2023 Best Online Christian Colleges
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Overview Curriculum How to Choose Accreditation Costs Scholarships FAQsOnline Christian colleges allow students to actively maintain their faith in a community, whether virtual or in person, while pursuing their academic goals. Christian colleges often include religious studies directly in the core curricula or as a matter of its missions and values as an institution. Oftentimes, these schools feature Christian-focused degrees that prepare graduates for roles in the ministry or other religious organizations and nonprofits. Community also plays an important role for those who prefer to attend college with spiritually like-minded individuals. This also applies to online learning, where students communicate through video conferences and text chat. If an online Christian college doesn't meet your academic needs, there are alternative options to pursue an online religious studies degree at a traditional university.
View our methodology for more details about our list, which is based on salary score, or learn more about OnlineU.
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2023 Best Online Christian Colleges
Rank | School | Salary Score | Median Starting Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Concordia University - Saint Paul | $44,588 | ||
Southwestern College - KS | 80 | $52,742 | |
Crown College | 78 | $39,612 | |
St. Catherine University | 73 | $52,624 | |
Columbia College - SC | 71 | $39,693 | |
Moody Bible Institute | 66 | $29,312 | |
Ottawa University Online | 66 | $42,632 | |
Saint Leo University Online | 66 | $40,679 | |
Columbia College | 61 | $40,727 | |
Colorado Christian University | 58 | $45,245 |
#1 Concordia University - Saint Paul
- Salary Score: 81
- Median Starting Salary: $44,588
- Locations: Saint Paul (MN)
- Accreditation: HLC
Concordia University - Saint Paul (CSP) is a private, Christian university in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It hosts over 40 online degree programs, each of which can be taken 100% online. There are certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees, as well as more advanced master's and doctorate programs. Some examples include a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Each course within these programs is highly flexible and lasts approximately eight weeks.
CSP teaches through the Lutheran denomination. Each year the school offers a religious theme that guides coursework and is based in the Christian liberal arts. Each program's general education requirements feature up to six credits of religious studies, including classes such as Scripture and its interpretation: A Global Introduction to the Bible and New Testament.
#2 Southwestern College - KS
- Salary Score: 80
- Median Starting Salary: $52,742
- Locations: Winfield (KS)
- Accreditation: HLC
Southwestern College (SC) is a private, Christian college located in Winfield, Kansas. Its online offerings span 15 bachelor's programs in five areas of study. There's a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management, Bachelor of Science in Strategic Leadership, and Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration — to name a few examples. Additionally, students may pursue master's degrees, doctorates, and certificate programs. Courses are offered in six-week sessions throughout the year.
Although SC is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, its general education requirements do not include faith-based learning. Online students receive the same level of support as on-campus students, which includes digital libraries and tech support for the Blackboard learning management system. SC also offers a list of counseling resources for remote students.
#3 Crown College
- Salary Score: 78
- Median Starting Salary: $39,612
- Locations: Saint Bonifacius (MN)
- Accreditation: HLC
Crown College is a private, Christian institution in Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota. Students can choose from 24 undergraduate programs, including three accelerated bachelor's to master's degrees in counseling, ministry, and business administration. While some of the 24 programs are at the associate level, the majority are bachelor's degrees — with options such as a Bachelor of Science in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Bachelor of Science in Disaster and Emergency Management, and Bachelor of Arts in Global and Cultural Studies.
Additionally, there are faith-focused programs, such as a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies and Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry. All degree programs are Christ-centered, however, and include a Christian Core in History of New Testament and Apologetics. Online students are offered counseling resources that help guide them in their career path as followers of Christ.
#4 St. Catherine University
- Salary Score: 73
- Median Starting Salary: $52,624
- Locations: Saint Paul (MN)
- Accreditation: HLC
St. Catherine University (SCU) is a private, Catholic university in Saint Paul, Minnesota. There are 11 online bachelor's degrees ranging from subjects in healthcare to accounting. For example, students may pursue a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with Licensure, and Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy.
The core curriculum for each program at St. Kate's is based on the Sisters of St. Joseph philosophy, which is centered around educating Catholic women in liberal arts. This includes at least one required Theology course. Many of the core education requirements also mention social justice initiatives and developing a sense of community through internship opportunities and community leadership programs.
#5 Columbia College - SC
- Salary Score: 71
- Median Starting Salary: $39,693
- Locations: Columbia (SC)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Columbia College (CC) is a private institution in Columbia, SC. It offers a series of online degree programs for working individuals. There's a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology, and Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. CC offers 12 undergraduate programs in total, with an additional 14 certificates and minors.
The school was founded as a part of the United Methodist Church and initially served women only, but as of 2020, it opened its doors to all genders. CC follows its Methodist roots by focusing on matters of social justice, diversity, and inclusiveness. However, there are no specific faith-based classes that are part of their general education requirements. The school offers dedicated staff for online students that need assistance with their courses.
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