Best Online Christian Colleges & Universities

Liberty University is a private, coeducational, Christian institution located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Established in 1971 as Liberty Baptist College, the institution achieved university status just five years after its founding in 1976. Today Liberty University is a high ranking institution and is the largest private, nonprofit institution, the largest university in the state of Virginia and the largest Christian university in the world. Situated on a 7,000 acre campus that is nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the University’s motto is “Knowledge Aflame”. Liberty University’s mission is to develop “Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact the world.” Liberty University’s mission statement continues, declaring that its goal is to educate “men and women who will make important contributions to their workplaces and communities, follow their chosen vocations as callings to glorify God, and fulfill the Great Commission.”

According to their website, Liberty University boasts an online enrollment figure of over 94,000. Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has been so since 1980. Comprised of more than a dozen colleges and schools, Liberty University offers an impressive array of degrees and programs, including several online bachelor’s degree programs which may be earned entirely online.

Time requirements for each degree are specific to the program, however, with the proper motivation, many students find that they can complete their education in less time than it normally takes to complete a traditional degree in an on-campus program. Liberty University regularly updates its online programs in order to remain current with the latest practices and industry information. Online bachelor degrees are available in the areas of Aeronautics, Business, Communications, Criminal Justice, Education, General Studies, Government, Healthcare, History, Information Systems, Information Technology, Nursing, Paralegal, Psychology, Social Work and Religion.

Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a coeducational, research institution and the premier private Christian university in its state. The University was founded in 1949 by the Southern Baptist Church as Grand Canyon College. In 2004, after experiencing severe financial difficulties during the early part of the twenty-first century, GCU became the first for-profit Christian college in the United States. Since that time, GCU has experienced rapid growth and has plans for continued expansion.  

The University boasts a large student population of nearly 70,000, including more than 40,000 undergraduate students, with an average student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1. GCU’s mission is to prepare “learners to become global citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators and responsible leaders by providing an academically challenging, values-based curriculum from the context of our Christian heritage.”

Grand Canyon University is accredited through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The University’s curriculum is presented from a biblical worldview and students are taught to be effective communicators, responsible leaders, and critical thinkers. Comprised of multiple colleges and schools, GCU offers an impressive array of programs and degrees, including more than 35 online bachelor’s degree programs.

Areas of online study include Business & Management; Criminal, Political & Social Sciences; Engineering & Technology; Language & Communications; Medical Studies & Athletic Sciences; Nursing & Health Care; Performing Arts & Creative Design; Psychology & Counseling; Teaching & School Administration; and Theology & Ministry. With tens of thousands of online students accessing GCU’s online classes from around the world, the University is constantly working to refine its digital platforms in order to provide an outstanding, virtual campus experience to all of its students.

Located in Dallas, Texas, Dallas Baptist University (DBU) is a private, coeducational, Christian liberal arts institution. DBU is situated on a beautiful 292 acre campus in the hills of Southwest Dallas, overlooking the Mountain Creek Lake and is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Originally founded in 1898 as Decatur Baptist College, the new school was the first two-year institution of higher education to be established in the state of Texas. In 1965 the school relocated to Dallas and was renamed Dallas Baptist College, achieving university status in 1985.

Today, DBU’s mission is to “provide Christ-centered higher education in the arts, sciences, and professional studies at both the undergraduate and graduate levels to traditional age and adult students in order to produce servant leaders who have the ability to integrate faith and learning through their respective callings.” The university has a total enrollment of more than 5,000 students, including over 3,000 undergraduates with a student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1.

Dallas Baptist University is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and is comprised of several colleges, schools, and academic divisions. DBU offers an impressive array of online degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies; the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences with majors in Christian Ministries, Communication, Criminal Justice, Health Care Management, Interdisciplinary Studies, Psychology and Sociology; the Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, Management Information Systems and in Marketing; and the Bachelor of Business Studies with majors in Business Administration, Finance, Management, Management Information Systems and Marketing. DBU’s online campus features web technologies such as support for mobile platforms, media on demand, and web conferencing. Designed to offer convenience, DBU’s online courses are student-centered, taught by faculty members who are dedicated to creating a rich online learning environment.

California Baptist University (CBU) is a top private Christian institution located in Riverside, California. Affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention, CBU was established in 1950. CBU holds to the belief that “each person has been created for a purpose” and strives to help “students understand and engage this purpose by providing a Christ-centered educational experience that integrates academics with spiritual and social development opportunities.” CBU sits on a scenic 160 acre main campus located in the heart of the historic Magnolia Avenue district of Riverside and is just a short drive away from both beaches and mountain resorts. The University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and has been so since 1961.

California Baptist University is comprised of multiple colleges and schools and is staffed by Christian faculty who are dedicated to teaching from a biblical perspective. A wide range of online bachelor’s degree programs are offered by CBU, including majors in Accounting, Business Administration, Christian Ministries, Communication Studies, Computer Information Technology, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Studies, English, Graphic Design and Digital Media, Kinesiology, Liberal Studies, Marketing, Nursing Degree Program (RN-BSN), Organizational Leadership, Psychology, Public Administration, Public Health, Public Relations, Sociology, and Sport, Recreation and Fitness Management. Most of CBU’s online students find that they are able to complete their bachelor’s degree in half the time it normally would normally take to earn the same degree in a traditional, residential format. Ranked among the top 40 in the nation for best online bachelor’s degree by US News and World Report for five consecutive years, CBU’s online programs have been proven to save students not only time but also money since earning a degree in less time equals less spent in tuition costs.  

Asbury University, located in Wilmore, Kentucky, is a private, four-year, Christian institution. Foundd in 1890 by John Wesley Hughes as the Kentucky Holiness College, it wasn’t long before the school changed its name in honor of Bishop Francis Asbury, a circuit-riding evangelist who is known the “Father of American Methodism”. Though established in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, today the university is nondenominational and welcomes students and faculty from all Christian walks and traditions. Asbury is situated on a suburban campus of 65 acres and is located approximately twenty minutes southwest of Lexington. Nearly 2,000 students, including over 1,500 undergraduates, are enrolled and represent over forty states and more than two dozen foreign countries. The University’s average student to faculty ratio is 11 to 1.

Asbury University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has been so since 1940. Comprised of several colleges and schools, these include the College of Arts & Sciences, the Howard Dayton School of Business, the School of Communication Arts, the School of Education and the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. It is through this latter School that Asbury University offers its five online bachelor degree programs, namely the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Instructional Design; B.S. in Elementary Education; B.S. in Leadership and Ministry; B.S. in Organizational Management; and a Hybrid B.S. in Ministry Management. Like its on-campus programs, Asbury University’s online programs are designed to be rigorous and high-quality, to integrate faith and learning, and have a strong commitment to community, relationships and the whole person. Advantages of Asbury’s online learning option also include the convenience of being geographically independent – students are not required to relocate to complete their degrees – and asynchronous, media-rich and interactive teaching and learning activities.

Regent University, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a private, Christian research institution. Established in 1977 by CBN founder, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, the school was originally named the Christian Broadcasting Network University and was founded with the intent of “preparing leaders who would not only succeed in their professions, but also advance as Christians equipped to effectively impact their world.” Today, Regent University defines its mission as being to serve “as a center for Christian thought and action to provide excellent education through a biblical perspective and global context equipping Christian leaders to change the world.” The University has received multiple national awards and recognitions, including being named a Best National University by U.S. News & World Report. Regent University has also been granted an “A” rating by ACTA and is one of only 24 universities in the nation to have received this honor.

Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges since 1984, Regent University offers a wide range of academic programs, ranging from undergraduate majors to graduate-level programs. Nearly 30 online bachelor’s degrees are offered, with areas of study including Business, Communication, Criminal Justice, Education, English, Film & Animation, General Studies, Government, Healthcare, History, Information Systems Technology, International Studies, Law, Leadership, Mathematics, Nursing, Psychology & Counseling, Public Administration, Religion & Theology, and Science. Regent University has ranked in the Top 15 for Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs. Committed to teaching from a perspective that is grounded in the Christian faith, Regent University’s online programs have been nationally recognized as one of only 23 universities in the United States to receive an “A” rating by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. The online format offers students plenty of flexibility and all classes are taught by faculty who are experts in their fields and are invested in mentoring their students, both spiritually and professionally.

Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Oral Roberts University (ORU) is a private, coeducational, interdenominational, Christian comprehensive liberal arts university. Named after its late founder, evangelist Oral Roberts, the University was established in 1965 and is accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. ORU seeks to educate the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – and promises students a thorough education that is taught in the context of a “vibrant Christ-centered community.” A charismatic university, ORU’s motto is, “Make no little plans here,” and the school’s mission is to “build Holy Spirit-empowered leaders through whole person education to impact the world with God’s healing.” ORU is situated on a 263 acre campus in the state’s second-largest city, which, as a thriving metropolis, offers a wide array of both internship and professional opportunities in addition to its cultural and recreational resources.

Oral Roberts has a total enrollment figure of more than 3,500, including over 3,000 undergraduate students, with an average student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1. The University is comprised of five colleges, including the College of Arts and Cultural Studies; College of Business; College of Education; College of Nursing; College of Science and Engineering; and the College of Theology and Ministry. Thirteen online undergraduate programs are available, including the subjects of Biblical Literature (B.A.); Business Administration (B.S.); Communication (B.A.); Christian Caregiving and Counseling (B.S.); Church Ministries (B.S.); Government (B.A.); Information Technology (B.S.); Government (B.A.); Information Technology (B.S.); International Business and Ministry (B.S.); Leadership Studies (B.S.); Liberal Studies (B.S.); Management (B.S.); Psychology (B.S. or B.A.); and an RN to BSN. Each of ORU’s online programs offers convenience and flexibility and all courses are taught from a Christian worldview. Each of ORU’s online courses was developed in conjunction with the University’s on-campus faculty and many of the professors who teach on campus also teach the online courses.

Located in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Geneva College is a private, coeducational, Christian liberal arts institution. Established in 1848 infounded in Northwood, Ohio by John Black Johnston, a minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, it was not until the later 1870s-early 1880s that the College relocated to its current location in Beaver Falls. Affiliated with Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, Geneva College’s mission is to be a “Christ-centered academic community that provides a comprehensive education to equip students for faithful and fruitful service to God and neighbor.” The College has a total enrollment figure of more than 1,700, including nearly 1,500 undergraduate students, with an average student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1. A founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, Geneva College is one of only four western Pennsylvania schools within the council.

Geneva College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and has been so since 1922. A wide range of degree program are offered, including eight Online Adult Degree programs in the areas of Aging Services, Child and Family Services, Human Resources, Management, Organizational Leadership, Public Relations, Criminal Justice, and General Studies.  Each of Geneva College’s Adult Degree programs are offered fully online and most can be completed in as little as 16 months. Designed to provide convenience and flexibility to busy adults, Geneva College’s online degrees are offered in an accelerated format and, among other things, require students have access to a computer, internet connection, a webcam and microphone. Financial aid is available to online students and 90% of students receive some type of financial assistance, whether in the form of grants, scholarships or loans.

Eastern University is a private, coeducational, Christian institution of higher education located just west of Philadelphia in Saint Davids, Pennsylvania.  Established in 1925 as the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, the school was founded for the initial purpose of creating a theologically conservative seminary within the American Baptist Churches denomination. It was not until 1932 that the collegiate division of the school was formed and in 1952 was chartered as a four-year college. By 1972 the school changed its name to Eastern College and in 2005 was granted university status. It was also in 2005 that the seminary portion of the institution was renamed Palmer Theological Seminary. Today, Eastern University’s mission is to be “dedicated to the preparation of undergraduate, theological and graduate students for thoughtful and productive lives of Christian faith, leadership and service.”  The University has a total enrollment figure of over 3,500, including more than 2,000 undergraduate students, with an average student to faculty ratio of 10 to 1.

Eastern University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and has been so since 1954. A wide range of academic programs are offered through its several colleges and the Palmer Theological Seminary. Four online bachelor’s degree programs are available with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership; a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing; and a Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry Leadership. Approaching education from a holistic perspective, cultivating a strong sense of community is important to the staff members of Eastern University and students have access to a dedicated faculty who desire to provide support through mentorship and guidance. Each online program is designed to offer both convenience and affordability, blending research with real-life application. Eastern University seeks to provide students with knowledge and refined skills that can be put into action immediately through meaningful collaborations and projects.

Huntington University is a private, Christ-centered liberal arts institution of higher education located in Huntington, Indiana. Established as the Central College in 1889 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, the school was later renamed Huntington College in 1917. Today, Huntington University’s mission is to “develop in students a commitment to scholarship that is persistent in its pursuit of truth… [to] educate students broadly for a life of moral and spiritual integrity, personal and social responsibility, and continued quest for wisdom; equip students for a variety of vocations so that they may glorify the Creator… [and to] help students develop their abilities for a life of God-honoring service to others and for personal fulfillment.” Hunting University is accredited through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and has been so since 1961.

Huntington University has a total enrollment figure of more than 1,000, including over 900 undergraduate students, with an average student to faculty ratio of 10 to 1. More than 70 programs of study are offered including undergraduate, pre-professional and graduate-level degrees.  Several Adult Online Programs are available which allow motivated students to earn their bachelor’s degree entirely online. Areas of study include the Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Not-for-Profit Leadership, and Psychology. Huntington University’s online courses are asynchronous, allowing for maximum flexibility as students may access their classes at any given time and there are no requirements for logging in at a specific time. Each class is offered in an accelerated five-week format, allowing dedicated students to graduate in less time than would normally take in a traditional, residential format. Huntington University also allows certain work experience to qualify for college credit, enabling adult students to complete their degree even sooner and at a lower cost.

Bethel University is a private, coeducational, evangelical Christian institution of higher education located in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Established in 1871 as the Baptist Union Theological Seminary by John Alexis Edgren, the seminary’s original purpose was to train Swedish Baptist immigrants who had fled persecution in Europe to serve as pastors in the New World. In 1914 the Baptist General Conference (now Converge Worldwide) took on the support of the seminary and relocated the institution to its current campus in St. Paul. After World War II, the school became a four-year collegiate institution and was renamed the Bethel College & Seminary. Since then the institution has only continued to grow and in 2004 the name Bethel University was adopted. Bethel has a total enrollment figure of nearly 4,000, including nearly 3,000 undergraduate students, with an average student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1.

Bethel University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and has been so since 1959. A wide range of programs are available across the University’s four schools, which include the College of Adult & Professional Studies which offers seven fully online bachelor’s degrees. These online programs include Business Management (B.S.) with concentrations in either Global Business or Management; Christian Ministries (B.A.); Finance (B.S.); Human Services (B.A.); Management Information Systems (B.S.); Nursing (RN to B.S.); and Organizational Leadership with optional concentrations in either Christian Ministries or Human Services. Each of Bethel University’s online programs is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to advance their career and accomplish their goals. Programs are available in multiple formats including fully online, hybrid (a mix of on-campus and online), and fully online with a week or two worth of campus intensives each year.

Hope International University (HIU) is a private, coeducational, Christian institution of higher education located in Fullerton, California. Though nondenominational, HIU does have strong ties to the Restoration Movement and the Christian churches and churches of Christ. HIU describes its mission as being “to empower students through Christian higher education to serve the church and impact the world for Christ.” The University was established in 1928 as the Pacific Bible Seminary, originally. By the 1960’s the school was granted accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and adopted the new name of Pacific Christian College. In 1997, after achieving university status, the institution was renamed Hope International University. HIU’s main campus is strategically located in the city of Fullerton, in the heart of Orange County, California. The University also operates the Anaheim Campus at Stadium Towers which serves as the main campus for the university’s online and graduate students, as well as an extension campus in Everett, Washington for working adults and graduate students.

Hope International University has a total enrollment figure of just over 1,300, nearly 900 of which are undergraduate students, with an average student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1. Comprised of five Colleges, HIU offers a wide range of degrees and programs, including a number of online undergraduate degrees. These include the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with an emphasis on Teacher Preparation and the Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Business Administration, Christian Ministry, and Human Development. Each course is taught by qualified faculty members who offer their students the same one-on-one attention that traditional residential students receive. Online students also have the added benefit of 24/7 access to each online class – allowing them to access their courses at their convenience. Those interested in learning more about HIU’s online learning option are welcome to test drive one of the University’s online courses.

Greenville College, located in Greenville, Illinois, is a private, coeducational, four-year, Christian liberal arts institution. Established by the Free Methodist Church in 1892, the school’s original purpose was to provide a “distinctive, Christ-centered college education for men and women.” It was Wilson T. Hogue, the college’s first president, who coined the phrase “education for character”, which serves as Greenville College’s motto to this day. The College is situated on a beautiful 50 acre campus in the heart of Greenville, about 45 miles outside of St. Louis and is easily accessible from several main highways, including I-70, I-55, I-64, and I-57. With the vision to inspire students to embrace God’s calling on their lives, Greenville College’s mission is to empower “students for lives of character and service through a transforming Christ-centered education in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies.”

Greenville College has a total enrollment figure of more than 1,300, including over 1,000 undergraduate students, with an average student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1. The College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and has been so since 1948. More than 50 undergraduate majors are offered by Greenville College as well as several adult and graduate programs which are available either online or at partnership locations. Online bachelor degree programs include Business Administration, B.S.; Criminal Justice Administration, B.S.; Organizational Leadership, B.S.; and Health Psychology, B.S. Named one of the Best Online Colleges in Illinois for 2016 and 2016-2017, each of Greenville College’s online courses are taught by highly respected faculty members in a fully supported online learning environment. Pairing technology with a caring support system, Greenville College offers students a “collaborative learning experience” which allows students to interact with faculty members and classmates from anywhere in the world.

Located in the hamlet of Houghton, New York in the Genesee Valley, Houghton College is a private, Christian liberal arts institution. Houghton College was established in 1883 and is affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. The College began as a high school known as Houghton Seminary; however, by the mid-1920s the school had grown to become a four-year college and was granted its permanent charter in 1927 by the state of New York. Soon after, in 1935, Houghton College achieved accreditation through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. A distinctively residential school, most of Houghton College’s students, faculty and staff live either on-campus in or close proximity to the College. The residential experience is highly valued by the College and on-campus housing is provided in the form of several residence halls and townhouses. Houghton College has a total enrollment figure of just over 1,000 students, the majority of whom are undergraduates, with an average student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1.

Houghton College offers a wide variety of majors, pre-professional, and graduate-level programs which are available in both traditional classroom formats as well as through online courses. Bachelor’s degrees which may be completed 100% online include Human Resources Management, Integrated Marketing & Communication, Management, Leadership Development – all of which are available as either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Business Administration degree – and a Bachelor of Psychology. One of Houghton College’s goals is to prepare students “to become global contributors empowered by a challenging education taught in a vibrant online community and grounded in a relevant faith-based context.” Named a Best College for the Money and among the Top 2% in the nation and Top 3% in the state of New York, Houghton College offers new online classes every eight weeks.

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is a private, coeducational, evangelical Christian liberal arts institution located in Marion, Indiana. Established as Marion College in 1920, the school was founded by the Trustees of the Indiana Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Since those early beginnings, the institution has expanded and grown, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The University’s mission as a “Christ-centered academic community” is to remain “committed to changing the world by developing students in character, scholarship and leadership.” IWU has a total enrollment figure of nearly 15,000, including more than 10,000 undergraduate students, with a student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1. The largest member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, Indiana Wesleyan University is also the largest private college in the state of Indiana as well as one of the largest employers within Grant County.

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and has been so since 1966. The University is comprised of several colleges and schools, including the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Health Sciences, the School of Nursing, and the Graduate School. Several online bachelor degree programs are available, covering the subjects of Business, Communication, Computer Science, Counseling, Criminal Justice, Education, Liberal Arts, Nursing, Psychology and Social Work, and Theology and Ministry.  IWU caps its online class size at a certain number of students in order to cultivate an intimate learning environment and the curriculum for the University’s online courses is specifically designed to maximize the learning experience for adult students. IWU’s online degrees follow an accelerated format, allowing the motivated student to save both time and money; adult students may also apply for financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans and veteran benefits, making this education option even more affordable.