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.
Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Best Online Christian Colleges
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#1 Best Online Christian Colleges of 2023
Ozark Christian College
- Joplin, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Joplin, Missouri, Ozark Christian College (OCC) prioritizes affordability. The institution provides a quality education that can help undergraduates, graduate students, and lifelong learners alike accomplish their academic and career objectives.
Ozark Christian College offers one online degree path: a bachelor's program in biblical studies geared toward working professionals. The university has a graduation rate of around 57%, indicating that the majority of students who enroll graduate within a reasonable time frame.
OCC's annual undergraduate tuition rate is about $12,660 regardless of residency. The institution is committed to helping students finance their education, with the college reporting that 100% of its learners receive financial aid.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
30%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Christian Colleges of 2023
Campbellsville University
- Campbellsville, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Campbellsville University (CU) offers a wide selection of online programs for degree-seekers at all levels. With many distance learning paths to choose from, the Kentucky-based university supports students pursuing diverse academic and professional goals.
CU's online degree offerings span a variety of disciplines, such as business, education, nursing, and ministry. With about 70 online degree programs available, the school boasts a total online enrollment of over 9,000. The university's graduation rate is approximately 36%.
Annual tuition for CU undergraduates costs about $24,900, while the graduate student rate is around $8,470. About 90% of students at the institution receive some form of financial aid, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making a Christian education affordable for degree-seekers from all walks of life.
Percent Online Enrollment
72%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Christian Colleges of 2023
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
At Liberty University, students at every level enjoy access to a vast range of affordable online degree options. Whether you're a first-time undergraduate, transfer student, or graduate learner, the institution's virtual programs offer a quality Christian education that can help you increase your skills and knowledge.
Liberty's online degree offerings cover disciplines such as business, education, nursing, public health, and social work. The school offers around 174 online degrees with a total online enrollment of over 86,000. The university's features a graduation rate of approximately 54%.
The annual tuition rate for undergraduates at Liberty is about $14,790, while graduate degree-seekers pay about $7,935. According to Liberty, 99% of enrollees at the institution receive financial aid. The school's financial aid office can help prospective applicants determine their eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other forms of aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Christian Colleges of 2023
University of Northwestern-St. Paul
- Saint Paul, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Northwestern-St. Paul (UNW) delivers affordable online degrees infused with a Christian worldview. The university's institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission attests to the high quality of its programs, faculty, and student support services.
With 14 virtual degree options in fields like business, psychology, and biblical studies, UNW enrolls about 2,520 distance learners. The university's graduation rate of 69% indicates that the majority of UNW enrollees complete their degree programs.
Undergraduates at UNW can expect to pay about $32,490 in tuition per year, and graduate degree-seekers pay around $8,980. UNW reports that 100% of its students receive some form of financial aid, indicating that the institution successfully helps enrollees find ways to fund their education.
Percent Online Enrollment
72%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Christian Colleges of 2023
Drew University
- Madison, NJ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, emphasizes affordability and academic rigor. Institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the university offers graduate and undergraduate programs in the liberal arts, professional studies, and theology.
Drew University administers two programs for distance learners and maintains a total online enrollment of about 2,200. With a graduation rate of approximately 69%, the school offers strong student support that helps the majority of students complete their programs on time.
Drew University reports that nearly all of its students — 97% — receive financial aid to help pay their educational expenses. The annual tuition rate for undergraduates is about $39,830, while the rate for graduate degree-seekers is about $18,870. Prices are the same for in-state and out-of-state learners.
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
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.
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:
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Christian Colleges
What is the No. 1 Christian college?
Some of the most prestigious Christian colleges include Pepperdine University, Wheaton College, Biola University, Liberty 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.
What is the largest religious college?
The largest religious college is Arizona's Grand Canyon University, with 103,072 students enrolled. Other large religious universities include Liberty University, Columbia College, Indiana Wesleyan University, and Duke University, with over 17,000 students enrolled.
Is an online degree a real degree?
An accredited online degree is just as legitimate as a degree completed on campus. Online programs often follow the same curriculum and coursework requirements as a traditional program. Once you've graduated, your diploma will not specify that your degree was completed online.
Are online colleges worth it?
Depending on your career goals, an online Christian college degree may be well worth the time and expense you put toward your education.
Many distance learners and online college graduates feel that their degrees have a positive return on their investments. If you want to further your education or acquire new skills while maintaining your job, taking online classes can help you accomplish your academic goals.
Is Bible college a real degree?
A degree from an accredited Bible college is a legitimate and credible measure of your skills and knowledge. If you want to be a minister or study theology, a degree from a Bible college may give you an edge when finding religion-based employment.
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