The Best Online Christian Colleges

TBS Staff Writers
by
Updated October 18, 2023
Explore our list of the top-ranked online Christian colleges to help determine which program is right for you.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Online Christian colleges blend Christ-centered learning with the flexibility of online education.

Christian colleges benefit students who seek to enhance their religious understanding while also studying educational disciplines. These schools often hold affiliations with specific churches or religious organizations, but being Christian is not always a prerequisite to attend.

Online Christian colleges offer flexibility and convenience for learners who seek to blend religious exploration with academic learning. Online programs allow students to participate in synchronous, asynchronous, and accelerated programs. Non-Christian students, who may not conform to on-campus dress codes or service attendance requirements, can also thrive at online Christian colleges.

Studying at an online Christian college allows students to interact with like-minded peers and instructors safely. Schools associated with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) expanded their online offerings by joining forces with CampusEDU, and Acadeum has increased online learning opportunities for students at Christian colleges as well.

Read on for our ranking of the best Christian colleges.

​

Featured Online Schools

Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
​ ​

The Best Online Christian Colleges

​
#1 The Best Online Christian Colleges

Mississippi College

  • Location-markerClinton, MS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$17,550
  • Out-of-state$17,550
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate42%
  • Students Enrolled4,733
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment56%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 The Best Online Christian Colleges

Calvary University

  • Location-markerKansas City, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$10,276
  • Out-of-state$10,276
  • Retention Rate63%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled430
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment77%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 The Best Online Christian Colleges

Clarks Summit University

  • Location-markerSouth Abington Township, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$26,082
  • Out-of-state$26,082
  • Retention Rate78%
  • Acceptance Rate41%
  • Students Enrolled771
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment64%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 The Best Online Christian Colleges

Lincoln Christian University

  • Location-markerLincoln, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$13,590
  • Out-of-state$13,590
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled672
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment43%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 The Best Online Christian Colleges

Crown College

  • Location-markerSaint Bonifacius, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$26,480
  • Out-of-state$26,480
  • Retention Rate64%
  • Acceptance Rate50%
  • Students Enrolled1,522
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment68%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 The Best Online Christian Colleges

LeTourneau University

  • Location-markerLongview, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$30,520
  • Out-of-state$30,520
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate45%
  • Students Enrolled3,150
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment60%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 The Best Online Christian Colleges

North Greenville University

  • Location-markerTigerville, SC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$21,120
  • Out-of-state$21,120
  • Retention Rate72%
  • Acceptance Rate63%
  • Students Enrolled2,426
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment16%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 The Best Online Christian Colleges

Dallas Baptist University

  • Location-markerDallas, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$29,220
  • Out-of-state$29,220
  • Retention Rate72%
  • Acceptance Rate90%
  • Students Enrolled4,487
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment45%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 The Best Online Christian Colleges

Geneva College

  • Location-markerBeaver Falls, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$27,670
  • Out-of-state$27,670
  • Retention Rate73%
  • Acceptance Rate53%
  • Students Enrolled1,432
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment14%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 The Best Online Christian Colleges

Azusa Pacific University

  • Location-markerAzusa, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$39,640
  • Out-of-state$39,640
  • Retention Rate80%
  • Acceptance Rate67%
  • Students Enrolled9,297
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment30%
  • AccreditationYes
#11 The Best Online Christian Colleges

Bethel University

  • Location-markerSaint Paul, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$38,300
  • Out-of-state$38,300
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate79%
  • Students Enrolled4,005
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment39%
  • AccreditationYes
#12 The Best Online Christian Colleges

Johnson University

  • Location-markerKnoxville, TN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$15,480
  • Out-of-state$15,480
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate53%
  • Students Enrolled1,037
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment48%
  • AccreditationYes
#13 The Best Online Christian Colleges

Presbyterian College

  • Location-markerClinton, SC
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Tuition
  • In-State$36,300
  • Out-of-state$36,300
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled1,353
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment0%
  • AccreditationYes
#14 The Best Online Christian Colleges

Olivet Nazarene University

  • Location-markerBourbonnais, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$36,080
  • Out-of-state$36,080
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate58%
  • Students Enrolled4,317
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment58%
  • AccreditationYes
#15 The Best Online Christian Colleges

Toccoa Falls College

  • Location-markerToccoa Falls, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$22,414
  • Out-of-state$22,414
  • Retention Rate64%
  • Acceptance Rate60%
  • Students Enrolled1,833
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment65%
  • AccreditationYes
#16 The Best Online Christian Colleges

Indiana Wesleyan University

  • Location-markerMarion, IN
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$8,453
  • Out-of-state$8,453
  • Retention Rate0%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled11,410
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment97%
  • AccreditationYes
#17 The Best Online Christian Colleges

Belmont University

  • Location-markerNashville, TN
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Tuition
  • In-State$34,000
  • Out-of-state$34,000
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate84%
  • Students Enrolled8,440
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment20%
  • AccreditationYes
#18 The Best Online Christian Colleges

Huntington University

  • Location-markerHuntington, IN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$25,956
  • Out-of-state$25,956
  • Retention Rate82%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled1,384
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment19%
  • AccreditationYes
#19 The Best Online Christian Colleges

Northwest Nazarene University

  • Location-markerNampa, ID
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$30,550
  • Out-of-state$30,550
  • Retention Rate82%
  • Acceptance Rate86%
  • Students Enrolled2,111
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment50%
  • AccreditationYes
#20 The Best Online Christian Colleges

Roberts Wesleyan College

  • Location-markerRochester, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$31,350
  • Out-of-state$31,350
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate67%
  • Students Enrolled1,780
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment18%
  • AccreditationYes
​
​

What Is a Christian College?

​

Christian colleges provide academic programs that integrate religious faith and ideas with their curricula. Along with coursework in Christian topics, students also participate in on-campus and online activities that unite the campus community in their beliefs, ideologies, and practices.

While many Christian institutions maintain affiliations with specific churches, denominations, or religious organizations, non-religious learners can still enroll at most Christian colleges. Christian colleges typically welcome enrollees from all walks of life and belief systems.

Christian colleges offer undergraduate and graduate programs in traditional academic disciplines. Many schools also provide opportunities to earn degrees in Bible studies, divinity, and Christian ministry.

​

Choosing an Online Christian College

​
​

Accreditation for Christian Colleges

​

Most colleges and universities hold regional or national accreditation, which applies to entire institutions. Accreditation status can influence financial aid, transfer options, and educational standards, so students should always research the status of their prospective schools. For most non-vocational degrees, regional accreditation is preferred.

Christian colleges may hold additional accreditation through organizations that review religious institutions, such as the Association for Biblical Higher Education and the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. Accreditation from one of these entities indicates that a school meets educational and faith-related standards.

​

Christian Professional Organizations

Campus Crusade for Christ International

Cru is a community of Christ-centered disciples that promotes faith, growth, and fruitfulness around the world. This organization provides Christian students with opportunities for mission trips, internships, volunteer activities, and future employment.

Chi Alpha Campus Ministries

Represented on college and university campuses worldwide, Chi Alpha connects individuals who want to build their relationships with God. Along with spiritual resources and online events, Chi Alpha provides opportunities for learners to become involved on local, national, and international levels.

Coalition for Christian Outreach

Supporting students who want to dedicate their lives to serving Jesus Christ, CCO partners with local churches to build and support Christian communities on college campuses. Members can access online videos and study materials, opportunities to participate in the CCO Jubilee, and CCO’s fellowship and career resources.

Christianity Today

Established in 1956, Christianity Today promotes evangelical conversations by advocating for the church and its leaders. In addition to its widely distributed magazine, Christianity Today offers a newsletter, access to preaching and Bible study resources, and employment information.

International Fellowship of Evangelical Students

IFES fosters student-led Christian organizations worldwide to help unite Christians from all cultures and traditions. This fellowship provides training and funding for evangelism efforts, engages with universities, and builds student leaders through online resources and in-person events.

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

This fellowship promotes the presence of Jesus Christ on college campuses, offering retreat programs, published works, and online resources. Opportunities for involvement include mission activities, prayer groups, and interactive online events.
​
​

Frequently Asked Questions

​