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.
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 college campuses 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 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.
How Do We Make Our Ranking of the Best Christian Colleges?
College Consensus rankings combine the results of the most respected college ranking systems with the averaged ratings of thousands of real student reviews from around the web to create a unique college meta-ranking. This approach offers a comprehensive and holistic perspective missing from other college rankings. Visit our about page for information on which rankings and review sites were included in this year’s consensus rankings.
The Christian Colleges & Universities category is limited to schools with a public mission of providing an explicitly Christian education. Schools that did not qualify for a Consensus Score were ranked by their Student Review score.
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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.
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
Goshen College
Goshen, IN
2
Private: College of the Ozarks
Point Lookout, MO
3
Private: Taylor University
Upland, IN
4
Private: Cedarville University
Cedarville, OH
5
Calvin University
Grand Rapids, MI
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6
Private: Elmhurst University
Elmhurst, IL
7
Private: Baylor University
Waco, TX
8
Private: Wheaton College
Wheaton, IL
9
Private: Earlham College
Richmond, IN
10
Private: Whitworth University
Spokane, WA
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11
Private: Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA
12
Private: Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA
13
Messiah University
Mechanicsburg, PA
14
Private: Westmont College
Santa Barbara, CA
15
Private: Oklahoma Baptist University
Shawnee, OK
16
Private: Samford University
Birmingham, AL
17
Private: Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor, MI
18
Hope College
Holland, MI
19
Private: Gordon College
Wenham, MA
20
Harding University
Searcy, AR
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21
Private: Bethel University (MN)
Saint Paul, MN
22
Private: George Fox University
Newberg, OR
23
Private: Emmaus Bible College
Dubuque, IA
24
Private: Corban University
Salem, OR
25
Private: William Carey University
Hattiesburg, MS
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What’s the Difference Between a Bible School 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. A Bible school primarily prepares students for full-time service in ministry, whereas Christian universities offer a wide range of studies in many different career fields, from liberal arts to medicine. Most Christian universities also offer degrees in ministry studies. The main difference is that Bible colleges will only offer degrees in ministry, whereas Christian universities will offer both. Both of these Christian institutions offer the student body 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 foundationally associated with certain denominations. Baptist colleges are often associated with Baptist conventions or specific churches. Many of these schools are considered fundamental Christian colleges. This means that the school will have strict rules concerning student body 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 private Christian university 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 that 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, even for students who do not identify as Christian.
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 (California Baptist University). Many students are attracted to Christian universities in California due to the great weather and helpful student aid packages offered there. There’s also a large mormon population in Utah (Brigham Young University).
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 (Baylor University). 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 (Southern Methodist University). Some may seek a small private university for spiritual growth in a place like the Carolinas or Georgia. Many southern towns 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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