2020 Top Bible Colleges

top bible colleges

2020 Top Bible Colleges

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What is a Bible College?

A Bible college is an college that teaches Bible study as well as general education. The focus is often on the Christian word, ministry, and the Bible.

At some of these schools, the study of theology, ministry, and other similar subjects are the only majors. At others, you could major in a field like nursing or education. Either way, subjects are taught with a world view that is based on the bible. For instance, a course on philosophy could focus on what the Bible teaches about a life well lived.

These colleges may share some features of seminaries. A seminary is a school that prepares students to become priests, ministers or rabbis. But, a seminary mainly offers grad programs in these areas. Bible colleges help students prepare for diverse paths with a Christian focus. That could mean a ministry or many other career paths.

History of Bible Colleges

Bible colleges arose during a period known as North America’s Third Great Awakening. This took place during the late 19th century and early 20th centuries. During this time, Christian missionary and revival movements gained in momentum.

Some of the first Bible colleges were Nyack Missionary Training Institute and Moody Bible Institution. Both were founded in the 1880s. Such schools reacted to what they believed was missing from most schools: a focus on spreading the Christine word. Many early schools centered around the practical aspects of building ministries.

Over time, some of these Bible colleges became post secondary schools that awarded degrees. Today, there are around 1,000 of these schools in North America.

Finding Accredited Bible Colleges

Many Bible colleges hold regional accreditation. Some are even accredited by agencies like the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). ABHE accredits these types of schools in the U.S. and Canada. Choosing an accredited one could help you be confident in the quality of your schooling.  

15 Bible Colleges

Using data from the NCES we have created a list of the top 2020 Bible Colleges in the US. These schools were ranked based on the number of total enrolled students for the 2018 / 2019 school year.

1 Liberty University
Visit Liberty


Liberty U is an evangelical liberal arts school. It is one of the largest bible colleges in the world, serving over 100,000 students. It has 17 colleges and schools, including a school of divinity. Not only does Liberty have a vibrant campus in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is also a leader in distance education, with over 400 online programs. 

Undergrad Admissions

Liberty considers factors that include your GPA, high school record, and test scores (SAT, ACT, or CLT). You must also submit answers to essay questions about your faith and beliefs.  

Popular Undergrad Programs

Religious Studies, Business, Psychology, Registered Nursing, Criminal Justice

Tuition & Fees

Undergrad $22,584
Grad: $7,904

Financial Aid

Grants & Awards
95% Get, Avg. Amt. $10,595
Federal Loans
59% Get, Avg. Amt. $5,592

Grad Rate

50%

Salary After Attending

$36,700

2 California Baptist University
Visit CBU


California Baptist University (CBU) is a private, Christian College in Southern California. CBU was founded by the California Southern Baptist Convention, in 1950. Today, this bible college serves over 11,000 students in Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and grad programs. The Riverside main campus features everything from an aquatic center to a music recording and production space. You can also study at the San Bernardino location or online.

Undergrad Admissions

CBU considers your high school transcripts, GPA, and recommendations. You must also submit SAT or ACT scores. And, you must submit an essay that speaks, in part, to your spiritual reasons for wanting to go to CBU.

Popular Undergrad Programs

Business, Psychology, Registered Nursing, Early Childhood Education and Teaching, Liberal Studies

Tuition & Fees

Undergrad $33,478
Grad: $13,420

Financial Aid

Grants & Awards
94% Get, Avg. Amt. $20,485
Federal Loans
67% Get, Avg. Amt. $5,388

Grad Rate

55%

Salary After Attending

$42,600

3 Belmont University
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Belmont U offers a student centered Christian community, based in Nashville, TN. This private, bible college has often been recognized as a “Most Innovative” school. Belmont offers liberal arts and professional education at the undergrad and grad levels, with a focus on learning and service. It serves over 8,400 students from around the country and the world, in more than 133 programs.  

Undergrad Admissions

Belmont needs three main items, besides your application. These include your high school transcripts, your test scores (SAT or ACT), and your a recommendation or school report.

Popular Undergrad Programs

Registered Nursing, Music Management, Music, Recording Arts Technology, Marketing

Tuition & Fees

Undergrad $34,310
Grad: $21,870

Financial Aid

Grants & Awards
86% Get, Avg. Amt. $14,046
Federal Loans
35% Get, Avg. Amt. $5,289

Grad Rate

73%

Salary After Attending

$44,100

4 Azusa Pacific University
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Azusa Pacific U is an evangelical Christian school, based in Southern California. It was founded in 1899, in the Wesleyan Holiness tradition. Today, APU serves learners with diverse Christian back grounds, while still being able to uphold its roots. Home to a main campus and seven regional locations, the school strives to create a community of disciples and scholars. Choose from over 200 programs, including online learning options.

Undergrad Admissions

Freshmen that apply must meet some minimum requirements. These include a 3.0 high school GPA. You must also submit SAT (minimum score of 990) or ACT (minimum score of 19) results. Other things are taken into account – like how involved you are in church and the community.

Popular Undergrad Programs

Registered Nursing, Psychology, Business, Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, Liberal Studies

Tuition & Fees

Undergrad: $38,880
Grad: $17,112

Financial Aid

Grants & Awards
97% Get, Avg. Amt. $22,536
Federal Loans
57% Get, Avg. Amt. $5,699

Grad Rate

63%

Salary After Attending

$51,100

5 Colorado Christian University
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Colorado Christian U is proud to be the flagship Christian university in the Rocky Mountains. It serves over 8,000 students and offers over 100 programs for both traditional and adult students – including online programs. CCU is evangelical and relates to more than one religious denomination, with a focus on discipleship and preparing for ministry. The school is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Undergrad Admissions

CCU may ask that you to have at least a 2.8 high school GPA. You must also submit SAT or ACT scores – minimum scores apply. Admission essays are required. And, you must submit a spiritual recommendation. This could be from a pastor, youth pastor, youth worker, or spiritual mentor. It should speak to your Christian faith and spiritual growth.

Popular Undergrad Programs

Registered Nursing, Business, Psychology, Bible Studies, Speech Communication and Rhetoric

Tuition & Fees

Undergrad: $31,866
Grad: $12,996

Financial Aid

Grants & Awards
98% Get, Avg. Amt. $18,455
Federal Loans
55% Get, Avg. Amt. $5,391

Grad Rate

52%

Salary After Attending

$39,300

6 Harding University
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Harding U is a Christian school founded in 1924. A leader in Christian missions around the world, Harding counts one third of the missionaries from churches of Christ among its grads. The school has over 100 undergrad majors, 14 pre professional programs, and 21 grad and professional programs. Along with its main campus in Searcy, Arkansas, Harding has many other campuses around the world.

Undergrad Admissions

To apply, you must submit your high school transcripts and SAT, ACT, or CLT scores. And, you must send a reference. This could come from someone like a spiritual advisor.

Popular Undergrad Programs

Elementary Education and Teaching, Bible Studies, Social Work, General Studies, Accounting 

Tuition & Fees

Undergrad: $19,845
Grad: $17,760

Financial Aid

Grants & Awards
96% Get, Avg. Amt. $10,288
Federal Loans
58% Get, Avg. Amt. $6,574

Grad Rate

67%

Salary After Attending

$40,900

7 Lee University
Visit Lee


Lee University is a private, Christ centered school in the mountains of Tennessee. Lee was founded in 1918 and is affiliated with the Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee. It is conservative, evangelical, and Pentecostal. Students can choose from over 57 undergrad majors. And, Lee is well known for its study abroad options. Choose from over 30 trips in its Global Perspective Program.

Undergrad Admissions

Lee University looks at your high school transcripts and GPA (at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale). You must also submit SAT (minimum score of 900) or ACT (minimum score of 17) results.

Popular Undergrad Programs

Business, Psychology, Liberal Studies, Pastoral Studies/Counseling, Public Relations

Tuition & Fees

Undergrad: $17,690 Grad: $12,780

Financial Aid

Grants & Awards
92% Get, Avg. Amt. $12,514
Federal Loans
88% Get, Avg. Amt. $5,686

Grad Rate

57%

Salary After Attending

$34,200

8 Biola University
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Founded in 1908, Biola University offers a Christian education in sunny La Mirada, California. Biola is home to over 150 programs at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels. That includes online and distance learning programs offered to students around the world. All programs are centered around the bible. In fact, undergrads take 30 credits of Bible and theology courses, which can lead to a minor in the bible or theology.

Undergrad Admissions

Biola takes a look at a variety of factors. These include your high school records, GPA, and test scores (SAT or ACT). It is also recommended that you graduate from a college prep program. TOEFL scores are also looked at, if that applies to you.

Popular Undergrad Programs

Business, Psychology, Sociology, Registered Nursing, Bible Studies

Tuition & Fees

Undergrad: $40,488
Grad: $11,178

Financial Aid

Grants & Awards
99% Get, Avg. Amt. $20,950
Federal Loans
61% Get, Avg. Amt. $5,506

Grad Rate

73%

Salary After Attending

$44,500

9 Abilene Christian University
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Abilene Christian University offers a unique, Christ centered education. It’s home to over 70 majors and 135 areas of study. Along with a main campus in Abilene, Texas, ACU offers flexible online programs. Either way you choose to study, you will apply your Christian faith to your academic field. ACU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Undergrad Admissions

Applying to ACU is straight forward. Along with an application, you must send your high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores.

Popular Undergrad Programs

Psychology, Sport and Fitness Administration, Registered Nursing, Marketing, Accounting

Tuition & Fees

Undergrad: $34,850
Grad: $21,492

Financial Aid

Grants & Awards
100% Get, Avg. Amt. $20,473
Federal Loans
55% Get, Avg. Amt. $5,737

Grad Rate

67%

Salary After Attending

$43,000

10 Ohio Christian University  
Visit OCU


Ohio Christian University got its start in 1948, as a Bible college with the goal of wanting to educate clergy. Today, it has stayed true to its values while also being able to expand quite a bit. Choose from undergrad and grad programs, including paths for online and adult learners. Each program strives to offer bible focused and bible integrated Christ centered education in the Wesleyan tradition.

Undergrad Admissions

To apply to OCU, submit your application and your high school transcripts, along with transcripts from any other college courses you may have taken. You must also submit SAT, ACT, or CLT scores.

Popular Undergrad Programs

Divinity/Ministry, Business, Nursing Science, Human Services, Psychology

Tuition & Fees

Undergrad: $20,806
Grad: $10,765

Financial Aid

Grants & Awards
85% Get, Avg. Amt. $8,560
Federal Loans
73% Get, Avg. Amt. $6,333

Grad Rate

25%

Salary After Attending

$31,800

11 Regent University
Visit Regent University


Regent University was founded in 1978 to offer academic programs from a Christian perspective. Choose from Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and grad degree programs in popular fields, with a biblical focus. Study either online or at the 70 acre campus in Virginia Beach, VA. Regent is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Undergrad Admissions

Regent asks for your high school transcript and SAT, ACT, or CLT scores. You must also submit a statement that speaks to your faith in God.

Popular Undergrad Programs

Psychology, Business, Speech Communication and Rhetoric, Bible Studies, Lay Ministry, English 

Tuition & Fees

Undergrad: $18,380
Grad: $14,929

Financial Aid

Grants & Awards
95% Get, Avg. Amt. $12,179
Federal Loans
91% Get, Avg. Amt. $6,386

Grad Rate

59%

Salary After Attending

$41,600

12 Dallas Baptist University
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Since 1898, Dallas Baptist U has combined faith and learning to help students serve the world. They offer Christ centered undergrad and grad programs in the arts, sciences, and professional studies. Learning paths are available for both traditional and adult students. And, learners benefit from proximity to Dallas, a vital business and cultural center.

Undergrad Admissions

DBU looks at many factors. These include your high school records, GPA, and ACT or SAT scores. To get started, you must fill out the online application. If you use the Texas Common Application, keep in mind that you will need to complete a supplement, as well.

Popular Undergrad Programs

Business, Elementary Education and Teaching, Finance, Psychology, Music Management

Tuition & Fees

Undergrad: $28,870
Grad: $17,262

Financial Aid

Grants & Awards
97% Get, Avg. Amt. $12,584
Federal Loans
46% Get, Avg. Amt. $5,382

Grad Rate

53%

Salary After Attending

$43,200

13 Cedarville University
Visit Cedarville


Cedarville University got its start in 1887, when five founders established it in affiliation with the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Today, Cedarville offers over 150 academic programs to choose from, across the liberal arts or the professions. That includes online as well as residential learning. Every course features biblical integration, so students learn the Gospel inside and out. And, all undergrad programs include a Bible minor.

Undergrad Admissions

You must submit your high school transcript and ACT, SAT, or CLT scores. And, you must show evidence of your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A recommendation from a Christian leader is also suggested.

Popular Undergrad Programs

Registered Nursing, Mechanical Engineering, Business, Psychology, Early Childhood Education and Teaching

Tuition & Fees

Undergrad: $30,270
Grad: $9,594

Financial Aid

Grants & Awards
100% Get, Avg. Amt. $15,553
Federal Loans
50% Get, Avg. Amt. $5,348

Grad Rate

72%

Salary After Attending

$41,300

14 Oral Roberts University
Visit ORU


Oral Roberts University is a Christian liberal arts school that takes a whole person approach to learning. They serve over 4,000 students from all 50 states and around the world. Online programs make the ORU community even more connected. Or, study at the vibrant, multi cultural main campus in Tulsa, OK. You will attend chapel twice per week and pursue spiritual as well as academic growth.

Undergrad Admissions

Submit your application and high school transcripts. You must also send ACT or SAT scores, as well as TOEFL or IELTS scores, if applicable.

Popular Undergrad Programs

Registered Nursing, Engineering, Divinity/Ministry, Accounting, Pastoral Studies/Counseling

Tuition & Fees

Undergrad: $27,728
Grad: $12,960

Financial Aid

Grants & Awards
89% Get, Avg. Amt. $18,896
Federal Loans
63% Get, Avg. Amt. $10,050

Grad Rate

57%

Salary After Attending

$37,600

15 Point Loma Nazarene University
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Point Loma Nazarene U is dedicated to helping each student pursue a spiritual calling. The San Diego based school has over 100 years of history, and was established by Phineas Bresee, a founder of the Church of the Nazarene. Choose from over 60 areas of study at the undergrad level, plus grad programs. PLNU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Undergrad Admissions

PLNU takes a holistic approach to admissions. While students must submit their grades and SAT or ACT scores, PLNU will consider the person as a whole. You must also submit both spiritual and academic letters of recommendation. And, making sure to schedule an admissions interview is strongly suggested.

Popular Undergrad Programs

Registered Nursing, Sociology, Child Development, Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions

Tuition & Fees

Undergrad: $35,700
Grad: $11,520

Financial Aid

Grants & Awards
89% Get, Avg. Amt. $17,614
Federal Loans
59% Get, Avg. Amt. $5,401

Grad Rate

77%

Salary After Attending

$50,900

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*https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_311.15.asp

Sources for school statistics is the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

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