Top 50 Most Affordable Christian Colleges
The cost of higher education continues to rise year-over-year, which unfortunately means more and more people are having to place price high on the priority list when deciding where to go. As if deciding where to continue your education wasn’t hard enough, high prices of top-tier schools make it even more difficult. Finding the most affordable christian colleges should not be the main consideration when it comes to choosing your future, but the reality is, it plays a large role. So, here’s a list of the Top 5 most affordable Christian Universities that don’t sacrifice quality for price.
This tuition data is taken from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). “Net Price” is defined as “subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional grant or scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees, books and supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses.”
50. Milligan College: Net Price: $19,460
This private, Christian, liberal arts institution is tucked away in the mountains of Upper East Tennessee in a town named after the college. Milligan’s mission statement says, “For over 150 years, Milligan has been dedicated to educating men and women to lead and to serve. Our commitment to Christ-centered education has led Milligan to become a growing, well-respected liberal arts Christian colleges. Because of our emphasis on scholarship, community, and faith, students come from all over the world to experience our distinctively different approach to higher education.
From their website, “Milligan offers more than 100 majors, minors, pre-professional degrees, and concentrations in a variety of fields, along with graduate and adult degree completion programs. Consistently recognized for quality and value, Milligan has been recently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best regional universities in the South for quality and value; named one of Washington Monthly’s top 20 master’s universities in the nation; and in 2016, listed as the No. 2 best college in Tennessee by BestColleges.com.”
49. North Central University: Net Price: $19,442
Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, North Central University is a private, coeducational, Christian college affiliated with the Assemblies of God Christian denomination. NCU’s mission states, “Northcentral University educates professionals throughout the world and provides an accessible opportunity to earn a U.S. regionally accredited degree. Northcentral mentors students one-to-one with highly credentialed faculty via advanced delivery modalities. Northcentral commits to helping students achieve academically and become valuable contributors to their communities and within their professions. Their “strategic plan” is broken up as follows:
Unus Ad Unum (One-to-One): This signifies our one-to-one teaching model where faculty provide individualized feedback and inspirational modeling that enables students to meet course and program outlines.
Doctrina (Education): Translates to education, learning, science, teaching, instruction or principles. It’s a codification of beliefs or a body of teachings or instructions, taught principles or positions, as the body of teachings in a branch of knowledge or belief system.
Per Experientiam (By Experience): Northcentral is committed to enhancing all of our courses toward an applied experiential learning approach – providing our students with an education they can directly apply to their chosen field.
48. Mount Vernon Nazarene University: Net Price: $19,442
Located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, Christian liberal arts institution. MVNU also has a number of satellite campuses that house Graduate and Professional Studies students. Their mission statement says, “Mount Vernon Nazarene University exists to shape lives through educating the whole person and cultivating Christ-likeness for lifelong learning and service.” Also from their website, their “vision” states, “Mount Vernon Nazarene University: To Change the World with the Love of Christ.
The University’s aspiration is that academic and student life activities be integrated in a Wesleyan evangelical tradition to facilitate character, value, and cultural development to improve the quality of life for all through the love of Jesus Christ. The University seeks to enable students to model the attitude expressed in its motto “To seek to learn is to seek to serve.” As students experience the educational process, the University strives to enable students to function as competent Christians, citizens, and professionals.”
47. Huntington University: Net Price: $19,305
Huntington University is a private, Christian liberal arts institution in Huntington, Indiana. The school’s mission states, “Mount Vernon Nazarene University: To Change the World with the Love of Christ. The University’s aspiration is that academic and student life activities be integrated in a Wesleyan evangelical tradition to facilitate character, value, and cultural development to improve the quality of life for all through the love of Jesus Christ. The University seeks to enable students to model the attitude expressed in its motto “To seek to learn is to seek to serve.” As students experience the educational process, the University strives to enable students to function as competent Christians, citizens, and professionals.”
46. Missouri Baptist University: Net Price: $19,294
Located in the major US city of Saint Louis, Missouri, is a private, Christian institution established in 1964 as an extension of Hannibal-LaGrange College. A few years later, MBU moved to its gorgeous, 81-acre campus where the school currently stands. Their mission and values page states, “Missouri Baptist University is an evangelical Christian, liberal arts institution and has as its purpose the offering of programs of study leading to professional certificates, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees in an environment where academic excellence is emphasized and a Biblically based Christian perspective is maintained. The University is committed to enriching its students’ lives spiritually, intellectually, and professionally, and to preparing students to serve in a global and culturally diverse society.”
45. Kentucky Christian University: Net Price: $19,189
Located in Grayson, Kentucky, KCU is a private, Christian institution that states, “Kentucky Christian University is a private, non-profit Christian university located in the beautiful foothills of Eastern Kentucky. For nearly a century, KCU has been transforming the hearts and minds of students through a Christ-Centered academic community that is both academically rigorous and intimately personal. We are committed to providing students with an authentic Christian education that engages students in a transformative educational experience that equips them as effective Christian professionals providing servant leadership for the church and society. We are convinced that ministry is the responsibility of all Christ-followers and have therefore intentionally integrated faith and education in such a way that allows each of our students to find their purpose in Christ.”
44. North Park University: Net Price: $19,158
Located in Chicago, Illinois, North Park University is a private, Christian institute of higher education, that is affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church. The “mission” and “vision” sections on their site state, “The mission of North Park University, as the University of the Evangelical Covenant Church, is to prepare students for lives of significance and service through education in the liberal arts, professional studies, and theology. Building on our core institutional identity—Christian, city-centered, intercultural—our vision is to create a university of uncommon character and enduring excellence, where faith, learning, and service meet.”
43. MidAmerica Nazarene University: Net Price: $19,143
The following info is pulled from MidAmerica Nazarene University’s website:
“Our Mission
A transformative university that nurtures Christlike community, pursues academic excellence, and cultivates a passion to serve.
Our Vision
To impact the world for Jesus Christ through servant leaders recognized for their excellence, integrity, and spiritual vitality.
Our Values
As a university community we are committed to the following core values:
- To affirm our commitment to the Church of the Nazarene, the ministry of the local church and our mission as a Christ-centered educational community in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition.
- To deliver excellence in teaching and learning through a passion for lifelong learning, quality student services, innovation and a culture of continuous improvement.
- To develop and implement a sustainability model for the stewardship of financial and physical resources to promote excellence in academic programs and services, support faculty and staff and provide contingencies to protect, promote and advance the ongoing viability of the university.
- To nurture and work together to build a Christ-like community of faith and learning interdependent in function and guided by the Holy Spirit.
- To be driven by our common purpose and collective action to inspire and develop servant leaders who will personally and professionally impact our world for Jesus Christ.”
42. Cornerstone University: Net Price: $18,951
Cornerstone is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is a private, independent, non-denominational Christian institution. “Cornerstone University’s identity, mission and vision statements reflect the campus community’s recognition of the centrality of Jesus Christ. As an interdenominational institution located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Cornerstone offers traditional undergraduate programs as well as adult undergraduate and graduate programs through the Professional and Graduate Studies division, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and Asia Biblical Theological Seminary.” The site goes on to spell out the University’s Mission: “Cornerstone exists to empower men and women to excel as influencers in our world for Christ by offering a student-focused learning community where Jesus Christ is central,” Identity: “Cornerstone is a Christ-centered university with a passion for global influence through the transforming power of the gospel,” and Vision: “We aspire to create a thriving community of fully devoted followers of Jesus in a spiritually contagious, academically excellent, richly resourced and culturally diverse learning environment that attracts outstanding students, faculty and staff who influence our world for Christ, His church and His kingdom.”
41 Nyack College: Net Price: $18,904
Nyack College is a private, Christian, liberal arts institution located in Nyack, NY, and is sponsored by the Christian and Missionary Alliance. The school is founded by and on the teaching/principles of A.B. Simpson, who was previously a pastor of a large church in Manhattan. Simpson described the commitment to the students as, “taking “the whole gospel” to “the whole world.” Today, as Nyack College serves students who represent “the whole world,” the result is a diverse and vibrant community unlike any other in higher education.”
The countdown continues! Here are the schools rated numbers 40-36 in our “Most Affordable Christian Colleges” Countdown…
40. University of the Southwest: Net Price: $18,823
USW is a private, non-denominational, Christian, liberal arts college located in Hobbs, New Mexico. The student-body is predominantly made up of undergraduate students, but the University does offer two Masters programs; Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Education- both of which are offered online. USW’s mission is to be a, “Christ-centered educational community dedicated to developing men and women for a lifetime of servant leadership by emphasizing individual faith, responsibility, and initiative.” Of the just over 300 undergraduate students, 100% of them receive some type of financial aid, whether that be through scholarship aid, Pell grants, and/or Federal student loans.
39. Oklahoma Christian University: Net Price: $18,758
OC is a private, Christian, liberal arts institution located on over 200-acres in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The total number of enrollees is about 2,500 students, split between almost 2,000 undergrads and the rest graduate students. Almost all of OC’s incoming students receive some type of financial aid. Oklahoma Christian University’s mission is to be a, “higher learning community that transforms lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.” Find out more from their website https://oc.edu/.
38. Montreat College: Net Price: $18,721
A private, Christian, liberal arts University located in Montreat, North Carolina established in 1897 by a Congressionalist minister, John C. Collins. Montreat College strives to be a “leader in Christ-centered higher education regionally, nationally, and globally” and the College’s mission is to be an “Christ-centered, liberal arts institution that educates students through intellectual inquiry, spiritual formation, and preparation for calling and career, all to impact the world for Jesus Christ.” As well as to, “Educate students through intellectual inquiry, spiritual formation, and preparation for calling and career, all to impact the world for Jesus Christ.” There are about 1,000 students that attend with one of the best student to faculty ratios in the country at 12:1, meaning as a student you will always be able to receive the help and care that you need.
37. Spring Arbor University: Net Price: $18,634
Located in Spring Arbor, Michigan, Spring Arbor University is a private, Christian institution affiliated with the Free Methodist Church. Spring Arbor University’s mission is to be “a community of learners distinguished by our lifelong involvement in the study and application of the liberal arts, total commitment to Jesus Christ as a perspective for learning, and critical participation in the contemporary world.” Spring Arbor University is large on the scale of private Christian institutions, with around 4,000 students, including 2,500 undergraduate students and the rest graduates. All full-time beginning students receive some sort of financial aid, along with 88% of all undergraduates.
36. Toccoa Falls College: Net Price: $18,604
A Christian liberal arts college in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Toccoa, Georgia, on a massive 1,100 acre campus. The mission of Toccoa Falls College is to “glorify God through seeking and developing Christian servant leaders who will impact the world with the love and message of Jesus Christ.” Toccoa Falls College’s vision is to “be known as a premier Christian college that uniquely integrates biblical truth, academic excellence and intentional spiritual formation within a caring community.” The overall enrollment number is around 1,000 students, and 98% of full-time beginning students receive some type of financial aid, whether it be from some form of grants or scholarships.
35. King University: Net Price: $18,504
Located in Bristol, Tennessee, King University is a private, Christian institution named in honor of the Reverend James King. It was known as King College until 2013, when the school received University status through accreditation and changed its name to King University. Their mission states, “We prepare students in our Christian academic community to excel as thoughtful, resourceful, and responsible citizens with a passion for serving God, the Church, and the world. We accomplish this through excellent teaching, high expectations, worthwhile example, and fidelity to our Presbyterian heritage.” King University hosts around 3,000 students, 2/3’s of which are part of their undergraduate programs.
34. Waynesburg University: Net Price: $18,401
Located in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, Waynesburg University is a private, Christian, liberal arts University, founded in honor of General Anthony Wayne, the Revolutionary War Hero. Waynesburg mission statement states, “Waynesburg University is a Christian, liberal arts University located in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. Waynesburg University educates students to make connections between faith, learning and serving so they might faithfully transform their communities and the world. As a Christian comprehensive University, we strive to inspire and challenge every undergraduate and graduate student to a life of leadership and purpose for the glory of God.”
33. Hannibal-LaGrange University: Net Price: $18,367
Located in Hannibal, Missouri, Hannibal-LaGrange University is a private, Christian University that’s affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention. As stated on their website, “The vision of Hannibal-LaGrange University is to become one of the foremost Christian institutions of higher education in Missouri and the surrounding region.” And their mission states, “The mission of Hannibal-LaGrange University is to provide an excellent education in both liberal arts and professional disciplines in a distinctively Christian environment that integrates Christian faith and learning in preparing graduates for both personal and career effectiveness.”
32. Lee University: Net Price: $18,139
A private, Christian, liberal arts University located in Cleveland, Tennessee, and historically affiliated with the Church of God. Lee University is pretty large on the scale of small, private, Christian institutions with around 5,000 total students, more than 4,500 of which are undergraduates. Lee’s mission statement says, “Lee is a Christian institution which offers liberal arts and professional education on both the baccalaureate and graduate levels through residential and distance programs. We seek to provide education that integrates biblical truth as revealed in the Holy Scriptures with truth discovered through the study of arts and sciences and in the practice of various professions. A personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior is the controlling perspective from which our educational enterprise is carried out. The foundational purpose of all educational programs at Lee is to develop within the student’s knowledge, appreciation, understanding, ability, and skills which will prepare them for responsible Christian living in a complex world.”
31. Howard Payne University: Net Price: $18,122
Howard Payne University is a private, Christian, liberal arts institution located in Brownwood, Texas. They are known as a prestigious academic school and they help 99% of incoming students financially in the form of financial aid, grants, scholarships and student loan aid. Mission Statement. “Howard Payne University is a Christ-centered academic community dedicated to excellence by developing and equipping the whole person for intellectual inquiry, personal and professional integrity, and service to God and humanity.”
30. Grace College and Seminary: Net Price: $18,108
Located in Winona Lake, Indiana, Grace College and Seminary is a private, evangelical Christian institution. Grace College’s mission is to serve as an evangelical Christian learning community that is “dedicated to teaching, training and transforming the whole person for local church and global ministry” applying “biblical values in strengthening character, sharpening competence and preparing students for service.” The institutions liberal arts college is made up of several schools, 65 majors throughout those schools, and a number of graduate programs as well. Grace College and Seminary has over 2,000 students, including 1,800 undergraduate students.
29. Bethel College: Net Price: $18,079
A private, coeducational, Christian liberal arts institution located in Mishawaka, Indiana. J.A. Huffman decided on the name “Bethel College” because the word ‘Bethel’ means “House of God.” Bethel is affiliated with the Missionary Church and defines itself as a “community of learners dedicated to building lives of commitment for leadership in the Church and the world.”
Bethel College has about 1,800 students, 1,600 of which are undergraduate students. Bethel boasts more than 50 areas of study for undergrads, from all the “normal” areas of study such as Sciences, Business, Communications, etc. to programs such as Religion, Sign Language interpretation and Theatre Arts.
28. Regent University: Net Price: $17,986
Regent is a private, Christian research institution, located in Virginia Beach, VA. It was originally founded by Christian Broadcasting Network founder Dr. “Pat” Robertson, to be the CBN University to “prepare leaders who would not only succeed in their professions but also advance as Christians equipped to effectively impact their world.” In 1990, the school received accreditation and adopted its new name, with a mission to be, “as a center for Christian thought and action to provide excellent education through a biblical perspective and global context equipping Christian leaders to change the world.” This institution received the highest honor by the U.S. News & World Report with an “A” rating, 1 of only 24 schools in the nation to have received this honor.
27. Sterling College: Net Price: $17,909
Sterling is a private, Christian, liberal arts College in Sterling, Kansas. Originally founded as Cooper Memorial College with Presbyterian ties, it has since changed its name and become affiliated with a multitude of denominations and organizations. From their site, Sterling’s vision is to “be recognized as the finest Christ-centered, servant leadership development-focused, liberal arts experience in the Great plains” and their mission is to “develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith.” The school has over 90 areas of study for a total enrollment figure of 700 students, all of whom are undergraduate students in undergraduate programs.
26. John Brown University: Net Price: $17,578
John Brown University is a private, interdenominational, Christian, liberal arts institution located in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Founder and evangelist John E. Brown founded the school under the principle of providing an interdenominational, Christian-minded education to benefit students in need. Early on, students paid their way with labor to help build and expand the school, as well as allow student’s without the financial ability to pursue higher education, to do so. John Brown University’s motto remains the same as the day it was founded, “Christ over all, and Head, Heart and Hand.” Their “vision” is to be a “Christ-centered, interdenominational university that leads the nation in integrating faith and learning, fostering holistic spiritual formation, promoting pragmatic liberal arts education, and preparing people to follow Christ’s call to serve others in all areas of life.”
25. Harding University: Net Price: $17,578
Harding University is a private, Christian, liberal arts school in Searcy, Arkansas. The school is named after preacher and Christian educator, James A. Harding who inspired others with his enthusiasm for Christian education. Their mission states, “Harding University is “committed to the tradition of the liberal arts and sciences” and serves a “diverse coeducational student body from across the United States and around the world”. The University’s main mission is to “provide a quality education that will lead to an understanding and philosophy of life consistent with Christian ideals.” Harding University has a total enrollment figure of 6,000 students, nearly 4,500 of which are undergrads, studying in 1 or more of the schools 100 different majors, and 29 professional/graduate programs.
24. Charleston Southern University: Net Price: $17,417
Located in North Charleston, South Carolina, Charleston Southern University is a private, independent, Christian University. Originally Baptist College at Charleston, when classes were held in the First Baptist Church of Charleston, the school has since expanded into becoming one of the largest private Universities in all of South Carolina. Their mission statement says, “Promoting Academic Excellence in a Christian Environment” and their vision is “To be a Christian university nationally recognized for integrating faith in learning, leading and serving.” Charleston Southern University has 3,500, without almost 3,000 undergraduate students studying in some of the schools 50 undergraduate programs. 99% of all full-time beginning undergraduate students receive some type of financial aid.
23. Oklahoma Baptist University: Net Price: $17,320
Located in Shawnee, Oklahoma, OBU is a private, Christian, liberal arts University that is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. OBU is highly regarded by the U.S. News & World Report as 1 of the top 10 private colleges in the West. There are 2,000 students that attend the institution, most of which are undergraduate students, and they offer these students a total of 10 bachelor’s degrees and 5 masters degrees, in over 80 areas of study. OBU’s mission states that they transform lives “by equipping students to pursue academic excellence, integrate faith with all areas of knowledge, engage a diverse world, and live worthy of a high calling of God in Christ.”
22. Trevecca Nazarene University: Net Price: $17,156
Located in one of the largest cities in America, Nashville, Tennessee, Trevecca Nazarene University is a private, Christian, liberal arts University. The school is historically affiliated with the Pentecostal Alliance, but is today more-so non-denominationally Christian than anything else. Their mission is to be a “Christian community providing education for leadership and service,” and for it’s “graduates be socially-conscious, globally-aware, and actively-engaged individuals who are developing holistically in the cognitive, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual areas of being.” 1,500 of Trevecca Nazarene University’s 2,000 students are undergraduate students. 98% of those students starting off receive financial aid through grants and/or scholarships.
21. Shorter University: Net Price: $17,029
Shorter University is a private, Christian, liberal arts institution located in Rome, Georgia. Originally founded as an all-women’s college in 1873 as the Cherokee Baptist Female College, the institution has since moved to a coeducational format, and of course, changed their name to Shorter University. Their mission is to “advance God’s ingdom through a commitment to academic excellence, spiritual growth, Christian leadership, and global service within the context of a biblical worldview.” The majority of Shorter University’s 1,500 students are undergraduates, and 99% of those students receive some type of financial aid in their first year.
20. York College: Net Price: $16,686
Located in the small town of York, Nebraska, outside of Lincoln, York College is a private, Christian, 4-year University. York was originally affiliated and founded by the United Brethren Church, but with the merger between the United Brethren Church and the Evangelical Church in 1946, the institution underwent a number of changes in focus, Today, their mission is to “transform lives through Christ-centered education and to equip students for lifelong service to God, family and society.” York College offers a number of graduate and undergraduate programs both on-campus and online.
19. Carson-Newman University: Net Price: $16,662
Located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, Carson-Newman University is a private, Baptist, liberal arts institution. Originally established as Mossy Creek Missionary Baptist Seminary, the institution changed its name to Carson College in honor of James Harvey Carson, who donated a large sum to the school. Finally, in 1889, Carson College merged with Newman College, an all-female school, to become Carson-Newman University. Carson-Newman University’s vision is to be “the Christian liberal arts-based university of choice in the Southeast for education and service” and their mission is to help “students reach their full potential as educated citizens and worldwide servant-leaders.”
18. Campbellsville University: Net Price: $16,576
Campbellsville University is a private, Christian liberal arts institution located in Campbellsville, Kentucky. Originally founded as an all-male institution under the name Russell Creek Academy due to its affiliation with Russell Creek Baptist Association. As the school gained accreditation and continued to expand, it took on its current name, Campbellsville University. Their website states, “The University is dedicated to academic excellence solidly grounded in the liberal arts that fosters personal growth, integrity and professional preparation within a caring environment. The University’s total enrollment exceeds 3,400 students, 3,000 of which are undergraduate students who have a variety of options of areas of studies including the Carver School of Social Work and Counseling, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Economics, etc. About 98% of all beginning undergraduate students receive some type of financial aid, as do 70% of all undergraduate students.
17. Fresno Pacific University: Net Price: $16,167
Located in Fresno, California, is a private, Christian institution that boats being the only accredited Christian University in all of California’s Central Valley. FPU offers its 2,600 undergraduate students and about 1,000 graduate students a variety of options within their 5 major schools: School of Business, School of Education, School of Humanities, School of Religion and Social Sciences, and School of Natural Sciences. All of these school are recognized as prestigious by the U.S. News & World Report, and all of them, according to FPU, “emphasize Christian values, ethics, and character development.”
16. Bryan College: Net Price: $16,153
Bryan College is a private, Christian, liberal arts institution located in Dayton, Tennessee. William Jennings Bryan inspired the creation of this school as he pushed for an institution to be built in Dayton that would “teach truth from a Biblical perspective.” The school’s original mission was, “for the purpose of establishing, conducting and perpetuating a university for the higher education of men and women under auspices distinctly Christian and spiritual, as a testimony to the supreme glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to the Divine inspiration and infallibility of the Bible.” Today, their mission is to “educate students to become servants of Christ to make a difference in today’s world.” There are about 1,500 students enrolled at Bryan College, majority of which are undergraduate students, and 95% of beginning students receive some type of financial aid.
15. Mississippi College: Net Price: $16,017
Mississippi College is a private, Christian institution of liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies located in Clinton, Mississippi. Mississippi College, founded in 1826, is the oldest college in Mississippi, and the second-oldest Baptist-affiliated in the country. The University’s vision is “to be known as a university recognized for academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ”. They have a total enrollment figure of around 5,000 students, 3,000 of which are undergraduate students, studying in a variety of areas. 99% of beginning undergraduates receive some type of financial aid.
14. Southern Wesleyan University: Net Price: $15,921
Located in Central, South Carolina, Southern Wesleyan University is a private, Christian University for four-year students as well as graduate students. The school’s mission is “to be a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ.” Southern Wesleyan has over 1,700 students, over 1,000 of which are undergraduate students, and 90% of those undergraduates receive some type of financial aid through the school. 99% of those undergrads receive aid as full-time beginning students.
13. Southern Nazarene University: Net Price: $15,866
Located in Bethany, Oklahoma, outside of Oklahoma City, Southern Nazarene University is a private, Christian, liberal arts University. The institution began as a collection of small schools and seminaries committed to training the youth to serve God and their fellow man. Today, their mission states, “To make Christlike disciples through higher education in a Christ-centered community.” Southern Nazarene has a total over around 2,200 students, 1,700 of which are undergraduate students, studying in a wide range of academic programs from humanities and sciences to teaching and learning. 98% of full-time beginning undergraduate students at Southern Nazarene University receive sometime of financial aid through the forms of grants and loans.
12. Warner University: Net Price: $15,865
Located between Tampa and Orlando in Lake Wales, Florida, Warner University is a private, Christian, liberal arts institution. Originally founded by leaders of the Church of God Christian denomination as Warner Southern College, the school has since changed names and aligned with more non-denominational Christian views. Their mission is to “graduate individuals who exemplify academic excellence and Christian character, who are prepared to lead and committed to serve.” Their site states that their vision is to teach its students “a biblical view of Christ as creator and sustainer of the universe, and be persuaded in their understanding of Him to enjoy His presence, to seek His mind and to fulfill His purpose with passion and authenticity.” The University has over 25 undergraduate majors for its nearly 1,000 students, 99% of whom receive financial aid in the form of grants and/or loans.
11. Southwest Baptist University: Net Price: $15,708
SBU is a private, Christian institution, that operates a total of four campuses in Missouri, the main campus is located in Bolivar, with other campuses in Mountain View, Salem, and Springfield. The school remains affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention, from which it originated as Southwest Bible College in 1878. Their mission today is to be a “Christ-centered, caring academic community preparing students to be servant leaders in a global society.” Southwest Baptist University offers over 80 different degrees to its 3,000 undergraduate students and around 500 graduate students. About 80% of those undergraduates receive some type of financial aid starting out, as well as almost 75% of overall undergraduates.
10. Belhaven University: Net Price: $15,527
Located in Jackson, Mississippi, Belhaven is a private, Christian, liberal arts institution, originally established in 1883 as the Belhaven College for Young Ladies. The school was later donated to the Presbyterian Church and eventually changed its name to Belhaven University and started allowing the enrollment of male students. Their mission statement is a long one, it reads,
“Belhaven University prepares students academically and spiritually to serve Christ Jesus in their careers, in human relationships, and in the world of ideas.
Belhaven University affirms the Lordship of Christ over all aspects of life, acknowledges the Bible as the foundational authority for the development of a personal worldview, and recognizes each individual’s career as a calling from God. Each academic department is committed to high academic goals for its students and clarifies the implications of biblical truth for its discipline. Belhaven upholds these commitments in offering undergraduate and graduate programs, by conventional or technological delivery modes, and in local, national, and international venues. The University requires a liberal arts foundation in each undergraduate degree program, in order to best prepare students to contribute to a diverse, complex and fast-changing world.
By developing servant leaders who value integrity, compassion, and justice in all aspects of their lives, the University prepares people to serve, not to be served.”
Belhaven has a total enrollment figure of over 4,000 students, of which 2,500 are undergraduate students. 99% of their full-time beginning undergraduate students receive some type of financial aid to attend the school.
9. North Greenville University: Net Price: $15,422
North Greenville University is a private, Christian institution affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, located in Tigerville, South Carolina. It originated as the North Greenville Baptist Academy, but in 2006 it achieved University status and adopted its new name. Their mission is to “prepare students to become better contributing members of society by educating the whole person through an integration of academic discipline, a Christian worldview and lifestyle, and an enriched cultural experience while offering students exceptional opportunities for spiritual growth, academic training, and Christian service.” It continues on to state, ““Christ is preeminent in all University curricular and co-curricular programs, teaching, research, and service activities.”
8. Williams Baptist College: Net Price: $14,955
Williams Baptist College is a private, Christian institution affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, located in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. The schools mission is to “provide an excellent, holistically Christian, liberal arts education, while compassionately shaping student’s lives,” and to “produce exceptional graduates prepared to engage local and global cultures through a Christ-centered worldview.” They offer over 25 majors to their small student body of around 550 students. 100% of full-time beginning students receive some type of financial aid, as well as 91% of all undergraduate students.
7. Central Christian College of Kansas: Net Price: $14,814
Located in McPherson, Kansas, Central Christian College of Kansas is a private, evangelical Christian institution, affiliated with the Free Methodist Church. It began as a Methodist academy, and eventually progressed into a 2-year college, and then full University. Their mission is to “provide Christ-centered Education for Character.” Their total enrollment figure is over 1,000 students, of all religious backgrounds. There is a wide variety of programs and areas of study offered to its small student body, and nearly 85% of all undergraduate students receive financial aid through the form of grants, scholarships, and/or student loans.
6. Emmanuel College: Net Price: $14,804
Emmanuel College is a private, Christian, liberal arts institution located in Franklin Springs, Georgia. The school was forced out of business during the Great Depression, but made its way back onto the map and became a fully operational college in 1939, and eventually gained 4-year accreditation in 1991. Emmanuel College’s mission is to be a “Christ-centered liberal arts institution that strives to prepare students to become Christlike disciples who integrate faith, learning and living for effective careers, scholarship and service.” With a total enrollment figure of over 800 students, the institution only has 4 schools within the college, but they offer a wide variety of majors through those schools. All full-time students are required to live on campus, with some financial help through the school, and 100% of full-time beginning students receive some type of financial aid through grants and/or scholarships.
5. Louisiana College: Net Price: $14,002
This private, Christian college is located in Pineville, Louisiana and was established in 1906. Louisiana College’s mission is to “provide liberal arts, professional, and graduate programs characterized by devotion to the preeminence of the Lord Jesus, allegiance to the authority of the Holy Scriptures, dedication to academic excellence for the flory of God, and commitment to change the world for Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
4. Judson College: Net Price: $13,901
Judson College is a private, Christian institution located in Marion, Alabama, and is historically one of the oldest women’s college in the US. Their mission is “dedicated to maturing its students into well-adjusted and productive citizens through the transmission of knowledge, the refinement of intellect, the nurturing of faith, the promotion of service and the development of character.” Additionally to its low cost and exceptional programs, 100% of full-time beginning undergraduate students receive some type of financial aid in the form of grants or scholarships.
3. Bob Jones University: Net Price: $13,364
Bob Jones University is a private, Christian, liberal arts institution in Greenville, South Carolina. Founder Bob Jones, Sr. built a Christian institution that is “distinguished by its academic excellence, refined standards of behavior, and opportunities to appreciate the performing and visual arts,” in his own words. He added that “Christ would be the center of all thought and conduct.” The schools current missions statement is, “within the cultural and academic soil of liberal arts higher education, Bob Jones University exists to grow Christlike character that is scripturally discipline, others-serving, God-loving, Christ-proclaiming and focused above.”
2. Erskine College: Net Price: $11,986
This great private, coeducational, Christian institution is located in Due West, South Carolina. According to the institution’s missions statement, “Erskine College exists to glorify God as a Christian academic community where students are equipped to flourish as whole persons for lives of service through the pursuit of undergraduate liberal arts and graduate theological education.” The school is small, with about 600 undergraduate students and a little over 100 students in graduate programs, but small has its perks, including more personal attention and a much better student to faculty ratio than large universities.
1. College of the Ozarks: Net Price: $0 (But HOW?!?!)
C of O (College of the Ozarks widely used nickname) is a private, Christian liberal arts institution in Point Lookout, Missouri, that takes “character education” to a whole new level. C of O is very unique in that instead of having students pay tuition to attend classes, they make you work for your education. The school pays for the education of their students through state grants, scholarships, and on-campus work programs. Their missions statement says, “The missions of College of the Ozarks is to provide the advantages of a Christian education for youth of both sexes, especially those found worthy, but who are without sufficient means to procure such training.”
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