The editors at Lord’s Library have compiled this list of the best Christian colleges in Illinois to save you the search.
Searching for the best Christian colleges in Illinois 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 71 percent. Illinois’ 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 Illinois 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 Illinois are ranked in alphabetical order.
The Best Christian Colleges in Illinois
Augustana CollegeLocation: 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.”
Benedictine University 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.”
Concordia University ChicagoLocation: 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.”
Greenville CollegeLocation: 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.”
Judson UniversityLocation: 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.”
Lincoln Christian UniversityLocation: 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.”
Moody Bible InstituteLocation: 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.”
North Park UniversityLocation: 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.”
Olivet Nazarene UniversityLocation: 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.”
Trinity Christian CollegeLocation: 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.”
Wheaton CollegeLocation: 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.”
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