Best Online Christian Colleges

Founded in 1858 in Baldwin City, KS, Baker is the oldest college founded in the state. Today the school has grown to more than 3,000 students, with a substantial online program and satellite campuses that serve nontraditional learners in cities across the state. Baker ranks among the top Christian online colleges in the region, and graduates have found success in business, journalism, the arts, and the church. Some of the school’s notable alumni include Panda Express co-founder Andrew Cherng, New York Times bestselling author Candice Millard, and jazz singer Kevin Mahogany. Baker offers online degree programs at the graduate and undergraduate level in liberal arts, education, sports management, and healthcare administration, among many others. The school organizes courses into 6-8 week modules, which keeps scheduling flexible and allows students finish their degrees more quickly.

For students unfamiliar with academic writing, Baker offers several writing resources, including online tutorials, quizzes, guides, and curriculum rubrics that outline professors’ expectations of student writing. One-on-one tutoring through the Baker student portal is also available, where writers submit assignments for feedback or ask questions about academic writing. Students receive asynchronous, personalized, and flexible tutoring through the student portal, as well. The college provides full access to library services, including full-text databases, academic journals, eBooks, and a range of other study materials. Newly enrolled students take advantage of an online library tutorial that outlines the major resources available. Librarians also offer individualized assistance with research and other library functions.

Basic Info

• Year founded: 1858
• Affiliation: Methodist Church
• Average student-to-faculty ratio: 13-to-1

Academics

• Schools/Colleges: College of Arts & Sciences, School of Nursing, School of Professional & Graduate Studies, School of Education
• Degree types: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
• Term system: Semesters

Distance Learning

• Format: Online
• Instruction style: Asynchronous
• Enrollment options: Full-time & part-time
• Platform: Moodle
• Tuition: Per credit
• Prior learning credits: Military training, CLEP, & DSST

Financial Aid

• Types: Scholarships
• Eligibility: Merit-based, needs-based

A private liberal arts college rooted in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod tradition, Concordia-St. Paul serves around 4,000 students of many faiths and backgrounds. The school is one of the most affordable online Christian colleges in Minnesota, and online students incur no application fees. Additionally, active duty military students receive significant tuition discounts. Concordia offers practical, experienced-based online degrees to prepare students for professional success, and 92% of graduates find jobs in their field of study.

Online learners choose from a large selection of associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields as diverse as radiologic science leadership, exercise science, education, and creative writing. Several degrees are fully online with synchronous and asynchronous courses, though some programs are offered entirely asynchronously and require no scheduled course meetings. Other programs blend online learning with occasional campus meetings. Students take one, three-credit course at a time, and complete each course in seven weeks. This format allows Concordia to offer several degrees in a cohort model, in which students move through a set sequence of courses together. This model facilitates stronger learning communities among students, even while only meeting occasionally.

Because of its emphasis on professional education, Concordia maintains partnerships with several major companies and offers accelerated online undergraduate or graduate programs to employees at a reduced cost. Workers at United Airlines, AT&T, 3M, and Unitedhealth Group benefit from flexible online degree programs to improve their companies and their own career prospects.

Basic Info

• Year founded: 1893
• Affiliation: ‎Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
• Average student-to-faculty ratio: 16-to-1

Academics

• Schools/Colleges: College of Business & Technology, College of Humanities & Social Sciences, College of Education, College of Health & Science
• Degree types: Associate, Bachelor's, Master's
• Term system: Semesters

Distance Learning

• Format: Online
• Instruction style: Asynchronous & synchronous
• Enrollment options: Full-time & part-time
• Platform: Blackboard
• Tuition: Per credit
• Prior learning credits: CLEP, Advanced Placement, & International Baccalaureate

Financial Aid

• Types: Scholarships, grants, & loans
• Eligibility: Need-based & merit-based
• Veterans' benefits: Scholarships & tuition assistance

Concordia University-Wisconsin (CUW) has provided a Lutheran liberal arts education to students for more than 125 years. Based in Mequon, WI, the school also operates programs in partnership with Concordia Ann Arbor in Michigan. CUW offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in their online programs, with many in healthcare and human services. Available programs include occupational therapy, family nurse practitioner, healthcare management, education, theology, and business. At the graduate level, CUW’s MBA program features several concentration options in which degree candidates can specialize in fields such as accounting, environmental studies, nonprofit management, and sport and entertainment business. Students with an associate degree and currently employed in the healthcare field can take advantage of the school’s bachelor’s degree completion programs in nursing, diagnostic medical sonography, and radiologic technology. Students may transfer up to 90 credits toward their bachelor’s, and a degree can be completed in as little as a year and a half.

CUW provides personal, academic, and spiritual support to each student. As a result, each online student receives a support specialist to help navigate CUW’s distance education platform, make effective course selections, keep track of important dates and deadlines, and stay informed about scholarships and other financial aid opportunities. They also help students maintain a balance between school and personal obligations. Before and after graduation, online learners also receive support from CUW’s Department of Career Services. Career counselors help students (via Skype) develop resumes and cover letters, conduct mock interviews, and connect them to alumni groups and other professionals for networking opportunities.

Basic Info

• Year founded: 1881
• Affiliation: Lutheran Church‐Missouri Synod
• Average student-to-faculty ratio: 11-to-1

Academics

• Schools/Colleges: School of Arts & Sciences, Batterman School of Business, School of Education, School of Health Professions, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy
• Degree types: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, & Doctorate
• Term system: Semesters

Distance Learning

• Format: Online
• Instruction style: Asynchronous
• Enrollment options: Full-time & part-time
• Platform: Blackboard
• Tuition: Per credit
• Prior learning credits: CLEP, & DSST

Financial Aid

• Types: Scholarships and grants
• Eligibility: Merit-based, needs-based

Founded in 1928 in Fullerton, CA, Hope International University (HIU) is non-denominational online Christian university in the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ tradition. Today the school serves more than 2,000 students on-campus and online from many different Christian denominations. HIU offers five undergraduate degrees online, including an associate of arts, and bachelor’s programs in four areas of liberal studies: teacher preparation, business administration, Christian ministry, and human development.

The associate of arts program introduces students to the fundamentals of arts, sciences, and biblical ethics, and graduates transfer seamlessly into any of HIU’s bachelor’s programs. The bachelor’s degree in teacher preparation builds a base of knowledge for future educators, and juniors and seniors may enroll in graduate level education courses, earning up to nine credits that count toward a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. The Christian ministry program prepares graduates for church leadership roles with courses in theology. Students in the business administration program may complete their degree in a unique accelerated format that allows them to finish in just three years, rather than the typical four. The human development degree emphasizes Christian values in the counseling and helping professions, with two concentrations available in either community mental health or family studies.

HIU offers several graduate degree programs in education, counseling, business administration, and church music, among others. Some programs -- such as general management and counseling psychology -- are available fully online. Others use a hybrid format that requires students to complete some coursework on-campus in addition to online classes. Degree candidates who are unfamiliar with online learning can sample a free online demo course through the HIU website. The demo provides a general sense of online course structuring and helps students determine their preparedness for online work.

Basic Info

• Year founded: 1928
• Affiliation: Restoration Movement and Churches of Christ
• Average student-to-faculty ratio: 9-to-1

Academics

• Schools/Colleges: College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business & Management, College of Education, Pacific Christian College of Ministry & Biblical Studies, College of Psychology & Counseling
• Degree types: Associate, Bachelor’s, & Master’s
• Term system: Semesters

Distance Learning

• Format: Online
• Enrollment options: Full-time & part-time
• Platform: Canvas
• Tuition: Per unit
• Prior learning credits: Significant life or educational experiences

Financial Aid

• Veterans' benefits: Reduced tuition

With a campus just outside of Knoxville, TN, Johnson University also maintains extension centers in cities around the country, including Indianapolis, Louisville, Orlando, and Phoenix. The school’s founding dates to 1893, making it the second-oldest bible college in the country. Johnson boasts a long history of distance education, as well, originally offering bible study courses through correspondence. Today the school ranks as one of the oldest Christian online colleges, with several online associate, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and certificate programs available.

Johnson’s online degrees include several religion-centered programs, such as ministry leadership, pastoral care and counseling, biblical studies, and bible translation. Johnson’s professional degrees are grounded in a biblical context, including nonprofit administration, intercultural studies, and a business administration degree with available concentrations in management, marketing, and sports management. For students looking to combine the convenience of online courses and the interactivity of traditional brick-and-mortar courses, Johnson offers hybrid degrees through its Indianapolis, Louisville, and Knoxville campuses. Many degree programs include hands-on professional practicum experiences, which students can perform at one of Johnson’s church partners around the country. The school can help students arrange practicums through local churches, businesses, and community organizations.

The college offers a wide range of support services and resources to online students, including academic coaching, course selections, and other academic advice. Students also have access to dedicated tutoring resources, technology services, the virtual library, and career services. Along with live counseling sessions, online learners have access to a large selection of academic resources related to distance education, including study skills training, time management advice, proofreading and writing help, and test-taking tips.

Basic Info

• Year founded: 1893
• Affiliation: Restoration Movement
• Average student-to-faculty ratio: 16-to-1

Academics

• Schools/Colleges: School of Arts and Sciences, School of Bible & Theology, School of Business & Public Leadership, School of Communication & Creative Arts, School of Communication & Creative Arts, School of Congregational Ministry, School of Education, School of Intercultural Studies, Social & Behavioral Sciences
• Degree types: Associate, bachelor’s, master’s, & doctorate
• Term system: Semesters

Distance Learning

• Format: Online
• Instruction style: Asynchronous
• Enrollment options: Full-time
• Platform: Sakai
• Tuition: Per semester
• Prior learning credits: CLEP

Financial Aid

• Types: Scholarships
• Eligibility: Needs-based & merit-based

Rooted in the Presbyterian Church and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, King University has provided religious and professional education since 1867. Today, King serves students at its main campus in Bristol, TN, a distance education program, and several satellite campuses and extension centers around Tennessee and southwest Virginia. Though King is private, the school ranks as one of the most affordable online accredited Christian colleges in the region, and offers a competitive tuition rate and generous financial aid packages. Respected both regionally and nationally, the school boasts several notable alumni in politics, business, and the arts, including children’s author Katherine Paterson, United States Senator William R. Laird, and financial trader and writer Christian H. Cooper.

King offers 11 bachelor’s degrees in professional and liberal arts subjects, including majors such as psychology, religious studies, information technology, and history. The school also boasts two online graduate degrees in business administration and nursing, along with an associate of arts degree. Online programs are designed for working professionals to complete their degree as quickly as possible. Courses are available year-round, with multiple start dates per year. King exercises a generous credit transfer policy -- undergraduates are eligible to transfer up 76 credits toward their bachelor’s. Through the school’s agreements with several local community colleges, students may also earn an associate degree while completing degree requirements toward their bachelor’s at King. Accelerated degree programs -- which can be completed in as few as 16 months -- may be another option for working students.

Basic Info

• Year founded: 1867
• Affiliation: Presbyterian
• Average student-to-faculty ratio: 14-to-1

Academics

• Schools/Colleges: King College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, School of Education, School of Nursing, Peeke School of Christian Mission, School of Behavioral & Health Sciences, & School of Communication, Information, and Design
• Degree types: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, & Doctorate
• Term system: Semesters

Distance Learning

• Format: Online
• Enrollment options: Full-time & part-time
• Platform: Blackboard
• Tuition: Per credit
• Prior learning credits: Prior learning assessment

Financial Aid

• Types: Scholarships, grants, & loans
• Eligibility: Needs-bases & merit-based
• Veterans' benefits: Tuition discounts & book vouchers

Founded in 1946 in Longview, TX, LeTourneau University began as a technical institute dedicated to trade skill and technology programs. The college maintains its focus on practical, professional education today through a range of online degree programs in aviation and aeronautics, arts and sciences, business and technology, education, and psychology/counseling. The earliest LeTourneau students gained hands-on job experience at the nearby LeTourneau Incorporated factory, and the legacy of applying theory to practice continues through required practicums. Several of LeTourneau’s online programs also offer credits to students who work in a position relevant to their career aspirations. The school can also help online students arrange practicums in their own communities in fields like healthcare, business, and education.

As one of the top online Christian colleges in Texas, LeTourneau offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including health care administration, criminal justice, and business management. The school also offers programs in aviation studies and aviation management, which prepare students for careers in the air transportation industry, such as airport manager, aviation safety inspector, and professional pilot. Regardless of degree choices, however, students at LeTourneau benefit from a curriculum that integrates Christian faith into course content, class discussions, and professional preparation strategies. This focus helps students make informed academic, professional, and personal decisions rooted in religious values. Online learners receive personalized support from career mentors and academic advisors, who offer help with course selections and registration to career counseling, interview preparation, and personal and spiritual advice.

Basic Info

• Year founded: 1946
• Affiliation: Interdenominational
• Average student-to-faculty ratio: 14-to-1

Academics

• Schools/Colleges: College of Aviation & Aeronautical Science, College of Education, Arts, & Sciences, College of Engineering, Business, & Technology, College of Health Sciences, School of Theology & Vocation
• Degree types: Associate, Bachelor’s, & Master’s
• Term system: Semesters

Distance Learning

• Format: Online & hybrid
• Instruction style: Asynchronous & synchronous
• Enrollment options: Full-time or part-time
• Platform: Canvas
• Tuition: Per credit and flat rate per semester
• Prior learning credits: Military experience & CLEP
• State restrictions: Not available in California, Delaware, Florida, Massachusetts

Financial Aid

• Types: Grants, scholarships, loans, & work study
• Eligibility: Needs-based & merit-based

Ottawa University (OU) is an accredited online Christian college with campuses throughout Kansas, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Indiana. The school also offers online programs via three schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, the Angell Snyder School of Business, and the School of Education. OU’s online programs are available at both the bachelor’s and master’s level, and include English, history, human resources, public safety, and addictions counseling. All programs feature coursework fully online and students can complete their entire degree without ever setting foot on an Ottawa campus. While degrees can be earned at home, certain degrees include state licensure or certification pathways that don’t transfer to all U.S. states. OU’s programs in addiction counseling, nursing, elementary education, and secondary education lead to state licensure in Arizona and Kansas, but program curriculum may not meet requirements for other states. Applicants should contact their state licensure authority to determine if OU meets local degree requirements.

OU pairs all online degree candidates with a personal student success team, which consists of an enrollment advisor, academic advisor, and financial advisor. The enrollment advisor helps navigate the enrollment process and connects with the other members of the success team. The academic coach is responsible for a student’s academic progress, and assists with everything from course selection to degree planning to career coaching. Finally, the financial advisor offers strategies to pay for tuition and identifies financial aid, grant, and scholarship opportunities. For applicants uncertain about taking online courses, OU offers a free demo to experience the online learning platform. The demo explores all the major features of OU’s Blackboard online platform, including class discussions, assignments, and communications with peers and faculty.

Basic Info

• Year founded: 1865
• Affiliation: American Baptist Churches
• Average student-to-faculty ratio: 18-to-1

Academics

• Schools/Colleges: Angell Snyder School of Business, School of Education, School of Arts & Sciences, School of Health & Applied Sciences
• Degree types: Bachelor’s & Master’s
• Term system: Semesters

Distance Learning

• Format: Online
• Instruction style: Asynchronous
• Enrollment options: Full-time & part-time
• Platform: Blackboard
• Tuition: Per credit

Financial Aid

• Types: Scholarships, grants, & loans
• Eligibility: Merit-based
• Veterans' benefits: Tuition assistance

Based in Winfield, KS, Southwestern College (SC) is a private Methodist school with an enrollment of just 1,900 students. The college’s small size leads to classes of just under 15 students, which allows for personalized attention from faculty, even in online courses. SC offers online degrees through its Professional Studies department, with eight start dates throughout the year to accommodate working students. The school has graduate and undergraduate online programs in fields like business and leadership, education, healthcare, social sciences, ministry, security and safety, and technology. Specialized online certificates for undergrads are available in areas including cybercrime investigation, homeland security, and operational management, while graduate students can pursue certificates in emergency planning, enterprise risk management, and executive leadership. SC’s online courses use a six-week format to provide flexible scheduling. For certain specialized degrees -- including nursing and education -- some courses may be longer than six weeks.

All students receive a personal academic success coach who offers academic advice and connects students with campus resources. Coaches assist with course selection, study habits, career goals, and enrollment, and help students identify problem areas and collaborate on solutions. Online students also receive support from the SC Writing Center, where web-based tutoring sessions help students develop their writing and become critical editors of their own work. The Writing Center also offers 24/7 access to the SC Online Resource Center, and includes comprehensive writing resources and links to specialized tutorials. After graduation, students may use the SC Career Center for resources such as networking opportunities, career direction assessments, job research, and resume help.

Basic Info

• Year founded: 1885
• Affiliation: United Methodist
• Average student-to-faculty ratio: 9-to-1

Academics

• Degree types: Bachelor’s, Master’s, & Doctorate
• Term system: Semesters

Distance Learning

• Format: Online
• Instruction style: Asynchronous and synchronous
• Enrollment options: Full-time
• Platform: Blackboard
• Tuition: Per credit
• Prior learning credits: Advanced Placement, CLEP, DSST

Financial Aid

• Types: Grants & scholarships
• Eligibility: Merit-based & needs-based
• Veterans' benefits: Tuition discount

Warner is a private liberal arts college based in Lake Wales, Florida and affiliated with the Church of God. Serving around 1,200 students annually through both on-campus and online programs, Warner ranks as one of the top online accredited Christian colleges in the region, with full accreditation status from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

At the associate degree level, degrees are available in general studies or church ministry. Online learners pursuing a bachelor’s degree choose from programs in business administration, educational studies, healthcare management, and transformational Christian ministry. Graduate students, meanwhile, can choose from programs in business administration, educational studies, management, and ministry. Graduate students complete their program in 16-36 months, while undergraduate degrees take four years. Warner offers a generous credit transfer policy, and students with previous college experience can transfer some credits to complete their degree more quickly. Professionals with relevant training or certifications in their field of study may be able to earn credit from experience.

Warner is dedicated to the integration and application of Christian values in public life, and the school offers several grants and tuition discounts for undergraduate or graduate applicants employed in public service industries. Professionals in law enforcement, fire safety, emergency services, civil air patrol, and corrections receive a public service scholarship automatically upon enrollment in any program. Active duty service members and veterans are also eligible for tuition reductions and other benefits. For current ministers, ministry associates, parachurch workers, and lay ministers, Warner offers church service grants to reduce the cost of tuition. Finally, Florida Hospital employees receive a tuition grant upon enrollment. The hospital grant is available to both full- and part-time students, though part-time students receive prorated funding that depends upon course load.

Basic Info

• Year founded: 1968
• Affiliation: Church of God
• Average student-to-faculty ratio: 15-to-1

Academics

• Degree types: Associate, Bachelor’s, & Master’s
• Term system: Semesters

Distance Learning

• Format: Online
• Instruction style: Asynchronous
• Enrollment options: Full-time & part-time
• Tuition: Per credit (part-time) & per semester (full-time)
• Prior learning credits: DSST, CLEP, Advanced Placement, & International Baccalaureate

Financial Aid

• Types: Scholarship, grants, & loans
• Eligibility: Merit-based & needs-based