Christian Colleges

Christian higher education spans a remarkable financial spectrum, from Brigham Young University's $14,487 net price to Santa Clara University's $50,959 annual cost. The 824 faith-based institutions across America demonstrate that religious commitment and academic excellence frequently align, with Duke University accepting just 6.35% of applicants while maintaining a 95.8% graduation rate. Georgetown University graduates earn a median $103,494 annually, reflecting the strong career outcomes these institutions produce. Regional employment markets particularly value graduates from Christian colleges, with many alumni entering healthcare, education, and business sectors where ethical foundations prove advantageous. The nursing programs at St. Joseph's College achieve perfect 100% graduation rates, meeting critical healthcare workforce demands. Meanwhile, institutions like Notre Dame and Boston College consistently place graduates in top-tier consulting firms and Fortune 500 companies. These schools serve varied student populations, from Brigham Young's 32,221 enrollment to specialized programs with fewer than 600 students. The acceptance rate variance from 6.4% to 66.7% means students can find appropriate academic matches regardless of their preparation level. Faith-based education continues expanding its reach through online programs and satellite campuses, making Christian higher education accessible to working adults and non-traditional students. The strong alumni networks these institutions maintain create lasting professional connections that benefit graduates throughout their careers in ministry, medicine, law, and corporate leadership roles.

Schools

$27,284

Avg. Net Price

$72,865

Avg. Earnings

79.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

College listings
#	School	Affiliation	Enrollment	Net Price	Graduation Rate
1	St. Joseph's College of Nursing Syracuse, New York	Roman Catholic	283	$29,688	100.0%
2	Georgetown University Washington, District of Columbia	Roman Catholic	7,462	$39,433	94.3%
3	Duke University Durham, North Carolina	United Methodist	6,417	$34,454	95.8%
4	University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, Indiana	Roman Catholic	8,923	$27,823	96.8%
5	Boston College Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts	Roman Catholic	9,865	$39,866	91.0%
6	Villanova University Villanova, Pennsylvania	Roman Catholic	7,005	$44,876	92.4%
7	Brigham Young University Provo, Utah	Latter-day Saints	32,221	$14,487	82.2%
8	Emory University-Oxford College Oxford, Georgia	United Methodist	973	$30,622	94.7%
9	Emory University Atlanta, Georgia	United Methodist	7,275	$23,911	91.8%
10	Santa Clara University Santa Clara, California	Roman Catholic	6,235	$50,959	88.5%
11	Davidson College Davidson, North Carolina	Presbyterian Church (USA)	1,901	$18,127	91.9%
12	Kettering College Kettering, Ohio	Seventh-day Adventist	543	$15,156	65.0%
13	Lafayette College Easton, Pennsylvania	Presbyterian Church (USA)	2,746	$32,496	88.1%
14	College of the Holy Cross Worcester, Massachusetts	Roman Catholic	3,015	$36,868	89.6%
15	Mount Carmel College of Nursing Columbus, Ohio	Roman Catholic	573	$12,939	70.9%
16	Southeastern Baptist College Laurel, Mississippi	Baptist	65	$5,603	100.0%
17	Clarkson College Omaha, Nebraska	Episcopal Reformed	611	$15,928	75.0%
18	Baptist Health Sciences University Memphis, Tennessee	Baptist	673	$13,401	53.8%
19	Ohio Northern University Ada, Ohio	United Methodist	2,386	$25,727	74.2%
20	Brigham Young University-Hawaii Laie, Hawaii	Latter-day Saints	2,812	$13,884	54.4%
21	Trinity University San Antonio, Texas	Presbyterian Church (USA)	2,518	$23,650	81.9%
22	Fairfield University Fairfield, Connecticut	Roman Catholic	4,938	$46,274	83.8%
23	Faith International University Tacoma, Washington	Other Protestant	196	$18,361	66.7%
24	Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science Cincinnati, Ohio	Roman Catholic	455	$22,626	75.0%
25	Providence College Providence, Rhode Island	Roman Catholic	4,170	$45,538	87.9%
26	Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences Lancaster, Pennsylvania	Roman Catholic	1,548	$37,208	67.0%
27	University of San Diego San Diego, California	Roman Catholic	5,619	$31,265	81.6%
28	University of Fort Lauderdale Lauderhill, Florida	Code 108	259	$15,245	75.0%
29	Macalester College Saint Paul, Minnesota	Presbyterian Church (USA)	2,131	$29,980	90.4%
30	Pepperdine University Malibu, California	Churches of Christ	3,629	$45,409	84.7%
31	Harding University Searcy, Arkansas	Churches of Christ	3,323	$20,579	70.9%
32	American University Washington, District of Columbia	United Methodist	7,593	$41,945	78.5%
33	Warner Pacific University Portland, Oregon	Church of God	344	$18,818	82.1%
34	College of the Ozarks Point Lookout, Missouri	Evangelical Christian	1,415	$7,669	61.3%
35	Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, California	Roman Catholic	7,171	$45,723	79.8%
36	Fordham University Bronx, New York	Roman Catholic	10,239	$42,581	80.3%
37	AdventHealth University Orlando, Florida	Seventh-day Adventist	1,068	$31,885	35.6%
38	Immaculata University Immaculata, Pennsylvania	Roman Catholic	1,265	$29,464	64.5%
39	Birmingham-Southern College Birmingham, Alabama	United Methodist	713	$23,351	64.2%
40	Assumption College for Sisters Denville, New Jersey	Roman Catholic	35		100.0%
41	Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas	United Methodist	7,106	$41,778	83.3%
42	Gonzaga University Spokane, Washington	Roman Catholic	5,098	$36,371	86.9%
43	America Evangelical University Gardena, California	Wesleyan	71	$24,088	100.0%
44	Mississippi College Clinton, Mississippi	Southern Baptist	2,423	$20,911	62.8%
45	Faith Theological Seminary and Christian College Tampa, Florida	Code 108	63		93.3%
46	Indian Bible College Flagstaff, Arizona	Code 108	30	$5,068	100.0%
47	Mercy College of Ohio Toledo, Ohio	Roman Catholic	982	$15,709	44.6%
48	College of Biblical Studies-Houston Houston, Texas	Undenominational	482	$16,267	60.0%
49	Hobe Sound Bible College Hobe Sound, Florida	Other (not classified)	125	$10,888	60.7%
50	Baptist Health College Little Rock Little Rock, Arkansas	Baptist	512	$34,755	66.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Christian colleges academically competitive with secular institutions?

Many Christian colleges match or exceed secular schools in graduation rates and earning outcomes. Duke University maintains a 95.8% graduation rate while Georgetown graduates earn $103,494 annually. These institutions combine rigorous academics with values-based education, producing graduates highly sought by employers who value ethical leadership and strong work ethics.

How much do Christian colleges typically cost compared to other private schools?

Christian college net prices range from $14,487 at Brigham Young University to $50,959 at Santa Clara University. This $36,000 spread reflects varying institutional priorities and regional costs. Many offer substantial financial aid, with schools like Notre Dame averaging $27,823 net cost despite high sticker prices.

Is it harder to get accepted to Christian colleges than public universities?

Acceptance rates vary dramatically among Christian institutions, from Duke's highly selective 6.35% to Brigham Young's accessible 66.67%. Top-tier Christian schools often match Ivy League selectivity, while regional Christian colleges maintain more open admissions. The 824 Christian colleges nationwide provide options for every academic preparation level.

Does attending a Christian college limit career opportunities after graduation?

Christian college graduates often outperform peers in earning potential, with Santa Clara graduates earning $109,183 annually. These institutions maintain strong alumni networks in business, healthcare, and professional services. Employers frequently value the leadership skills and ethical foundation Christian colleges emphasize alongside technical competencies.

What types of academic programs do Christian colleges offer beyond theology?

Christian colleges provide full academic offerings including specialized programs like nursing at St. Joseph's College with 100% graduation rates. Engineering, business, liberal arts, and health sciences programs succeed at these institutions. Many maintain research facilities and graduate programs comparable to major universities while integrating faith perspectives.

Where can students find the most affordable Christian college education?

Brigham Young University offers strong value at $14,487 net cost with 82.2% graduation rates and strong earning outcomes. Mount Carmel College of Nursing costs $12,939 annually for specialized healthcare training. These schools demonstrate that Christian education can be financially accessible while maintaining academic quality.