: $9,460

For more information, visit unwsp.edu

Photo credit: University of Northwestern St. Paul
 

66. Hardin-Simmons University

Hardin-Simmons University was founded in 1891 by a dedicated group of businessmen and ranchers joined by Dr. James B. Simmons, an abolitionist Baptist minister from the Northeast before and after the Civil War. Simmons championed freedom and helped found seven colleges for freed slaves. His legacy of hope is embodied at HSU today. Students and staff call their community “The HSU Family.” HSU is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a Best College Regional Universities West. About half of undergraduate students live on the lovely, treed 220-acre campus in women’s or men’s halls, or college-affiliated apartments or houses. In their City of Abilene home, students enjoy museums, parks, concerts, a zoo, and other attractions.

HSU is divided into 8 colleges or schools and Logsdon Seminary. Together they offer 75+ undergraduate majors, minors, or concentrations, and 20 graduate degrees. Long- and short-term study abroad options offers study and service in England, Austria, Australia, Spain, China, and many other destinations. HSU students are required to accumulate 80 chapel credits by attending worship services, plays, recitals, assemblies, concerts, and more in the Logsdon Chapel. HSU’s Baptist Student Ministry team serves the community through local missions and campus outreach projects. HSU’s new 35,000-square-foot fitness center includes an indoor soccer field, basketball, and volleyball courts. The Moody Student Center offers a cafeteria, bookstore, post office, snack shop, and a bowling alley. HSU’s Cowboy Athletes compete on 16 NCAA III baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, and volleyball teams. Through HSU’s College Central job portal, students can view open positions on- and off-campus, submit resumes, and access a breadth of career documents and resources. The mission of Hardin-Simmons is to be a community dedicated to providing excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values.

• Location: Abilene, TX
• Denominational Affiliation: Baptist
• Enrollment: 1,749
• Tuition: $30,140
• Room & Board: $9,100
• For more information, visit hsutx.edu

Photo credit: Hardin-Simmons University 
 

67. North Park University

North Park began in a church basement in 1891, offering immigrants skills to prosper in America. Over time, NPU became an academy, a junior college, a four-year liberal arts college, and finally a university with a theological seminary in 1997. Located in one of the most diverse zip codes in the U.S., NPU students experience hands-on learning in a world-class city. More than 40 languages are spoken in nearby schools, and the area has one of the highest percentages of foreign-born residents among Chicago neighborhoods. There is no racial or ethnic majority in the undergraduate population, and students come from a variety of religious backgrounds.

NPU offers 60+ programs, plus certificate and pre-professional programs. The main campus is a haven of lovely architecture and greenery on the Chicago’s north side. Students can join 25+ academic, sports, cultural, social, and publications clubs; or lead within Student Government Association or the Campus Activities Board. More than 450 Viking athletes compete on 16 NCAA Division III teams. Weekly Chapel draws from various traditions: classical to charismatic, African American to Hispanic, liturgical to contemporary. NPU’s unique Sankofa Experience, which explores racial reconciliation and human wholeness, culminates in a 60-hour bus pilgrimage across the U.S. where students grapple with what it means to become a beloved community. Urban Outreach opportunities include Commuter Service Initiative, Bethel New Life, By the Hand, Covenant Youth Collision, and Friday Night Street Ministry. In Catalyst 606__, students visit the Historic Pullman Foundation, Chicago’s financial district, manufacturers, and galleries. Career assistance such as resume development, networking, interviewing, and Career Advantage online equip students with a LinkedIn profile, a professional brand, and opportunities to volunteer or shadow. Students can also take advantage of over 100 credit-bearing internships in a community that nurtures spiritual growth and exploration.

• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Denominational Affiliation: Evangelical Covenant Church
• Total Enrollment: 3,000+ (including graduate students)
• Tuition: $29,190
• Room & Board: $9,445

For more information, visit northpark.edu

Photo credit: North Park University 
 

68. Belmont University

Belmont University is a private Christian liberal arts university located in Nashville, Tennessee. While the University cut its ties with the Tennessee Baptist Convention back in 2007, it still maintains its strong Christian identity to this day. Established over a century ago in 1890 as a school for young women, Belmont now draws a widely diverse group of male and female students from every state and more than 36 countries. The university is centered around its students and encourages them to explore their passions and skills to a Christian community of continual learning and service. The classes at Belmont are fairly small, with a student to faculty ratio of one teacher to every 13 students. On its gorgeous 64 acres, students are empowered to interact with and transform the world with faith, courage, intelligence, and compassion.

Offering over 90 areas of undergraduate study, 25 master’s programs and five doctoral degrees, students at Belmont have a wide variety of options when it comes to pursuing their interests and passions. A few of the University’s popular majors include marketing, journalism, and communications technologies. 73% of all students receive some form of financial aid, which is readily available for those who need it. 80% of applicants are accepted into Belmont, and the university maintains a graduation rate of 70%. Belmont University was named as one of the Top 25 Christian Colleges students want to attend in 2017, and received accolades from ChristianUniversitiesOnline.org when it was listed among the “50 Most Beautiful Christian Universities in the World.” These are only a few of the many awards Belmont has received, as the University continues to strive to provide its students and faculty with excellence.

• Location: Nashville, Tennessee
• Denomination Affiliation: Christian   
• Enrollment: 14,316
• Tuition: $34,310
• Room & Board: $12,120

For more information, visit belmont.edu

Photo credit: Belmont University 
 

69. John Brown University

John Brown University is a private, interdenominational, Christian liberal arts college. Located in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, the University was founded in 1919 by John E. Brown, a Christian evangelist. The school was originally given the title John E. Brown College and served as a Christian vocational college where students could work jobs like carpentry. In 1934, Brown declared that the school would be changed into a four-year university, which eventually became the University we are familiar with today. John Brown University’s mission is to provide “Christ-centered education that prepares people to honor God and serve others by developing their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives. JBU’s mission is summarized in its two historic mottos: Christ over all, and Head, Heart and Hand.” Its rural campus runs across 200 acres, providing students with plenty of wide open spaces to study, chat with friends, and become involved with on-campus activities.

John Brown University has a total undergraduate enrollment figure of 2,474, which includes students from 38 states and 53 foreign countries. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1, with an average class size of 20 students. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. John Brown University offers a variety of academic programs for both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as 4 online degree programs. A few of the University’s popular majors include engineering, nursing, family and human services, biology, and graphic design. 74% of applicants are admitted to John Brown University, and the school upholds a retention rate of 84% with an overall graduation rate of 61%. Financial aid is readily available, with 90% of John Brown University students receiving some type of financial aid.

• Location: Siloam Springs, Arkansas
• Denominational Affiliation: Interdenominational
• Enrollment: 2,474
• Tuition: $25,750 
• Room and Board: $9,224 

For more information, visit jbu.edu

Photo credit: John Brown University 
 

70. Samford University

Samford University is a private, coeducational Christian university in Homewood, Alabama. Founded in 1841 by Located in a suburb of Birmingham, the University resides on a truly picturesque campus filled with over 60 Georgian-Colonial buildings on its 247-acres. Samford University upholds its firm mission, which states that the University strives “to nurture persons in their development of intellect, creativity, faith and personhood. As a Christian university, the community fosters academic, career and ethical competency while encouraging social and civic responsibility and service to others.”

The University has a total undergraduate enrollment figure of 5,509 students, 3,373 of which are undergraduate students, with an average student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1. Samford is made up of 10 academic units: Arts, Arts and Sciences, Business, Divinity, Education, Health Professions, Law, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health. The University offers 168 majors, minors, and concentrations. A few popular areas of study include Biochemistry, Christian Ministry, Economics, English, Foods and Nutrition, and many more.  The school is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degrees. Samford University admits 93% of applicants, which boasts a high overall retention rate of 89% with an overall graduation rate of 66%. Financial aid is readily available for students who might need it, and 96% of new students receive some type of financial assistance. 

• Location: Homewood, Alabama
• Enrollment: 5,509 
• Denominational Affiliation: Christian (Baptist tradition)
• Tuition: $31,650
• Room & Board: $10,550

For more information, visit samford.edu

Photo credit: Samford University 

Best Christian Colleges: Honorable Mention

• Friends University - Friends University is a private nondenominational Christian university in Wichita, Kansas. It was founded in 1898.
• University of the Cumberlands - The University of the Cumberlands is a private Christian university in Williamsburg, Kentucky.
• Birmingham-Southern College - Birmingham–Southern College is a private liberal arts college in Birmingham, Alabama. Founded in 1856, the college is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
• Cornerstone University - Cornerstone University is a private Christian university in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
• Roanoke College - Roanoke College is a private liberal arts college in Salem, Virginia.

*Enrollment statistics and tuition fees are subject to change and are based on yearly estimates. For more information, please visit the college or university’s website.

RELATED: 20 Great Christian Colleges You May Not Know About Yet

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This article is part of our larger Higher Education resource library centered around colleges and universities. We hope these articles help you narrow down your search for Christian colleges and seminaries. 

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