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Christian Colleges in California

50 schools in California. See our methodology.

America Evangelical University achieves something extraordinary in California's Christian education market: a 100% graduation rate with just 71 students. This tiny Gardena institution stands alongside giants like Santa Clara University, where graduates earn $109,183 annually, reflecting California's economic powerhouse status. The state's 54 Christian colleges span from $20,979 to $50,959 in net costs, with graduation rates varying dramatically from 45.7% to 100%. Silicon Valley's influence appears in these earnings figures, as University of San Francisco graduates average $89,812 despite the school's 71% acceptance rate. California's Cal Grant program helps offset costs, though many students still face significant financial commitments. The acceptance rates tell an interesting story of selectivity, ranging from Hope International University's competitive 32.2% to Pacific Union College's more accessible 84.7%. These institutions prepare students for California's varied economy, from aerospace companies like SpaceX to biotech firms throughout the state. Thomas Aquinas College demonstrates that smaller programs can achieve impressive results, maintaining an 82% graduation rate with just 539 students in Santa Paula.
50
Schools
$26,993
Avg. Net Price
$62,535
Avg. Earnings
60.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Christian Colleges in California

College listings
# School Affiliation Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Roman Catholic 6,235 $50,959 88.5%
2 Roman Catholic 5,619 $31,265 81.6%
3 Churches of Christ 3,629 $45,409 84.7%
4 Roman Catholic 7,171 $45,723 79.8%
5 Wesleyan 71 $24,088 100.0%
6 Seventh-day Adventist 910 $20,979 51.5%
7 Roman Catholic 539 $25,032 82.0%
8 Roman Catholic 5,697 $39,495 71.1%
9 Presbyterian Church (USA) 38 80.0%
10 Roman Catholic 297 $29,124 65.3%
11 Undenominational 3,390 $28,101 68.8%
12 Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod 1,456 $28,046 62.5%
13 Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 7,629 $47,527 80.4%
14 Church of the Nazarene 3,132 $50,168 73.8%
15 Christian Churches and Churches of Christ 549 $27,653 45.7%
16 Other Protestant 1,021 $25,300 60.7%
17 Seventh-day Adventist 1,155 $26,217 68.1%
18 Evangelical Lutheran 2,374 $26,433 74.0%
19 Interdenominational 1,606 $32,121 63.7%
20 Roman Catholic 2,024 $31,198 69.0%
21 Mennonite Brethren 1,614 $14,317 55.9%
22 Undenominational 2,977 $19,798 64.4%
23 Southern Baptist 7,914 $27,384 59.5%
24 Code 108 1,310 $32,926 70.1%
25 Roman Catholic 1,746 $25,009 53.4%
26 Assemblies of God 1,975 $19,761 55.9%
27 Christ and Missionary Alliance 751 $27,923 41.7%
28 Roman Catholic 14 31.5%
29 Other Protestant 393 $22,343 56.8%
30 Assemblies of God 312 $21,042 46.2%
31 Undenominational 91 $7,871 23.5%
32 Other (not classified) 180 $16,598 50.0%
33 Undenominational 144 $25,378 52.6%
34 Seventh-day Adventist 867
35 Code 108 52 $5,805 43.5%
36 Assemblies of God 60
37 Undenominational 1,453 $20,170 32.5%
38 Baptist 30
39 Assemblies of God 78 $9,140 60.0%
40 Baptist 12 33.3%
41 Other (not classified) 212 $8,388 18.2%
42 Code 110 230 $33,072 43.5%
43 Presbyterian Church (USA) 72
44 Code 108 22
45 Other Protestant
46 American Baptist 28
47 Multiple Protestant
48 Protestant Episcopal
49 Roman Catholic
50 Roman Catholic

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Santa Clara University stand out among California's Christian colleges?

Santa Clara University graduates earn $109,183 annually, the highest among California's Christian institutions. With 6,235 students and an 88.5% graduation rate, it combines substantial enrollment with strong outcomes. The $50,959 net cost reflects its position in Silicon Valley's expensive market, where graduates often find high-paying technology careers.

How do graduation rates vary among California's Christian colleges?

Graduation rates span from 45.7% at Hope International University to 100% at America Evangelical University. Most larger institutions like University of San Diego maintain solid 81.6% rates, while smaller colleges like Thomas Aquinas College achieve 82% with focused programs. The 54 schools average around 70% graduation rates overall.

Is financial aid significant at California Christian colleges?

Net costs range from $20,979 at Pacific Union College to $50,959 at Santa Clara University, showing substantial variation. California's Cal Grant program helps reduce expenses, but students often face considerable costs. Schools like Biola University offer net prices around $28,101, making Christian education more accessible than premium institutions.

Does enrollment size affect outcomes at these institutions?

Small schools often excel: America Evangelical University's 71 students achieve 100% graduation rates, while Thomas Aquinas College's 539 students maintain 82% completion. However, larger institutions like Chapman University with 7,629 students also succeed with 80.4% graduation rates, proving both models can work effectively in California's market.

Where do graduates typically work after attending California Christian colleges?

California's economy offers varied opportunities, from Silicon Valley technology firms to aerospace companies like SpaceX. Earnings range from $49,697 to $109,183 annually, reflecting the state's status as the world's fifth-largest economy. Many graduates enter biotech, entertainment, and service industries throughout California's major metropolitan areas.

What acceptance rates can students expect at California Christian colleges?

Acceptance rates vary significantly, from Hope International University's selective 32.2% to Pacific Union College's accessible 84.7%. Most schools accept between 50-70% of applicants. Pepperdine University admits 48.7% of students, while University of San Francisco accepts 71.2%, showing different approaches to student selection across the 54 institutions.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.