By OCC Staff
Nursing is a valuable occupation that provides a critical connection between patient and full health. Plus, nursing jobs are expected to increase by 7% through 2029. But nursing is about so much more than just the mechanics of healing, or proper administration of curative measures. Excellent nurses also realize the importance of man’s spiritual nature. For those Christian students who are interested in a career in nursing, we’ve highlighted the top 10 best Christian college nursing programs to be found in the United States.
Ranking Methodology
To come up with our ranking, we began by compiling a list of every Christian college or university that offers a nursing program. We then used a points-based system to narrow down our comprehensive list to just the top 10. Ties were broken at the discretion of the editor, and based on various stand-out features (a place on a national ranking, arranged internships, etc.).
Estimated Program Cost:
Under $100,000 – 1 point
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):
0-2% – 1 point
3-4% – 2 points
5-6% – 3 points
7-8% – 4 points
9%+ – 5 points
Graduation Rate:
Below 60% – 1 point
Below 70% – 2 points
Below 80% – 3 points
Below 90% – 4 points
Below 100% – 5 points
Note: All numbers listed below are accurate as of December 2020. Information regarding tuition comes from the school’s official website, and does not reflect financial aid.
10. Hardin-Simmons University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Abilene,Texas
Points: 3
School Profile
Hardin-Simmons University is a private, Baptist university located in Abilene, Texas. Founded in 1891 by a devoted group of ministers, ranchers, and merchants, the University combines a “commitment to academic excellence and a concern for the development of the total person with a distinctively Christian perspective,” and “serves students through quality educational programs designed to provide ‘An Education Enlightened by Faith.’” One of the University’s goals is to provide an “academically challenging undergraduate education based on a liberal arts foundation, and advance scholarly growth by offering specialized graduate and professional degree programs.”
Hardin-Simmons University (in partnership with the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing) offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the program’s mission is to graduate students who will be “educationally prepared in a manner that promotes the development of intellectual, cultural, moral and religious values.” Outcomes and goals of the program include developing students’ clinical reasoning and analytical skills and enhancing Registered Nurses’ ability to provide care for “clients, their families, and the community as well as to advance their careers.” An RN-to-BSN articulation program is also offered.
9. Union University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Jackson, Tennessee
Points: 3
School Profile
Union University is a private, four-year, evangelical Christian, liberal arts-based university located in Jackson, Tennessee. Interestingly, Union is also the oldest institution affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. Union University’s mission is to provide a “Christ-centered education that promotes excellence and character development in service to Church and society.” Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Union University offers over 100 academic programs.
Union University offers a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program’s mission is to be “excellence-driven, Christ-centered, people-focused and future-directed while preparing qualified individuals for a career in the caring, therapeutic, and teaching profession of nursing.” The program typically takes four years to complete, and consists of both nursing and general education courses. However, prospective students will be happy to know that medical courses begin in the student’s first semester. An accelerated BSN is also offered, as is an RN to BSN degree program.
8. Northwestern College
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Orange City, Iowa
Points: 3
School Profile
Northwestern College is a private institution of higher education located in Orange City, Iowa. Established in 1882, the University operates with the mission to be “a Christian academic community engaging students in courageous and faithful learning and living that empowers them to follow Christ and pursue God’s redeeming work in the world.” Northwest College offers students a Christian liberal arts education in the Reformed tradition and is “committed to providing a Christian liberal arts education in the context of community among learners on campus and online.” Accredited through the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) as well as the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, Northwest College offers more than 80 academic programs.
Northwestern College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program requires at least 130 credit hours, and features courses such as Nursing Science and Informatics, Public/Community Health Nursing, Cross-cultural Nursing, Nursing Leadership and Clinical Scholarship, Lifespan Health Assessment, and more. An RN to BSN is also offered.
7. Belhaven University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Jackson, Mississippi
Points: 3
School Profile
Belhaven University is a private Christian liberal arts university located in Jackson, Mississippi. The University’s campus sits within a charming historic neighborhood, providing students the comfort and security of a quiet area, while its location in the city of Jackson offers the conveniences and advantages of a metropolitan area. The University’s mission is to prepare students “academically and spiritually to serve Christ Jesus in their careers, in human relationships, and in the world of ideas.” Belhaven University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and offers 70 areas of study.
Belhaven University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The four-year bachelor’s program works to equip students with “advanced knowledge of nursing concepts including management and leadership, community health, and research.” It also provides students with a clear pathway to continued graduate study in nursing. An RN to BSN degree program is also available.
6. Roberts Wesleyan College
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Rochester, New York
Points: 4
School Profile
Roberts Wesleyan College is a Christ-centered liberal arts college located in Rochester, New York. Established in 1869, the college operates with the mission to be a “community of learners committed to historic Christianity.” The College “seeks to prepare thoughtful, spiritually mature, service-oriented people who will help transform society.”
Roberts Wesleyan College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. The program consists of 124 total credits, and is typically completed in four years. One of the objectives is that students demonstrate the ability to “utilize nursing judgment, informatics, and patient input to support and generate new ideas to promote quality health improvement.” Potential careers for graduates include Nurse Case Manager, Ambulatory Care Manager, Director of Quality Improvement & Performance, and Clinical Registered Nurse. An RN-to-BSN program is also offered.
5. Waynesburg University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
Points: 4
School Profile
Waynesburg University is a private, nonprofit Christian university located in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. Established in 1849 by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the university operates under the mission to equip “students to make connections between faith, learning and serving so that they might faithfully transform their communities and the world.” This statement continues, “As a comprehensive Christian University, we strive to inspire and challenge every undergraduate and graduate student to a life of leadership and purpose for the glory of God.” Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the University offers a wide range of both undergraduate and graduate programs and has a total enrollment figure of over 1,800 with an average student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1.
Waynesburg University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the program covers all required nursing topics. Specific classes include Communication Skills in Nursing, Physical Assessment and Clinical Reasoning, Clinical Prevention and Population Health, and more. An RN to BSN degree program is also offered.
4. Liberty University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Lynchburg, Virginia
Points: 4
School Profile
Liberty University is a private, nonprofit, liberal arts institution located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Classified as a doctoral research university by the Carnegie Classification, Liberty University is the fifth largest university in the nation and the largest Christian university in the world. The University’s mission is to develop “Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact the world.”
Liberty University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the program operates with the mission to equip students with “the critical thinking and leadership skills to advance their careers in all areas of nursing including medical missions and administration.” Interestingly, the nursing program at Liberty University is also offered as an online program. A BSN to MSN (with three potential concentrations) and a post-licensure RN program are also offered.
3. Mississippi College
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Clinton, Mississippi
Points: 4
School Profile
Mississippi College is a private coeducational Christian institution located in Clinton, Mississippi and affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention. The second oldest Baptist-affiliated college in the country and the oldest college in the state, Mississippi College was established in 1826. Today, the College’s mission is to provide “a quality Christian education for its student population,” and to stimulate “the intellectual development of its students through the liberal arts and sciences and concentrated study in specialized fields, including pre-professional and professional programs.” Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Mississippi College makes a point to emphasize undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs which provide more opportunities for service.
Mississippi College offers a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program is designed to train nurses who know how to “deliver patient-centered care to diverse populations.” The degree consists of 130 credit hours, and is designed to be completed in eight semesters, plus one summer course. An RN to BSN degree program is also offered, as is an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
2. Oklahoma Christian University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Prelicensure)
Edmond, Oklahoma
Points: 5
School Profile
Oklahoma Christian University is a private comprehensive Christian university of the liberal arts and sciences located near Oklahoma City. The University’s mission is to be “a higher learning community that transforms lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.” While affiliated with the churches of Christ, Oklahoma Christian University admits students of all backgrounds, so long as they are respectful of the University’s commitment to academic and spiritual excellence as well as to the academic and spiritual pursuits of their classmates. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees through its several academic departments and five colleges.
Oklahoma Christian University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing through its College of Natural and Health Sciences. The program consists of 92 credit hours to complete. Outcomes of the program include exemplifying “Christian principles of compassion, service, integrity, and respect for the well-being of clients, peers, and self.” Also, the ability to “synthesize critical thinking skills”; the ability communicate effectively, clearly and appropriately with clients and health care providers; and the demonstration of a “leadership style consistent with academic preparation while adhering to the standards of the nursing profession.” Breakdown of credit hours includes 20 hours of Science, three in Mathematics, three hours of Statistics, six hours of Psychology, and 60 hours of Nursing. It is important to note that graduation from the BSN in Nursing does not guarantee licensure. All nursing students are required to pass the NCLEX-RN to earn their license.
1. Eastern University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
St. Davids, Pennsylvania
Points: 6
School Profile
Eastern University is a coeducational, comprehensive Christian university located in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. The University’s main campus features 114 acres west of Philadelphia; Eastern University also operates several additional sites with extension campuses in Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Ripley, West Virginia; and Rwanda, Africa. Affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA, the University seeks to integrate faith, reason, and justice for its students. Eastern University’s mission statement declares it is “dedicated through teaching, scholarship, service, spiritual formation, student development and societal involvement to the preparation of undergraduate, graduate and Seminary students for thoughtful and productive lives of Christian faith and service.”
Eastern University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through its Department of Nursing. The four-year bachelor’s degree program requires 121 credits total. The program is affordable, and financial aid is available, though many students qualify for significant federal and state financial assistance, partner grants, and military benefits. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the program is also endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation which enables students to sit for the Holistic Nursing Certification exam after graduation. Students who pass the exam are established as a Board Certified Holistic Nurse, adding the HNB-BC credential to their title. An RN to BSN degree program is also offered.
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