Christian education has been a cornerstone of higher education in the United States for centuries. Smaller Christian colleges can offer a unique and enriching educational experience, although many more prominent Christian universities are well known.
These faith-based institutions foster intimate ties between students and instructors. This article will highlight the 10 best small Christian colleges in the United States.
These schools provide liberal arts, business, STEM, and faith-based programs. Many provide service and community participation to help students find meaning and give back.
These universities allow students to develop close connections with teachers and explore their interests due to small class numbers and individualized attention.
Christian students or those seeking a more personalized education can consider these 10 small Christian schools. Wheaton College’s academic rigor and Westmont College’s community focus are distinct. Read on to learn more about these exceptional institutions.
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Table of contents
Reasons to Attend small Christian Colleges
Small Christian colleges are an excellent option for students seeking a unique, intimate educational experience grounded in faith and values. Here are some of the key reasons why you might consider attending a small Christian college:
#1. Strong Community
Small Christian colleges offer a close-knit community where students can develop close relationships with their peers, faculty, and staff. This sense of community can be a powerful support system for students as they navigate the challenges of college life.
#2. Faith Integration
Small Christian institutions integrate faith into the study, giving students a solid religious basis for life. Chapel services, Christian worldview seminars, and Christian-valued charity programs can incorporate Christianity.
#3. Personal Attention
Small Christian universities offer customized instruction due to small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratios. This enhances learner and faculty relationships.
#4. Rigorous Academics
Small Christian colleges offer rigorous academic programs designed to challenge students intellectually and prepare them for various careers. These programs are in a way to fit individual student needs and interests, allowing students to explore their passions deeply.
#5. Service Opportunities
Small Christian universities emphasize service and community participation, allowing students chances to help others.
Small Christian institutions may help students improve intellectually, spiritually, and individually. A small Christian institution may suit you if you want to grow your faith, explore your passions, or change the world.
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10 Best small Christian colleges
#1. Wheaton college
Wheaton Institution, a tiny Christian liberal arts college in Wheaton, Illinois, is popular for academic brilliance and Christian faith. Its selective admittance rate is roughly 65%.
Wheaton College offers over 40 majors and 50 minors, with popular majors including Business/Economics, Psychology, Biology, Communication, and English. The college is popular for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and research. Wheaton also offers many studies abroad programs and internship opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience and broaden their horizons.
Wheaton’s strong Christian community sets it distinct from other small Christian universities. Students must take biblical studies and theology classes, and the college offers chapel services, Bible study, and Christian clubs. Faith permeates campus life, creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere for all students.
In addition to its academic and spiritual offerings, Wheaton College has a strong reputation for athletics. The college competes in NCAA Division III sports, and many of its teams have enjoyed success at the conference and national levels. Wheaton College is an excellent choice for students seeking a rigorous academic experience in a supportive Christian community.
(For more information, visit https://www.wheaton.edu/)
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#2. Calvin University
Calvin University, a small Christian liberal arts institution in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is popular for its academics and Christian beliefs. They accept diverse students with a 78 percent admission rate.
Calvin University offers more than 100 majors and programs, with popular majors including Engineering, Business, Nursing, Education, and Biology. The college is famous for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking, global citizenship, and sustainable practices. Calvin also offers many studies abroad programs and internships, allowing students to gain practical experience and broaden their horizons.
Calvin University stands out among tiny Christian universities for its strong Christian identity and community. Students must take biblical studies and theology classes, and the college offers chapel services, Bible study, and Christian clubs. Faith permeates campus life, creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere for all students.
In addition to its academic and spiritual offerings, Calvin University has a strong reputation for athletics. The college competes in NCAA Division III sports, and many of its teams have enjoyed success at the conference and national levels. Calvin University is an excellent choice for students seeking a rigorous academic experience in a supportive Christian community.
(For more information, visit https://calvin.edu/)
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#3. Grove City College
Grove City Institution, a tiny Christian liberal arts college in Grove City, Pennsylvania, is famous for academic brilliance and Christian faith. It welcomes high-achieving kids with an 80 percent admittance rate.
Grove City College offers more than 50 majors and programs, with popular majors including Business, Mechanical Engineering, Biology, Psychology, and Political Science. The college is popular for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and research. Grove City also offers many internships and research opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience and prepare for future careers.
Grove City College stands out among tiny Christian universities for its strong Christian faith and principles. All students must take biblical studies and theology classes, and the campus community values Christian discipleship, service, and outreach. Religion permeates campus life, creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere for all students.
In addition to its academic and spiritual offerings, Grove City College has a strong reputation for athletics. The college competes in NCAA Division III sports, and many of its teams have enjoyed success at the conference and national levels. Overall, Grove City College is an excellent choice for students seeking a rigorous academic experience in a supportive Christian community.
(For more information, visit https://www.gcc.edu/)
#4. Whitworth University
Whitworth University, a small Christian liberal arts institution in Spokane, Washington, is popular for its academic brilliance and Christian faith. It accepts high-achieving students with an 83 percent acceptance rate.
Whitworth University offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, with popular majors including Business, Psychology, Education, Nursing, and Biology. The college is famous for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and research. Whitworth also offers many studies abroad programs, internships, and research opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience and prepare for future careers.
Whitworth University’s Christian principles distinguish it from other tiny Division 1 universities. All students must take biblical studies and theology classes, and the campus community values Christian service, justice, and reconciliation. Faith permeates campus life, creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere for all students.
In addition to its academic and spiritual offerings, Whitworth University has a strong reputation for athletics. The college competes in NCAA Division III sports, and many of its teams have enjoyed success at the conference and national levels. Whitworth University is an excellent choice for students seeking a rigorous academic experience in a supportive Christian community.
(For more information, visit https://www.whitworth.edu/)
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#5. Hope College
Hope Institution, a tiny Christian liberal arts college in Holland, Michigan, is distinguished for academic distinction and Christian faith. It accepts only high-achieving students, with an 83 percent acceptance rate.
Hope College offers more than 90 majors and programs, with popular majors including Business, Psychology, Education, Nursing, and Engineering. The college is known for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and research. Hope also offers many study abroad programs, internships, and research opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience and prepare for future careers.
Hope College’s strong emphasis on community and inclusion sets it apart from other small Christian colleges. The college has a diverse student body, and campus organizations and events promote dialogue and understanding across cultures and backgrounds. This creates a welcoming and supportive environment for students of all identities and experiences.
In addition to its academic and spiritual offerings, Hope College has a strong reputation for athletics. The college competes in NCAA Division III sports, and many of its teams have enjoyed success at the conference and national levels. Hope College is an excellent choice for students seeking a rigorous academic experience in a diverse and inclusive Christian community.
(For more information, visit https://hope.edu/)
#6. Messiah University
Messiah University, a small Christian liberal arts institution in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is distinguished for academic brilliance and Christian faith. It welcomes high-achieving students with a 75% acceptance rate.
Messiah University offers more than 150 majors and programs, with popular majors including Business, Psychology, Education, Nursing, and Engineering. The college is known for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and research. Messiah also offers many studies abroad programs, internships, and research opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience and prepare for future careers.
Its strong emphasis on service and social justice sets Messiah University apart from other small Christian colleges. The college’s vibrant community service program encourages students to engage in local and global service initiatives. Messiah also promotes dialogue and understanding across cultures and perspectives, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students of all identities and experiences.
Messiah University is known for its academics, spirituality, and athletics. NCAA Division III teams from the college have won conference and national championships. Messiah University offers high academics in a service-oriented Christian community.
(For more information, visit https://www.messiah.edu/)
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#7. Taylor University
Taylor University, a small Christian liberal arts institution in Upland, Indiana, is distinguished for academic brilliance and Christian faith. They accept high-achieving students with an acceptance rate of about 90%.
Taylor University offers more than 60 majors and programs, with popular majors including Business, Psychology, Education, Nursing, and Engineering. The college is known for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and research. Taylor also offers many studies abroad programs, internships, and research opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience and prepare for future careers.
Taylor University’s strong emphasis on faith and service sets it apart from other small Christian colleges. The college’s vibrant spiritual life program encourages students to engage in local and global service initiatives. Taylor also promotes dialogue and understanding across cultures and perspectives, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students of all identities and experiences.
Taylor University is known for its academics, spirituality, and athletics. NCAA Division III teams from the college have won conference and national championships. Taylor University offers a rigorous academic experience in a Christian community.
(For more information, visit https://www.taylor.edu/)
#8. Biola University
Biola Institution in La Mirada, California, is a small Christian university noted for academic brilliance and Christian faith. They welcome high-achieving students with a 50% admission rate.
Biola University offers over 150 undergraduate and graduate programs, with popular majors including Business, Psychology, Communication Studies, Nursing, and Film & Television. The university is known for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and research. Biola also offers many studies abroad programs, internships, and research opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience and prepare for future careers.
What sets Biola University apart from other small Christian colleges is its strong emphasis on faith and service. The university’s vibrant spiritual life program encourages students to engage in local and global service initiatives. Biola also promotes dialogue and understanding across cultures and perspectives, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students of all identities and experiences.
In addition to its academic and spiritual offerings, Biola University has a strong reputation for athletics. The university competes in NCAA Division II sports, and many of its teams have enjoyed success at the conference and national levels. Overall, Biola University is an excellent choice for students seeking a rigorous academic experience in a faith-oriented and service-minded Christian community.
(For more information, visit https://www.biola.edu/)
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#9. Westmont College
Westmont College, located in Santa Barbara, California, is a small Christian liberal arts college known for its academic rigor, spiritual vitality, and commitment to global engagement. With an admission rate of around 80%, Westmont is a selective institution that admits students with strong academic backgrounds and achievements.
Westmont College offers more than 26 majors and programs, with popular majors including Biology, Psychology, Business and Economics, English, and Kinesiology. The college is known for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and research. Westmont also offers many studies abroad programs, internships, and research opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience and prepare for future careers.
Its strong emphasis on global engagement and service sets Westmont College apart from other small Christian colleges. The college has a robust study abroad program, and students are encouraged to engage in local and global service initiatives. Westmont also promotes dialogue and understanding across cultures and perspectives, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students of all identities and experiences.
In addition to its academic and spiritual offerings, Westmont College has a strong reputation for athletics. The college competes in NAIA Division I sports, and many of its teams have enjoyed success at the conference and national levels. Overall, Westmont College is an excellent choice for students seeking a rigorous academic experience in a faith-oriented and service-minded Christian community.
(For more information, visit https://www.westmont.edu/)
#10. Cedarville University
Cedarville University is a small Christian university located in Cedarville, Ohio. With an admission rate of around 73%, Cedarville is a moderately selective institution that admits students with strong academic backgrounds and achievements.
Cedarville University offers over 130 undergraduate and graduate programs, with popular majors including Business, Nursing, Mechanical Engineering, Education, and Worship Arts. The university is known for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on integrating the Christian faith into all aspects of learning. Cedarville also offers many studies abroad programs, internships, and research opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience and prepare for future careers.
Its strong commitment to biblical integration and discipleship sets Cedarville University apart from other small Christian colleges. The university’s vibrant spiritual life program encourages students to engage in local and global service initiatives. Cedarville also promotes intellectual and personal growth through its rigorous academic programs and emphasis on developing a robust Christian worldview.
In addition to its academic and spiritual offerings, Cedarville University has a strong reputation for athletics. The university competes in NCAA Division II sports, and many of its teams have enjoyed success at the conference and national levels. Overall, Cedarville University is an excellent choice for students seeking a rigorous academic experience in a faith-oriented and service-minded Christian community.
(For more information, visit https://www.cedarville.edu/)
Frequently Asked Questions
Regarding online Bible universities, Lancaster Bible College is among the most reasonably priced. There are less than 20 students for every professor at this institution, and students can pick from more than 50 concentrations. Plus, LBC has over 2,000 students enrolled at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Concordia College and University in Saint Paul. It provides access to more than 40 fully online degree programs. One can get a certificate, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and even a Ph.D.
Lancaster Bible College was established in 1933 to train students to apply biblical principles to all aspects of their lives. The Association has approved the college for Biblical Higher Education and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Comparing tuition and living expenses, an online degree from a public four-year institution is $36,595 less expensive than a traditional four-year degree earned in a classroom setting. The average cost of an online degree from a private university is $60,593, whereas an on-campus degree costs $129,800.
For those pursuing a Bachelor of Biblical Studies (BBS) degree at the undergraduate level, you would cover studies in the Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, small Christian colleges offer a unique and enriching educational experience for students seeking a faith-based education or a more intimate college community.
Despite their differences, these small Christian colleges integrate faith and values into their curriculum and foster a close-knit community among students and faculty. Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in business, STEM, or the humanities, there is a small Christian college out there that can help you achieve your goals while also strengthening your faith and values.
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References
- https://www.niche.com/ – Best Christain colleges
