2020 Top Bible Colleges
Get matched to Bible Colleges and other online colleges today!
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
Visit Belmont
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
Visit APU
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
Visit CCU
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
Visit School
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
Visit BU
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
Visit ACU
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
Visit DBU
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
Visit Point Loma
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
Find Student Loans
Financial Aid Info
- Your Guide to Federal Student Loans
- Grants and Scholarships
- Military Benefits
- Private Student Loans
- Repaying Student Loans
- Student Loan Consolidation
- Education Tax Credits | AOTC & LLC
- 15 Military Scholarships to Apply For in 2020
- 15 Adult Scholarships for Adults Returning to School
- Grad School Scholarships
- 11 Graduate Scholarships for DACA Students in 2020
- Graduate Scholarships for International Students
- Grants for Women
- Guide Schools & Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
- Guide Tribal Colleges and Scholarships for Native Americans