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
#1 Best Online Christian Colleges of 2024
Amberton University
- Garland, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $300
Out-of-State | $300
Credits to Graduate: 120
With a 50-year history of educating working adults, Amberton's online bachelor's programs blend Christian values, affordability, and 10-week courses. Nine bachelor's programs offer fully online coursework. You can also take a blended degree format that combines required visits to the campus in Garland, Texas.
You can pursue degrees in business administration with various concentrations or interdisciplinary programs that include professional development, applied studies, and human relations and business.
Amberton’s pay-as-you-go payment plan allows you to defer tuition payments until the end of the session.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
85%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Christian Colleges of 2024
Amridge University
- Montgomery, AL
- 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
Full-Time | $335-$395
Part-Time | $365-$455
Credits to Graduate: 64-128, depending on the undergraduate degree
Amridge's online undergraduate and graduate programs stay faithful to the college's Christian heritage and dedication to distance learning. This Christian college first began offering distance education in 1993 and now exclusively offers online degrees.
You can pursue 17 online associate and bachelor's degrees from the College of Business and Leadership, College of General Studies, Turner School of Theology, or School of Continuing Education.
Amridge makes tuition more affordable by allowing you to pay tuition in payments over several months.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Christian Colleges of 2024
Ashland University
- Ashland, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $590
Out-of-State | $590
Credits to Graduate: 60-120, depending on the undergraduate degree
You can pursue affordable online associate and bachelor's programs at AU, a private Christian college founded in 1878. This college offers 10 undergraduate programs and one minor. As an online student, you can study subjects such as business, communication, criminal justice, cybersecurity, homeland security, or nursing.
AU also offers qualifying students a tuition-free education through its partnership with Say Yes Higher Education Compact. Eligible candidates must meet income and residency requirements.
Percent Online Enrollment
53%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Christian Colleges of 2024
Belhaven University
- Jackson, MS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $435
Out-of-State | $435
Credits to Graduate: 62-124
Belhaven's online degrees offer a fast pathway to higher education in a Christian environment. Founded in 1833, this college's general education credits integrate biblical coursework. Courses such as "Exploring the Old Testament" span 7 weeks. You can enroll in programs to study accounting, applied psychology, biblical-theological studies, business, or nursing.
Roughly 98% of undergraduates get financial aid from this affordable college. Additionally, students do not pay for literature and math books. Rental books and free resources further cut down on college costs.
Percent Online Enrollment
69%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Christian Colleges of 2024
Bryan College
- Dayton, TN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $395
Out-of-State | $395
Credits to Graduate: 60-120
Bryan College's online associate and bachelor's programs prepare graduates to spread Christian values in a variety of fields. This private Christian college's mission to offer an accessible Christian education began in 1930, when it admitted its first students.
You can pick from an online catalog that includes majors in applied criminal psychology, business administration, communication studies, criminal justice, interdisciplinary studies, and public administration.
You can save time and money by earning up to 24 credits for prior learning experiences gained through work or military experience. Credit by examination offers up to an additional seven credits.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online Christian Colleges of 2024
Buena Vista University
- Storm Lake, IA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $465
Out-of-State | $465
Credits to Graduate: 120
BVU's online undergraduate degrees combine a private Christian education with affordable tuition. This 133-year-old college's tradition of online learning dates back 15 years. Today, you can pick from 11 virtual degrees that require no on-campus visits. Bachelor's degree programs include subjects such as agricultural business, elementary education, organizational leadership, psychology, or secondary education.
According to BVU, 99% of graduates from the class of 2021 reported landing a job in their field or enrolling in graduate school within six months of graduating.
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Online Christian Colleges of 2024
Bushnell University
- Eugene, OR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $495
Out-of-State | $495
Credits to Graduate: 124
Bushnell University's online programs offer an affordable Christ-centered education. This private college, founded in 1895, blends faith coursework into the general education requirements. If you enroll in online and evening degrees, you complete 65 general education credits, including eight in biblical studies.
Majors include accounting, business administration, interdisciplinary studies, psychology, forensic psychology, and nursing. You can also pursue a hybrid degree in teacher education.
Bushnell University accepts up to 30 prior learning assessment credits. Additional prior learning credits can come from examinations or military and/or police experience.
Percent Online Enrollment
69%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#8 Best Online Christian Colleges of 2024
Campbellsville University
- Campbellsville, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
RN-to-BSN | $346
Undergraduate programs | $424
Credits to Graduate: 60-120
CU's online associate and bachelor's degrees prepare you to become a Christian leader in a variety of industries. This private college offers online undergraduate degrees in subjects such as business administration, Christian studies, criminal justice, marriage and family ministry, and social work. You can access the college's CU Service program to participate in community service in the name of Christianity.
You pay for your tuition through various methods such as five- or six-month payment plans and financial aid.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Online Christian Colleges of 2024
Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies
- Fayette, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $270
Out-of-State | $270
Credits to Graduate: 60-120
CMU's online degrees give you the freedom to set your class schedule. Virtual courses span eight or 16 weeks. You can earn associate and bachelor's degrees in majors such as accounting, cybersecurity, healthcare administration, middle school education, nursing, and special education. Certain programs, such as early childhood education and elementary education, only meet Missouri certification requirements.
If you meet age and income requirements you can apply for CMU's Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant that rewards those studying in high-need fields.
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 Best Online Christian Colleges of 2024
Clarkson College
- Omaha, NE
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $651
Out-of-State | $651
Credits to Graduate: 120
Clarkson College's online degrees remain a popular pick for students, with 90% taking at least one course virtually. This Christian college was founded in the 1800s with the mission to promote healthcare education. You can pursue an associate or bachelor's degree in healthcare business management, health information technology, nursing, and radiography.
Clarkson College makes college affordable with deferred payment plans, alternative loans, and work-study opportunities. You can become a student ambassador, receiving $1,000 per semester in exchange for work at the admissions office.
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system to help you find the best schools for your needs. Our most important metric, affordability, accounts for 60% of our weighted formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rate.
You can learn more about our school ranking methodology here.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.