If you’re a student searching for a top-tier Christian college, you should start with this compilation. The Best Ranked Christian Universities guide features a wide range of institutions, from small liberal arts colleges to huge research universities, all of which are widely considered to be among the best Christian universities in the world. You can check out this list of best Christian universities as well.
Christian universities are many, but not all of them are created equal. In this article, you’ll find a list of the top Christian schools and institutions in the country, so you can be confident that you’re choosing a decision that will have a lasting, positive impact on your life and the lives of those to come.
To aid students in their quest for a university, we here at Best Ranked Christian Universities have compiled a list of the top-ranked Christian institutions from all around the world.
HOPE COLLEGE
Hope College is a coed, four-year liberal arts school in Holland, Michigan. Hope College, founded in 1862 with 10 students, was chartered in 1866. Rev. A.C. Van Raalte founded the school with help from the Reformed Church in America to give Holland children a Christian education. Hope College is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America, however all students are welcome. Hope College has been honored by Forbes, The Princeton Review, Fiske Guide to Colleges, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
| Percent Admitted | 78% |
| 4-year Graduation Rate | 70% |
| Enrollment | 3,061 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Average Undergraduate Students Aid | $16,691 |
| In-State Tuition and Fees | $36,650 |
| Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $36,650 |
| Sector | Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above |
| Carnegie Classification | Baccalaureate Colleges: Arts & Sciences Focus |
| Religious Affiliation | Reformed Church in America |
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Hope College prepares students for leadership and service in a global community through excellence in the liberal arts and the Christian faith. NCACS accredits the college.
Hope College offers more than 90 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs in Arts & Humanities, Natural & Applied Sciences, Social Sciences, and Pre-Health. More than half of Hope College students participate in at least one internship, with a quarter doing two or more. More than half of students participate in domestic off-campus or study abroad programs in over 60 locations.
STUDENT LIFE
Over 3,000 undergraduates attend Hope College. Hope College students come from over 35 states and territories and 30 countries. Hope College considers campus living an important aspect of a student’s education. All unmarried degree-seeking students must reside in college-owned housing unless annual permission to live off-campus or commute is granted. Residence Halls, Apartments, and Cottages provide student housing.
Hope College’s Student Activities Committee hosts concerts, “Coffeehouse,” a weekly event showcasing student musicians and performers; trips; films, improve and comedy shows and other performances; traditional collegiate events including Homecoming Hoedown, Spring Fling and Winter Fantasia; outdoor events, and more. NCAA Division III athletics play a big role in student life. Hope College’s varsity men’s and women’s teams participate in the MIAA.
SPRING ARBOR UNIVERSITY
Spring Arbor University has a 100-acre campus in Spring Arbor, Michigan. Edward Payson (E.P.) Hart and Martha (Mattie) Bishop Hart founded the school in 1873. Spring Arbor University has grown into a top-tier, liberal arts, Christian university, listed by US News & World Report as one of the best “Regional Universities-Midwest” for numerous years. The University has 12 learning centers across Michigan and Ohio in addition to its flagship campus in Spring Arbor.
| Percent Admitted | 63% |
| 4-year Graduation Rate | 38% |
| Enrollment | 3,118 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 12.0:1 |
| Average Undergraduate Students Aid | $15,275 |
| In-State Tuition and Fees | $30,472 |
| Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $30,472 |
| Sector | Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above |
| Carnegie Classification | Master’s Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs |
| Religious Affiliation | Free Methodist |
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Spring Arbor University’s accreditation dates to 1960. “The Concept” is the University’s mission statement and guiding principle. Spring Arbor University is a community of learners committed to the liberal arts, Jesus Christ, and the contemporary world.
Spring Arbor University has a business school, arts and sciences school, education school, and human services school. Spring Arbor University offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and programs, as well as graduate degrees in business administration, communication, counseling, education, nursing, and spiritual formation and leadership. Several of Spring Arbor University’s graduate programs and adult degree completion programs are provided 100% online.
STUDENT LIFE
Spring Arbor University has over 4,000 students, including 2,700 undergraduates. Nearly 90% of students are from Michigan, although there are also students from 25 other states and abroad. Spring Arbor University has residence halls, apartments, Koinonia Houses, and married student housing.
Spring Arbor University has more than 50 student clubs, groups, events, and ministry opportunities for students and faculty to engage outside the classroom. Spring Arbor University conducts an art show in The Ganton Art Gallery, the biggest single room art gallery in southern Michigan, every fall and spring. Spring Arbor hosts concerts, plays, films, and dances. Intramural sports include floor hockey, volleyball, basketball, and soccer. Spring Arbor University competes in NAIA Division II and the Crossroads League.
SAMFORD UNIVERSITY
Samford University is 5 miles from Birmingham. Howard College was founded in 1841. In the 1960s, it was renamed Samford University in honor of a longtime Trustee. Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia inspired the campus architecture, which offers a typical college ambiance. Homewood, AL, denied Birmingham’s 1959 and 1966 annexation bids. The town benefits from Birmingham’s industrial economy while retaining a modest college town. Several government officials and three “Miss Alabama” winners are Samford alumni.
| Percent Admitted | 84% |
| 4-year Graduation Rate | 64% |
| Enrollment | 5,729 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 12.0:1 |
| Average Undergraduate Students Aid | $17,676 |
| In-State Tuition and Fees | $34,198 |
| Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $34,198 |
| Sector | Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above |
| Carnegie Classification | Doctoral/Professional Universities |
| Religious Affiliation | Baptist |
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Samford offers Bachelor’s, post-baccalaureate certificates, Master’s, post-certificates, master’s and Doctorates in over 150 majors in 9 schools. The 30 undergraduate degrees are almost all on-campus, but online courses are rising. Samford’s aim is to “nurture intellect, creativity, faith, and personhood.” As a Christian university, we encourage academic, career, and ethical competency while fostering social and civic duty and service. This led to pharmacy, law, nursing, and physical therapy accreditation. Samford is notable for business and health-related degrees (pharmacy, pre-med). As a Christian university, Samford combines academics, faith, and service. Our students have various chances for spiritual development, from campus Bible studies to Campus Worship.
STUDENT LIFE
5,200 undergraduate and graduate students attend. All demographics, hobbies, and affiliations have affinity-based clubs. Samford’s spiritual history isn’t forgotten. Belief in God, the Creator of heaven and earth, and Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Engagement with Jesus’ life and teachings; Learning and responsible freedom of inquiry; Personal empowerment, accountability, and responsibility; Vocational success and civic engagement; Spiritual growth and physical well-being; Integrity, honesty, and justice; Appreciation for diverse cultures and convictions; Stewardship of a sustainable environment. Samford has 17 NCAA Division 1-AA teams and Intramural sports. Touching the nose of Major Davis’ bronze statue, the yearly “Step Sing” (an outdoor student-led performance to collect charitable contributions), and “Rascal Day” in the Law School recognize the sole recipient of a Doctor of Canine Jurisprudence in 1937 after attending law school classes for 4 years.
GEORGETOWN COLLEGE
Georgetown College is a private Christian college in Kentucky. First Baptist college west of the Allegheny Mountains, Georgetown College. Silas Noel, a Frankfort lawyer, jurist, and pastor, petitioned the Kentucky legislature to charter the school in 1829. The College’s mission is to “prepare students to engage in life’s endeavors with deliberation and skills” As a Christian institution, Georgetown College is committed to “faith, hope, and love”
| Percent Admitted | 72% |
| 4-year Graduation Rate | 53% |
| Enrollment | 1,565 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 12.0:1 |
| Average Undergraduate Students Aid | $34,614 |
| In-State Tuition and Fees | $40,800 |
| Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $40,800 |
| Sector | Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above |
| Carnegie Classification | Baccalaureate Colleges: Arts & Sciences Focus |
| Religious Affiliation | Baptist |
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Georgetown College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Art, Biology, Business Administration & Economics, Chemistry, Communication and Media Studies, Education, English, History, Kinesiology and Health Studies, Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science, Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, Sociology, and Theatre & Film offer more than 30 undergraduate programs and minors. Face-to-face and online MA in Education programs are also available. Georgetown College’s graduate education program is provided to students with or without teaching licensure.
Georgetown College students can serve locally, nationally, and internationally. There are orientation service projects, alternate Spring Break outreach excursions, and Student Abolitionist Movement programs.
STUDENT LIFE
Georgetown College has 1,200 students, including 1,000 undergraduates. The undergraduate population is 48% male, 52% female, and 21% minority. Georgetown College’s main campus has over a dozen classic residence halls, and 90% of students live on-campus. There are nine social organization halls, two townhouse-style residence halls, and a few apartments. Fine arts organizations, honors organizations, interest groups, student government, fraternities and sororities are student-led at Georgetown College.
Georgetown College’s NAIA Division I teams compete in the Mid-South Conference. Men’s baseball, women’s lacrosse, softball, and volleyball, and men’s basketball are varsity sports at the school.
CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY
Chapman University is a private, 4-year school in Orange, CA. The 75-acre campus contains traditional architecture in a confined location. Attallah Piazza is near the library and sports facility. California Christian College absorbed Hesperian College in Woodland, CA in 1931. Chapman College moved to Orange in 1954 after renaming in 1934. The university opened in 1991. Brandman University has 25 physical locations and an online virtual campus within Chapman University. Colin Hanks and George Argyros are alumni.
| Percent Admitted | 58% |
| 4-year Graduation Rate | 70% |
| Enrollment | 9,761 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 12.0:1 |
| Average Undergraduate Students Aid | $26,129 |
| In-State Tuition and Fees | $57,214 |
| Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $57,214 |
| Sector | Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above |
| Carnegie Classification | Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity |
| Religious Affiliation | Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) |
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Chapman University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission and offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in over 50 subjects. The main programs on campus are Business and Performing Arts. The university has 10 schools and colleges: Argyros School of Business & Economics, College of Performing Arts, Crean College of Health & Behavioral Sciences, Schmid College of Science & Technology, College of Educational Studies, Dodge College of Film & Media Arts, Fowler School of Law, School of Pharmacy, Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, School of Communication.
According to its mission statement, Chapman aims to “offer personalized education of distinction that leads to enquiring, ethical, and productive lives as global citizens.” The Semester at Sea program, begun in 1965 as University of the Seven Seas and World Campus Afloat, is unique. Ports include South Africa, China, Singapore, and more. Chapman was the academic sponsor from 1965-1975 and has been a well-represented school thereafter.
STUDENT LIFE
Chapman University has nearly 6,300 undergraduates, many of whom live on campus in suites and apartments. The university provides approximately 150 club sports and intramurals. Cardinal and grey Panthers, led by Pete the Panther, compete in 12 NCAA Division III sports. The Holiday Wassail Banquet and Concert is a longstanding campus event. As members of the Chapman community, we vow to excellence, integrity, respect for persons, valuing diversity, freedom of speech, respect for the environment, honesty, confidentiality, and respect for university resources. These 10 principles reflect Chapman’s Disciples of Christ heritage. They’re educational guidelines and objectives, not enforcement.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
TCU is a 4-year private institution in Fort Worth, TX. TCU’s 300-acre campus has a Spanish Colonial academic quad with red tile roofs, roughly 3 miles from downtown. Residential, academic, and “Worth Hills” contain Greek homes and the football stadium. 1873-founded Disciples of Christ school. In 1873, the school moved from Fort Worth to Thorp Spring. The school moved to Waco in 1895 and Fort Worth in 1910. Andy Dalton, LaDainian Tomlinson, and the Gilligan’s Island Professor are graduates (fictionally, of course).
| Percent Admitted | 48% |
| 4-year Graduation Rate | 69% |
| Enrollment | 11,379 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 13.0:1 |
| Average Undergraduate Students Aid | $27,036 |
| In-State Tuition and Fees | $51,660 |
| Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $51,660 |
| Sector | Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above |
| Carnegie Classification | Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity |
| Religious Affiliation | Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) |
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Texas Christian University offers Bachelor’s Degrees, post-baccalaureate Certificates, Master’s Degrees, post-masters Certificates, and Doctorates in over 100 subjects. Largest programs are in business, health-related sectors, art & design, music & dance. AddRan College of Liberal Arts, Bob Schieffer College of Communication, College of Education, College of Fine Arts, College of Science and Engineering, Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences, John V. Roach Honors College, and M.J. Neeley School of Business. Limited online options, but a popular study abroad program. According to the University’s Mission Statement, the school teaches students to be ethical leaders and responsible global citizens.
STUDENT LIFE
About half of Texas Christian University’s 8600 undergraduates live on campus. Greek culture is prominent on campus. The university provides approximately 200 club sports and intramurals. The purple and white Horned Frogs compete in 12 NCAA Division I sports. The school’s football rivalries with Baylor University and Southern Methodist University (in Dallas) extend to 1899 and 1946, respectively. TCU’s Christmas Tree Lighting is an annual tradition. TCU’s basic principles include academic accomplishment, personal freedom and integrity, individual dignity and respect, and inclusivity, tolerance, and service.
UNION UNIVERSITY
Union University is a coed, liberal arts school. Union’s main campus is 80 miles east of Memphis and 120 miles west of Nashville. The university also has extension campuses in Germantown and Hendersonville, TN. Union University is excellence-driven, Christ-centered, people-focused, and future-directed. 1823-founded Union is the oldest Southern Baptist institution. Union’s trustees are elected by the Tennessee Baptist Convention, which holds the university’s charter.
| Percent Admitted | 58% |
| 4-year Graduation Rate | 65% |
| Enrollment | 3,071 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Average Undergraduate Students Aid | $21,886 |
| In-State Tuition and Fees | $34,630 |
| Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $34,630 |
| Sector | Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above |
| Carnegie Classification | Doctoral/Professional Universities |
| Religious Affiliation | Southern Baptist |
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Union is the 14th best regional university in the South, according to U.S. News & World Report. The institution provides approximately 100 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs. Art, biology, business administration, chemistry, communication arts, computer science, education, engineering, English, history, international & intercultural studies, language, mathematics, music, nursing, pharmacy, physical education, wellness, and sport, physics, political science, pre-professional studies, psychology, social work, sociology & family studies, and theology & missions.
Union offers 14 graduate degrees in business, education, intercultural studies, nursing, pharmacy, social work, and theology & missions. Most graduate-level classes at Union meet one night per week or are offered online or in a mixed style. Union’s online classes are great for busy professionals whose schedules limit regular class attendance or for those who want to do graduate study at a Christian university but don’t live near one.
STUDENT LIFE
Half of Union’s 4,000 students are undergraduates. Incoming freshmen receive financial help from all 50 states and over 30 countries. Union’s on-campus accommodation is ranked third in the nation. Each student has a private bedroom and shares a communal living space with housemates. Union has 60 student groups and organizations and six national fraternities and sororities.
Union has nearly a dozen varsity teams, including baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s cross country, and men’s and women’s soccer. Union’s Bulldogs are NCAA Division II and Gulf South Conference members.
EARLHAM COLLEGE
Earlham College is a 4-year private college in Richmond, IN, midway between Indianapolis and Dayton. The 800 acre campus is centered on a big quad called “the Heart.” The third Quaker institution in the US and the second to be coeducational was founded in 1847 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Earlham was the first college to offer credit for wilderness programs in 1970. In 1942, it enrolled several dozen Japanese-American students to prevent their imprisonment during World War II. William Penn Nixon is a noteworthy alum.
| Percent Admitted | 59% |
| 4-year Graduation Rate | 58% |
| Enrollment | 815 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 8.0:1 |
| Average Undergraduate Students Aid | $22,636 |
| In-State Tuition and Fees | $48,091 |
| Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $48,091 |
| Sector | Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above |
| Carnegie Classification | Baccalaureate Colleges: Arts & Sciences Focus |
| Religious Affiliation | Friends |
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Earlham College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Visual & Performing Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Interdisciplinary Programs. Biology/Biomedical is the largest program. Also, 70% of students participate in study abroad. Earlham College aspires to provide the greatest quality undergraduate education in the liberal arts and sciences, inspired by Quaker ideas. Earlham emphasizes: pursuit of truth, wherever it leads; lack of coercion, allowing evidence lead the search; respect for others’ consciences; openness to new truth and desire to search; honesty, rigorous integrity in dealing with facts; application of what is learned to improve our world. Earlham emphasizes worldwide education, conflict resolution, equality, and moral behaviour.
STUDENT LIFE
Earlham College has almost 1,000 undergraduates, primarily living on campus in one of eight dorms or 25 themed housing choices. There are dozens of club sports and intramurals on campus. The Hustlin’ Quakers, captained by Big Earl, compete in 8 NCAA Division III sports. Earlham is not a “suitcase school”; weekend activities keep students on site full time. Earlham has never wandered far from its Quaker beliefs, such as integrity, peace and social justice, mutual respect, and community decision-making. Respect for Persons, Integrity, Peace and Justice, Simplicity, and Community are college core values. These ideals are always appropriate, despite cultural changes.
WESTMONT COLLEGE
Westmont College in Santa Barbara is a Christian liberal arts college. Ruth Kerr founded the Christian liberal arts college in 1937. The organization outgrew its Los Angeles headquarters in 1945 and moved to the Dwight Murphy mansion near Santa Barbara. The College became accredited in the late 1950s and grew in the 1960s. Westmont is a top 100 liberal arts college.
| Percent Admitted | 70% |
| 4-year Graduation Rate | 71% |
| Enrollment | 1,226 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Average Undergraduate Students Aid | $30,690 |
| In-State Tuition and Fees | $48,180 |
| Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $48,180 |
| Sector | Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above |
| Carnegie Classification | Baccalaureate Colleges: Arts & Sciences Focus |
| Religious Affiliation | Non-Denominational |
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Westmont produces “thoughtful scholars, thankful servants, and devoted leaders” WASC-accredited since 1957.
Westmont College offers 24 liberal arts majors, 10 pre-professional programs, and elementary/secondary credentials. Art, biology, chemistry, computer science, economics and business, engineering/physics, English, English-modern languages, French, history, interdisciplinary, kinesiology, liberal studies, mathematics, music, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, religious studies, sociology and anthropology, Spanish, and theater arts are majors. Westmont provides semester-long programs in San Francisco, Europe, England, Mexico, DC, Costa Rica, Africa, and Israel. 150,000 books, scores, and media are in Westmont’s library.
STUDENT LIFE
Westmont has 1,500 undergraduates. Students must live in college-owned on-campus accommodation or the off-campus Ocean View Apartments without special authorization.
Westmont College supports community service. Westmont College has over 30 student-run ministries and many student-led clubs and organizations. These and other campus events help students build relationships and develop leadership and teamwork. NAIA Division I teams at Westmont College have won more than a dozen national titles.
More Colleges?