Best Online Christian Colleges 2025
Some Christian students prefer to study at an institution aligned with their religious beliefs. Online Christian colleges offer this opportunity, pairing the flexibility and convenience of online higher education with faith-based values.
This review of 2025’s best online Christian colleges includes schools with varying denominational profiles and levels of faith integration. However, they all share a formal Christian affiliation, which is expressed in their institutional values and academic programming.
Best Online Christian Colleges
Campbellsville University
- Campbellsville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
Campbellsville University offers nearly 90 online degree and certificate programs in addition to those held in person at the Kentucky campus. The school's online classes run in asynchronous eight-week blocks to accommodate busy working students. The school stands out for its commitment to building a well-supported and inclusive virtual community.Â
Cost per Credit: $195-$603
Christian Denomination: BaptistÂ
Why Students Choose CU:
- Online Service: CU Serve allows online students to perform and participate in acts of service virtually.
- Generous Transfer Credit Policy: CU awards up to 72 transfer credits for undergraduate students and up to 12 for graduate degree students.
- Multiple Start Dates: CU offers six start dates annually.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Varying Tuition Rates: Tuition rates vary by program and degree level.
- Accelerated Courses: Eight-week classes may be more rigorous and demanding than semester-length classes.
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56%
$25,600
60%
$25,600
- Acceptance Rate
- 78%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,775
- Institution Type
- Private
Ashland University
- Ashland, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
For online students, Ashland University offers more than 50 program options, including degrees and certificates in business, education, and healthcare. The Ohio school's online programs are offered asynchronously in eight-week sessions. Despite its many program offerings, the school maintains an intimate feel.
Cost per Credit: $395-$610
Christian Denomination: Anabaptist
Why Students Choose Ashland:
- Frequent Start Dates: Programs start every eight weeks.
- Small Classes: Ashland classes have a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- Test Scores Optional: Only nursing students need to submit standardized test scores for admission.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Online Technology Fee: All online classes charge a $46-per-credit learning technology fee.Â
- No Online Church Service: Online students must visit campus to attend a service.Â
62%
$23,000
70%
$23,000
- Acceptance Rate
- 81%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,201
- Institution Type
- Private
McKendree University
- Lebanon, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
The oldest college in Illinois, McKendree University offers more than 20 online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. The school's online courses typically run in an eight-week asynchronous format, but some synchronous or in-person sessions may be required.
Cost per Credit: $330-$605
Christian Denomination: Methodist
Why Students Choose McKendree:
- Flexible Admission Requirements: McKendree offers an accommodating test-optional admission policy.
- Small Class Sizes: Classes average a 15-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio.
- Postgraduate Success: The school boasts a 97% postgraduate success rate.Â
Know Before You Enroll:
- In-Person Requirements: Some programs feature in-person requirements, like internships at sites near the campus.
- No Online Church Service: McKendree does not offer virtual services for online students.Â
74%
$32,020
75%
$32,020
- Acceptance Rate
- 68%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,960
- Institution Type
- Private
Montreat College
- Montreat, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
Montreat College offers more than 25 online programs at various levels. The school provides fully online and hybrid courses that run asynchronously in eight-week blocks to accommodate working and nontraditional students.Â
Cost per Credit: $430-$615
Christian Denomination: Presbyterian
Why Students Choose Montreat:
- Multiple Start Dates: Montreat offers at least six start dates each year.Â
- Service and Worship Opportunities: Montreat provides ample opportunities for students to serve the community and attend worship services.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Limited Discounts for Online Students: Montreat charges the same rates to all online students, including military personnel.Â
- In-Person Attendance: Many service, worship, and student life opportunities take place on or near the campus.
43%
$30,250
62%
$30,250
- Acceptance Rate
- 68%
- Students Enrolled
- 972
- Institution Type
- Private
Charleston Southern University
- Charleston, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
At Charleston Southern University, students can pursue online programs in 20 disciplines at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The online courses run asynchronously in accelerated seven-week sessions, allowing many students to complete their majors in less than two years. The school offers a flat online tuition rate that helps learners calculate their costs in advance.
Cost per Credit: $515
Christian Denomination: Baptist
Why Students Choose CSU:
- All-Inclusive Cost: CSU's online tuition rates include course materials to avoid hidden fees.
- Accessible Admissions: CSU's admission requirements are easy to meet for many students.
- Small Classes: The school boasts a low 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Know Before You Enroll:
- In-Person Requirements: Some programs, such as labs and internships, have in-person components.
- Demanding Programs: Accelerated courses may be more intensive than slower-paced courses.
- On-Campus Ministries: Students will need to be on campus to attend ministries.
50%
$29,490
70%
$29,490
- Acceptance Rate
- 87%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,418
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Mobile
- Mobile, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
The University of Mobile offers more than 10 online degree programs, including undergraduate programs in business administration, nursing, and psychology. UM's online classes run in asynchronous eight-week sessions, and the flat-rate tuition saves learners money when taking heavier course loads.Â
Cost per Credit: $844Â
Christian Denomination: Baptist
Why Students Choose UM:
- Small Classes: Classes at UM have a low 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- Several Annual Start Dates: Students can start in any semester.
- Student Life: UM offers more than 200 events annually as well as 20 student groups and campus ministries.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Standardized Test Scores: Applicants must submit ACT or SAT scores for admission.
- Admission Requirements: Students need a minimum 2.75 GPA.Â
- In-Person Requirements: Some programs have in-person experiences that may be on or near the campus.
22%
$23,860
68%
$23,860
- Acceptance Rate
- 84%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,804
- Institution Type
- Private
Oakwood University
- Huntsville, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
Through its Leadership Education for the Adult Professional pathway, Oakwood University offers online programs including church leadership, organizational management, and general studies. The degree completion programs run online and in a hybrid format, with some classes meeting one night each week.Â
Cost per Credit: $375
Christian Denomination: Seventh-day Adventist
Why Students Choose Oakwood:
- Fast Degree Completion: Students can graduate in less than two years.
- Intimate Classes: Students take part in the same small cohort for the entire length of their program.
- Affordability: Oakwood offers one of the lowest tuition rates among private Christian colleges.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Degree Completion Programs: Candidates need at least 30 undergraduate credits for admission.
- Synchronous Sessions: The online courses feature scheduled classes that run one evening per week.
- Age Requirement: Students must be at least 25 years old to earn admission.
46%
$18,974
77%
$18,974
- Acceptance Rate
- 68%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,470
- Institution Type
- Private
Concordia University-Saint Paul
- Saint Paul, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
Concordia University, St. Paul has more than 50 online degree programs, including 15 at the bachelor's level. The online classes run asynchronously for maximum flexibility, and all online students qualify for a tuition discount at CSP.
Cost per Credit: $420
Christian Denomination: Lutheran
Why Students Choose CSP:
- Student Services: Online students enjoy access to a mentorship program, tutoring services, and career development opportunities.Â
- Flexible Admission Requirements: CSP accepts candidates with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
- Career Success: CSP boasts a 95% employment rate for alumni within one year of graduation.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Fieldwork: Some programs feature in-person requirements, such as practicums and field experiences.
- Scholarship Ineligibility: Online students do not qualify for scholarships at CSP.
- Prerequisites: Some programs feature mandatory prerequisites for entry.
72%
$24,400
61%
$24,400
- Acceptance Rate
- 69%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,502
- Institution Type
- Private
Concordia University-Wisconsin
- Mequon, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
Concordia University Wisconsin offers more than 90 online degree, certificate, and licensure programs. The online classes run in six- to eight-week sessions, either in an asynchronous self-paced format or an asynchronous cohort format. CUW also offers accelerated degree programs that include one scheduled evening course each week. Â
Cost per Credit: $490
Christian Denomination: Lutheran
Why Students Choose CUW:
- Multiple Start Dates: CUW courses begin every eight weeks.
- Support Services: The school provides online learners access to writing support, career services, and an online writing lab.
- Various Formats: Online students can find a delivery format that best suits their learning style and needs.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Scheduled Classes: Some programs hold classes at set times.
- Intensive Programs: The accelerated online option may be more rigorous than a traditionally paced program.Â
- More Responsibility: Online classes run more flexibly but require better self-discipline and time management.Â
57%
$32,770
79%
$32,770
- Acceptance Rate
- 68%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,063
- Institution Type
- Private
Belhaven University
- Jackson, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
You can choose from over 40 online degree programs at Belhaven University and enjoy flexible study schedules and seven-week courses. The school also offers numerous tuition discounts and other forms of financial aid that 90% of the student body utilizes.Â
Cost per Credit: $445-$625
Christian Denomination: Presbyterian
Why Students Choose Belhaven:
- Accelerated Programs: Belhaven offers fast-tracked programs that allow students to graduate quicker.
- Small Class Sizes: Many courses feature a 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for more student-teacher interaction.Â
- Online Chapel: Students can watch chapel videos online to feel more connected to the campus community and service leadership.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Additional Fees: Belhaven courses incur a technology fee of $35 per credit.
- In-Person Requirements: Some programs feature internships that require in-person attendance.
- Local Opportunities: Many internship and networking opportunities are local to the Jackson, Mississippi, campus.
67%
$27,980
67%
$27,980
- Acceptance Rate
- 43%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,627
- Institution Type
- Private
Types of Christian Colleges
You may be looking for a specific type of Christian education based on your career goals and religious interests. While each type of online Christian college has common characteristics, it’s important to understand each institution’s unique characteristics.
Private Christian University
Many private universities in the U.S. have a religious affiliation. Private Christian universities typically offer the same educational experience, course requirements, and degree offerings as a public college.
The level of religious influence will vary by college. At some Christian universities, faculty will integrate Christian principles and teachings into their courses, and students will be required to take some religion-specific courses.
Some private Christian universities are nondenominational, meaning they are not aligned with any particular branch of Christianity. Others maintain formal affiliations to specific denominations, such as the Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, or Roman Catholic churches.
Christian liberal arts colleges are another distinct subtype of private Christian universities. These schools, which are typically small private colleges, offer both nonreligious and religious programs and courses, but tend to integrate Biblical viewpoints into all classes. They also mainly appeal to undergraduate students.
Bible College
Bible colleges provide focused instruction in theology and Biblical subjects. If you are interested in a four-year degree from a Bible college, you may want to pursue ministerial training alongside your coursework.
Online Bible college courses and training typically emphasize mission work, Christian counseling, workshop leadership, evangelism, and pastoral care.
Seminary/School of Theology
If you aspire to work in ministry and want an education that goes beyond an undergraduate degree, consider a seminary or theological school. Seminary schools usually have denominational affiliations and specifically train students for careers in faith and community leadership. Theological schools also offer this training, but with broader denominational inclusion and greater academic breadth.
Seminary and theology students can take in-person or online courses in church history, biblical languages, philosophy, leadership and administration, preaching, and pastoral care. These programs typically last 2-3 years.
Accreditation for Online Christian Colleges
The best online Christian colleges frequently hold specialized accreditations from organizations that evaluate and endorse faith-based educational institutions. These specialized accreditations function as a form of quality control, ensuring alignment with the accrediting agency’s standards. They also assert the school’s Christian identity and enhance its credibility among religious community members.
Major accreditors of online Christian colleges include:
What to Expect at a Christian College
Christian colleges often offer a distinct student experience, even if your program does not require a campus presence. For example, their online programs frequently require courses in Christian theology or spirituality. In some cases, Christian schools also infuse conventional academic coursework with religious perspectives.
On campus, religious values can be even more apparent. Religious symbolism, chapel services, and faith-based student organizations can be common. Some Christian colleges also maintain codes of conduct emphasizing strict ethical and moral standards, which may include restrictions on sexual behavior and prohibitions on alcohol, drug, and tobacco use.
Scholarships for Christian Colleges
Explore financial aid programs and scholarships for Christian students, including these valuable opportunities:
Champions for Christ Foundation Scholarships
The Champions for Christ Foundation offers scholarship funding to qualified applicants pursuing full-time educational training for careers in Christian ministry. Award amounts vary, and past winners can reapply for additional funding as they continue their education.Christian Connector Scholarship Drawing
Christian Connector runs a free annual scholarship draw, which is open to students who are at least 13 years of age and planning to enter a Christian college or Bible college as a first-time, full-time student. Prizes include gift cards and scholarships valued from $500-$5,000.Christian Missionary Scholarship Foundation
Since its 1992 founding, the Christian Missionary Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than $830,000 to children of missionaries pursuing higher education. Award amounts vary, but are renewable for up to four years. To qualify, you must be an undergraduate student at one of six partner Christian colleges.ELCA Fund for Leaders
Offered by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the ELCA Fund for Leaders scholarship program includes four awards, which provide up to the full cost of a recipient’s tuition. All four programs require applicants to be attending theological or seminary schools in preparation for careers in ministry.The Harvey Fellowship
Offered through the 28Twelve Foundation, the Harvey Fellowship awards funding to full-time graduate students in competitive academic programs at top-ranked universities. Successful applicants must be pursuing careers in change-making fields in which Christians are demonstrably underrepresented. Winners receive a $16,000 stipend, renewable for up to two years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christian Colleges
Christian colleges are private educational institutions formally affiliated with the faith traditions and values of Christianity. They present academic material through a Christian worldview and actively integrate Christianity into campus life. In some cases, this includes required coursework in theology and adherence to a code of conduct informed by Christian morality.
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