The editors at Lord’s Library have compiled this list of the best Christian colleges in Ohio to save you the search.
Searching for the best Christian colleges in Ohio 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 73 percent. Ohio’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 Ohio 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 Ohio are ranked in alphabetical order.
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.”
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