Top Christian Universities in America

In today’s college market, options can be overwhelming for those pursuing a Christian post-secondary education. Should you attend a small school or a large one? Is teacher to student ratio the most important thing, or do you need to pay more attention to how many classes are taught by graduate students instead of professors? Does it matter how many graduate students there are if you are pursuing an undergraduate degree? How much does in-state tuition differ from out-of-state rates when it comes to private schools? What is the difference between a college and a university anyway? The questions are endless, and that is without even touching on issues such as whether or not the school you are interested in carries the program you are interested in studying and how much financial aid they award every year. Frankly, deciding you want to attend a Christian college does not help narrow down the list of potential options nearly as much as you would expect. In some ways, this is a good thing. You have any number of wonderful schools to choose from. Whether you’re still in the looking phase or making the final decision, here are 11 Christian colleges and universities well worth considering.

Regent University

Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia

High Christian values: Located a short drive from the water, Regent University offers both traditional classes and online courses that can be used to achieve a variety of degrees including associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Regent prides itself on being founded on biblical principles and has been ranked as the Best Online Bachelor's Program in Virginia and their online business program is considered to be on of the best in the state. The college is also known for being the most military-friendly school among universities that have more than 10,000 students. Regent is one of the nation’s leading academic centers for Christian thought and action and if you’re a student looking for a highly Christian-valued college experience, Regent University is your place. Since its founding, the university’s motto has been ‘Christian Leadership to Change the World,” and doesn’t shy away from their commitment with opportunities on and off the campus.

Learn how you can attend Regent University next semester!

Grand Canyon University

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Degree Variety and Affordable Costs: If you’re looking to advance your career, you should consider a degree from Grand Canyon University. The university has been in existence for more than 65 years and offers online, evening, and on-campus courses covering over 200 academic programs. You don’t have to worry about receiving a well-rounded education because GCU specializes in this. The courses the school offers are academically rich and also values-based. Another reason why GCU is a great choice is that they will guide you every step of the process whether you’re trying to figure out what your career calling is or trying to calculate your costs per year to secure financial aid. Since GCU has no out-of-state or international tuition, the school is able to keep education costs affordable for students who enroll here.

Learn how you can attend Grand Canyon University next semester!

Colorado Christian University

Location: Lakewood, Colorado

Small Class Relationships: If you’re looking for a university in a breathtaking location that also offers a small class feel, Colorado Christian University is your place. CCU is located in a beautiful suburb of Denver. The university was founded in 1914 and is recognized as the flagship Christian university in the Rocky Mountain region. What makes CCU stand out from the rest is the fact that it is a leader in higher education. In fact, it is ranked in the top 2 percent of colleges nationwide for its core curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. CCU has also been named one of the five fastest-growing universities by The Chronicle of Higher Education. The university offers more than 100 degree programs through its College of Undergraduate Studies and College of Adult and Graduate Studies. If you are looking for a degree online, CCU offers courses for more than 8,000 students not only on the main campus and in regional centers throughout Colorado, but also online.

Learn how you can attend Colorado Christian University next semester!

Houston Baptist University

Location: Houston, Texas

Faith and Reason: Established in 1960, Houston Baptist University was created by the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The university founders aimed to establish a Christian college that emphasized the quality of life and the quality of learning. HBU has created an education that combines faith, reason, and liberal arts into one core curriculum. Not only will you learn technical training, but also the teachings of Jesus Christ. The university also has a number of centers and institutes to help further the school's mission, including The Center for Exploring Ministry careers. CEMC assists students who are committed to or are considering Christian vocation discover the options available to them. When you leave HBU, you will be better prepared for a life of service to the Church and the world.

Learn how you can attend HBU next semester!

Trevecca Nazarene University

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Christian leadership and service: Trevecca Nazarene University is a Christian university located in the heart of Nashville. The university is focused on preparing its students for lives of leadership and service, an excellent foundation for Christians called to discipleship. Trevecca was founded in 1901 and for more than a century has been committed to being experienced education leaders. This Christian university has also been an experienced leader in delivering education online for more than a decade. Professors provide a holistic education to encourage students to grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. An education with Trevecca is sure to provide you with a wealth of knowledge, a network of professional peers and an advantage in the marketplace so that you are prepared to face your future with confidence. As a Christian student, you will walk away feeling hopeful, encouraged and assured about your education and making a quality impact in the world.

More about Trevecca Nazarene University

Fordham University

Location: Based in New York City

Culturally rich: Fordham is a Roman Catholic affiliated institution and with a mission to foster the intellectual, moral and religious development of its students, it doesn’t disappoint. A long with offering an education based in the Jesuit tradition that promotes both intellectualism and strong Christian ethics, it also is located in the City, offering students the best of both worlds: a strong Christian rooted education in a city filled with heavy cultural richness. The university totals around 16,000 students across nine schools. Over 9,000 of those students are undergraduates, and the freshman class averages around 2,000 students each year. Of the graduate schools, the Gabelli School of Business has the largest number of students followed closely by the Graduate School of Social Service. Over 80 percent of Fordham's students receive financial aid and of the faculty, more than 90 percent of the professors hold Ph.D's or the equivalent terminal degree in their field.

Visit Fordham University's Website

Baylor University

Location: Waco, Texas

An active university: Baylor is a Baptist University and the campus is known as being one of the most active in the country. Not only are students offered tons of missionary opportunities locally but also, internationally. Prayer is also a major part of Baylor's campus culture. Students and faculty meet daily for prayer sessions and weekly worship services. In addition to giving students the opportunity to develop rich spiritual and prayer lives, Baylor offers over 200 different degree programs and is the top seven percent of the National Merit Scholars program. Baylor is also classified as a Doctoral University with Higher Research Activity by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Of their 2016 graduating class, over 86 percent of students found a job or started the next level of their education within 90 days of graduating from Baylor.

Learn more about Baylor University

Duke University

Location: Durham, NC

A deeply Christian-rooted history: Duke University’s history can be traced back to the Quakers and the Methodist church in the late 1800s. This university has had a strong affiliation with the church for over 150 years. They are also considered to be one of the best schools in the nation, and it often ranks among the top 10 universities. The school is divided into 10 different schools and colleges, many of which serve both graduate and undergraduate students. Duke offers over 4,000 courses each semester and allows students to mix and match certificates, majors, minors, and concentrations in order to create the education that will best serve their needs in the long run. While Duke is known for its emphasis on academic achievement, religion is a major focus: there’s a large religious presence on the campus, including but not limited to Baptists, Evangelicals, and Seventh-day Adventists.

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Liberty University

Location: Lynchburg, VA

A biblical worldview: Liberty University is committed to a biblical worldview. The university does not just talk the talk. They also walk the walk. This worldview is the foundation of their identity as a Christian university. Another great aspect of LU is that it is servant-minded. This includes serving one another within the community and working to make social change happen outside the community. This is a meaningful way that students demonstrate LU’s mission of being Champions for Christ. You can be assured that through its residential and online programs, services and facilities, LU educates and supports students to make larger faith contributions in their personal and professional lives. When you leave the university, you will be prepared to follow your chosen vocations as a calling to glorify God and fulfill the Great Commission.

Learn more about Liberty University

Texas Christian University

Location: Fort Worth, Texas

A well-rounded experience: Not only is Texas Christian the biggest religious university associated with the Disciples of Christ Christian Church offering students a strong Christian-inspired education, the university offers more than 20 religious organizations for students to join, alongside an active fraternity and sorority community, a NCAA Division 1 Sports Team and a series of opportunities to give back. The school has a total enrollment of just under 11,000 students. The vast majority of the school is populated by undergraduate students, but there are still roughly 1,500 graduate students attending at any time. They have a school to faculty ration of about 13:1 as of Fall 2017 and 86 percent of those faculty members hold the highest degree available in their chosen field. For student degrees, there are 114 areas of undergraduate study, 58 master's programs and 36 areas of doctoral study.

More Info on Texas Christian University

Southern Methodist University

Location: Dallas, Texas

A diverse experience: While the university was founded by the United Methodist Church, it is now home to students from a range of religious backgrounds, offering diversity when it comes to student groups and ministries. Although the college offers a series of religious organizations and courses, the campus maintains a secular curriculum. The school also is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and the way its students and faculty alike "work hard to bring their innovations to life." The university has a close relationship with the city of Dallas, something that is important for anyone who is considering attending. This relationship offers unique learning, research and social opportunities as well as giving Southern Methodist University students a potential leg up when it comes to searching for a career after they graduate.

Southern Methodist University's Website

Pepperdine University

Location: Malibu, California

A breathtaking campus: If you’re looking for a jaw-dropping college location, Pepperdine University just might be your place. Located in Malibu, California, the ocean is right at your doorstep. Alongside its awesome location, Pepperdine University is serious about its Christian values. With an affiliation with the Church of Christ, students are required to take Bible courses throughout their enrollment and attend a series of spiritual events throughout the semester. As for education, Pepperdine University offers five separate graduate and undergraduate schools with a total of 73 different degree programs available to students. Their student to teacher ratio is roughly 13:1 for all five schools, and they have been rated highly in terms of value. They are also highly ranked for their entrepreneurial spirit, with Forbes ranking them the 10th most entrepreneurial school.

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Geneva College

Location: Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania

An Ivy-League Feel: Geneva College is a Christian liberal arts college, with a challenging education rooted in God’s truth in hopes of helping students ‘become the person God designed them to be.’ The college integrates the Christian faith in every major and concentration, alongside a heavy academic experience. The college is also known for its Ivy League-style architecture, in a natural setting. The school lists its core values as serving with grace, pursuing Godly wisdom, fostering academic strength, engaging culture faithfully, inspiring vibrant hospitality, and honoring each other. Their historic motto, "Pro Christo et Patria" or "For Christ and Country," serves as the backbone for the college. Geneva boasts over 115 majors and programs and is ranked in the Top 100 Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs in the United States.

Learn how you can attend Geneva College next semester!

Westmont College

Location: Santa Barbara, California

Small college feel: Westmont College is ranked as one of the top Christian universities. It is an undergraduate, residential, liberal arts college and was ranked as one of the top 100 liberal arts colleges in America. They offer 26 liberal arts majors, 11 pre-professional programs, an elementary and secondary credential program, and up to 12 units for internships and practica. They offer a comprehensive financial aid program for which more than 80 percent of their students usually qualify. If you have a passion for Christ with a desire for a small community environment, Westmont College may be your place. With a commitment to historic Christianity, students are encouraged to integrate their beliefs with their studies and live out their faith in service to others. The college’s location is also unique, offering students the ability to experience the ocean and the mountains whenever they please.

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Indiana Wesleyan University

Location: Marion, Indiana

Character, Scholarship, and Leadership: Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christian arts college with a disciple-making culture. IWU is also committed to academic excellence and influencing others to be more like Jesus. The university was founded in 1920 as Marion College, and the primary value today is Christlikeness. If you choose an IWU education, you will enter a Christ-centered academic community that is committed to changing the world by developing its student in character, scholarship, and leadership. If you're ready to change the world for Jesus Christ and be equipped to pour salt and shine light everywhere your life takes you, IWU is for you. This university will bring out the world changer in you.

Get more information on IWU's online degree programs

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