The College Consensus ranking of the Best Christian Colleges combines the published rankings of a wide selection of trusted media outlets, with the more trustworthy student review sites, to determine the overall most highly regarded explicitly Christian schools (see also: Best Online Christian Colleges & Universities). Christian students of all denominations often find that a college experience rooted in their faith is the right choice for them, and with College Consensus’ all-encompassing method, prospective students can trust that their choice passes muster with the experts and the students alike.
How Do We Make Our Ranking of the Best Christian Colleges?
College Consensus takes an innovative approach to college rankings, combining data from the most reputable college ranking publishers with the most legit student reviews available. The Consensus uses established rankings such as U.S. News & World Report, The Wall Street Journal, WalletHub, and Money to create the Publisher Rating. The Student Review Rating combines stats from Cappex, Niche, Unigo, and more. Together, they all add up to the Consensus Rating, one number to represent them all for a comprehensive, aggregate ranking.
American Christianity is a highly diverse, multi-faceted creature, with hundreds of denominations, and the higher education landscape dotted with Christian colleges and universities just like the real landscape is dotted with churches. Small and large, Christian colleges run the gamut, including schools rooted in the liberal arts, universities focused on research and professional education, and colleges dedicated to building an ethical, service-oriented workforce. For Christian students who find that an education in a Christian setting fits their needs, the College Consensus Best Christian Colleges ranking gives direction and focus to a search that could range near and far.
What’s Different About the College Consensus Ranking?
As an innovative, aggregate ranking, College Consensus crosses all kinds of boundaries, treating students who have experienced college life with the same seriousness as the published experts who dominate college rankings. The Consensus method is designed to give the full view of the landscape, taking into consideration the voices of all of higher education’s stakeholders. With College Consensus, students can trust that they’re getting the facts, and nothing but the facts, converted into the most unbiased, comprehensive ranking yet. Read more about the College Consensus methodology on the About page.
Note: The Top Consensus Ranked Christian Colleges are listed in descending order by their Consensus score. In the event of ties, schools are ranked in alphabetical order with the same rank number.
1
College of the OzarksPoint Lookout, MO
2
Northwestern College (IA)Orange City, IA
3
Cedarville UniversityCedarville, OH
4
Taylor UniversityUpland, IN
5
Goshen CollegeGoshen, IN
6
Wheaton College (IL)Wheaton, IL
7
Calvin UniversityGrand Rapids, MI
8
Pepperdine UniversityMalibu, CA
9
Indiana Wesleyan University-MarionMarion, IN
10
Dordt UniversitySioux Center, IA
11
Baylor UniversityWaco, TX
12
Messiah UniversityMechanicsburg, PA
13
Earlham CollegeRichmond, IN
14
Concordia University-Saint PaulSaint Paul, MN
15
LeTourneau UniversityLongview, TX
16
Westmont CollegeSanta Barbara, CA
17
Gordon CollegeWenham, MA
18
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth, TX
19
Hope CollegeHolland, MI
20
Azusa Pacific UniversityAzusa, CA
21
Bethel University (MN)Saint Paul, MN
What’s the Difference Between a Bible College and Christian Universities?
Although there are many similarities between a Bible college and Christian universities, there are also some differences. The most significant difference is the end goal of the graduates. Bible college primarily prepares students for full time service in ministry, whereas Christian universities offer a wide range of studies in many different career fields. Most Christian universities also offer degrees in ministry studies. The main difference is that Bible college will only offer degrees in ministry, whereas Christian universities will offer both. Both of these Christian institutions offer students an education from a Christian worldview.
What Kinds of Christian Colleges and Universities are There?
Just as there are many different types of Christian denominations and churches, also there are many different types of Christian colleges and universities. Although many schools simply advertise themselves as “Christian” upon further investigation, you will find that most Christian colleges and Bible colleges are foundational associated with certain denominations. Baptist colleges are often associated with Baptist conventions or specific churches. Most often these schools are considered fundamental Christian colleges. This means that the school will have strict rules concerning dress code, conduct, church attendance and other things.
If you have specific preferences about the type of Christian college you attend, it is important to do your research. Many schools which advertise themselves as evangelical colleges, may not line up with your personal belief statement or theology. Non-denominational colleges attempt to provide a Christian education free from many of the divisive denominational issues.
Do I Have to Identify as Christian to Attend a Christian College?
There are many Christian colleges which do require a personal statement of faith from the student before they will accept them for enrollment. You will need to research the requirements for each school. For schools that do not require this, it is important to note that most Christian schools will require church attendance and other Christian activities in order to stay in good standing.
Where Can I Find a Christian College?
Christian colleges are found all over the United State of America. The best way to find Christian universities in your state is by conducting an internet search. There is a wide variety of Christian universities in California. Many students are attracted to Christian universities in California due to the great weather and helpful student aid packages offered there.
If you are not looking to move to the west coast, you can also find a host of Christian colleges in PA. Pennsylvania has a long standing religious history and it shows in the wide variety of Christian colleges in PA.
Considering the long Christian history in New England in general, there are many great Bible colleges and Christian universities in New England, as well as many Christian colleges in New York as well as Maine Christian colleges and Bible colleges.
If you are looking for wide open spaces, another hot spot for Christian colleges and Bible colleges is in Texas. The Christian colleges in Texas are very diverse. Many people appreciate the fact that Bible colleges and Christian universities in Texas often offer high ranking competitive sports in addition to a marketable Christian education.
Down south in the Bible belt, not only will you find an abundance of Baptist churches, but you will also find some of the best Christian colleges in the south. Christian colleges in Georgia often provide small, homey campuses with a robust academic offering. Many find this to be the best of both worlds when looking for the best Christian colleges in the south.
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