Best Online Christian Colleges 2025
Online Christian universities can provide a comprehensive education that applies Christian teachings, values, and philosophy. These private institutions offer instruction in math, science, and liberal arts while allowing you to maintain or reconnect with your faith.
Choosing an online degree program will allow you to take classes when they fit your schedule. If you find an accelerated program, you may be able to graduate in less time.
We’ve ranked the best online Christian colleges and evaluated their affordability, course offerings, and student success.
Best Online Christian Colleges
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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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- In-State$25,600
- Out-of-state$25,600
- In-State$8,904
- Out-of-state$8,904
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled11,775
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Ashland University
- Ashland, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$23,000
- Out-of-state$23,000
- In-State$7,656
- Out-of-state$7,656
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled6,201
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
McKendree University
- Lebanon, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$32,020
- Out-of-state$32,020
- In-State$9,450
- Out-of-state$9,450
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled1,960
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment74%
- AccreditationYes
Montreat College
- Montreat, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$30,250
- Out-of-state$30,250
- In-State$9,963
- Out-of-state$9,963
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled972
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Charleston Southern University
- Charleston, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$29,490
- Out-of-state$29,490
- In-State$5,085
- Out-of-state$5,085
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled3,418
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
University of Mobile
- Mobile, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$23,860
- Out-of-state$23,860
- In-State$13,405
- Out-of-state$13,405
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled1,804
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
Oakwood University
- Huntsville, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$18,974
- Out-of-state$18,974
- In-State$13,680
- Out-of-state$13,680
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled1,470
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Concordia University-Saint Paul
- Saint Paul, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$24,400
- Out-of-state$24,400
- In-State$8,550
- Out-of-state$8,550
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled5,502
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
Concordia University-Wisconsin
- Mequon, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$32,770
- Out-of-state$32,770
- In-State$12,042
- Out-of-state$12,042
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled5,063
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Belhaven University
- Jackson, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$27,980
- Out-of-state$27,980
- In-State$10,710
- Out-of-state$10,710
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled3,627
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Why Get an Online Degree?
- You can earn an online degree at virtually any location as long as you have reliable internet.
- Most online degree programs allow you the flexibility to complete coursework at your own pace.
- Completing an online degree enables you to advance your career while participating in the workforce.
- Online degrees are often affordable because many students can live at home and don’t have to pay for housing, transportation, or on-campus fees.
- Earning a degree online can help increase your salary potential and expertise.
How Much Does an Online Degree Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, you can expect to pay an average of $37,600 in tuition and fees alone at a four-year private university.
Online programs are often more affordable, especially if you complete your degree with an accelerated schedule. Many online institutions offer enough flexibility to allow you to keep working while attending classes.
If you’re a budget-conscious student, you can still earn your degree from one of the many affordable online Christian colleges. You can also explore financial aid and scholarship options —online students often qualify for the same financial aid opportunities as on-campus students.
Scholarships for Christian Colleges
Religious students who attend a Christian college can qualify for unique scholarship opportunities. Scholarships are often based on where you live, your denomination, your community impact, and where you’re attending college.
You can also apply for scholarships at the specific Christian college you attend. Many Christian universities award scholarships to students who demonstrate financial need, have earned good grades, or show extensive community service.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellence in Character Scholarship | Graduating seniors in Texas | $500 | July 22 |
| Christian Connector Scholarship Drawing | First-time, full-time students at a Christian college or Bible college | $5,000 | May 31 |
| Christian Missionary Scholarship Foundation | Students whose parents are missionaries | Varies | February 1 |
| Dora Maclellan Brown Ministry Scholarships | Chattanooga-area students who seek to work in vocational Christian services | Varies | February 15 |
| George and Lynna Gene Cook Scholarship | Graduating seniors in Nebraska | $1,200 | March 15 |
| Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation | Female Christian students attending college in the South | Varies | Varies |
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 the unique characteristics of each institution.
Private Christian University
Most private universities in the US have a religious affiliation. A private Christian university typically offers 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.
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 emphasize mission work, 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 and theological school.
Seminary and theology students 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
Accreditation verifies that a school upholds standards of academic excellence. Attending an accredited school allows you to apply for financial aid, transfer credits to another college, qualify for professional licenses, and attend graduate school.
If you want a conventional undergraduate degree from an online Christian college, look for one with institutional accreditation from an agency recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
If you are interested in a Bible college or seminary degree, look for schools with programmatic, Christian-focused accreditations. Here are some accreditors to look for:
- Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
- Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
- Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Christian Colleges
Some of the most prestigious Christian colleges include Pepperdine University, Wheaton College, Biola University, Baylor University, and the University of Notre Dame.
Factors like retention rates, graduation rates, and student outcomes often inform a school’s prestige. Choosing a reputable Christian college can help ensure a quality education and improve your employment prospects upon graduation.
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