Top 30 Conservative Christian Colleges and Universities

Online Christian Colleges -Top Conservative Schools-01

By: OCC Staff

Finding just the right college or university can be a daunting task for a conservative Christian. After all, college is a place young adults should be able to be themselves, while also feeling comfortable enough to expand horizons and grow as people of faith. That’s why Online Christian Colleges went on the hunt for the top 30 conservative Christian colleges and universities for 2020.

Ranking Methodology

To come up with the best colleges for conservative Christians, we began by making a list of nearly 75 Christian schools. To narrow those down to only the top 30, we used the following points system.

Annual Tuition:

Under $70,000 — 2 points
Under $60,000 — 3 points
Under $50,000 — 4 points
Under $40,000 — 5 points
Under $30,000 — 6 points
Under $20,000 — 7 points
Under $10,000 — 8 points

Annual Percentage of 20-Year Net Return on Investment (ROI):

0% and below — 0 points
1-2% — 1 point
3-4% — 2 points
4-5% — 3 point
6-7% — 4 points
8-9% — 5 points
10% and Above — 6 points

Student to Faculty Ratio:

40:1 and Above — 1 point
30:1 and Below — 2 points
20: 1 and Below — 3 points
15:1 and Below — 4 points
10: 1 and Below — 5 points

National Recognition:
Note: To ensure consistency, we consulted only those rankings produced by U.S. News & World Report (Best National University Rankings) and Forbes (America’s Top Colleges).

Top 100 — 1 point
Top 50 — 2 points
Top 40 — 3 points
Top 30 — 4 points
Top 20 — 5 points
Top 10 — 6 points
Top 5 — 7 points

Additional Points:

Christian-Related Courses Required for Graduation — 1 point per course
A Chapel or Church on Campus — 1 point
Required Chapel/Church Attendance — 1 point

Please note, in the case of varying information (for example, a difference in tuition for state residents and non-residents), points were allocated based on the highest number of points possible. Ties were broken at the discretion of the editors.

#30. Hillsdale College

Hillsdale, Michigan

Points: 14
Tuition: $28,368
School Website

Hillsdale College is an unaffiliated private liberal arts college that is proud of its Christian heritage. Boasting a student:faculty ratio of 9:1, Hillsdale offers more than 40 undergraduate majors and minors. Uniquely, Hillsdale College does not accept federal financial aid, but makes up the difference with scholarships and donor contributions. A course in Western religion is part of the core curriculum required for graduation. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#29. College of the Ozarks

Point Lookout, Missouri

Points: 15
Tuition: $19,660
School Website

Nicknamed “Hard Work U,” College of the Ozarks offers full-time students the option of working on campus to pay for part of their education. The remainder of the bill is subsidized by scholarships and donations from like-minded individuals, allowing students to graduate without debt. With a student:faculty ratio of 15:1, College of the Ozarks offers 28 undergraduate majors and nine pre-professional programs. College of the Ozarks requires six hours of theological instruction and four hours of patriotic education as a requirement for graduation. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#28. Oral Roberts University

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Points: 15
Tuition: $30,070
School Website

Oral Roberts University is an evangelical Christian school that believes in the unchanging precepts of the Bible. With a student:faculty ratio of 18:1, Oral Roberts offer 76 areas of focus at the graduate and undergraduate levels on campus and online. Oral Roberts University requires 12 credit hours of coursework in Christian studies, including six hours of biblical studies for graduation. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#27. Union University

Jackson, Tennessee

Points: 15
Tuition: $33,750
School Website

Union University is affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention. They believe that the scriptures are inspired by God, and are the only rule of knowledge, faith, and obedience. With a student:faculty ratio of 9:1, Union University offers 125 areas of study on campus and online. The general core education requirements for graduation include three credit hours on the Old Testament and three credit hours on the New Testament. Union University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#26. Calvin University

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Points: 15
Tuition: $36,300
School Website

Formerly known as Calvin College, Calvin University is considered one of the top Christian liberal arts colleges in the United States. The university offers more than 100 majors and minors, including the 10-course religion major. Students who attend Calvin University and pursue the aforementioned religion major often go on to become professionals in ministry. According to Calvin’s website, 100% of the university’s faculty are practicing Christians. Though students are not required to attend chapel at Calvin, the school is home to a beautiful on-campus chapel which regularly hosts worship gatherings.

#25. Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Points: 16
Tuition: $22,747
School Website

Liberty University is the largest Christian university in the world, and their motto is “Knowledge Aflame.” With a student:faculty ratio of 18:1, Liberty offers more than 500 unique programs of study. Also worth noting is the fact that in recent years, Liberty has become a leader in the online degree-granting business. Liberty University believes that the Bible is inerrant and authoritative. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#24. Wheaton College

Wheaton, Illinois

Points: 16
Tuition: $37,700
School Website

Wheaton College is almost always included on lists of the best Christian colleges and universities. Ideal for the conservative Christian, Wheaton provides an education from a Christ-based perspective. Students have more than 40 liberal arts degree tracks from which to choose. A few available majors include:

business
international relations
Biblical studies

The Office of Christian Outreach offers students the opportunity to learn the benefits of community service by partnering with local and international organizations in an effort to continue Christ’s aim of helping others.

#23. Pepperdine University

Malibu, California

Points: 16
Tuition: $55,892
School Website

Pepperdine University is affiliated with the Churches of Christ, and was founded in 1937. With a student:faculty ratio of 14:1, they offer 120 programs of study at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Pepperdine University requires nine credit hours of coursework in the Christian religion for graduation. They are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission.

#22. North Greenville University

Tigerville, South Carolina

Points: 17
Tuition: $21,120
School Website

Located in Tigerville, South Carolina, North Greenville University is a liberal arts college with conservative, Christ-centered academic environment. Students are encouraged to be both attentive to their studies and active in their Christian lifestyle. North Greenville offers a wide variety of degree options, though the Bible is the foundation context for education regardless of one’s choice of major. Emphasis is kept on the work of Jesus Christ. For those students who wish to advance to one of the six Southern Baptist seminaries, North Greenville University also offers a pre-seminary program.

#21. Vanguard University of Southern California

Costa Mesa, California

Points: 17
Tuition: $35,100
School Website

Vanguard University of Southern California is new to our list of the top 30 conservative Christian colleges and universities for 2020. At this Christ-centered liberal arts institution, students are encouraged to pursue knowledge while also growing in their faith. More than 30 academic degree programs are available, including:

Biblical studies
Christian formation and discipleship studies
pastoral leadership

Vanguard University places such an emphasis on Christian character that it offers incoming students who have demonstrated special devotion to their church and community a scholarship called the Assemblies of God Emerging Leader Award.

#20. Colorado Christian University

Lakewood, Colorado

Points: 17
Tuition: $33,434
School Website

Colorado Christian University is a private, interdenominational Christian school that believes the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of the Lord. With a student:faculty ratio of 16:1, they offer more than 100 degree programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Colorado Christian University requires 12 hours of coursework in Christian studies as part of its general education core for graduation. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#19. Alderson Broaddus University

Philippi, West Virginia

Points: 17
Tuition: $29,220
School Website

Established in 1932, Alderson Broaddus University is a private liberal arts university that happens to be an ideal place for a conservative Christian. Alderson offers a wide range of degree options under its five divisions of study:

Education and Special Programs
Health Science
Humanities
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences

The university enjoys a solid relationship with the local West Virginia Baptist Convention, as well as American Baptist churches throughout the United States. Thanks to these relationships, Alderson Broaddus students are given many opportunities to engage in service to others.

#18. Thomas More College of Liberal Arts

Merrimack, New Hampshire

Points: 17
Tuition: $21,600
School Website

Thomas More College of Liberal Arts is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, and sees its mission as providing liberal arts education in the Catholic tradition. With a student:faculty ratio of 9:1, Thomas More offers only one bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, but they see this one degree as preparing an individual for success in any field. Thomas More College of Liberal Arts requires a religion course every semester, and offers a semester of the sophomore year in Rome. They are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

#17. Bob Jones University

Greenville, South Carolina

Points: 18
Tuition: $19,100
School Website

Bob Jones University is a private non-denominational Christian school that is famous for its conservative social policies. With a student:faculty ratio of 13:1, they offer more than 50 undergraduate majors and sixteen graduate programs. Bob Jones University requires students to complete six different courses in Biblical studies for graduation. They are accredited nationally by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission and regionally by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#16. George Fox University

Newberg, Oregon

Points: 18
Tuition: $37,280
School Website

George Fox University was ranked by Forbes magazine as one of the top 10 “Best Religiously Affiliated Colleges.” With a student:faculty ratio of 14:1, George Fox offers a variety of graduate and undergraduate programs on campus and online. George Fox University is a Christian college in the tradition of evangelical Quakers. The general education component of all degrees requires 15-18 hours of coursework in Christianity. They are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

#15. Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Waxahachie, Texas

Points: 18
Tuition: $19,843
School Website

Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) is owned by the districts of Assemblies of God representing Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Texas, Oklahoma, South Texas, and West Texas. With a student:faculty ratio of 15:1, SAGU offers more than 70 degrees from associates and bachelor’s, to master’s and doctoral. Southwestern Assemblies of God University holds chapel worship services four times a week. Chapel attendance is required for all full-time students. Southwestern Assemblies of God University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#14. Warner University

Lake Wales, Florida

Points: 18
Tuition: $22,850
School Website

Situated between Orlando and Tampa, Florida, Warner University is a Christian academic community of students from 30 states and 20 countries. Warner is committed to offering an education centered in Christian beliefs and values. More than 25 liberal arts majors are offered throughout the departments of:

ministry
arts and sciences
business
education

Warner students are encouraged to participate in spiritual campus activities such as Prayer Room, Fear Fest, and Worship Night, to name a few. Warner graduates often go on to become leaders in their church communities.

#13. Covenant College

Lookout Mountain, Georgia

Points: 19
Tuition: $35,640
School Website

Another school new to our list of the best colleges for conservative Christians is Covenant College. Located in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, Covenant is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America. Boasting a 13:1 student:faculty ratio, Covenant offers a variety of associate and bachelor’s degrees, plus a Master of Education degree program. Six credits of Christian-themed coursework is required for graduation, as is chapel attendance.

#12. Bryan College

Dayton, Tennessee

Points: 19
Tuition: $27,900
School Website

Bryan College is a Christian liberal arts college located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. The college dates back to 1925, when it was founded to establish a committed Christian worldview in the region. Bryan offers more than 20 majors, as well as a master’s degree in Christian studies. Students are required to attend chapel, and each course begins with a prayer and affirmation for the love of Christ.

#11. Franciscan University of Steubenville

Steubenville, Ohio

Points: 19
Tuition: $28,880
School Website

Franciscan University of Steubenville was founded in 1946 by the Third Order Regulars, and remains affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. With a student:faculty ratio of 14:1, they have more than 40 undergraduate majors and eight graduate degree options from which to choose. Franciscan University also offers online degrees. The university requires 15 hours of American Founding Principles, and nine hours of theology for all undergraduate students. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#10. Harding University

Searcy, Arkansas

Points: 19
Tuition: $20,735
School Website

Harding University is affiliated with the Churches of Christ. They believe that the Bible is the authoritative and fully inspired word of God. With a student:faculty ratio of 14:1, Harding offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and minors, and more than 20 graduate degree options. Harding University students are required to take eight semesters of Biblical study for graduation. Harding University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#9. LeTourneau University

Longview, Texas

Points: 19
Tuition: $31,270
School Website

LeTourneau University is a private interdenominational Christian school that believes that scientific inquiry and Biblical revelation are not in conflict with one another. With a student:faculty ratio of 14:1, LeTourneau offers more than 90 fields of study at the graduate and undergraduate levels, both on campus and online. LeTourneau University requires 9-12 hours of theological and vocational studies, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#8. Grove City College

Grove City, Pennsylvania

Points: 20
Tuition: $18,470
School Website

Grove City College is an independent evangelical Christian college that believes in seeking a Christian perspective in all fields of learning. With a student:faculty ratio of 13:1, Grove City offers nearly 70 undergraduate majors across two schools:

Art and Letters
Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

It is the college’s mission to be the best Christian liberal arts college in the country. Grove City College requires full-time students to attend chapel 16 times per semester. They are accredited by the Middle States Commission of Higher Education.

#7. Maranatha Baptist University

Watertown, Wisconsin

Points: 21
Tuition: $16,660
School Website

Maranatha Baptist University is informally affiliated with Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International, and was founded in 1968. With a student:faculty ratio of 11:1, the university offers 39 bachelor’s degree options and 10 graduate programs. They also offer 11 Associate degrees on campus and online. Students completing a bachelor’s degree at Maranatha Baptist University must complete the 24 credit hour Biblical Studies Core. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#6. Regent University

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Points: 21
Tuition: $18,620
School Website

Regent University was founded by Pat Robertson in 1977 with the mission statement “Christian leadership to change the world.” With a student: faculty ratio of 19:1, Regent offers 128 areas of study. Regent University believes that the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative source of Christian doctrine. Five Christian-related courses are required as part of the core curriculum. Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Interestingly, former Attorney General John Ashcroft is a faculty member here.

#5. University of Northwestern-St. Paul

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Points: 22
Tuition: $32,210
School Website

The University of Northwestern-St. Paul is a private, Christian, non-denominational school that was founded in 1902. With a student:faculty ratio of 17:1, the university offers more than 30 undergraduate majors and six graduate programs on campus and online. Students at the University of Northwestern-St. Paul must complete the 10-credit hour Foundations of a Biblical Worldview coursework prior to graduation. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#4. Biola University

La Mirada, California

Points: 22
Tuition: $41,976
School Website

Biola University is interdenominational, but theologically conservative, believing that the Bible is without error or misstatement. With a student: faculty ratio of 14:1, Biola has more than 150 degree options ranging from bachelor’s to doctoral, on campus and online. Biola University requires 30 credit hours of Biblical study as a requirement for graduation. Full-time students are required to attend 20 chapels and five conference sessions each term. Biola University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission.

#3. Houston Baptist University

Houston, Texas

Points: 15
Tuition: $33,450
School Website

Houston Baptist University is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, which founded the school in 1960. With a student:faculty ratio of 16:1, it offers a variety of majors across seven schools and colleges, including:

humanities
fine arts
Christian thought

Houston Baptist University requires students to complete 80 Community Life + Worship credits before graduation. Chapel attendance is required at Houston Baptist University, and included in the core curriculum. Houston Baptist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#2. Heritage Christian University

Florence, Alabama

Points: 24
Tuition: $11,532
School Website

Heritage Christian University is new to our list of the best conservative Christian colleges, making an impressive debut at #2. The university offers a 128-credit Biblical Studies degree program. All students, regardless of final major, are required to complete a 10-course program in Biblical studies that is equivalent to an Associate’s degree. The university is home to a beautiful chapel, and students are required to attend as part of the core curriculum requirements.

#1.Barclay College

Haviland, Kansas

Points: 25
Tuition: $20,400
School Website

Barclay College is a private Christian college. The school aims to prepare students for a worthwhile Christian life of service, and does so in part by offering a popular degree program in ministry. All students are required to take 12 courses on theological topics, some of which include:

pastoral ministry
worship arts
the Bible and theology

A master’s degree in transformational leadership is also offered. Barclay’s campus is full of opportunities for worship, and the chapel is considered a central community space for students, faculty, and staff to gather.

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