Best Online Christian Colleges

If you’re interested in attending a college where Christian faith is a major focus but also would like to pursue a career in a secular field, then attending a Christian college could be the right choice for you.

Not to be confused with online Bible colleges, where curricula focus on biblical theology, Christian colleges offer classes in the arts, sciences, and other areas that will prepare you for careers in non-religious fields. The exact coursework and degree programs will vary based on the Christian college you choose.

A Christian college refers to any postsecondary, degree-granting institution that integrates biblical teachings and Christian philosophy into the curricula. Many Christian colleges offer concentrations in one particular denomination, such as Jesuit, Presbyterian, or Catholic.

Other Christian colleges are non-denominational. Unlike secular schools, which only provide religious education to students pursuing degrees in theology-related fields, Christian colleges require you to complete degree requirements related to the school’s religious faith.

Accreditation refers to the standardized vetting procedure that all degree-granting institutions must undergo in order to be officially recognized as educational providers. A school must be evaluated on the basis of its academic programs, faculty members, campus resources, and student outcomes in order to receive college accreditation.

In the U.S., accreditation-granting agencies are recognized by two overarching bodies: the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Both CHEA and the ED maintain databases of recognized accrediting agencies where you can verify if your prospective online program is accredited.

According to CHEA, three recognized accreditors can evaluate Christian schools:

An online program at a Christian college or university represents a significant financial and time investment for any student. In addition to ensuring your online college is properly accredited, you must carefully vet each school you are considering for several other factors as well.

Different colleges offer different programs and majors. Before choosing an online college, you should consider if your interests match the courses offered within a program. More broadly, you should also make sure that the school offers the degree you’re interested in pursuing. You should also research which major prepares you to accomplish your career goals.

The total cost of college — including tuition, fees, and other college-related expenses — depends on several factors. Private colleges almost always cost more than public schools.

Also, part-time students tend to pay more than full-time students over the course of their degree. If you’re concerned about cost, consider online classes, which often cost less than on-campus classes.

Being around like-minded people can make the college experience more comforting. To maximize your college experience, ensure that your views align with the school’s views and practices. This matters because the faculty and students likely share these same beliefs. As a student, you will spend years learning in this environment.

Many students at Christian colleges participate in mission trips or gap year programs. Some schools require some sort of intensive service project, especially for ministry programs. Even when not required, many Christian colleges offer service opportunities.

Mission trips and gap year programs can provide many benefits. They expose you to everyday living in another country, allowing you to experience a different culture. Service projects can also boost your career standing, particularly if you plan to pursue a job in ministry or theology.

The requirements and curriculum of a Christian degree vary by school. Generally speaking, these institutions offer programs that integrate biblical teachings and Christian philosophy into an otherwise secular curriculum.

Christian colleges and universities vary in terms of course selection, but many Christian colleges offer the same areas of study, such as the courses listed below:

This course delves into early biblical history, beginning with the creation of the world as laid out in the Book of Genesis. You learn how Old Testament doctrine has influenced laws and ethics throughout the world, as well as key differences between these 46 books and the Christ-centered New Testament.

Beginning with the birth of Jesus Christ, the New Testament chronicles the life and death of Jesus, followed by the creation of the modern Christian church. You examine similarities and differences between the strict Christian laws of the Old Testament and the newer, more progressive message of the New Testament.

Theology is the study of God and religious beliefs. In a Christian context, theology examines the philosophy behind different biblical teachings, as well as the evolution of the Christian faith over time. Introduction to theology courses equip you with foundational knowledge and skills needed for more advanced theology studies.

This course explores the fundamental differences and similarities between Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and other major world faiths. Focus areas include scriptural comparisons, monotheism vs. polytheism analyses, practices among devout followers, and world regions where different religions are most predominant.

Persuasion refers to the various factors that contribute to the development of different religious beliefs, philosophical ideas, attitudes, and behaviors. You learn how persuasion and reason effectively shape modern Christianity and its various denominations, as well as theological arguments and religious propaganda.

As a Christian student, you can find many scholarship and financial aid opportunities. This section explores scholarships, grants, and other awards aimed at students of faith. In our list of scholarships below, we included the estimated amount, deadline, and eligibility criteria for each scholarship.

This award is open to female applicants attending one of the over 200 accredited colleges and universities in the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. This is a need-based scholarship aimed at Christian female students. The rolling deadline changes on an annual basis.

Amount: Varies by year.

This award is for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students with plans to enter careers in ordained ministry. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who hail from the Texas panhandle and are full-time degree-seeking students with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. The rolling deadline is January 29.

Amount: $5,000 for upper-class undergraduate students; $7,000 for graduate students

Named for the former president of the Women’s Missionary Union of Texas, this award is for students belonging to ethnic or racial minority groups who are pursuing a Christian education. This is a renewable scholarship; the amount will depend on whether the recipient is enrolled full- or part-time. The rolling deadline is April 15.

Amount: $1,000 per semester or $2,000 per year for full-time students; $500 per semester or $1,000 per year for part-time students.

This award is open to college juniors, seniors, or graduate students pursuing degrees in Christian music ministry. Applicants must be dedicated music majors focusing on choral performance and enrolled full-time in their degree program. The rolling deadline is February 1. Note that this scholarship was not offered in the 2022-23 school year, but the nonprofit organization hopes to offer it again in the future.

Amount: Up to $1,500 per recipient.

A Christian college provides a religious education along with typical secular coursework in the arts and sciences, while a Bible college offers coursework that prepares graduates for a career in the church or ministry.

Consider choosing a Christian college if you want a religious component in your education but still want the option to pursue a non-religious degree and career path. Choose a Bible college if your interests and career goals lie specifically in biblical coursework and theology.

No, you don’t need to be Christian to attend Christian colleges online or in person. Most religious universities don’t require you to share their religious views.

However, be sure to research a school’s religious culture before you apply so you have a full understanding of requirements and expectations ahead of time. Some schools may require (or prohibit) certain activities, and others have courses rooted in Christian practices.

There are many other reasons students may choose a Christian school besides religion, including location, programs, athletics, and smaller class sizes.

Modern science remains a hot topic among religious scholars and students. Historically, many Christian colleges have shied away from teaching certain topics of modern science, such as biological evolution.

However, current accreditation standards demand that Christian colleges and universities must offer courses rooted in modern science in order to earn official accreditation.

You should carefully review the curricular standards of each Christian college you are considering. If a school has not received accreditation or is accredited by an agency that hasn’t been recognized by the ED or CHEA, it may not offer courses that cover modern science.

The curriculum between an online and on-campus Christian college tends to be the same regardless of whether you’re taking classes in-person or online. The right option for you depends on your learning style and what you hope to gain from your college experience.

For example, if you learn better in a face-to-face environment and enjoy socializing, you may prefer an on-campus Christian college. If you’re tech-savvy, thrive independently, and prefer completing coursework on your own schedule, an online Christian college may work better.

You should consider your personal and financial situation as well. Online programs typically offer greater flexibility and affordability than on-campus programs.