Searching for the best Christian colleges and universities can involve long hours of research, especially if you don’t already have a location in mind. According to the Council for Christian Colleges (CCCU), there are roughly 900 religiously affiliated colleges and universities in the United States. The Christian higher learning landscape in America includes colleges and universities with varying degrees of religious study, as well as dedicated Bible colleges for a scripture-first approach.
Choosing the institution that is right for you will largely depend on your spiritual and educational goals, as well as where you live or plan to relocate to. It’s with this in mind that our editors assembled this list of the best Christian colleges and universities in America to consider. Each entry includes the school’s location and a brief “From the institution” description to give you a high-level overview of the college to save you time. Simply click the college name or logo to go direct to the institution’s website if you want to learn more.
Lord’s Library can also recommend the books Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower’s Guide for the Journey and How to Stay Christian in College to prospective Christian college students.
Note: The best Christian colleges and universities in America are ranked alphabetically by state.
The Best Christian Colleges and Universities in America by State
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
The Best Christian Colleges in Alabama
Location: Montgomery, AL
From the institution: “Amridge University is an independent, coeducational institution dedicated to the spirit of its Christian ideals and heritage. With a commitment to academic excellence, distance education, and spiritual vitality, Amridge University’s mission is to prepare men and women for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and service to their professions, society, church, and family, through teaching, learning experiences and support services.”
Location: Montgomery, AL
From the institution: “Faulkner University is a private, Christian liberal arts university with a mission to glorify God through education of the whole person, emphasizing integrity of character in a caring, Christian environment where every individual matters every day. At Faulkner, we offer more than 60 on-campus majors and over 23 online majors. The charm of our small campuses, our family-like warmth, and scholarly professors who know your name sets us apart in the world market.”
Location: Florence, AL
From the institution: “Heritage Christian University exists for the advancement of churches of Christ by equipping servants through undergraduate and graduate programs and continuing education. HCU produces effective communicators, preachers, teachers and missionaries for real-world ministry with a focus on evangelism and a commitment to scripture. With a 6:1 student-teacher ratio, members of the HCU faculty are more than teachers, they are mentors in your ministry. Classes are available on campus or online.”
Location: Huntsville, AL
From the institution: “Huntsville Bible College (HBC) is a post secondary biblical institution that believes it is important to balance the responsibilities of family, church and work to meet the needs of each individual in a personal way. HBC, formerly Huntsville Baptist Institute, was established in 1986 as a 501 (c) (3) institution of higher education to prepare individuals to become preachers and church leaders by assisting local churches to carry out their mission.”
Location: Marion, AL
From the institution: “Judson College, a private, undergraduate institution committed to academic excellence in the arts, sciences, and professional studies, offers distinguished student-centered academic programs in a residential, single-gender setting and through distance education to both genders. Judson College is a purposeful, caring community of students and employees who live, work, serve, and learn together, and who are united by faith in God and adherence to Christian traditions.”
Location: Fairfield, AL
From the institution: “Miles College is a senior, private, liberal arts Historically Black College with roots in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church that motivates and prepares students, through committed faculty, to seek knowledge that leads to intellectual and civic empowerment. The Miles College education engages students in rigorous study, scholarly inquiry, and spiritual awareness enabling graduates to become life-long learners and responsible citizens who help shape the global society.”
Location: Birmingham, AL
From the institution: “Samford University is a leading nationally ranked Christian university. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Located in the Birmingham, Alabama suburb of Homewood, the university’s campus covers approximately 247 acres and is renowned for its beauty and Georgian-Colonial style architecture. The university currently enrolls 5,729 students from 47 states and 30 countries.”
Location: Mobile, AL
From the institution: “Spring Hill College offers an exceptional educational experience that prepares each graduate for success in both career and life. Located on the beautiful Gulf Coast, and deeply rooted in the Jesuit, Catholic educational tradition that develops leadership potential, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills, explore opinions and beliefs different than their own, and understand how they can fulfill their potential and best serve the world.”
Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
From the institution: “Stillman College, authorized by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States in 1875, held its first classes in 1876 and was chartered as a legal corporation by the State of Alabama in 1895. At that time, the name was changed from Tuscaloosa Institute to Stillman Institute. The Institute was a concept initiated by the Reverend Dr. Charles Allen Stillman, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa. The mandate for the Institution expanded over the years and it acquired its present campus tract of over 100 acres.”
Trinity Evangelical Christian University
Location: Elkmont, AL
From the institution: “Trinity offers many Specialized Degree, Professional Certificate & Continuing Education Programs in a variety of ministry areas. Trinity has been empowering workers in the field for Christ since 1999, and we aren’t going anywhere. Our highly specialized degree curricula have been developed in collaboration with graduates from some of the most distinguished Seminaries in the world, and have been widely accepted by prestigious secular and religious organizations across the globe. We verify all degrees for potential employers.”
Location: Mobile, AL
From the institution: “University of Mobile is a Christ-centered academic community providing liberal arts and professional programs to renew minds through intellectual and spiritual development for the fulfilling of one’s professional calling. The gospel of Jesus Christ is at the core of everything we do at University of Mobile. The gospel moves through every aspect of our lives, our campus, and our intentions. Our hope is to send out leaders who understand the call of God on their lives and work to build his Kingdom.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Arizona
Location: Glendale, AZ
From the institution: “ACU is an accredited, private, non-profit, Christian university in Glendale, Arizona offering a wide variety of degrees preparing students for successful careers, while remaining committed to its vision of transforming culture with biblical truth. Students actively engage in biblically-integrated academics and gain a liberal arts foundation with critical thinking skills that last a lifetime. Spiritual development is also integrated within the University experience, where all four-year campus students receive a minor in Biblical Studies, attend chapel twice a week, and complete spiritual formation and service hours each semester.”
Location: Phoenix, AZ
From the institution: “Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona. We are dedicated to helping our students change their lives for the better through education. We offer a wide range of programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels that you can earn on campus and online. Our dedicated faculty and staff will be with you every step of the way to ensure you reach your goals.”
International Baptist College and Seminary
Location: Chandler, AZ
From the institution: “The mission of International Baptist College and Seminary, in both its undergraduate and graduate programs, as an integral ministry of Tri-City Baptist Church, is to develop graduates and Christian leaders who glorify God and demonstrate their love for God and others by living a biblical lifestyle, by obeying the Great Commission, and by championing the fundamentals of the historic Christian faith as they serve God in their families, their local churches, the West, and the world.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas
Location: Little Rock, AR
From the institution: “Arkansas Baptist College, originally named the Minister’s Institute, was founded in 1884 by the Colored Baptists of Arkansas during their annual convention at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Little Rock. The primary objective of the institute was to raise the educational level within the Negro Ministry. The secondary objective was to aid the state in making higher education available to young Negro men and women. Most of the College’s students were trained in the ministry. Today, Religious Studies continues to be one of major disciplines of matriculation into the College.”
Location: Conway, AR
From the institution: “The value of Christian higher education is the value that has always under girded Central Baptist College’s mission statement. Since the institution’s inception in 1952, its mission has focused on educating the whole person — intellectually, physically, and spiritually. While many other colleges and universities subscribe to the notion of holistic education, it is the spiritual dimension of higher education that has made and continues to make Central Baptist College unique.”
Location: Paragould, AR
From the institution: “Crowley’s Ridge College is a private, four-year, church affiliated but autonomous, coeducational liberal arts college, providing for its students a balanced course of studies appropriate for Bachelor and Associate Degrees. While the College is affiliated with the Churches of Christ, students of all religious backgrounds are welcome at Crowley’s Ridge College. The student population comprises both non-traditional and traditional residential and commuter students. The College is committed to a continual emphasis on the integration of scholarship, critical reasoning, and the spiritual dimension of life. Preserving a commitment to a tradition of small class sizes and a philosophy of open enrollment helps the College maintain a focus on the whole student as an individual.”
Location: Springdale, AR
From the institution: “As an institution of Biblical higher education, Ecclesia College equips Christ followers with godly character traits, academic competencies, and work skills to be effective leaders for the advance of Christ’s Kingdom within our troubled world. The College’s Biblical faith and character-based education have prepared students and graduates to positively influence their world. Ecclesia alumni have been exemplars in today’s professions, enterprises, and churches, touching over 106 nations to date.”
Location: Searcy, AR
From the institution: “Harding University is a private Christian institution of higher education committed to the tradition of the liberal arts and sciences. It is composed of the following academic units: a College of Allied Health, a College of Arts and Humanities, a College of Bible and Ministry, a College of Business Administration, a College of Education, a College of Nursing, a College of Pharmacy, a College of Sciences, and a School of Theology, through which over 100 undergraduate majors as well as graduate and professional programs in athletic training, business, education, mental health and wellness, ministry, nursing, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and theology are offered.”
Location: Conway, AR
From the institution: “The Hendrix College seal appeared for the first time on the cover of the 1898 catalog. The seal included the College’s motto, selected by a committee headed by the Rev. George W. Hill and taken from a passage in Ephesians: “Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ …” (Ephesians 4:13, King James Version). Currently translated as “unto the whole person,” the motto, in Ancient Greek, reflects Hendrix’s dedication to both Christian principles and the traditional liberal arts ideal.”
Location: Siloam Springs, AR
From the institution: “Founded in 1919, JBU is a leader in Christian higher education, providing a top-ranked academic, spiritual and professional foundation for world-impacting careers. John Brown University admits persons to its programs and activities without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, or gender. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, or gender in the administration of education policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-sponsored programs.”
Location: Batesville, AR
From the institution: “A selective, independent, undergraduate, residential teaching and learning community affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Lyon College offers a challenging curriculum centered on the liberal arts, guided by an Honor System and coordinated with co-curricular programs, all fostering the critical, creative thought and ethical, spiritual growth that will prepare students for fulfilling personal and professional lives committed to lifelong learning and service.”
Location: Arkadelphia, AR
From the institution: “Welcome to Ouachita Baptist University! What makes us different? For more than 130 years, Ouachita has been committed to encouraging a love of God and a love of learning. As a leading liberal arts university, Ouachita has earned a strong academic reputation. Combine all that with a close-knit campus community and you have a setting where students thrive academically, spiritually and personally.”
Location: Clarksville, AR
From the institution: “At University of the Ozarks, we encourage you to actively pursue your spiritual growth and form deeper connections with the world around you. While we’re a private university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), we’re open and accepting of all. You are welcome to attend weekly services held in our beautiful campus chapel or pursue your spiritual development on your own through a number of student organizations reflecting a wide spectrum of spiritual beliefs.”
Location: Walnut Ridge, AR
From the institution: “The foundation of Williams Baptist University is the confession that Jesus Christ is Lord (Romans 10:9-10), the Incarnate Son and Word of God, and the Divine Creator and Savior of the world. We aspire to be a Christ-centered institution of higher education in character, conduct, and academic pursuits. This aspiration calls for faculty, staff, and students to integrate the Christian faith in all aspects of the University. The lordship of Christ is the center of all things related to the University (Colossians 1:15-20) and is the basis from which we form our Christian worldview. We believe this biblical commitment is essential for the preparation of students to engage local and global cultures.”
The Best Christian Colleges in California
Location: Whitter, CA
From the institution: “Azusa Pacific University is a comprehensive Christian university located 26 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California, that offers more than 150 degree options from bachelor’s to doctorate. A leader in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, APU is committed to excellence in higher education. Offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs on campus, online, and at seven regional locations across Southern California, APU continues to be recognized annually as one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.”
Location: La Mirada, CA
From the institution: “Biola University is a nationally ranked Christian university in the heart of Southern California. Founded in 1908, Biola offers biblically centered education, intentional spiritual development and vocational preparation within a unique learning community where all faculty, staff and students are professing Christians. Biola’s nine schools offer more than 150 academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, enrolling more than 6,000 students at the La Mirada campus, online and in distance programs throughout the world.”
Location: Riverside, CA
From the institution: “California Baptist University (CBU) is one of the top private Christian colleges and universities in Southern California. CBU offers bachelor’s, master’s and credential programs in Riverside, San Bernardino and online. California Baptist University believes each person has been created for a purpose. CBU strives to help students understand and engage this purpose by providing a Christ-centered educational experience that integrates academics with spiritual and social development opportunities. Graduates are challenged to become individuals whose skills, integrity and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish them in the workplace and in the world.”
Location: Fresno, CA
From the institution: “The constituency and ownership of California Christian College, the California State Association of Free Will Baptists, and CCC alumni have clearly articulated their desire for CCC to establish Christian ministry programs for the purpose of developing capable Christian leaders to serve Christ both in the Church and in society. The college seeks Christian students who are serious about Christian education, doing the will of God, and preparing for church-related ministries, either on the lay or professional level.”
California Lutheran University
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA
From the institution: “California Lutheran University embodies a vital and long-standing educational tradition. As part of that 500-year-old Lutheran tradition, we believe that understanding our purpose as individuals will help us make our best possible contribution to the world. We encourage students to follow their own passion to uncover their purpose. This prepares them for a life of success in which they always offer their very best to others—family, community, and the world. This happens as part of a diverse, open-minded, and challenging academic environment.”
Location: Orange, CA
From the institution: “We are related to two churches: for 150 years throughout the formation of the academic institution, we have been connected with The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and since 2011, also with The United Church of Christ. These particular churches give us a proud religious heritage, and value the dignity of all people and all religions.”
Location: Redlands, CA
From the institution: “For the past 25 years, Community Christian College has been serving students and their parents by offering an affordable associate degree presented in a safe Christian worldview environment. Our liberal arts associate degree program provides you with most, if not all, of the lower-division courses needed for the bachelor’s degree.”
Location: Irvine, CA
From the institution: “Concordia University Irvine, guided by the Great Commission of Christ Jesus and the Lutheran Confessions, empowers students through the liberal arts and professional studies for lives of learning, service and leadership. Concordia University Irvine prepares students for their vocations—their various callings in life. CUI offers undergraduate, graduate, and online bachelor’s degrees in a beautiful Southern California location, with online and regional cohort options. Concordia’s undergraduate program is distinctive among universities in California because of its nationally recognized Enduring Questions & Ideas (Q&I) Core program, and its Lutheran heritage that provides a thoughtful and caring Christian community that lives out the theology of “Grace Alone. Faith Alone.”
Location: Los Angeles, CA
From the institution: “At Emmanuel University, it is our mission to be a biblically centered institution of higher learning that is committed to the advancement of spiritual, intellectual, personal and professional growth of its students. The university extends the knowledge and truth of the Bible to all of its educational and spiritual programs and activities so that our students will benefit from the highest standard of scholarship.”
Epic Bible College and Grad School
Location: Sacramento, CA
From the institution: “Here at Epic Bible College, we make every effort to follow the same model as we partner with the Church to train lives and build character. After all, students aren’t seeking a piece of paper, they are seeking a relationship with God. That’s the Epic difference. It’s personal. Life-changing. Barrier free.”
Location: Fresno, CA
From the institution: “Fresno Pacific University is the Valley’s only accredited Christian university, connecting every student’s untapped potential with unlimited opportunity for professional, personal and ethical growth. Nonprofit and independent, FPU offers more than 100 areas of study to about 4,000 traditional undergraduate, adult degree completion, graduate and seminary students at the main campus in Southeast Fresno and throughout the Valley at regional campuses in North Fresno, Visalia, Bakersfield and Merced as well as online.”
Location: Oakland, CA
From the institution: “Holy Names University, founded by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), is rooted in Catholic intellectual and spiritual traditions. A rigorous and inclusive intellectual community, HNU is committed to continuous improvement and provides professional and liberal arts undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The University empowers a diverse student body to think critically and imaginatively, to understand and employ the various modes of knowledge, to communicate clearly and persuasively, to pursue leadership opportunities, and to promote the common good.”
Location: Diamond Bar, CA
From the institution: “Horizon University is an evangelic Christian institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Its mission is to educate the next generation of strong Christian leaders who will selflessly serve their Church, communities, and beyond with their diverse skills and vital knowledge gained during their studies at HU.”
Location: Fullerton, CA
From the institution: “Hope International University is a private Christian university founded in 1928. HIU’s mission is to empower students through Christian higher education to serve the Church and impact the world for Christ. HIU is regionally accredited and offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, certificate programs, and credential programs to more than 2,000 students world-wide. As a Christ-centered private university in California, Hope is committed to the integration of faith, service and learning.”
Location: San Dimas, CA
From the institution: “Life Pacific University is a WSCUC and ABHE accredited institution of biblical higher education existing for the transformational development of students into leaders prepared to serve God in the Church, the workplace, and the world. The university has been educating leaders since 1923 and enrolls nearly 700 students in traditional undergraduate, non-traditional, and graduate programs.”
Notre Dame de Namur University
Location: Belmont, CA
From the institution: “Founded more than 165 years ago, we are the third oldest college in California. NDNU is a fully accredited, private, Catholic, co-educational master’s university, located on the San Francisco Peninsula in Silicon Valley. With approximately 1,700 students from 29 states and 32 different countries, NDNU broadens the perspective and outlook of its students by exposing them to peers with very different backgrounds, cultures and world views.”
Location: Malibu, CA
From the institution: “Pepperdine is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places to study, Pepperdine is where you’re inspired to learn as you learn to inspire.”
Point Loma Nazarene University
Location: San Diego, CA
From the institution: “As a Christian liberal arts university, PLNU is committed to shaping students’ academic, personal, and spiritual growth. Our mission isn’t simply to prepare you for a career after you graduate — though that’s part of it — but to shape you into a thoughtful, service-minded, and engaged member of your community and world. In short, we are committed to helping you become who you are fully called to be.”
Location: Pasadena, CA
From the institution: “The mission of Providence Christian College as a Reformed Christian institution is to equip students to be firmly grounded in biblical truth, thoroughly educated in the liberal arts, and fully engaged in their church, their community, and the world for the glory of God and for service to humanity.”
Location: Moraga, CA
From the institution: “Saint Mary’s is a selective, comprehensive university that engages the intellect and the spirit with exceptional academics. This is an education that changes lives and inspires the desire to transform society. Saint Mary’s has a strong tradition of service, that is built upon the solid rock of Catholic social justice and the pioneering work of John Baptist de La Salle, founder of the Christian Brothers, who insisted on education for all, regardless of their ability to pay.”
Location: Santee, CA
From the institution: “San Diego Christian College (SDCC) is a nationally ranked Christian college in the located in Southern California. SDCC provides an unrivaled education that challenges students and builds their faith in Jesus Christ. Founded in 1970, SDCC offers traditional, non-traditional and graduate programs, and strives to shape students through the integration of faith, service, and learning inside and outside the classroom.”
Location: Santa Clara, CA
From the institution: “Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara University blends high-tech innovation with a social consciousness grounded in the Jesuit educational tradition. We are committed to leaving the world a better place. We pursue new technology, encourage creativity, engage with our communities, and share an entrepreneurial mindset. Our goal is to help shape the next generation of leaders and global thinkers.”
Location: Redding, CA
From the institution: “The institution’s origins date back to 1970 when God laid it upon the heart of Dr. Royal D. Blue to investigate the possibility of initiating an evening Bible institute extension from Multnomah School of the Bible, utilizing the facilities of North Valley Baptist Church. [The School’s Mission is] to educate and equip Biblically committed Christian leaders who will impact the world for Jesus Christ.”
Location: Redding, CA
From the institution: “Simpson University, a school of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, is a Christ-centered learning community with an enduring commitment to world service and faith-infused education in professional studies and liberal arts. Simpson University is a Christ-centered learning community committed to developing each student in mind, faith and character for a lifetime of meaningful work and service in a constantly changing world.”
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
From the institution: “Since 1927, The Master’s University has transformed young people to have an impact for Christ in the world. Committed faculty and staff pour their lives into students, teaching every subject with a biblical worldview. We hold firm to the sufficiency, inerrancy, and authority of Scripture in our uncompromising commitment to Christ and Scripture. Master’s not only compels students to academic achievement and professional excellence, but we develop wisdom, establish convictions, and produce leaders in every student. Each graduate is set on the path to success with the skills and perspective to do all they do for the honor of our great God.”
Location: Ventura County, CA
From the institution: “Thomas Aquinas College is unique among American colleges and universities, offering a faithfully Catholic education comprised entirely of the Great Books and classroom discussions. Thomas Aquinas College came into being in the late 1960s and early 1970s, during a time of great tumult in the United States that deeply affected the country’s institutions and its mores. The College’s founders, a seasoned group of lay Catholic educators, were concerned about the declining condition of higher education and, in particular, Catholic higher education.”
Location: Costa Mesa, CA
From the institution: “Vanguard University is a private, Christian, comprehensive university of liberal arts and professional studies equipping students for a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership and service. Since 2010, the U.S. News & World Report has ranked Vanguard in the top 10 among the best baccalaureate colleges in the west in their rankings of colleges and universities and The Princeton Review named VU a 2014 “Best in the West” College. Vanguard is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).”
Location: Montecito, CA
From the institution: “Westmont College is an undergraduate, residential, Christian, liberal arts community serving God’s kingdom by cultivating thoughtful scholars, grateful servants and faithful leaders for global engagement with the academy, church and world. Equip yourself to be a grateful servant and faithful leader in God’s kingdom by serving alongside Westmont students in a number of ministry opportunities.”
Location: San Jose, CA
From the institution: “As a nationally-ranked Christian university, William Jessup University seeks to develop the whole person by developing skills in communication, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking and by exposing students to a broad cross-section of knowledge in science, social science, and the humanities. Jessup has more than 70 programs on campus and online. We maintain high academic standards while guiding students towards fulfilling careers and authentic relationships with Christ.”
The Best Christian Colleges and Universities in Colorado
Location: Lakewood, CO
From the institution: “Founded in 1914, Colorado Christian University is the premier interdenominational Christian college in Colorado and the eight-state Rocky Mountain region, delivering world class education to thousands of students. As a member of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities, CCU is ranked among the top universities nationwide. The University currently offers more than 50 degree options for traditional undergraduate students through the College of Undergraduate Studies. Adult and graduate students have more than 80 degree options through the College of Adult and Graduate Studies and CCU Online.”
Location: Fort Collins, CO
From the institution: “We exist to develop disciples of Jesus by providing them with a solid foundation of truth and equipping them with the tools and resources they’ll need for a lifetime of growth and service. We offer students an opportunity to graduate with an Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies after four semesters of study.”
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
From the institution: “Nazarene Bible College exists to glorify Jesus Christ as Lord by preparing adults to evangelize, disciple, and minister to the world. Since 1967 Nazarene Bible College has fulfilled its mission of preparing men and women for ministry. Nazarene Bible College is one of ten Nazarene institutions of higher education in the United States. It is one of the two institutions charged by the denomination with the relatively exclusive task of preparing ministers.”
Location: Denver, CO
From the institution: “As a Jesuit Catholic university, Regis seeks to build a more just and humane world through transformative education at the frontiers of faith, reason and culture. As a university, Regis draws from wellsprings of ancient wisdom and explores new horizons of thought and imagination to pursue truth, strive for justice and cultivate beauty. In everything, Regis shepherds the development of the whole person in relation to the common good, asking, “How ought we to live?”
The Best Christian Colleges in Connecticut
Location: New Haven, CT
From the institution: “The mission of Albertus Magnus College is to provide men and women with an education that promotes the search for truth in all its dimensions and is practical in its application. Founded by the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Albertus Magnus College, faithful to its Catholic heritage and the Judeo-Christian tradition, remains dedicated to providing an opportunity for learning which responds to the academic needs and ethical challenges of its students and society.”
Location: Fairfield, CT
From the institution: “Fairfield University is a Jesuit, Catholic university in mission and spirit. Our objectives include promoting a sense of social responsibility, and making sure all students embrace and develop their full creative, intellectual potential. We provide a liberal arts education that is both broad and deep, believing that in order to better the world, you first have to understand it from a staggering number of viewpoints. We believe that each and every student is a capable individual with infinite potential, and we embrace the opportunity to turn strengths into careers.”
Location: Fairfield, CT
From the institution: “Sacred Heart University, rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, embraces a vision for social justice and educates students in mind, body and spirit to prepare them personally and professionally to make a difference in the global community. Sacred Heart University aspires to achieve prominence through innovative teaching and learning while cultivating a campus community that is recognized as caring and creative.”
Location: West Hartford, CT
From the institution: “The University of Saint Joseph, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in the Catholic tradition, provides a rigorous liberal arts and professional education for a diverse student population in an inclusive environment that encourages strong ethical values, personal integrity, and a sense of responsibility to the needs of society. In addition to undergraduate programs for full- and part-time students (which became fully coeducational in 2018), the University of Saint Joseph has grown to include the following programs of study: graduate master’s and certificate programs (introduced in 1959) and professional doctoral degrees (2011).”
Location: Middletown, CT
From the institution: “Named for John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, Wesleyan is among the oldest of the originally Methodist institutions of higher education in the United States. The Methodist movement was particularly important for its early emphasis on social service and education, and from its inception, Wesleyan offered a liberal arts program rather than theological training. Today Wesleyan offers instruction in 46 departments and 45 major fields of study and awards the bachelor of arts and graduate degrees.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Delaware
Location: Dover, DE
From the institution: “Wesley College is an institution of higher education that seeks to be among the finest student-centered learning communities in the liberal arts tradition. Consistent with our historically United Methodist affiliation, the College affirms meaning and purpose in life through justice, compassion, inclusion and social responsibility that enhance community life and respect for the environment. Wesley College exists to liberate and empower its students with the knowledge, skills, ethical attitudes and capacity for critical thinking needed to achieve personal and professional goals and to contribute to the local and global society.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Florida
Location: Ave Maria, FL
From the institution: “Ave Maria University is a Catholic, liberal arts institution of higher learning devoted to Mary the Mother of God, inspired by St. John Paul II and St. Teresa of Calcutta, and dedicated to the formation of joyful, intentional followers of Jesus Christ through Word and Sacrament, scholarship and service. Ave Maria is known for its exceptional academics, faithfulness to the magisterium of the Catholic Church, dedicated faculty and caring staff, and a unique educational philosophy that strives to develop the whole person. For more on this, see the Mission Statement of Ave Maria University and brief account of Our History.”
Location: Miami Shores, FL
From the institution: “Barry University is a Catholic institution of higher education founded in 1940 by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Grounded in the liberal arts tradition, Barry University is a scholarly community committed to the highest academic standards in undergraduate, graduate and professional education. In the Catholic intellectual tradition, integration of study, reflection and action inform the intellectual life. Faithful to this tradition, a Barry education and university experience foster individual and communal transformation where learning leads to knowledge and truth, reflection leads to informed action, and a commitment to social justice leads to collaborative service.”
Cornerstone Christian University
Location: Maitland, FL
From the institution: “Cornerstone Christian University was founded in 1999 and is a pioneer in distance education. Cornerstone Christian University students span the globe. They are successful pastors, missionaries, Christian educators, counselors and business leaders. Education at CCU is based on the Judaeo-Christian traditional approach in contrast to the humanistic, shifting systems of secular education. We believe the Christian traditional approach provides the student with the best possible degree programs and methods of study.”
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
From the institution: “The mission of Eckerd College is to provide excellent, innovative undergraduate liberal arts education and lifelong learning programs in the unique Florida environment, within the context of a covenant relationship with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Founded as Florida Presbyterian College, we opened our doors on Sept. 2, 1960, with 155 first-year students and 22 faculty. We have grown steadily over the years and became Eckerd College in 1972. But one thing hasn’t changed: a focus on creative, innovative curricula in the liberal arts tradition with a strong emphasis on small classes and world-class faculty who know and care about the success of every student.”
Location: Temple Terrace, FL
From the institution: “Florida College, as a private, independent liberal arts college, provides a comprehensive college experience designed to develop students spiritually, mentally, physically, and socially; to integrate into the students’ lives the Bible as the revealed will of God; and to prepare students for lives of service to their Creator and to humanity. Florida College is dedicated to the education of the whole man, which means that the program of studies is designed to give students a breadth of understanding about the world in which they live, knowledge of their natural heritage, and the competencies in thinking and living which are essential to discharging their responsibility in society.”
Location: Miami Gardens, FL
From the institution: “Florida Memorial University is a private, coeducational, and Baptist-affiliated institution that has the distinction of being one of the oldest academic centers in the state, and the only Historically Black University in South Florida. At Florida Memorial University, we leave nothing to chance. Our lion mascot embodies our spirit and our spirit drives our legacy. Since 1879, the courage of our founders and the fortitude of our students have given FMU the great privilege of offering quality education to students who may not otherwise receive one.”
Location: Lakeland, FL
From the institution: “Inspired by the Judeo-Christian principles on which the college was founded, Florida Southern College’s goal of producing good citizens who make a lasting impact on their communities is advanced by the quality of campus life in the college community. Through shared values and communal expectations, Florida Southern College engenders a specific atmosphere where students can study, socialize, rest and grow as they pursue their academic goals. Campus life creates a positive and enriching environment that cares for the whole person — developing maturity of character that is the aim of the College.”
Location: Hobe Sound, FL
From the institution: “The mission of Hobe Sound Bible College is to provide a Christ-centered, Bible-based education in the Wesleyan tradition. We are committed to preparing servant-leaders who think biblically, live Spirit-filled lives, fulfill the great commission and glorify God in all they do. The core of the curriculum is the Bible—God’s inspired Word. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” and education that becomes separated from this foundation begins to drift.”
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Location: West Palm Beach, FL
From the institution: “There’s an energy, environment and community at PBA unlike any other college or university in America. Our people are guided by their Christian values. Our academic offerings are proven and respected by top employers and elite graduate institutions. And our setting in the heart of West Palm Beach brings boundless academic, entertainment, recreational and professional opportunities. The only thing that would make our community even better, is you.”
Location: Pensacola, FL
From the institution: “Pensacola Christian College was founded in 1974 under the leadership of Arlin and Beka Horton. God called this institution into existence for His glory. The goal was to train young men and women in higher education for a life of service to Jesus Christ. The founders’ vision for PCC continues to the present. Our mission is to promote the cause of Christ by providing a distinctively Christian-traditional, liberal arts education that develops students spiritually, intellectually, morally, culturally, and socially.”
Location: Lakeland, FL
From the institution: “Southeastern University is a Christ-centered institution of higher learning. We are committed to providing a Christian college education designed to equip the next generation to go into the world as influential servant leaders in their careers and their communities. Southeastern University has been training servant leaders since our founding in 1935 as the Alabama Shield of Faith Institute. Through the 20th and into the 21st century, we have changed locations, expanded programs and buildings and graduated some of the most talented, dedicated servant leaders in the world, who have engaged the culture and made an influence for Jesus Christ.”
Location: St. Leo, FL
From the institution: “Saint Leo University welcomes and embraces in the Catholic Benedictine tradition individuals of all faiths. The university seeks balanced growth in mind, body, and spirit for all members of our community. Our community recognizes the dignity, value, and gifts of all. At Saint Leo, learning is of prime importance, and we work to meet the evolving needs of our communities and the world around us. The university offers professional degree and certificate programs in science, health sciences, business, education, social work, social sciences, and humanities.”
The Baptist College of Florida
Location: Graceville, FL
From the institution: “The Baptist College of Florida shall operate within the confines of a Christian worldview to promote, provide for, operate and control a program of education and training for Christian leaders through awarding certificates and associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees in a co-educational post secondary setting. To fulfill its mission, the college seeks to develop those qualities in students that contribute to effective ministry.”
Trinity International University
Location: Miami, FL
From the institution: “Trinity International University is one university with four schools and a beautiful Christian camp. Though each of these institutions serves a distinct purpose and provides a unique experience, one mission unites them all: “to educate men and women to engage in God’s redemptive work in the world.” We want to enable our students—at all entities and in every discipline—to be prepared to lead others, as they are entrusted with the Gospel to think and live as Christ-followers in the twenty-first century.”
Location: Lake Wales, FL
From the institution: “Whether it’s a member of the staff, faculty, or a coach, our people love Christ and are committed to the mission of Warner University, which is “to guide individuals toward Christ-like character and intellectual maturity while equipping them to serve. If you are looking for a dynamic, diverse, relevant, community of committed learners Warner University is the place for you. With more than 35 different areas of study, our faculty can help prepare you for the challenges ahead during these uncertain times. You can count on them going the extra mile on a regular basis.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Georgia
Location: Cuthbert, GA
From the institution: “Christian tolerance and an underlying belief in the worth and dignity of all people are at the heart of the educational process at Andrew. The student body at Andrew is made up of a wide variety of different individuals, from different backgrounds, with different religious beliefs. Weekly chapel services offer students the opportunity to worship together, share their lives in meaningful ways, and, at times, wrestle with some of life’s most difficult questions.”
Location: McDonough. GA
From the institution: “At Atlanta Bible College, faith, ministry, and academics collide into a life-changing, educational experience for all. We strive for students to grow their faith and deepen their relationship with God, our father, who created us and his Son, Christ Jesus, who redeemed us. Students will also be given the opportunity to connect with like-minded believers which facilitates fellowship unlike any other. Most importantly, students at Atlanta Bible College will learn how to equip themselves to follow the path that God lays out for anyone who chooses to believe in the Messiah.”
Location: Mount Berry, GA
From the institution: “Founded by Martha Berry in 1902 as the Boys Industrial School with the mission of providing educational opportunity to poor children of the rural South, Berry became a four-year coeducational college in 1926. Historically nondenominational, the College embraces such Christian principles as inclusivity and service, encourages examination of faith and values, and is welcoming and respectful to those from all religious backgrounds.”
Location: Mount Vernon, GA
From the institution: “As a comprehensive Georgia Baptist institution, Brewton-Parker College provides liberal arts and professional programs in a learning community of shared Christian values. Through the application of biblical truth in scholarship and a co-curricular focus on character, servant leadership, and cultural engagement, the college strives to provide a transformational experience that equips the whole student for lifelong learning and service in Christ.”
Location: Atlanta, GA
From the institution: “Like most historically black colleges, Carver College was established to meet the need for an institution of higher learning for those desiring biblical and theological training. Since God opened the doors of the institution in 1943, more than thousands of men and women have graduated. These graduates are serving God around the world in countries like Kenya, Ghana, Jamaica, and of course, the United States. Our school motto, “Training to Transform,” we take seriously our calling to train and equip our students for a lifetime of ministry.”
Location: Atlanta, GA
From the institution: “Clark College was founded in 1869 as Clark University by the Freedmen’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which later would become the United Methodist Church. The University today celebrates its historic bond with the denomination. Today, with nearly 4,000 students, CAU is the largest of the four institutions (CAU, Morehouse College, Spelman College and Morehouse School of Medicine) that comprise the Atlanta University Center Consortium. It is also the largest of the 37-member UNCF institutions.”
Location: Dade County, GA
From the institution: “Founded in 1955, Covenant College is a Christian liberal arts college located on Lookout Mountain, Georgia. We exist to explore and express the preeminence of Jesus Christ in all things by preparing young believers for a life of service and God-honoring vocation. We are a community committed to the Bible as the inerrant Word of God, and everything we do is grounded in our Reformed theology and worldview. At Covenant, we seek to inspire and equip our students to be faithful stewards of their God-given abilities – all of our programs are designed with this in mind.”
Location: Franklin Springs, GA
From the institution: “Emmanuel College is a community of Christ-centered higher learning that integrates faith, learning, and living within a biblical worldview and fosters spiritual, intellectual, and professional growth. Our students can choose from more than 30 liberal arts based four-year programs (B.A. & B.S.) that lead to careers or graduate study, or two-year programs (A.A.) designed for institutional transfer. The student-faculty ratio at EC is 15:1.”
Location: Atlanta, GA
From the institution: “The University, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church, cherishes its historical affiliation with the United Methodist Church. While Emory’s programs are today entirely nonsectarian (except for those at the Candler School of Theology), the University has derived from this heritage the conviction that education can be a strong moral force in both society and the lives of its individual members. To fulfill this mission, the University supports the full range of scholarship, from undergraduate to advanced graduate and professional instruction, and from basic research to its application in public service.”
Location: Augusta, GA
From the institution: “Paine College Mission Statement is reflective of the nature and purpose of the institution as a church-related liberal arts institution providing a high caliber education. The Mission Statement reflects the founding goals of the college and it is comprehensive in establishing the institution as grounded in Methodism and providing a basis for the institution’s operational foci. The statement is current as it is periodically reviewed, evaluated and approved by the governing body with appropriate input from its various constituencies. The Mission also firmly ties the College to its Biblical Foundation Statement.”
Location: West Point, GA
From the institution: “Founded in 1937, Point University is an accredited, nonprofit institution educating and equipping a diverse Christian community of cultural leaders motivated to live out their faith in the marketplace. The University provides a broad, comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for their chosen professions and awards associate, bachelor’s, and masters degrees. Point University is committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the oneness of Christians, and the evangelization of the world.”
Location: Rome, GA
From the institution: “Believing that we have a higher calling as Christians, it is our responsibility and privilege to reflect the image of our Lord who is excellent in all his ways (Psalm 150:2). Our commitment to excellence in all facets of life should be carried forth with a grateful spirit, a humble heart, and with an aim to glorify God. Excellence is more than occasional achievements; it is an ongoing process and a way of life. Moreover, excellence must be coupled with integrity if it is to accomplish God’s purposes in the life of an individual (Psalm 15:1-2; Proverbs 11:3).”
Location: Toccoa Falls, GA
From the institution: “Our school is a private, nonprofit, Christian liberal arts institution located in the foothills of beautiful northeast Georgia. Established in 1907 by founder R. A. Forrest, our school’s mission is to cultivate a uniquely Christian learning community that integrates the pursuit of truth with godly character to produce graduates prepared both personally and professionally for service. The college works with many evangelical, Christian groups and is an affiliate college of the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination.”
Location: Young Harris. GA
From the institution: “Young Harris College is a private, residential, liberal arts institution located in the southern Appalachian region. The College is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, and students from all backgrounds are welcome. In a world of continual change, Young Harris College educates students in the liberal arts and professional programs, serves both the region and the world, and empowers its graduates to create and define service, successes and meaning throughout their lives.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Hawaii
Pacific Rim Christian University
Location: Honolulu, HI
From the institution: “Pacific Rim Christian University, an institution of higher education, exists to disciple emerging Christian leaders by developing their theology, ministry skills, & character in order to win souls, plant fruitful churches, & lead as exemplary ambassadors for Christ in the ministry & marketplace.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Idaho
Location: Jerome, ID
From the institution: “The mission of Aletheia Christian College is to train students from every nation to think critically, to examine God’s word thoroughly, to worship God wholeheartedly, to proclaim the gospel in word and deed, to teach Biblically, and to serve the church worldwide. Aletheia students and alumni do more than meet academic standards: you are equipped to be a student, pastor, teacher, entrepreneur, and missionary. You will be equipped and sent to the mission field, to teach in schools, and to lead in business.”
Location: Boise, ID
From the institution: “Boise Bible aims to assist students in developing a character like Christ, leadership skills like Christ, within a Christ-centered environment that will propel you to no longer live for yourself, but for Jesus. To that goal, we value excellent scholarship, authentic humility, uplifting community, and creative innovation. Boise Bible has a target in mind: a vibrant Church that produced a Kingdom return. We aim at preparing any 1-year, 2-year, or 4-year student to lead well as a servant in their church or community.”
Location: Moscow, ID
From the institution: “To fulfill our mission, we provide young men and women with the highest quality undergraduate and graduate education in liberal arts and culture from a distinctively Christian and Reformed perspective, to equip them for lives of faithful service to the Triune God and His Kingdom, and to encourage the use of their gifts for the growth of Christian culture. The college’s primary objective for its students is to educate young Christian men and women broadly and deeply in the liberal arts from a distinctively Christian, Reformed perspective, to equip them for lives of faithful service to the Triune God and His kingdom, and to encourage the use of their gifts for the growth of Christian culture.”
Location: Nampa, ID
From the institution: “The mission of Northwest Nazarene University is the transformation of the whole person. Centered in Jesus Christ, the NNU education instills habits of heart, soul, mind and strength to enable each student to become God’s creative and redemptive agent in the world. Founded in 1913, NNU is a Christian university of the liberal arts, professional programs, and graduate studies. The University is grounded in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition and is in partnership with the Church of the Nazarene, which emphasizes the biblical doctrines of perfect love and Christian holiness.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Illinois
Location: Rock Island, IL
From the institution: “Augustana College, deeply rooted in the liberal arts and sciences and an inclusive expression of Lutheran higher education, is committed to offering a challenging education that develops the qualities of mind, spirit and body necessary for students to discern their life’s calling of leadership and service in a diverse and changing world.”
Location: Lisle, IL
From the institution: “Benedictine University aspires to be a thought leader in Catholic higher education. We seek to provide a transformative and integrative educational experience grounded in Benedictine values, helping students shape lives of meaning and purpose as engaged citizens who care for the earth, welcome people of diverse faiths and cultures, and promote the common good.”
Location: River Forest, IL
From the institution: “Concordia University Chicago is a Lutheran university—a place where the Gospel lives and forms our students, a place where students engage important questions and Truth, and a place where students discover their vocations. Our meaningful work is to help them discover their God-given talents and gifts and determine how best to carry them out into the world to serve others. As a private, liberal-arts-based university, our vibrant, engaging academic community is designed to help students reach their full potential.”
Location: Greenville, IL
From the institution: “When the Free Methodists of Central Illinois acquired Almira College in 1891, they gained a neglected, but useful, four-story building on a 10-acre campus. The Greenville site suited their plans to educate young men and women with a blend of learning and Christian faith that church leaders advocated. Hogue, a pastor and accomplished scholar, proved masterful at bringing clarity and purpose to this fledgling school. His sound grasp of Christian culture, clear definition of policy, and skillful administration left such a mark that later, one observer proclaimed, “Greenville College stands as a living monument of Wilson T. Hogue.”
Location: Elgin, IL
From the institution: “Since creating our Division of Professional Studies in 1994, Judson has found innovative ways to provide career-specific education and a high level of personal support to adult students, including those learning online. As an evangelical Christian university, we believe education has the power to transform your mind, soul, and skills through courses that are values-based and career-forward. Enjoy convenient, 100% online access to the same quality classes and support resources as you would on campus.”
Location: Lincoln, IL
From the institution: “Located in Lincoln, Illinois, LCU was founded in 1944 as a Bible institute — and we haven’t left that identity behind. In fact, we’ve embraced our past while also engaging our future. Today, LCU strives to meet the needs of students by designing a Christ-centered curriculum that not only prepares them for their chosen profession but also gives them the knowledge and desire to live out their faith in this fallen world. Lincoln Christian University is a Christian higher education community whose mission is to nurture and equip Christians with a Biblical worldview to serve and lead in the church and the world.”
Location: Chicago, IL
From the institution: “We believe that the Bible is the Word of God. Everything at Moody falls under the authority of the Bible, which declares timeless truth that is relevant today. The Word is the foundation for both our understanding of God and our awareness of what He has called us to be in His world. Across the globe, cultures and generations, Moody will equip people with the truth of God’s Word using new technology in an agile and innovative community.”
Location: Chicago, IL
From the institution: “Founded in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church, North Park University is located on Chicago’s north side and enrolls 3,200 students from around the world. At North Park, excellence implies not only a deep tradition in the liberal arts and Christian faith, but a spirit of reaching out to serve and learn from the dynamic community around us. Within a diverse, close-knit community, it offers a values-based education to students through more than 40 undergraduate majors, as well as graduate and continuing education in business, nonprofit management, nursing, education, music, and theology.”
Location: Bourbonnais, IL
From the institution: “With accredited programs, award-winning academics, and a faculty touting degrees from a wide spectrum of world-class educational institutions, Olivet stands committed to integrating faith and learning. Nestled in the historic village of Bourbonnais, Illinois, Olivet students gain knowledge and wisdom, and secure degrees that place them ahead of the pack, with portfolios and experience as evidence of an “Education With a Christian purpose.”
Location: Palos Heights, IL
From the institution: “Continually ranked in the top tier among Regional Colleges—Midwest by U.S.News & World Report, Trinity Christian College is an accredited liberal arts college offering 70 programs of study, master’s degree programs in counseling psychology and special education, and an Adult Studies accelerated program. Students are encouraged to ask questions and learn from dedicated professors who teach a Christian worldview and prepare students to build a life that makes a difference.”
Location: Wheaton, IL
From the institution: “Wheaton College is an explicitly Christian, academically rigorous, fully residential liberal arts college and graduate school located in the Chicago area. Established in 1860 in Wheaton, Illinois, Wheaton is guided by its original mission to provide excellence in Christian higher education, and offers more than 40 undergraduate degrees in the liberal arts and sciences, and 18 graduate degrees in various fields of study.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Indiana
Location: Anderson, IN
From the institution: “Since 1917, Anderson University has been a place of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and academic formation for students of every background. A regionally accredited university with over 60 undergraduate majors offered, Anderson University has been consistently ranked among America’s top colleges for being a place where students discover who they’re created to be. Anderson University’s roots go back to the Church of God reformation movement, where believers were joined by their mutual commitment to Christ.”
Location: Mishawaka, IN
From the institution: “We are a Christian community of learners dedicated to building lives of commitment for leadership in the Church and the world. Bethel University provides liberating academic and co-curricular programs to challenge the mind, enlarge the vision and equip the whole person for lifelong service. The roots of Bethel University run deep. Mennonite Brethren in Christ (MBC) founder Daniel Brenneman first called for a training institute in 1893. Then, for many years, J. A. Huffman pressed the case for a Christian liberal arts college, even suggesting the name Bethel, meaning “house of God.”
Location: Whiting, IN
From the institution: “Calumet College of St. Joseph is a Catholic institution of higher learning dedicated to the academic, spiritual and ethical development of undergraduate and graduate students. Informed by the values of its founding religious community, the Missionaries of the Precious Blood (C.PP.S.), the College promotes the inherent dignity of all people, social justice, an ethic of service, student empowerment, opportunity, and lifelong learning. Calumet College is a Roman Catholic college in the tradition of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood (C.PP.S.) who began the College in 1951.”
Location: Richmond, IN
From the institution: “The mission of Earlham College, an independent, residential college, is to provide the highest quality undergraduate education in the liberal arts, including the sciences, shaped by the distinctive perspectives of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). To provide education of the highest quality with these emphases, Earlham’s mission requires selection of an outstanding and caring faculty committed to creating an open, cooperative learning environment. The College provides for the continuous support and development of this faculty.”
Location: Goshen, IN
From the institution: “Goshen College will cultivate joy, growth and purpose, preparing students to thrive in life, leadership and service. Rooted in the way of Jesus, we will seek inclusive community and transformative justice in all that we do. At Goshen College we intend to create a community of faith and learning built on five core values: Christ-centeredness, passionate learning, servant leadership, compassionate peacemaking and global citizenship.”
Location: Winona, IN
From the institution: “At Grace College, we are guided by our name. Grace is not just the tradition on which we were founded; it’s the future we embrace. Christ has been the center of our community from the day we were founded in 1948. We follow His example of grace in all things. The way of grace leads us to explore powerful academics, create meaningful careers, and launch purposeful lives. Because grace is not just a set of beliefs. It’s belief set into motion.”
Location: Indianapolis, IN
From the institution: “Horizon University enables students seeking Christ-centered instruction to develop critical thinking skills, a broad knowledge base, and a biblically integrated understanding of their vocation, so that they will successfully inspire servant leadership as they excel in their profession and as they win, disciple, and send others for Jesus Christ.”
Location: Huntington, IN
From the institution: “Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian university of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations, including our most popular programs in film and animation, nursing, psychology and social work. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in Huntington, Indiana, in northeast Indiana. The university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).”
Location: Marion, IN
From the institution: “Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christian comprehensive university of The Wesleyan Church. The University was founded in 1920 as Marion College and is committed to liberal arts and professional education. Indiana Wesleyan is the largest member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the largest private college in Indiana, based on enrollment, and is one of the largest employers in Grant County. Indiana Wesleyan University is an energized community committed to changing the world.”
Location: Upland, IN
From the institution: “For more than 170 years, Taylor University has stayed true to its heritage, challenging each generation of students to integrate faith with learning and follow Christ’s calling. Though our University’s history is not blemish-free, tough times have kept us anchored in faith and committed to our university’s mission. We are grateful for your interest in Taylor University and invite you to read more about Taylor distinctions and commitments.”
Location: Valparaiso, IN
From the institution: “Valparaiso University is a welcoming community, grounded in the Lutheran tradition, built on values of mutual respect, positive regard, freedom, and reliant on grace. We strive to boldly include all individuals and groups who contribute to the life of our campus in a mutually beneficial way. Difference is a strength and reason for celebration, and we affirm that we are most inclusive when we bring groups together to make decisions in collaborative, equitable ways.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Iowa
Location: Sioux Center, IA
From the institution: “Associated with the Christian Reformed Church, Dordt was founded in 1955 and welcomes all students who are interested in a biblical, Christ-centered education. The curriculum is designed to give each student a complete comprehensive education from a solid Reformed, Christian perspective. There are more than 40 majors and 11 pre-professional programs of study.”
Location: Dubuque, IA
From the institution: “Our mission as a biblical higher education community 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. Emmaus Bible College values its history and identity within the Brethren movement and teaches principles of church life rooted in New Testament truth, including the centrality of Christ, plurality of leadership, and priesthood of all believers.”
Location: Orange City, IA
From the institution: “Northwestern aims to be the leading Christian college focused on student success and Christ-centered work for the common good. Northwestern College is a Christian college in the Reformed tradition, founded in 1882 and affiliated with the Reformed Church in America. We are committed to providing Christian higher education in the context of community among learners on campus and online. We offer bachelor’s degrees in traditional and professional programs, as well as graduate degrees and certificate programs.”
Location: Waverly, IA
From the institution: “Wartburg College is a selective liberal arts college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), internationally recognized for community engagement. Primarily focused on residential undergraduate education, the college offers degree programs in the arts and sciences and in the professions to help students discern and claim their callings.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Kansas
Location: Haviland, KS
From the institution: “The mission of Barclay College is to prepare students in a Bible-centered environment for effective Christian life, service, and leadership. Barclay College is a Christian institution of higher education that challenges students to explore, understand, and acquire the skills necessary to respond to the call of God to go into all the world with the gospel. To help accomplish this, Barclay College strives for academic and spiritual excellence by providing an environment that encourages higher levels of inquiry and learning.”
Location: Atchison, KS
From the institution: “As a Catholic college, Benedictine College is committed to those beliefs and natural principles that form the framework of the Judeo-Christian tradition, and it is committed further to those specific matters of faith of the Roman Catholic tradition, as revealed in the person of Jesus Christ and handed down in the teachings of the Church. The college embraces students and faculty from all faiths who accept its goals, seeking in its members a personal commitment to the ideals and principles of a spiritual life and the expression of these in worship and action.”
Location: North Newton, KS
From the institution: “As the first Mennonite college founded in North America, Bethel College celebrates a tradition of progressive Christian liberal arts education, diversity within community, and lifelong learning. You’ll consistently find Bethel recognized in national rankings for return on investment, liberal arts education and service to the community. Sure, the facts and figures make Bethel different from any other Kansas college, but what does a national publication really know about what’s important to you in choosing a college? Maybe you can better relate to what our students say and how Bethel alumni are succeeding in their careers.”
Central Christian College of Kansas
Location: McPherson, KS
From the institution: “Central Christian College aspires to provide a transformative educational experience rooted in Christ and focused on providing a Christ-Centered Education for Character to any person desiring to become a faithful steward of heart, mind, soul, and strength. Central Christian College of Kansas began on the plains of Nebraska as Orleans Seminary. Free Methodist preacher Reverend C. M. Damon, and his wife started the school for all grade levels from elementary school through college.”
Location: Wichita, KS
From the institution: “Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives. Friends University will provide excellent learning experiences, nationally recognized programs, and a focus on transformative education that places a special value on each person, cultivating a new generation of Christ-like leaders.”
Location: Overland Park, KS
From the institution: “Formerly known as Kansas City College and Bible School, KCC has been training men and women for service in the Kingdom of God since 1938. By offering a variety of ministry-related degrees in religion, business, education, music and general studies, we fulfill our mission “to develop servant leaders who know God, who have a passion for holiness of heart, and who are inspired and prepared for a lifetime of learning and kingdom service.”
Location: Manhattan, KS
From the institution: “Manhattan Christian College pleads for the unity of all believers on the common ground of commitment and obedience to the lordship of Christ. Believing that creeds of men, however correct, perpetuate sectarianism and create division within the church when made tests of fellowship, we have no creed except faith in Jesus as the Christ, God’s Son and humankind’s Savior. It is our desire to call all people of all nations to faith and obedience to Him as revealed in scripture.”
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Location: Olathe, KS
From the institution: “As a Christian, evangelical university we believe Jesus Christ is Lord and the final authority for our faith and our lives. Thus every aspect of university activity, from instruction to student life to business practices, flow from this truth. All students, whether traditional, professional and graduate, commuter or online, are encouraged to find spiritual growth and fulfillment at MNU. While MNU is one of 11 Nazarene institutions of higher education in North America, our community is diverse and represents 44 denominations and six different religions.”
Location: Ottawa, KS
From the institution: “Building on its foundation as a Christ-inspired community of grace and open inquiry, Ottawa University prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment, and service to God and humanity. By 2020, Ottawa University will be positioned as a distinctive and rapidly expanding institution known for its innovative educational models, exceptional value, and special ability to prepare diverse student populations for lifetimes of enlightened faith, exemplary service, inspired leadership, and personal significance.”
Location: Sterling, KS
From the institution: “Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. Founded in 1887 as Cooper Memorial College, Sterling embraces an emerging vision to serve God’s world through training servant leaders and the development of future leaders through strategic partnerships.”
Location: Hillsboro, KS
From the institution: “This is a wonderful place and I am honored to serve this college, its students and alumni. Here at Tabor we strive to prepare people for a life of learning, work, and service for Christ and His kingdom. This mission is accomplished by giving students a decidedly Christian education. It is what sets us apart and fosters the growth and strength we cherish here at Tabor College.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky
Location: Wilmore, KY
From the institution: “With a commitment to academic excellence and spiritual vitality, Asbury University encourages its students to study, worship and serve together on a campus located 20 minutes southwest of Lexington in Wilmore, Kentucky. Primarily a four-year, multi-denominational institution, the University has been at the heart of spiritual movements throughout its history. Asbury University’s 1,956 students come from 41 states and 35 foreign nations, and more than 80 percent of the University’s students live on campus. Classes are taught by experienced scholars, 75 percent of whom hold terminal degrees in their field of study.”
Location: Cambellsville, KY
From the institution: “Campbellsville University is a comprehensive, Christian institution that offers non-credit technical programs, along with certificates, associates, undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is dedicated to academic excellence solidly grounded in the liberal arts that fosters personal growth, integrity and professional preparation within a caring environment. The university prepares students as Christian servant leaders for life-long learning, continued scholarship by linking discovery research to knowledge at the doctoral level, and active participation in a diverse, global society.”
Location: Georgetown, KY
From the institution: “The mission of Georgetown College is to prepare students to engage in their life’s pursuits with thoughtfulness and skill by providing an exceptional educational experience in a vibrant Christian community. Distinguished by its emphasis on outstanding teaching and mentoring, the College offers excellent academic programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and professions. Fulfilling its distinctive mission with the liberal arts, sciences, and professions, Georgetown College’s aim is to continue to be one of the finest Christian colleges in the country.”
Location: Grayson, KY
From the institution: “Kentucky Christian University is a private, non-profit Christian university located in the beautiful foothills of Eastern Kentucky. For nearly a century, KCU has been transforming the hearts and minds of students through a Christ-Centered academic community that is both academically rigorous and intimately personal. hat sets KCU apart from other universities is the way we intentionally invest in the lives of our students to see hearts and minds transformed. At KCU, you will grow in your relationship with Christ as you experience authentic Christian community.”
Kentucky Mountain Bible College
Location: Vancleve, KY
From the institution: “Kentucky Mountain Bible College challenges men and women to “Climb Higher” for God. Located in the midst of the breathtaking scenic wonder of Eastern Kentucky, this rural area, rich in history and culture, allows the student a season of thoughtful solitude. The focus on traditional Biblical values, spiritual character, a caring family atmosphere, a passion for holy living, and high academic standards enrich each student who comes to KMBC.”
Location: Crestview Hills, KY
From the institution: “Thomas More University is the Catholic University of the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky. The University welcomes students of all faiths and beliefs. Our primary mission is to develop and sustain challenging undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs of study, marked by superior teaching and scholarship within the Catholic intellectual tradition. Academic programs are delivered using existing and innovative teaching and learning modalities.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana
Location: Pineville, LA
From the institution: “Founded in 1906, Louisiana College is a Christ-centered Community committed to Academic Excellence where students are equipped for Lives of Learning, Leading, and Serving. With a vision to Prepare Graduates and Transform Lives, LC develops the intellect and maturity of students with curricular and spiritual principles characterized by three words: relevant, relational and rigorous. Louisiana College attracts students seeking a college that will reinforce and integrate their faith in more than 70 areas of study, and students credit professors for compassion and investment in the whole student.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Maine
Location: Waterville, ME
From the institution: “Colby’ s Office of Religious and Spiritual Life provides for the religious and spiritual well-being of the entire Colby community. Through connections across campus, our team of chaplains and advisors invites us to bring our whole selves–heart and soul, questions and convictions–to the Colby experience. Whether you are looking to connect with your religious or spiritual tradition, to learn about traditions or perspectives other than your own, or to find a hospitable place for community and conversation, the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life is here for you.”
Location: Standish, ME
From the institution: “Saint Joseph’s College is a Roman Catholic liberal arts college for men and women of all faiths and ages. The 474-acre campus, on the shore of Sebago Lake in Standish, Maine, is in view of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range of the White Mountains. Saint Joseph’s was founded by the Portland Regional Community of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas in 1912 and chartered by the Maine Legislature in 1915. Today, it is Maine’s only Catholic college.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Maryland
Location: Emmitsburg, MD
From the institution: “At the center of our Catholic commitment is the belief that every person is a gift, a child of God, and a bearer of the very image of God. As a Catholic university, we are called to inspire students to discover their gifts and callings, to embrace learning, to play an active role in the community, and to lead lives of significance in service to God and others.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts
Location: Hyde Park, MA
From the institution: “At Boston Baptist College, we believe college should not simply be a time for mental growth, but also for spiritual growth. We believe education and biblical spirituality can and should walk hand-in-hand. For this reason, everything we do is carefully sifted through our institutional mission: Think Biblically. Discover Globally. Impact Eternally.”
Location: Chestnut Hill, MA
From the institution: “Grounded in the ideals that inspired our Jesuit founders, Boston College urges students to look inward but always to reach out—to develop their minds and talents to the fullest and use them in service to others. Boston College builds upon its traditions. It seeks to be the national leader in the liberal arts; to fulfill its Jesuit, Catholic mission of faith and service; to continue to develop model programs to support students in their formation; and to seek solutions—as researchers, educators, leaders, and caregivers—that directly address the world’s most urgent problems.”
Location: Quincy, MA
From the institution: “Eastern Nazarene College is a fully accredited Christian liberal arts college and member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) with approximately 1,000 students distributed across residential undergraduate, graduate, and adult studies programs. Nestled in a residential neighborhood minutes from downtown Boston, the college’s picturesque New England campus is a window into the world. While our faculty are leaders in their fields, actively involved in publishing and research, they are devoted to teaching and mentoring students in a nurturing, spiritually informed, and academically supportive environment.
Location: Boston, MA
From the institution: “The mission of Emmanuel—and its identity as a Catholic college, university in breadth and inclusive of all— is to provide a dynamic education in the liberal arts and sciences within a learning community shaped by strong ethical values. While much of the world has changed dramatically in the years since the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur first opened the College, Emmanuel’s commitment to rigorous academics, compassionate service and the advancement of justice and peace has never wavered, and it remains as powerful and relevant as ever.”
Location: Wenham, MA
From the institution: “Gordon College is a distinctive blend: an outstanding nationally ranked liberal arts institution that retains its roots in the Christian faith, a strong residential community, and a splendid location—just north of the intellectual hub of Boston, and right near the shoreline of Cape Ann. Our faith is the foundation for all that we are—individually, collectively and institutionally. With a spirit of support and collaboration, we are set free in Christ to think critically, engage new ideas and pursue truth.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Michigan
Location: Albion, MI
From the institution: “In 1835, Albion College was awarded a charter by the Michigan Territorial Legislature, thanks to the efforts of Methodists who were early settlers in the Michigan Territory. Albion College is an undergraduate, liberal arts institution committed to academic excellence. We are learning-centered and recognize that valuable learning takes place in and outside the classroom, on and off campus. We prepare students to translate critical thought into action.”
Location: Berrien Springs, MI
From the institution: “Andrews University is the heartbeat of Adventist education. As a Christian school, we encourage strong moral principles and a close relationship with God. We believe in a holistic approach to life that balances body, mind and spirit in such a way that students are fully prepared to serve the world when they finish their studies. Andrews University, a distinctive Seventh-day Adventist institution, transforms its students by educating them to Seek Knowledge and Affirm Faith in order to Change the World.”
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
From the institution: “Calvin University is a Christian academic community dedicated to rigorous intellectual inquiry. Calvin students study the liberal arts and select from a broad range of majors and professional programs. The university fosters scholarship that creates new knowledge, that performs creative work, and that sustains natural and cultural resources. A Calvin education, marked by scholarly engagement with enduring questions and emerging concerns, prepares students to answer God’s call to live and serve in God’s world as agents of renewal.”
Concordia University Ann Arbor
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
From the institution: “Concordia University is an uncommon community of students, faculty, alumni, and staff who are gifted by grace and ever-preparing to live out our purpose to serve Christ in the Church and world. We intentionally cultivate experiences, discussions, and opportunities that will help our students grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, deepen their understanding of the issues impacting their communities, and engage in solving some of the world’s biggest problems.”
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
From the institution: “At Cornerstone University, we are committed to the steadfast teachings of Christ. We preach, teach and confess God’s word in all things. And we train and equip future leaders to do the same in whatever environment they are called to. We invite you to learn more about who we are, our mission and why we’re here—to serve our community without ceasing. Cornerstone is a Christ-centered university with a passion for global influence through the transforming power of the gospel.”
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
From the institution: “Grace Christian University seeks to develop passionate servants of Jesus Christ by personally educating students in an educational program which emphasizes the integration of biblical truth, ministry experience, and character transformation. This emphasis pervades the entire campus as the College strives to cultivate a caring learning community where Jesus Christ is exalted and students are equipped for serving the needs of church and society.”
Location: Lansig, MI
From the institution: “Over a generation ago, men of God were deeply concerned with the lack of vitality and the shrinking numbers of Christian Churches/Churches of Christ in Michigan. Their concern led to plans for founding Great Lakes Bible College, which came into being in 1949 at Rock Lake, near Vestaburg, Michigan. Great Lakes Christian College, an institution of higher education affiliated with Christian Churches/Churches of Christ, seeks to glorify God by preparing students to be servant-leaders in the church and world.”
Location: Holland, MI
From the institution: “Hope College is a four-year liberal arts college where academic excellence and vibrant Christian faith join together in a supportive and welcoming community. Hope’s campus is nestled in the heart of downtown Holland, just miles from Lake Michigan. We’ve been part of this community for more than 150 years, growing from the 10 students who enrolled in 1862 to more than 3,100 students on campus today.”
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
From the institution: “Kuyper is a leading Christian College located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, focused on effectively training students to make a difference in God’s world. And they are doing so with extraordinary results as they use what they’ve learned at Kuyper to make an impact in the lives of others in more than 50 countries around the globe. At Kuyper, we put biblical faith first in the academic and community experience of our students through the integration of a high-quality academic curriculum and a Reformed worldview.”
Location: Rochester, MI
From the institution: “Rochester University is an accredited liberal arts educational institution firmly grounded in the teachings of Jesus. The university offers 22 bachelor’s degree majors in traditional and accelerated learning formats, and a master’s degree in missional leadership. Educational programs in areas such as business, education, mass communication, ministry, nursing and psychology prepare students for careers while emphasizing Christian values and integrity.”
Location: Spring Arbor, MI
From the institution: “An SAU education is relational, deep and rewarding. And it’s an education with a life-changing difference — Jesus Christ at the center of it all. Here, your studies won’t only earn you a degree. They’ll equip you with a mission. One that brings the light of Christ into our jobs, relationships and communities. At SAU, we bring the light of Christ into everything we do. Our tight-knit campus community fosters spiritual, intellectual, whole-person transformation within our students, staff and faculty.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Minnesota
Location: Mankato, MN
From the institution: “Bethany Lutheran College is a Christian liberal arts college owned and operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The fifty-acre campus overlooks the Minnesota River Valley in Mankato, Minnesota, a community of approximately fifty thousand people. Bethany Lutheran College engages students with the saving knowledge of Christ and assists them in developing their God-given talents and abilities for meaningful lives of service in the family, church, and society. A program of study grounded in the liberal arts and taught through the discerning lens of a Christian worldview equips students with knowledge, understanding, and adaptable skills.”
Location: Arden Hills, MN
From the institution: “At Bethel University, we’re committed to excellence. But here, excellence means something more. It means taking our faith in Christ and integrating it into everything we learn, into everything we do, so we can accomplish incredible things—for God’s glory and our neighbors’ good. Boldly informed and motivated by the Christian faith, Bethel University educates and energizes men and women for excellence in leadership, scholarship, and service. We prepare graduates to serve in strategic capacities to renew minds, live out biblical truth, transform culture, and advance the gospel.”
Location: St. Bonifacius, MN
From the institution: “A Christian college’s theology is the driving engine to that college’s identity. Crown is pleased to be part of the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination because our theological focus is on Jesus. We major on the majors and minor on the minors, all while striving to expand the Church’s global mission. What we believe forms who we are. We are first and foremost centered on Jesus. This is the foundation that our community is built on.”
Location: Minneapolis, MN
From the institution: “North Central University is a Christian university in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a Bible-based and Pentecostal foundation and a commitment to academic excellence. North Central prepares students to fulfill biblical models of leadership and ministry throughout the world. As it says in Ephesians 4:11-12, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up,” we work hard to equip our students for service and leadership locally and globally.”
Location: Bemidji, MN
From the institution: “Oak Hills Christian College is a Christian academic community whose mission is to provide biblically centered higher education which contributes to growth toward Christlikeness and prepares students for effective service in their homes, careers, churches, and communities. To accomplish its mission, OHCC uses the means of undergraduate higher education, including the study of the Bible as central to the formation of a Christian life and worldview; the study of human thought, history, and culture; the study of the theory and skills of Christian ministry; and the application of this learning in ministry and internship experiences.”
Location: Northfield, MN
From the institution: “St. Olaf College is one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges offering a distinctive education. St. Olaf College challenges students to excel in the liberal arts, examine faith and values, and explore meaningful vocation in an inclusive, globally engaged community nourished by Lutheran tradition.”
University of Northwestern – St. Paul
Location: Roseville, MN
From the institution: “We at University of Northwestern – St. Paul and Northwestern Media have decided that whatever we do, for as long as we choose to be involved in this community, as students, teachers, administrators, on the board of trustees, as employees in the university or the media ministry, wherever we choose to live, our relationship to Jesus Christ and commitment to obey God’s Word will be at the very center.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi
Location: Jackson, MS
From the institution: “Highly-ranked Belhaven University stands among select Christian colleges and universities with national influence and has been repeatedly named one of “America’s 100 Best College Buys.” The University offers 70 areas of study including academic majors and concentrations across a full spectrum of disciplines, as well as a variety of master’s degree programs. Founded in 1883, today, the University has achieved the distinction of being among only 36 universities nationally accredited in each of the major arts—music, theatre, visual art and dance.”
Location: Clinton, MS
From the institution: “MC is a Christian university known for academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ. The oldest university in the state of Mississippi, MC seeks to lift up the teachings of Jesus Christ in a premier academic environment at an affordable price. Our aim is to infuse Christ into every aspect of our culture – in the classroom, throughout campus life, and in the hearts of our students.”
Location: Laurel, MS
From the institution: “The purpose of Southeastern Baptist College is to glorify God by providing quality postsecondary education from a biblical world view in a Christian atmosphere. Training is provided on campus, online, and through extensions to help prepare students for professional Christian ministry and/or business administration. Southeastern Baptiste College seeks to train students who wish to receive the foundational courses of a college curriculum in a spiritual academic setting. All courses are taught in a manner as to integrate faith and learning, this giving due recognition to the God of all truth.”
Location: Hattiesburg, MS
From the institution: “William Carey University is a community of learners which seeks to blend faith and learning with living. Within this unique nurturing and challenging environment students prepare to fulfill their diverse callings in the larger global community. As a Christian university which embraces its Baptist heritage and namesake, William Carey University provides quality educational programs, within a caring Christian academic community, which challenge the individual student to excel in scholarship, leadership, and service in a diverse global society.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Missouri
Location: Warrenton, MO
From the institution: “We are an accredited college, graduate school, and seminary, offering degree programs on campus and online in Bible and theology, ministry studies, biblical counseling, intercultural studies, education, theatre arts, music, business administration, and professional directed studies. Our mission is “…to prepare Christians to live and serve in the church and in the world according to the biblical worldview…” The Bible is foundational in every class we offer, and we aren’t simply integrating the Bible into our classes, rather we recognize the biblical basis for any discipline we teach.”
Location: Point Lookout, MO
From the institution: “Our Christian Goal is to foster the Christian faith through the integration of faith with learning, living, and service. Christian Ministries helps students develop a biblical worldview by learning to love God and others, as themselves. College of the Ozarks is a Christian college dedicated to helping our students grow in their faith. Our small, Christian college offers a variety of opportunities for students, including ministry retreats, worship services, fellowship opportunities, mission trips, leadership development and small group Bible study.”
Location: Springfield, MO
From the institution: “Evangel University is a comprehensive Christian university committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to become Spirit-empowered servants of God who impact the Church and society globally. We have been preparing Spirit-led, passionate leaders for success in both full-time ministry and the marketplace for more than 60 years. At Evangel, you’ll find dedicated and skilled faculty and staff that are committed to your growth, both academically and spiritually.”
Location: Hannibal, MO
From the institution: “Hannibal-LaGrange is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. HLGU is affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention (Southern Baptist). Theologically, our institution affirms the statements found in the Baptist Faith and Message (2000). Established in 1858, Hannibal-LaGrange University provides an excellent education in a co-educational environment which instills character building principles and Christian ideals.”
Location: Creve Coeur, MO
From the institution: “Missouri Baptist University is committed to maintaining a community that recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Missouri Baptist University affirms that an important part of the integration of faith and learning is the recognition that all people are created in the image of God and worthy of respect and dignity. We seek to ensure that all students have full access to the educational, social, and spiritual growth opportunities that the University provides to ensure that students understand and appreciate one of the University’s core values which is “social change through service and leadership.”
Location: Joplin, MO
From the institution: “The vision of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide. The mission of Ozark Christian College is to train men and women for Christian service as a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education. Emphasis is given to vocational preparation for preaching ministers, missionaries, worship ministers, youth ministers and children’s ministers. Biblical and practical training is also provided for those who will serve in the church in non-vocational roles such as elders, deacons, Bible school teachers and youth sponsors.”
Location: Bolivar, MO
From the institution: “Southwest Baptist University’s academic foundations are built on historical Baptist traditions beginning with the Southwest Missouri Baptist Association and continuing today with the Missouri Baptist Convention. This heritage acknowledges God as the ultimate source of all knowledge and truth. It is committed to scholarly endeavor, under God, seeking a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Montana
Location: Helena, MT
From the institution: “Living and learning at Carroll College is about more than simply earning a degree. It’s about more than preparing for a career. It’s about who you become, and the lives you touch along the way. Here, we engage with one another in ways you simply don’t see other places. Academic excellence and an attitude shaped by a belief in ourselves, our mission, and our culture. This is rooted in our Catholic, diocesan identity forming a powerful bridge between our history and our present that you simply don’t find anywhere else.”
Location: Bozeman, MT
From the institution: “Montana Bible College is committed to glorifying God through Biblical higher education by training men and women for a lifetime of dynamic Christian living and service. Montana Bible College believes that discipleship lies at the very core of our mission to train up men and women for dynamic Christian living and service (Matthew 28:18-20). Jesus is building His church by creating a movement of multiplication. To fulfill the Great Commission, we must do more than make disciples – we must make disciple-makers!”
Location: Billings, MT
From the institution: “Rocky Mountain College is historically related to the United Church of Christ, the United Methodist Church, and the Presbyterian Church (USA) – denominations traditionally committed to the pursuit of knowledge, religious tolerance, and free inquiry and to such values as service, community, and character. These denominational relationships have helped to inform the mission and core themes of the College and are apparent in the College’s mission to educate future leaders through liberal arts and professional programs that cultivate critical thinking, creative expression, ethical decision-making, informed citizenship, and professional excellence.”
Location: Great Falls, MT
From the institution: “As an expression of the teaching mission of Jesus Christ, the mission of the University of Providence is to provide students with the opportunity to obtain a liberal education for living and for making a living. The University was founded through the collaborative efforts of the Sisters of Providence, the Ursuline Sisters, the Catholic Bishop of Great Falls and the civic community, all of whom recognized the need for higher education. Its educational mission, in conjunction with the Sisters of Providence, continues to be the shared endeavor of dedicated people.”
Location: Billings, MT
From the institution: “Yellowstone Christian College is a small but mighty college campus that was established in 1974 in Billings, MT. At YCC, each student gets individual attention that is unheard of in a traditional college or university setting. YCC’s goal is for every student to acquire not only academic knowledge, but applicable real world knowledge to give them a jump start when starting their career. YCC is one of the only accredited Christian Colleges in Montana and is also one of the most affordable! Scholarships are readily available to help you pay for your tuition that is already much more cost effective than most higher education options.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska
Location: Omaha, NE
From the institution: “College of Saint Mary, grounded in the rich history and tradition of the Roman Catholic Church and the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy, provides a solid foundation for students, faculty and staff to grow and develop in an atmosphere rich in gospel values. The passion of Catherine McAuley and the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy invites all at College of Saint Mary to actively witness justice and mercy through compassionate service to those in need, especially women and children.”
Location: Seward, NE
From the institution: “Concordia promises students a Christian community—a supportive environment where staff, faculty and peers in leadership understand the meaning of God’s grace and unconditional love while they also provide thoughtful guidance and mentoring. Here students will have friends, professors and mentors in their life whose faith is important in their own lives and community. Many will become lifelong friends and colleagues in their professional network.”
Location: Omaha, NE
From the institution: “Creighton is a Catholic and Jesuit comprehensive university committed to excellence in its selected undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. As Catholic, Creighton is dedicated to the pursuit of truth in all its forms and is guided by the living tradition of the Catholic Church. As Jesuit, Creighton participates in the tradition of the Society of Jesus, which provides an integrating vision of the world that arises out of a knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.”
Location: Freemont, NE
From the institution: “Midland University’s history is rooted in multiple institutions, each of which has left its mark on the school and on its mascot. Midland College was first located in Atchison, Kansas, where it was founded by German and Swedish immigrants. Midland University is a liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We hold the following core values to be the foundation of our identity as a community.”
Location: Gering, NE
From the institution: “Summit Christian College, an institution of higher learning, educates leaders for Christian service. Summit Christian College exists to support the churches’ efforts to create an ongoing, ever increasing stream of well-prepared, well-educated Christian leaders who are ready and able to pursue the high call of Christian service wherever our Lord may lead. We believe the entire Bible to be the uniquely inspired, authoritative Word of God. Consequently, we believe that no man-made creed or statement of faith can fully express all the truths of the Bible, and therefore should not be made binding on God’s people.”
Location: Lincoln, NE
From the institution: “Founded in 1891 by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Union College encourages students from all faith backgrounds to find their God-designed potential for leadership, scholarship and service. At Union, students develop spiritual and professional gifts; find professors who care for and respect the individual; and seize opportunities to create, learn and connect. An accredited, comprehensive college, Union offers active learning in a vibrant Christian atmosphere where students connect the classroom and their world.”
Location: York, NE
From the institution: “The mission of York College is to transform lives through Christ-centered education and to equip students for lifelong service to God, family and society. York College exists to support God’s transformational work in the lives of people. Curricular and co-curricular programs and experiences intend to lead the entire community to a positive expression of spiritual values.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Nevada
Location: Reno, NV
From the institution: “Welcome to the Newest chapter in Nevada Christian College’s history. We’re pioneering a new academic landscape where the Bible intersects with the world of human discovery. It’s a place where students tap their talents in every area, explore God’s creation through multiple lenses, forge ties with the greater community and develop the character traits they need to serve Jesus in any career they choose. When you’re part of the Nevada Christian family you’re a part of something bigger.”
The Best Christian Colleges in New Hampshire
Magdalen College of the Liberal Arts
Location: Warner, NH
From the institution: “Magdalen College of the Liberal Arts calls her students to a transformative liberal education of the whole person. This education is ordered to human flourishing and communion, animated by the perennial questions, given shape by the classic books, and nourished by a vibrant liturgical and sacramental culture. Joyfully Catholic in this ascent toward true freedom and a vision of the Good, Magdalen College calls all within her community to enter the great conversation of authors seeking wisdom that has unfolded across the ages, cultivating a life of virtue, poetic imagination, service, and life-giving fidelity.”
Location: Nashua, NH
From the institution: “Rivier University is a four-year, Catholic institution that welcomes students from all backgrounds and provides a transformative and supportive educational experience. Located in Nashua, New Hampshire, Rivier was founded by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary and Sister Madeleine of Jesus in 1933. Throughout its history, the University has been dedicated to providing a learning environment that educates the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Our graduates excel professionally, academically, and in service to their communities.”
Location: Manchester, NH
From the institution: “Our Catholic Benedictine tradition of faith, reason, and community engagement is the foundation of life at Saint Anselm, and it comes to life every day through the community of Benedictine monks who live at Saint Anselm Abbey. You’ll also see it in the lives of the students who work together to create an environment where hard work pays off, where new paths are discovered, and where time-honored traditions are a part of life (and new traditions are created all the time).”
Location: Merrimack, NH
From the institution: “The Thomas More College of Liberal Arts was founded to provide a solid education in the liberal arts, a Catholic education for students of all faiths, united in the quest for what is true, good, and beautiful. It pursues this mission by seeking wisdom and sharing it joyfully with the world. The College holds that every human life, from the moment of conception until natural death, is sacred because the human person has been willed for his own sake in the image and likeness of the living and holy God.”
The Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey
Location: Bloomfield, NJ
From the institution: “For more than 150 years, Bloomfield College has been helping students write their own stories. With its beginnings as the German Theological School founded by the Presbytery of Newark in 1868, the College has evolved to become one of New Jersey’s best private colleges, serving a diverse population and preparing students for success in a multicultural and global society. Today, Bloomfield College is on the cutting edge of innovation in higher education, offering over 60 majors and concentrations in seven academic divisions.”
Location:
From the institution: “Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University has evolved from a coeducational preparatory school into a modern, independent, four-year baccalaureate and master-level institution of higher learning. Centenary University delivers accredited degree programs and comprehensive learning experiences to prepare students for regional and global professions of critical thought and purposeful action within a supportive environment immersed in a culture of service.”
Location: Madison, NJ
From the institution: “Religion and spirituality—they’re part of who we are. Drew has roots in the Methodist faith and reaches out to embrace everyone. That means people of all faiths—and those who are agnostic or atheist—have a place here. We worship, celebrate, mark life changes and find common goals engaging in social justice and community service together. Drew University’s mission is to offer its diverse community of learners a challenging and individualized education shaped by a deep-rooted culture of mentoring, thoughtful engagement with the world beyond its campus, and a steadfast commitment to lifelong cultivation of the whole person.”
Location: Newark, NJ
From the institution: “Pillar College educates, inspires, and equips students for excellent scholarship, service, and leadership. Rooted in and committed to Christian faith and love, Pillar fosters intellectual, spiritual, and social development among its diverse student population at various instructional sites throughout the world. Pillar stands firmly within the Wesleyan heritage in embracing a world-wide parish, an obligation of love to serve the poor and needy, an earnest devotion to the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in every believer, and willingness to seek unity and cooperation with other believers on all that is essential to faithful Christian life.”
The Best Christian Colleges in New Mexico
Location: Albuquerque, NM
From the institution: “The mission of Trinity Southwest University is to provide quality higher education for adult learners, teaching them, through a variety of biblically-based academic disciplines, to uphold the divine authority of the Bible as God’s only inspired representation of reality to humankind, and equipping them to apply its eternal truths to all phases of life. TSU embraces a nontraditional educational philosophy that places the focus of educational processes on the effective personal learning modes of the individual student, rather than on the predictably homogenized instructional programs made for, and driven by, the traditional needs of institutions.”
Location: Hobbs, NM
From the institution: “Founded in 1962, University of the Southwest (USW) is a private, four-year Christian university located in Hobbs, New Mexico. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees both on-campus and online, and was recently ranked by U.S. News and World Report for ‘Top Online Education Programs’ and ‘Top Online Business Programs’. Built on a foundation of Christian values and a servant leadership philosophy, University of the Southwest is a community of dedicated staff and faculty committed to developing each student, helping them achieve their full potential in the classroom, on the playing field and in the communities they serve.”
The Best Christian Colleges in New York
Location: Bronxville, NY
From the institution: “Concordia College is located in Bronxville, NY, a picturesque suburban village in Westchester County, just 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of New York City. Concordia College New York is a Christian higher education community of learning where mutual respect flourishes, responsibility is developed and reverence for God is cultivated so that students can pursue lives of passion, purpose and service. We are anchored in a living Lutheran heritage as we strive to follow Jesus Christ. We express this identity with an ethics-infused curriculum and a faith-informed community life.”
Location: Houghton, NY
From the institution: “Houghton College is a nationally ranked Christian college of the liberal arts and sciences and the best priced Christian college in the nation. Here, you will be equipped for lifelong success as a courageous servant leader through customizable programs offered in Houghton, NY, Buffalo, Utica, and online. Take the next step to discover how this close-knit Christian community will help you accelerate your path to your God-given potential.”
Location: New York City, NY
From the institution: “Nyack College, a Christian and Missionary Alliance educational institution, through its undergraduate, graduate and seminary programs, pursues its historic mission of preparing men and women to “take the whole Gospel to the whole world. At Nyack, we seek to exalt Jesus Christ by being Academically Excellent. Excellence. There may not be a more subjective word in all of the English language. We reveal a great deal about ourselves by the things that we consider excellent. This is true whether we are speaking as individuals or as institutions.”
Location: Rochester, NY
From the institution: “We’re a group of scholars, dedicated to service and spiritual formation at a Christ-centered College anchored in liberal arts. We’re a place students can wrestle with hard questions and still feel safe. We’re a foundation for your career. We’re the catalyst to your next job. We’re starting off the 2020 academic year with the largest (and most diverse) freshman class since 2015. Even more than all of that, we’re your next home. Whether it be for 4 years, 2 years, or 16 months, we’ll be your family.”
Location: Brooklyn Heights, NY
From the institution: “St. Francis College is a private, independent, co-educational, urban college whose Franciscan and Catholic traditions underpin its commitment to academic excellence, spiritual and moral values, physical fitness, social responsibility, and life-long learning. We educate the whole person for a full, relational life, developing the students’ talents and abilities to form confident alumni well prepared for graduate study, for meaningful, fulfilling careers, as well as for collaborative, service-oriented leadership.”
Location: New York, NY
From the institution: “The King’s College is a Christian liberal arts college in New York City’s Financial District founded in 1938. We choose to engage our culture at its heart, providing students with opportunities they won’t find elsewhere. The College’s Core Curriculum gives students a robust intellectual foundation for principled leadership throughout society. The King’s College is a Christian liberal arts college in New York City’s Financial District founded in 1938. We choose to engage our culture at its heart, providing students with opportunities they won’t find elsewhere.”
Location: Brooklyn, NY
From the institution: “Founded in 1916 by the Sisters of St. Joseph, the mission of St. Joseph’s College is to provide a strong academic and value-oriented education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, rooted in a liberal arts tradition that supports provision for career preparation and enhancement. The College prepares each student for a life characterized by integrity, intellectual and spiritual values, social responsibility and service; a life that is worthy of our motto: Esse non videri — “To be, not to seem.”
Vellore Christian Medical College
Location: New York, NY
From the institution: “Dedicated to supporting the mission, and adhering to the Christian-influenced values of the Christian Medical College (CMC) of Vellore, India, the Vellore CMC Foundation raises funds for CMC to ensure the advancement of medical research, student education, and high-quality healthcare, all with the utmost compassion for people they serve. We are dedicated to preserving the legacy of CMC’s Founder, Ida Scudder, who embraced empathy by connecting humanity and medicine, led with wisdom by finding larger meaning in the smallest things, and serving tirelessly with grace and humility.”
The Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina
Location: Concord, NC
From the institution: “We know that success is easier when you have an excellent education. Founded by the Presbyterian Church for newly emancipated African Americans, our educators have been compassionate, knowledgeable and committed to the highest levels of inquiry and bring a high degree of enthusiasm to the subject they teach. Since our inception, most of our educators have been recognized in their field. Barber-Scotia College continues to foster the ideals of uplifting humankind through education. Its ongoing relationship with the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and currently to the Presbyterian Church (USA), has made it possible to do God’s work and carry out the mission for more than 155 years.”
Location: Buies Creek, NC
From the institution: “The mission of Campbell University is to graduate students with exemplary academic and professional skills who are prepared for purposeful lives and meaningful service. The University is informed and inspired by its Baptist heritage and three basic theological and biblical presuppositions: learning is appointed and conserved by God as essential to the fulfillment of human destiny; in Christ all things consist and find ultimate unity; and the Kingdom of God in this world is rooted and grounded in Christian community. The University embraces the conviction that there is no conflict between the life of faith and the life of inquiry.”
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
From the institution: “It is the mission of Carolina Christian College to provide Biblically based academic programs that prepare men and women of all races for ministry and community service with a focus on the African-American community. Carolina Christian College continues to fulfill the vision of its founders. The student body reflects the community that it serves with black and white, male and female students. The heart of Carolina Christian College is expressed in our motto “Preparing real people for real ministry in a real world.”
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
From the institution: “Carolina University’s history has positioned the institution to become innovative and transformational within the nation’s higher education sector. Although our roots go back over one hundred years, Carolina University is a modern American university that fills existing gaps in higher education. In particular, its historical Christ-centered focus led to an ethos of empowerment through the pursuit of knowledge and widening access to underserved populations and evolved to meet acute educational deficits experienced by disadvantaged sections of society.”
Location: Raleigh, NC
From the institution: “Ema Edison School of Christian Studies is the Theology outfit of Emmanuel University. Students can earn their degrees in practical theology that they can put to use rather than looking for churches to employ them. We believe in God, the Creator, and the Maker of heaven and earth. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Savior of mankind. He gave His life on the cross and rose on the third day. We believe in the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, and the great Teacher.”
Location: Boiling Springs, NC
From the institution: “Acknowledging one God – Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of life; committing to the lordship of Christ and self-giving service displayed in Christ-like moral action that respects the dignity and value of every person. Affirming historic Baptist values such as the authority of Scripture in matters of faith and practice, the freedom of individual conscience and the right of people to worship God as they choose, the priesthood of all believers, the autonomy of the local church, and the separation of church and state.”
Location: Banner Elk, NC
From the institution: “Banner’s Elk,” as the village was once called, is said to have been settled around 1850. By the end of the century, the Presbyterian Church was becoming established in the area. In the summer of 1895, Concord Presbytery sent a young student from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia to organize a church at Banner Elk. More than a hundred years after its founding, Lees-McRae continues the vision of the Rev. Tufts, inspiring students of the Southern Appalachian region and beyond.”
Mid-Atlantic Christian University
Location: Elizabeth City, NC
From the institution: “The educational philosophy of Mid-Atlantic Christian University rests upon the conviction that all truth comes from God. Only the Bible, God‘s word, enables us to integrate all fields of knowledge into a meaningful unity; it alone answers the deep questions of the human mind and spirit. Hence, all courses at Mid-Atlantic Christian University are taught from the perspective of the Christian worldview. Mid-Atlantic Christian University provides a Christian education based on a three-fold program of undergraduate instruction: Biblical and theological studies, general studies and professional studies.”
Location: Montreat, NC
From the institution: “Montreat College is an independent, Christ-centered, liberal arts institution that educates students through intellectual inquiry, spiritual formation, and preparation for calling and career, all to impact the world for Jesus Christ. The trustees and employees of Montreat College constitute an academic community of caring believers committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Students are welcomed to this Christian community regardless of belief.”
Location: Laurinburg, NC
From the institution: “In September 1961, the first students stepped onto the grounds of a spacious, lake-centered campus that only a short time earlier had been named St. Andrews Presbyterian College. In 2011 Webber International University and St. Andrews Presbyterian College received approval to merge the two institutions and St. Andrews became a branch of Webber International University. In the Fall of 2011 St. Andrews Presbyterian College became St. Andrews University, a branch of Webber International University. The University’s mission is to offer students an array of business, liberal arts and sciences, and pre-professional programs of study that create a life-transforming educational opportunity that is practical in its application, global in its scope, and multi-disciplinary in its general education core.”
The Best Christian Colleges in North Dakota
Location: Ellendale, ND
From the institution: “Trinity Bible College & Graduate School is committed to training and educating people with theological reflection and missional passion in order that people and communities everywhere will hear the good news of Jesus and see His love demonstrated. Over the coming years, Trinity Bible College and Graduate School will continue to develop its role as a leading Pentecostal Bible college in the USA and beyond. We will champion the cause of raising and training well equipped leaders and prepare our students to be effective, skilled individuals fitted for service in today’s world.”
Location: Jamestown, ND
From the institution: “As an institution of higher education in the Presbyterian tradition, we celebrate God through the use of our minds and the exercise of reason, believing that God is the source of all truth. You shall love the Lord our God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind (Matthew 22:37). Our Christian and Reformed tradition embraces the liberal arts and the ongoing search for knowledge and truth as a way of liberating the human spirit and of understanding the world we share with others.”
Location: Bismarck, ND
From the institution: “As a Christian university, we strive to accomplish our mission in faithfulness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We regard each human person as created in the image and likeness of God, gifted with life and dignity. We seek to be agents of cultural renewal in our time and place, courageous advocates for justice and peace. Our Christian commitment is born from and sustained by the encounter of the Risen Lord, who came not to be served but to serve.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Ohio
Location: Salem, OH
From the institution: “Allegheny Wesleyan College prepares students to effectively serve God, the church and society by providing a Biblical education in a spiritual, social and academic environment based on the conservative Wesleyan tradition. Allegheny Wesleyan College bases its programs on the biblical philosophy acknowledging basic truths regarding man’s origin, purpose, and destiny. Central to this philosophy is the conviction that God has spoken, that He has spoken the truth, and that His truth is revealed in the Holy Scriptures.”
Location: Ashland, OH
From the institution: “Ashland University, guided by our Christian heritage, is a comprehensive, private university that provides a transformative learning experience, shaping graduates who work, serve and lead with integrity in their local, national, and global communities. Ashland University places great emphasis on the importance of each individual. The phrase “Accent on the Individual” has been our motto for many years and characterizes well the nature and content of the campus environment. It means that our concern for the student extends beyond ensuring a quality education in the classroom and laboratory to include a commitment to provide a stimulating and supportive environment in every respect.”
Location: Columbus, OH
From the institution: “Capital University is a comprehensive, private university, centered in contemporary Lutheran values, offering undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and professions. Capital University is a private four-year undergraduate institution and graduate school located in the capital city of Columbus, Ohio. At Capital, we transform lives through higher education, and our purpose is purpose. Through an immersive, high-impact and convergent approach to teaching and learning, we find, feed and refine the role each of us was born for — no matter who we are.”
Location: Cedarville, OH
From the institution: “Cedarville University is bold about preparing outstanding professionals who will use their in-demand skills and professional influence to make a difference for Jesus Christ. We are bold about the Gospel and helping you pursue God’s call on your life. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to go boldly wherever God leads. Few Christian universities can match the breadth and quality of Cedarville’s program mix. Choose from the liberal arts or the professions, undergraduate or graduate, residential or online — more than 150 sought-after programs available.”
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Location: Steubenville, OH
From the institution: “Our mission as a Franciscan and Catholic university that embraces the call to dynamic orthodoxy is to educate, to evangelize, and to send forth joyful disciples. The purpose of the Corporation [University] is to further the higher education of men and women through programs of liberal, professional and pre-professional studies leading to the conferral of the baccalaureate and master degrees in the arts and sciences. Said degrees shall be conferred in accordance with the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation of the University and the laws of the State of Ohio.”
God’s Bible School and College
Location: Cincinnati, OH
From the institution: “Our ABHE accreditation certifies that we are Biblically based and ministry oriented. Our Regional accreditation certifies that we operate at a high level of excellence in everything we do. Together these accreditations assure our students that they are receiving the best possible education for life and ministry. Our mission hasn’t changed because His mission hasn’t changed. Our mission is Jesus’ mission. We are intentional and we are driven and we must fulfill it.”
Location: Dayton, OH
From the institution: “In 1967, more than 100 students enrolled as the college’s first freshman class. Today we have more than 800 students who intend to make a better world through the healing of others. The college is chartered by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Our goal is to help our students do their absolute best while they are with us. Everything about Kettering College is meant to support an enjoyable, productive, and mission-based learning experience. Here students experience personal and professional growth in a challenging educational setting.”
Location: Canton, OH
From the institution: “A Christian university for the arts, sciences, and professions, Malone grounds its educational mission in the biblical call to seek Christ’s Kingdom First in all things. As we work out our calling, we put into action foundational principles that reflect our Christian faith, our Evangelical Friends heritage, and our desire to seek truth. These foundational principles help guide our work over time in the face of changing external exigencies and are the means by which we articulate what is and has been intrinsically important to the institution.”
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Location: Mount Vernon, OH
From the institution: “Mount Vernon Nazarene University exists to shape lives through educating the whole person and cultivating Christ-likeness for lifelong learning and service. Mount Vernon Nazarene University, established by the Church of the Nazarene, opened its doors in 1968 and serves the denomination’s East Central Region. The University offers liberal arts, professional, and graduate education at its main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio as well as at multiple regional campuses.”
Location: New Concord, OH
From the institution: “During Muskingum’s early years, the predominant religion was Presbyterian, reflecting the Scotch-Irish heritage of the farmers who founded both the Village of New Concord and the College. In 1877, the College became formally associated with the Synod of Ohio of the United Presbyterian Church. Today, Muskingum welcomes all students irrespective of religious tradition and retains its affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA), through the three-state Synod of the Covenant.”
Location: Circleville, OH
From the institution: “Ohio Christian University is committed to offering a complete education that develops students intellectually, professionally, and spiritually. OCU offers degree programs for residential undergraduate students, graduate students, and adult and online students. OCU was founded in 1948 as Circleville Bible College for the purpose of educating clergy for the Churches of Christ in Christian Union.”
Location: Ada, OH
From the institution: “Ohio Northern University is an independent, comprehensive University located in Ada, Ohio, distinguished by nationally ranked academics and a 95 percent job placement rate. In 1899, the University affiliated with the United Methodist Church and more intentionally embraced church-related values. From these beginnings, Ohio Northern University has developed a focus on teaching, learning, scholarship, professional practice and a campus environment that’s centered on students, service and values.”
Location: Westerville, OH
From the institution: “Otterbein was founded by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ in 1847. Those qualities have built Otterbein into what it is today: a regionally and nationally accredited and recognized university offering bachelor and master degrees to a wide variety of students. Otterbein is an inclusive community dedicated to educating the whole person in the context of humane values. Our mission is to prepare graduates to think deeply and broadly, to engage locally and globally, and to advance their professions and communities.”
Location: Columbus, OH
From the institution: “Located in central Ohio, 15 miles southeast of Columbus, the state’s capital, Valor Christian College was established as World Harvest Bible College in 1990 on the 10 acre site of the original 180 seat church facility but now has moved to become part of the 52 acre site where World Harvest Church is located today. Valor Christian College is “The School of the Spirit” where students from all 50 states and over 30 nations have come to be equipped as vessels for the end-time revival. From housewives to businessmen and from five-fold ministry gifts to the ministry of helps we are equipping New Testament believers to make a difference in their communities for God’s kingdom.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Oklahoma
Mid-American Christian University
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
From the institution: “At MACU, we believe that everyone who desires to learn and follow God’s vision for their life should have the means to achieve it. That’s why we’re dedicated to offering our students an accredited, cost-effective, online education that is grounded in the love and service of Jesus Christ. Whether you’re a high school senior or college transfer or you’re a busy adult wanting to further or complete your college education, MACU has a degree program that’s built for you. We offer a diverse selection of 100% online programs with classes to be taken at your convenience.”
Location: Shawnee, OK
From the institution: “Oklahoma Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts university in Shawnee, 30 minutes east of Oklahoma City. At OBU you will learn how all knowledge connects and how that framework can be informed by a thoughtful Christian worldview. You will have the choice of more than 80 are’as of study, the opportunity to work and study abroad and the chance to engage faculty mentors. All of this occurs in a supportive, Christian community; one that’s dedicated to the highest intellectual and ethical standards.”
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
From the institution: “We are a passionate group of Christ-followers made up of educators, learners, seekers and creators. We are driven by missions – not just majors, and believe everyone has an important significance to this world. You are wanted here – and great things are expected of you. Located in the heart of Oklahoma and the state capitol, you will be in the center for professional internships, shadowing and mentoring. Find jobs in the thriving industries of energy, biotechnology, aerospace, weather, health care, technology and telecommunications.”
Location: Tulsa, OK
From the institution: “Oral Roberts University is one of the largest and most influential Christian universities in the world. We develop whole leaders for the whole world through a unique Whole Person education. Spirit-empowered leaders come to ORU, not to “stay” in their faith, but to GROW in faith. ORU students are passionate about growing spiritually and making a difference in the world around them. Along with Spirit-empowered chapel services, you will be encouraged to get involved with one of the many ways to impact the world for God’s glory!”
Location: Moore, OK
From the institution: “Randall University has been the fulfillment of a vision for Free Will Baptist Christian higher education in Oklahoma since 1917. Since then, the institution has grown to three undergraduate schools (Arts and Sciences, Christian Ministry, and Education) and the Randall Graduate School. Randall University is a Christian institution of higher education committed to the intellectual, spiritual, social, moral, and physical development of its students. It seeks to prepare students to serve the Lord Jesus Christ, both in the church and in society at large.”
Location: Bethany, OK
From the institution: “Founded in 1899, Southern Nazarene University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university-a service of the Church of the Nazarene. Located on a 44-acre campus just west of Oklahoma City, SNU grew out of several small colleges committed to training people for service to God and to one another. More than 32,000 alumni work and serve throughout the United States and the world.”
Southwestern Christian University
Location: Bethany, OK
From the institution: “SCU is an exciting place to be. Since its founding in 1946, the University continues to foster a spiritually vibrant, academically rigorous, and mission-fervent community of visionaries seeking to make a difference in this world. Our vision for a Christian liberal arts education pursued from the perspective of the Biblical Christian worldview is expressed in more than 30 undergraduate degree programs, and attracts students from more than 20 different nations.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Oregon
Location: Eugene, OR
From the institution: “Bushnell University transforms lives. Devoted to offering a Christ-centered environment since its founding 125 years ago, Bushnell University encourages students to pursue wisdom, nurture faith, and champion service. Here, students answer God’s call in their lives and prepare to make a positive difference through career, family, church, and community. Bushnell University aspires to be characterized by its commitment to equip students to discover and answer God’s call in their lives.”
Location: Salem, OR
From the institution: “Corban is a private Christian university with an 85-year history of educating students who will make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ. Situated on a beautiful forested hillside overlooking Oregon’s capital, Corban is only an hour from Portland, the Cascade Mountains, and the Oregon coast. Academic excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, as well as online, prepares students for careers as business leaders, educators, medical professionals, politicians, ministry leaders, and more.”
Location: Newburg, OR
From the institution: “George Fox University is Oregon’s nationally recognized Christian university, committed to providing students with personal attention, global opportunities to learn and serve, and a supportive community that encourages academic rigor and spiritual growth. George Fox offers more than 60 undergraduate programs, 13 master’s and doctoral degrees, five degree-completion programs for working adults, and seven seminary degrees on the university’s campus in Newberg, Oregon, and at teaching sites in Portland, Salem and Redmond, Oregon.”
Location: Portland, OR
From the institution: “It is the mission of Multnomah University to equip Christian students through higher education to become biblically competent, academically proficient, spiritually formed, and culturally engaged servant leaders, shaped to be a transforming force in the church, community, and world. It is the vision for Multnomah University to be a diverse community that equips students to love Christ and serve their neighbors through their lives and work.”
Location: Eugene, OR
From the institution: “New Hope Christian College, an institute of higher education, exists to disciple emerging Christian leaders by developing their theology, ministry skills, and character in order to win souls, plant fruitful churches, and lead as exemplary ambassadors for Christ in the ministry and marketplace. Receive hands-on mentoring and ministry training from instructors who combine a mastery of subject matter, along with engaging teaching techniques and a passion for serving Jesus to better equip students for the ministry and marketplace.”
Location: Portland, OR
From the institution: “Founded in 1937 and located in the beautiful city of Portland, Oregon, Warner Pacific University is a Christ-centered, urban, liberal arts university that is dedicated to making higher education accessible and equitable for students from diverse backgrounds. Our 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio translates into the individualized attention and intellectual interaction that meaningful scholarship requires. Close academic relationships between faculty and students often result in customized internships and independent study courses, both of which are enhanced by the resources of the greater Portland area, where a multitude of cultural and employment opportunities await.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania
Location: Langhorne, PA
From the institution: “Cairn University exists to educate students to serve Christ in the church, society, and the world as biblically minded, well-educated, and professionally competent men and women of character. A path that will challenge them, inspire them, and prepare them for life and work. One that is centered on Jesus Christ and the Word of God, one that will give them a broad perspective on the world that is engaging and purposeful, one that will change their life and take them in a direction that will make a difference in this world and the lives of those around them.”
Location: Clarks Summit, PA
From the institution: “Clarks Summit University has prepared Christ-centered, career-ready graduates for more than 80 years. Founded in 1932, this private, Christian college embraces its Baptist convictions and propels graduates into careers and service opportunities around the globe. As an accredited Bible college, the Word of God is the foundation of our academic programs and welcoming student community. All undergraduate students earn a double major in Biblical Studies and the major of their choice.”
Location: St. Davids, PA
From the institution: “Eastern University is a nationally-recognized Christian university offering a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, seminary, and online programs. The university’s main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with additional locations in Philadelphia and Harrisburg. Eastern’s core values of faith, reason, and justice are woven into all of its educational programs. Eastern University is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA and has an interdenominational Christian student body, faculty and administration.”
Location: Beaver Falls, PA
From the institution: “Geneva College is a Christ-centered academic community that provides a comprehensive education to equip students for faithful and fruitful service to God and neighbor. Geneva College′s mission is student-focused, emphasizing Christ, comprehensive education, and service to God and neighbor. This is consistent with the college′s charter, bylaws and Foundational Concepts of Christian Education, as well as Geneva′s historic motto, Pro Christo et Patria (For Christ and Country).”
Location: Grove City, PA
From the institution: “Grove City College strives to be the best Christian liberal arts college in America. Grounded in conservative values, we develop leaders of the highest proficiency, purpose, and principles ready to advance the common good. Grove City College equips students to pursue their unique callings through an academically excellent and Christ-centered learning and living experience distinguished by a commitment to affordability and its promotion of the Christian worldview, the foundations of free society, and the love of neighbor.”
Location: Lancaster, PA
From the institution: “Our focus is on your journey to fulfill God’s purpose for your life. Our mission has remained constant since 1933: To educate Christian students to think and live a biblical worldview and to proclaim Christ by serving Him in the Church and society. Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary & Graduate School maintain an unqualified commitment to a historic, orthodox position on essential doctrines of the faith as expressed in this document. A statement of faith is central to the institution’s identity, serving as a unifying and clarifying document in an age of theological shifting and confusion. Hermeneutically, we approach Scripture from a grammatical, historical, and contextual viewpoint.”
Location: Mechanicsburg, PA
From the institution: “Messiah University is a nationally ranked, private Christian university with a student body of 3,370 undergraduate and graduate students. Our scenic 471-acre suburban campus is located in central Pennsylvania, just 12 miles from the state capital of Harrisburg. The University was founded in 1909 by the Brethren in Christ Church. Today, the University’s faith base is broadly evangelical and includes students and employees from a variety of denominations and Christian faith traditions.”
Location: Philadelphia, PA
From the institution: “As Philadelphia’s Jesuit Catholic University, Saint Joseph’s provides a rigorous, student-centered education rooted in the liberal arts. We prepare students for personal excellence, professional success and engaged citizenship. Striving to be an inclusive and diverse community that educates and cares for the whole person, we encourage and model lifelong commitment to thinking critically, making ethical decisions, pursuing social justice and finding God in all things.”
Location: Latrobe, PA
From the institution: “Saint Vincent College is an educational community rooted in the tradition of the Catholic faith, the heritage of Benedictine monasticism and the love of values inherent in the liberal approach to life and learning. Its mission is to provide quality undergraduate and graduate education for men and women to enable them to integrate their professional aims with the broader purposes of human life. The programs, activities and encounters that make up student life at Saint Vincent College encourage the intellectual gifts, professional aptitudes and personal aspirations of students to mature harmoniously.”
Location: Phoenixville, PA
From the institution: “The University of Valley Forge was founded in 1939 and is part of an international network of Assemblies of God colleges and universities. A private university with undergraduate, graduate, and lifelong learning programs, our mission is to prepare individuals for a life of service and leadership in the church and in the world. Our community is small, close-knit, and diverse. Each member—student, faculty, and staff—supports and guides each other as we grow and develop intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Rhode Island
Location: Providence, RI
From the institution: “Providence College is a Catholic, Dominican, liberal arts institution of higher education and a community committed to academic excellence in pursuit of the truth, growth in virtue, and service of God and neighbor. Providence College is confident in the appeal of reason, believes that human beings are disposed to know the truth, and trusts in the power of grace to enlighten minds, open hearts, and transform lives. Providence College maintains that the pursuit of truth has intrinsic value, that faith and reason are compatible and complementary means to its discovery, and that the search for truth is the basis for dialogue with others and critical engagement with the world.”
Location: Newport, RI
From the institution: “As a community that welcomes people of all beliefs, Salve Regina University, a Catholic institution founded by the Sisters of Mercy, seeks wisdom and promotes universal justice. The University through teaching and research prepares men and women for responsible lives by imparting and expanding knowledge, developing skills and cultivating enduring values. Through liberal arts and professional programs, students develop their abilities for thinking clearly and creatively, enhance their capacity for sound judgment and prepare for the challenge of learning throughout their lives.”
The Best Christian Colleges in South Carolina
Location: Anderson, SC
From the institution: “Located in the vibrant city of Anderson, in the rapidly growing region of Upstate South Carolina, Anderson University is a selective, comprehensive Christian liberal arts university offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus, online and on at the University Center in Greenville. Students may choose from 59 major degree programs, 38 concentrations, 46 minors, 18 master’s and doctoral degrees and 8 certification programs.”
Location: Greenville, SC
From the institution: “At BJU you’ll do so much more than attend classes and earn a degree. You’ll broaden your horizons through liberal arts and fine arts while learning to view everything through the lens of a biblical worldview. You’ll develop your talents and skills—not just for yourself, but for something bigger. And you’ll be part of a vibrant community of believers growing in Christ—and then going out to serve Him. Experience BJU. And discover your place in God’s amazing, eternity-sized plan.”
Charleston Southern University
Location: Charleston, SC
From the institution: “Charleston Southern is the Lowcountry’s only Christian university. Our learning community is dynamic. Students come from all over the country and many faith backgrounds. Committed faculty take the time to see your potential. They will help you achieve your personal and career goals. Our close-knit campus offers huge opportunities – including big-time, competitive NCAA Division I athletics. We believe that the gospel has the power to transform lives, and that God has created each of us with a unique set of gifts and abilities. At CSU, students from all backgrounds are challenged to deepen their faith and explore their purpose.”
Location: Due West, SC
From the institution: “As one of the oldest and most prestigious church-related liberal arts colleges in the South, Erskine prizes academic rigor and Christian authenticity. Our graduates lead companies, influence professional fields, and make their mark on our culture in many other ways. Erskine College is located in Due West, a town of 1,200 residents located in historic Abbeville County, South Carolina, an area rich in colonial, Revolutionary War, and Civil War history.”
Location: Tigerville, SC
From the institution: “North Greenville University is a haven for intelligent, passionate professors, alumni, and students that see more in others and the world around them – people like you. They get what matters. They’ve got your back. That’s not by accident–it’s by design. Yep–the Blue Ridge Mountains are our backyard. But it’s not just what you see here, it’s what you can see from here–clarity of your purpose that roots your personal and professional goals in an unshakable connection to Christ.”
Location: Central, SC
From the institution: “Southern Wesleyan University was originally established in 1906 as the Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute whose mission was to develop Christian character in its students while giving thorough intellectual training. Now, a private, four year Christian university, Southern Wesleyan University is committed to providing liberal arts and professional education. In addition, we are proud to be an institution of The Wesleyan Church, a worldwide body of evangelical Protestant believers. Though our name has changed over the years, our mission—to be a Christian community of learners that recognizes God as the source of all truth and wisdom—has remained.”
The Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
From the institution: “Inspired by Lutheran scholarly tradition and the liberal arts, Augustana provides an education of enduring worth that challenges the intellect, fosters integrity and integrates faith with learning and service in a diverse world. Central to the Augustana experience are five core values. The community lives them and honors them, and they infuse the academic curriculum as well as student life. These five values are identified below, followed by a phrase that sums up the essence of the word as it informs the University’s mission. These phrases are, in turn, followed by how the value is expressed in the daily life of the University and its people.”
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
From the institution: “Mount Marty University is a small, Catholic liberal arts university in Southeast South Dakota. Based in Yankton, a historic city of 15,000 people, Mount Marty believes that the Benedictine values of awareness of God, community, hospitality, lifelong learning and service are fundamental to the daily lives of students, faculty and staff. Faith is a personal journey, and we respect that. Regardless of your religion or your relationship with your faith, we’re here to guide you as you follow the Catholic Benedictine values of God, inclusiveness, community and learning.”
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
From the institution: “Founded in 1883, the University of Sioux Falls, located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a Christian, Liberal Arts University affiliated with the American Baptist Churches, U.S.A. USF is an independent, not-for-profit institution. Dedicated faculty intentionally integrate faith and learning, helping students to discover their career calling and preparing them to serve God and humankind. With a 99% placement rate, our alumni live out USF’s Culture for Service motto in their professions, families and communities.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee
Location: Nashville, TN
From the institution: “The mission of American Baptist College, a Historically Black College with a liberal arts emphasis, is to educate, graduate, and prepare diverse students for Christian leadership, service, and social justice in the world. Founded in 1924, by black and white Baptists, ABC’s vision is to provide educational opportunities for gifted students who have limited academic experiences and resources but unlimited potential for leadership in society.”
Location: Nashville, TN
From the institution: “Consistently recognized as a “Most Innovative” university, Belmont University draws more than 8,200 students who represent every state and more than 28 countries. The campus sits on 93 picturesque acres that are located just two miles from downtown Nashville, Tennessee, a dynamic and vibrant hub for government, healthcare, music, tourism and more. A private, four-year university, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service. The University’s purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the world’s needs.”
Location: Dayton, TN
From the institution: “William Jennings Bryan University was chartered in 1930 and admitted its first class in the fall of that year. Its stated purpose was, and is, to provide “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. Our mission is educating students to become servants of Christ to make a difference in today’s world.”
Location: Jefferson City, TN
From the institution: “We see the Christian university as an educational arm of the church, the body of Christ. As creator and sustainer of all things, Christ is Lord of the university. The Gospel of Matthew calls us to “Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind.” Recognizing all truth as God’s truth, we follow this calling to live as his disciples. As an intentionally Christian academic community, Carson-Newman strives to follow Christian principles in all aspects of communal life.”
Location: Memphis, TN
From the institution: “Christian Brothers University is a four-year, private university affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The University was founded in 1871 by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, a Catholic teaching order. Christian Brothers University is a Catholic university in the student-centered tradition of the De La Salle Christian Brothers. CBU fosters academic excellence in a range of programs to prepare students from all faiths and backgrounds for careers and lives informed by the Lasallian values of faith, service, and community.”
Location: Henderson, TN
From the institution: “The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. At Freed-Hardeman, you are taught by professors who have received the highest degrees possible in their field of study. Small class settings ensure personal attention, better preparing you for great opportunities. When it’s time for you to leave Freed-Hardeman to pursue a higher level of education or a career, you will experience high acceptance rates into medical and professional schools as well as extremely high job placement rates.”
Location: Knoxville, TN
From the institution: “The Johnson University mission is to educate students for Christian ministries and other strategic vocations framed by the Great Commission in order to extend the kingdom of God among all nations. Explore our site to learn more about the JU mission, our academic programs, and student life on our campuses. Our Tennessee campus sits on the banks of the French Broad River in south Knoxville. Students enjoy the rolling hills of this rural campus combined with close proximity to the fun and culture of downtown Knoxville and the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.”
Location: Bristol, TN
From the institution: “Founded in 1867, King University (originally King College) is a Presbyterian-affiliated Christian academic community dedicated to the integration of rigorous academic programming and the exploration of faith. The University establishes students in a robust liberal arts foundation and offers specialization in a contemporary range of undergraduate degrees. These include Nursing, Security and Intelligence Studies, Exercise Science, and Digital Media Art & Design, as well as more traditional majors such as Mathematics, History and Political science, English, Biology, and more.”
Location: Cleveland, TN
From the institution: “Lee University is a private, comprehensive university located in Cleveland, Tennessee, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Over the past two decades, Lee has become one of the largest Christ-centered private institutions in Tennessee and the largest in the Appalachian College Association. During that period, the university has seen a remarkable transformation that has included significant growth in its academic programs, student enrollment, faculty expertise, and diversity, as well as an expanded sense of mission and vision.”
Location: Nashville, TN
From the institution: “As a private, Christian liberal arts institution located in the heart of Nashville, Lipscomb University is joyfully committed to developing students whose academic excellence, faith and practice reflect our ideas of global citizenship. With top academic programs, small class sizes, intentional faculty and faith-integrated experiences and curriculum, we are prepared to invest in you holistically. So that you can grow into the person God desires you to be. We believe that when you know your gifts, your God and your direction, you confidently welcome what is next.”
Location: Memphis, TN
From the institution: “Mid-South Christian College exists to glorify God by partnering with Christian Churches in raising up individuals called by God to fulfill the global vision of Christ by facilitating their academic, practical and spiritual preparation. At Mid-South we desire to help each student prepare for ministry, spiritually and emotionally, as well as academically. I hope and pray that you will find a spiritual family here that will help you grow and develop in your service in God’s Kingdom.”
Location: Milligan, TN
From the institution: “Milligan is a Christ-centered liberal arts university in Johnson City, Tennessee, boasting a close-knit community, 235-acre picturesque campus, and over 100 majors, minors and other degree offerings. For over 150 years, Milligan has educated men and women to lead and to serve. Our commitment to Christ-centered liberal arts education has led Milligan to become a growing, well-respected liberal arts institution. Because of our emphasis on scholarship, community, and faith, students come from all over the world to experience our distinctively different approach to higher education.”
Location: Nashville, TN
From the institution: “Founded in 1901, Trevecca is committed to holistic education, encouraging students to grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Located approximately one mile from thriving downtown Nashville, Trevecca provides a liberal arts education while guiding students to find God’s calling on their lives through traditional undergraduate programs, continuing and graduate studies and online offerings. With students from 47 states and 25 countries, Trevecca offers 20 associate degrees, 73 undergraduate bachelor’s programs, 17 master’s degrees and three doctoral programs, as well as specialist and certificate programs.”
Location: Jackson, TN
From the institution: “Union University is an academic community, affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, equipping persons to think Christianly and serve faithfully in ways consistent with its core values of being excellence-driven, Christ-centered, people-focused, and future-directed. These values shape its identity as an institution which prioritizes liberal arts based undergraduate education enhanced by professional and graduate programs. The academic community is composed of quality faculty, staff, and students working together in a caring, grace-filled environment conducive to the development of character, servant leadership, and cultural engagement.”
Location: Memphis, TN
From the institution: “Visible Music College is a global, spiritual community of musicians, technicians, business professionals, and educators serving the Church and society with our collective energy and talent, fostering an environment of creativity, worship, and innovation in artistic endeavors for the glory of God. Visible Music College trains and equips musicians, technicians, and business professionals in craft and Christian character, for effective service in the music industry and in the Church.”
Location: Gallatin, TN
From the institution: “Welch College’s original purpose, as indicated in the Charter of Incorporation registered in 1945, was to be “devoted to the promotion and impartation of higher Biblical education,” for the purpose of “the equipment of Christian workers, teachers, ministers, and missionaries of both sexes for Christian service.” The mission statement above is intended to express the same fundamental concept. Welch College emphasizes a distinctly Christian education with a strong core of biblical and theological studies at the heart of all educational programs, a Christian worldview integrating the entire curriculum, Christian morals and ethics, and Christian leadership and service.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Texas
Location: Abilene, TX
From the institution: “Abilene Christian University is a hub of rigorous academic excellence and devoted community. Through residential and online undergraduate and graduate programs, we equip students for lives of service leadership, empowering them through exceptional teaching that unlocks the power of their curiosity and prepares them to create the solutions that will address the opportunities of today and tomorrow. In our vibrant, Christ-centered community, we aim to contribute to our students’ spiritual and intellectual growth in ways that encourage confidence and vocational formation.”
Location: Arlington, TX
From the institution: “Every institution has its beginning in the planting of a seed idea, and for Arlington Baptist University the seed was planted in 1925 with a concept of a Bible Institute in Dallas. Although this institute did not materialize, it led Dr. J. Frank Norris, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, to begin in 1927, the Fundamental Bible Institute. The Institute offered a plan of systematic Bible study via radio and correspondence. Arlington Baptist University strives to prepare every student for Christian life and service by integrating faith and learning in the context of an informed biblical worldview that affirms the inerrancy of scripture.”
Baptist University of the Americas
Location: San Antonio, TX
From the institution: “Each year, the excellence of education, the personal size, the encouraging character of the student body and the beauty of the campus and surrounding area draw new students from diverse cultures all over the world to Baptist University of the Americas. We take pride in bridging cultures to share the word of God: three out of every four Hispanic Baptist pastors in Texas attended BUA, and we have extension centers in three countries, with plans for further expansion. At BUA, we will offer you a full 4-year program of study, a superb personal scholastic environment, an outstanding faculty, affordable tuition, and a full range of scholarships and financial assistance.”
Location: Waco, TX
From the institution: “Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 19,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.”
Location: Old East Dallas, TX
From the institution: “Here, you will be surrounded by a community of expert faculty and committed learners. Our approach is based on Scripture and builds skills sought by all types of employers: critical thinking, effective communication, and collaborative peacemaking. Through our distinctively Christian curriculum and close relationships with faculty, you will be equipped for further study and learn to meet challenges in whatever field you choose to pursue.”
Location: Dallas, TX
From the institution: “Founded in 1898, DBU has one mission—to transform the lives of students who will transform the world, all for the glory of God. We offer a variety of educational opportunities for individuals of all ages and academic backgrounds—including degree programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, as well as continuing education and certificate programs. Through it all, we seek to integrate faith and learning and develop individuals whose desire is to serve the world. We invite you to discover DBU and join us in our one mission.”
Location: Dallas, TX
From the institution: “Dallas Christian College strives to meet the educational needs of an increasingly diverse student body and to encourage leadership of churches and Christian organizations. Our mission is to educate and mentor students to be people of influence, engaging in their calling to the work of Christ in the Church and in the world. To fulfill it, we have created a unique blend of programs to equip you for your chosen field of service. There are only a few colleges anywhere in the world who can match this robust blend of educating and mentoring at the level which we have created.”
Location: Marshall, TX
From the institution: “East Texas Baptist University’s legacy, beginning with the establishment of the College of Marshall over 100 years ago, remains committed to Christ by meeting students where they are and propelling them to where God has called them to be. With another year of record enrollment, ETBU continues to proclaim God’s truths and equip His disciples as described in the mission statement. As a Christ-centered institution, East Texas Baptist University educates students by integrating biblical faith and learning to develop mind, body, and soul through community engagement to prepare graduates to be Christian servant leaders in their calling to God and humanity. “
Location: Abilene, TX
From the institution: “You’ll never find another place like Hardin-Simmons University. We are a Baptist university in Abilene, Texas, with 127 years of history and traditions that aren’t matched at any other school, and that gives HSU a personality as big as the West Texas horizon. Hardin-Simmons University will be an innovative community of servant scholars engaging the minds and nurturing the spirits of future Christian leaders. The mission of Hardin-Simmons University is to be a community dedicated to providing excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values.”
Location: Houston, TX
From the institution: “Houston Baptist University offers an intimate college environment in the heart of one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the United States: Houston, Texas. Coming to HBU as a student is about more than books, tests and lectures. It is about stepping into a community where each person is recognized as a distinct individual. HBU strives to not only develop each student academically, but spiritually, physically and relationally as well. With an average class size of 25, the more than 3,000 students of HBU get the personal attention they want and need.”
Location: Brownwood, TX
From the institution: “A Christian liberal arts institution, Howard Payne University prides itself on fostering a close community where personal connection is valued. Through teaching, learning and service, the faculty and staff truly invest in students’ success. At HPU, students choose from more than 100 majors, minors and pre-professional programs in seven schools: Business, Christian Studies, Education, Humanities, Music and Fine Arts, Nursing, and Science and Mathematics.”
Location: Jacksonville, TX
From the institution: “[Jacksonville College] is located in a city of some 14,000 inhabitants, nestled in the beautiful, rolling hills of East Texas. The city boasts several industries, a prosperous farming region, friendly people, a fine system of public schools, a national seminary, and many fine churches. The student body, the strong faculty, the campus spirit, and the location all combine to make Jacksonville College an ideal place for any student who seeks a sound education which keeps Christ preeminent.”
Location: Hawkins, TX
From the institution: “Jarvis Christian College is a historically Black liberal arts, four-year institution affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The mission of the college is to prepare a diverse population of lifelong learners intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally through providing interactive services and using varied modalities of instructional delivery.”
Location: Longview, TX
From the institution: “LeTourneau University is an unapologetically Christian university. While it has no direct denominational ties, it welcomes students of all denominations who love and seek after God. It is a place where students have found a deeper relationship with Him, grown in their spiritual walk and discovered God’s purpose for their lives. Claiming every workplace in every nation as our mission field, LeTourneau University graduates are professionals of ingenuity and Christ-like character who see life’s work as a holy calling with eternal impact.”
Location: Lubbock, TX
From the institution: “Organizations from across the country have recognized Lubbock Christian University’s efforts to offer a quality education that goes beyond the classroom, delivered from professors who have real world experience and who care about their students on a personal level. We are grateful for the various awards and want to share those with you so that you may be assured your academic pursuits at LCU will be a transformative experience. Below are a few awards we have received in the past.”
Location: Abilene, TX
From the institution: “As a United Methodist institution grounded in traditions of intellectual achievement and vital piety, McMurry nurtures and cares for students as they face the many challenges of higher education. The institution provides the support necessary to encourage students to grow as whole persons – spiritually, emotionally, morally, intellectually, socially, and physically. The McMurry community expresses its Christian principles through hospitality and gracious interactions with those who do and those who do not identify with the Christian faith. The institution encourages connections between people of varying circumstances, cultures, languages, and beliefs.”
Location: Bedford, TX
From the institution: “Messenger College is committed to developing world-changing Spirit-empowered leaders for the 21st century. At Messenger College, you will find a community of believers completely focused and dedicated to the pursuit of God’s purpose in His Kingdom. The students who enroll at MC share a passion to become men and women of God fashioned as arrows in His hand to be released into their world for His glory. It is here their passion is met with kindred hearts in the faculty and leadership of MC. The Holy Spirit is alive and living in our community, a place where Spirit-empowered learning meets focused academics and specialized training for men and women who have responded and answered the call of God.”
Location: Dallas, TX
From the institution: “SMU was founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South in partnership with civic leaders. The University is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry. A nationally ranked private university located near the heart of Dallas, SMU is a distinguished center for global research with a liberal arts tradition. SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.”
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Location: Waxahachie, TX
From the institution: “Southwestern Assemblies of God University exists to equip students spiritually, academically, professionally, and cross-culturally for their God-given careers and callings. SAGU will be a distinguished, Christian university that equips Spirit-empowered leaders with career and ministry skills by providing affordable education, hands-on training opportunities, and innovative academic programs. SAGU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees.”
Southwestern Christian College
Location: Terrell, TX
From the institution: “Southwestern Christian College, founded and sponsored by members of Churches of Christ, is accredited as a four-year (level II), educational college (limited to Bachelor’s degree in Bible and Religious Education), with a two-year associate program in the liberal arts. Its purpose is to offer a holistic educational program that will motivate the student to value and achieve academic excellence within the context of commitment to moral and spiritual values; to assist students in making their transitions from high school to higher education on various levels; to assist students in preparation for varied vocations in life; to prepare future leaders for their distinct communities and the world at large.”
Location: Fort Worth, TX
From the institution: “TCU is the largest of 21 institutions associated by an ongoing covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). A protestant denomination with Presbyterian and Baptist roots, the Disciples’ vision statement speaks of “true community, deep Christian spirituality and a passion for justice. This continued relationship supports an approach to education that values scholarship, reason and intellectual inquiry while honoring the importance of every individual’s religious identity. Today’s TCU students come from more than 60 religious traditions and faiths.”
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Location: Belton, TX
From the institution: “The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is dedicated to Christian higher education.nFounded in 1845, the university has traditionally been known for producing excellent educators, nurses, business leaders, and missionaries. That has not changed, but today UMHB is also earning recognition for its talented science and music graduates, for top-notch graduate programs in counseling and physical therapy, and more.”
Location: Plainview, TX
From the institution: “Founded in 1908 by a pioneer physician committed to the value of education, Wayland continues to pioneer new standards in higher learning, serving as a leader among the nation’s Christian colleges and universities. WBU is a place to pursue a higher calling. Ours is an academically challenging and distinctively Christian environment. Here, you will not only prepare for professional success, but also for service to God, your family, and your community.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Utah
Location: Provo, UT
From the institution: “The mission of Brigham Young University — founded, supported, and guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — is to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life. That assistance should provide a period of intensive learning in a stimulating setting where a commitment to excellence is expected and the full realization of human potential is pursued. A BYU education should be spiritually strengthening, intellectually enlarging, and character building, leading to lifelong learning and service.”
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
From the institution: “Ensign College is an institution of higher education founded and sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The school’s mission is to develop capable and trusted disciples of Jesus Christ. As an institution, we seek and follow the counsel and guidance of inspired leaders in harmony with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its purposes, and in fulfilling our stated mission. The school’s purpose is to provide a spiritually grounded, career-based education.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Vermont
Location: Colchester, VT
From the institution: “We’re a Catholic school that is welcoming to every faith background, culture, and identity. We believe in “faith in action,” which is why so many of our students participate in service. We’re entirely residential, which means that all of our students live on campus all four years. We ensure that there is a vibrant engaged campus, with activities, clubs, and events, 7 days a week. Students at St. Mike’s are simply more engaged: with one another, with their classes, their faculty, with clubs, and with issues they care deeply about.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Virginia
Location: Gainesville, VA
From the institution: “With a student-first philosophy, Ascent College exists to cultivate the ministry call of Christian men and women to fulfill their destiny through sound Biblical education and leadership development. It is the desire of Ascent College for each student to experience both the spirit of the local church and the academic training of the school. Ascent College and the local church, together, are able to prepare students with both correct theology and ministry experience to impact the entire world.”
Location: Bluefield, VA
From the institution: “We offer a challenging academic and co-curricular experience within a climate of diverse Christian traditions. In covenant with the Baptist General Association of Virginia, the University is committed to developing students’ potential through academic excellence and the integration of faith, the liberal arts, career-oriented programs, and service to God and the global community. Located in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains in southwestern Virginia and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Bluefield University boasts 40+ academic offerings, including business, forensic science, graphic communication, criminal justice, teacher education, and Christian studies.”
Location: Bridgewater, VA
From the institution: “Bridgewater College empowers students to lead principled lives of purpose and consequence marked by professional accomplishment and personal fulfillment. Our graduates are distinguished by their collaborative spirit, reason, and resilience of mind in service to a diverse and global community. Bridgewater College lives out its mission by embracing the ideals of Goodness, Truth, Beauty, and Harmony. Grounded in our historical ties with the Church of the Brethren, these ideals animate our mission and inspire us to educate students committed to pursuing truth, to living lives enriched by beauty and aspiring to goodness, and to achieving a vision of unity and community.”
Location: Fairfax, VA
From the institution: “Ivy Christian College (Ivy Christian College) is a Baptist and private, postsecondary faith-based institution that strives to be a leader in the academic development of men and women that can make a significant impact on the world through their academic and professional excellence as well as their Christian values. Ivy Christian College seeks to fulfill its mission by providing a variety of lifelong learning opportunities for both individuals and churches that include Associate and Bachelor level undergraduate education courses, adult continuing education classes, seminars, publications, as well as providing theological leadership for the Christian community and world at large.”
Location: Lynchburg, VA
From the institution: “Get the world-class education and Christian foundation you’re looking for at Liberty University, where we’re celebrating 50 Years of Training Champions for Christ. Since 1971, Liberty has had a singular vision of developing Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential for impacting the world for Christ. Our founder, Jerry Falwell Sr., dreamed of a university filled with men and women who would change the world for Christ. He envisioned a world filled with doctors, lawyers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from all walks of life who loved God and were the best at what they’d been called to be.”
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
From the institution: “From its inception, Regent University’s focus has been on transforming the world. The motto of the school, Christian Leadership to Change the World, points to our desire to impact lives across the globe. Regent is accomplishing this vision by consistently delivering excellent graduate and undergraduate programs both online and on campus in order to prepare Christian leaders for lives of significant purpose and service. With the university’s stature as an institution of excellence ever-increasing, we humbly but expectantly move to an even higher level of academic quality and global influence.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Washington State
Faith International University
Location: Tacoma, WA
From the institution: “Faith International University exists to glorify God by equipping Christian disciples with a biblical, theological, and practical education empowering them to apply and proclaim the inerrant Word of God for worldwide Christian service. We are committed to strengthening communities around the world through Christian education. Situated in a residential area of northwest Tacoma, the college and seminary building provides classrooms, offices, library, and a bookstore. The city of Tacoma is located 40 miles south of Seattle and 30 miles south of SeaTac Airport in the southern part of the picturesque Puget Sound area of the Pacific Northwest.”
Location: Kirkland, WA
From the institution: “Northwest University is a regionally accredited, Christian institution awarding associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Located in Kirkland, Washington, we have been preparing students to lead in their careers since 1934 and offer a variety of degree programs to meet the needs of an ever-changing society. Our traditional undergraduate experience includes over 70 majors and programs—as well as off-campus internships—to equip students for success in their careers. Our online degree programs provide the flexibility of classes that can be accessed anytime, anywhere.”
Location: Seattle, WA
From the institution: “Students at Seattle Pacific University experience a world-class education in a world-class city. We welcome students from around the globe to grow together and serve in a diverse community of thoughtful scholarship and outward-focused, living Christian faith. Seattle Pacific University is a Christian university fully committed to engaging the culture and changing the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community.”
Location: College Place, WA
From the institution: “Walla Walla University is founded on Christian teachings and values as understood and appreciated by the Seventh-day Adventist church. Central to these teachings is the belief that every person is created in the image of God as a being of inestimable value and worth, imbued with powers of intelligence, stewardship, and creativity akin to those of the Creator. Walla Walla University, therefore, seeks in its mission to foster the unique gifts of every individual within this Christian community of faith and discovery.”
Location: Spokane, WA
From the institution: “Since 1890, Whitworth has held fast to its founding mission to provide “an education of mind and heart” through rigorous intellectual inquiry guided by dedicated Christian scholars. Recognized as one of the top regional colleges and universities in the West, Whitworth University has an enrollment of more than 3,000 students and offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. In recent years, Whitworth has enjoyed record levels of student enrollment and retention, the strongest financial position in the university’s history, and increased external visibility.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Washington D.C.
Location: Washington, D.C.
From the institution: “Shaped by centuries of Jesuit education around the globe, our culture embraces the changing times while staying true to core values – engaging your intellect, helping you grow ethically and spiritually, exchanging ideas freely and building a more just world. One of the ways that we embody our Jesuit heritage is by making a home for all faith traditions. Whether you’re religious, nonreligious or searching for a spiritual home, we accompany you on your journey and help you lead a life of deeper meaning, belonging and purpose.”
The Best Christian Colleges in West Virginia
Location: Mount Hope, WV
From the institution: “Appalachian Bible College exists by God’s grace and for His glory to educate and equip servants for the Church of tomorrow while edifying the Church of today. The vision of Appalachian Bible College is to be a quality fundamental ministry of Biblical higher education by: training students through a truth-driven curriculum and transformative co-curriculum that prepares Christlike servants who are skilled in interpreting, obeying, and proclaiming God’s Word for the global spread of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and the strengthening of His Church; and impacting the Church with Christ-centered ministries, which challenge people through God’s Word to wholly follow Christ.”
Location: Vienna, WV
From the institution: “At Ohio Valley University we seek to transfer lives in a Christ-centered academic university that integrates higher learning, biblical faith, and service to God and humanity. Our programs offer Christian higher education through rigorous academic training in fields relevant to today’s work-world. Our Church of Christ heritage and the academic knowledge and experience of our highly qualified faculty intertwine to bring every student a unique classroom experience.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin
Location: Mequon, WI
From the institution: “Concordia University is an uncommon community of students, faculty, alumni, and staff who are gifted by grace and ever-preparing to live out our purpose to serve Christ in the Church and world. We intentionally cultivate experiences, discussions, and opportunities that will help our students grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, deepen their understanding of the issues impacting their communities, and engage in solving some of the world’s biggest problems.”
Location: Watertown, WI
From the institution: “Maranatha Baptist University was established in 1968 in Watertown, Wisconsin, as an institution to be “To the Praise of His Glory.” This motto, taken from the Bible (Ephesians 1:12), reflects Maranatha’s deeply held religious conviction that the primary purpose of every Christian is to glorify God through one’s chosen occupation and church membership, and by serving others in God-honoring ways.”
Location: Milwaukee, WI
From the institution: “Mount Mary University, an urban Catholic university for women, sponsored by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, provides an environment for the development of the whole person. The University encourages leadership, integrity, and a deep sense of social justice arising from a sensitivity to moral values and Christian principles. Mount Mary commits itself to excellence in teaching and learning with an emphasis on thinking critically and creatively.”
Location: Milwaukee, WI
From the institution: “Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) is an independent, residential, nationally ranked Christian college in Milwaukee that serves 1,200 traditional undergraduate, adult, and graduate students through its on-campus and online programming. The college, which prepares students for lives of Christian leadership, is recognized for its academic excellence and superior student experience. Caring, Christian faculty work directly with students, who benefit from numerous research, service, and co-curricular opportunities designed to enhance academic and spiritual growth.”
The Best Christian Colleges in Wyoming
Location: Lander, WY
From the institution: “Wyoming Catholic College forms students through a rigorous immersion in the primary sources of the classical liberal arts tradition, the grandeur of the mountain wilderness, and the spiritual heritage of the Catholic Church. Grounded in real experience and thoughtful reflection, our graduates love truth, think clearly, and communicate eloquently, engaging with the world as it is. As a vibrant and authentic Catholic institution, we provide our students with a faith-filled environment, guiding them to a deeper and more profound understanding of the Truth.”
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