The editors at Lord’s Library have compiled this list of the best Christian colleges in Florida to save you the search.
Searching for the best Christian colleges in Florida can involve a fair bit of research with a number of options across the state. According to Pew Research Center’s 2014 Religious Landscape Study, the religious composition of Christian adults in the state is 70 percent. Florida’s Christian higher learning landscape 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. It’s with this in mind that our editors assembled this list of the best Christian colleges in Florida 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 and save you time. Simply click the college name or logo to go direct to the institution’s website if you want to learn more.
Note: The best Christian colleges in Florida are ranked in alphabetical order.
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.”
Barry College 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.”
Eckerd CollegeLocation: 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.”
Florida CollegeLocation: 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.”
Florida Memorial UniversityLocation: 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”
Florida Southern CollegeLocation: 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.”
Hobe Sound Bible CollegeLocation: 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.”
Pensacola Christian CollegeLocation: 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.”
Southeastern UniversityLocation: 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.”
St. Leo UniversityLocation: 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.”
Warner UniversityLocation: 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.”
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