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Rankings

Top 11 Cheapest Online Christian Colleges

Written by College Cliffs Team At CollegeCliffs.com, our team, comprising seasoned educators and counselors, is committed to supporting students on their journey through graduate studies. Our advisors, holding advanced degrees in diverse fields, provide tailored guidance, current program details, and pragmatic tips on navigating application procedures.

Reviewed by Linda Weems I got started researching colleges and universities about 10 years ago while exploring a second career. While my second career ended up being exactly what I’m doing now, and I didn’t end up going to college, I try to put myself in your shoes every step of the way as I build out College Cliffs as a user-friendly resource for prospective students.

Updated: September 11, 2024, Reading time: 19 minutes

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Are you ready to attend an online bible college? Are you searching for the cheapest online Christian colleges to earn your degree?

When it comes to college preparation, one of the most important decisions students will make is whether to attend a public university that offers a more diverse variety of courses, majors, and morals or a private university that provides a more specialized set of courses, majors, and morals. 

Christian colleges are private schools that offer several degree programs that are thriving today. These schools are providing multiple choices for students who value the academic strength of a college, the foundation for its moral code, and the basics of how it integrates learning and faith.

Though these colleges provide many of the same majors as public universities, they also offer unique opportunities for individuals with a strong Christian faith.

THE LOWDOWN:
To many, a Christian education is very important. An online Christian college can provide an education steeped rich in faith, morals, and quality learning. Christian colleges can be found in a variety of faith types, such as Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, or Catholic, to name a few.

However, most schools do not require you to be a member of a certain faith to attend. So, if you find a program you like, check it out… even if it’s not your practicing faith!

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It’s impossible to predict exactly what spiritual or social dynamics you’ll encounter at an online Christian college unless you’re there and experiencing them for yourself. A school’s admittance rate, overall course offerings, student-to-faculty ratio, and how they express their own beliefs and aims are all possible previews. Practical factors such as cost and degree programs, as well as other practicalities, must be considered as part of any post-secondary attempt.

The colleges listed below have been ranked based on their average annual tuition (lower is better).

Please see our Methodology page to learn more about our online college and degree program selection process.

cheapest online christian colleges
College Cliffs is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Cheapest Online Christian Bachelor’s Colleges

METHODIST

cheapest online christian colleges

Central Methodist University

Tuition: $270 per credit

Central Methodist University, founded in 1854, is a non-profit private multidisciplinary higher-education school located in the rural environment of Fayette, Missouri. Central Methodist University (CMU) is a small coeducational US higher education institution nominally linked with the Christian-Methodist religion. 

This school offers a selective admissions strategy based on entrance exams and students’ previous academic records and grades. This US higher education organization has an admittance rate of 90-100 percent, making it the least selective university. 

CMU’s online bachelor’s degree programs provide a much-needed convenience for those who are hindered by distance or a hectic schedule. Whether you want to finish your degree online or supplement your schedule with online courses, you’ll receive the same high-quality instruction as our on-campus CMU courses, but with the added convenience of online.

As an online student, you’ll receive the same high-quality education as our on-campus CMU courses but with the flexibility and convenience of being able to study whenever and wherever you want.

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  • Bachelor of Accountancy
  • Bachelor of Applied Science in Management
  • Bachelor of Arts in Business
  • Bachelor of Arts in Communication
  • Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
  • Bachelor of Arts in English
  • Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
  • Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration
  • Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences
  • Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Bachelor of Science in Business
  • Bachelor of Science in Child Development
  • Bachelor of Science in Communication
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
  • Bachelor of Science in Education 
  • Bachelor of Science in Education
  • Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies
  • Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
  • Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology
  • Bachelor of Science in Sociology
  • Bachelor of Science in Sports Management
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

cheapest online christian colleges

Union College – KY

Tuition: $345 per credit hour

Founded in 1879, Union College, Kentucky, is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the rural setting of the medium-sized town of Barbourville, Kentucky. Union College, Kentucky, is a small, coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Methodist religion. 

This institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic records and grades. The admission rate is 50-60% making this US higher education organization an averagely selective institution. 

Union College – KY offers online students, undergraduate and graduate, degree programs in administration, business administration, education, general management, substance abuse counseling, law enforcement, general studies, general psychology, nursing, information systems management, athletic administration, and healthcare administration.

The college, which hosts its dedicated learning management system (uLearn), offers online courses in both fully online and hybrid formats. Remote student support resources include access to 24/7 tech support, financial aid, counseling and health services, the campus bookstore, the Weeks-Townsend Memorial Library, a career center, disability services, and a writing center.

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Southern Wesleyan University started in 1906 as a Bible school focused on Christian values and education. Today, it’s a private liberal arts college that still aims to be a Christian community centered on God as the source of truth and wisdom.

SWU offers eight undergraduate concentrations. Each program is designed to help working adult students earn a degree without the inconvenience of on-campus classes. These programs, rooted in Christian values, support career goals and fit into busy lives.

At SWU, students benefit from intensive online courses and low per-credit hour costs. Furthermore, the financial aid office creates custom aid packages to fit each student’s needs, making it possible for many to start college with little or no upfront costs. Overall, getting a degree at SWU could be more affordable than expected.

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BAPTIST

cheapest online christian colleges

Truett McConnell University

Truett McConnell University, established in 1946, is a non-profit private multidisciplinary higher-education school located in the rural environment of Cleveland, Georgia. Truett McConnell University is a tiny coeducational US higher education institution nominally linked with the Christian-Baptist church. 

This school offers a selective admissions procedure based on entrance exams and students’ previous academic records and ratings. This US higher education organization has an admittance rate of 90-100 percent, making it the least selective university. Students worldwide are welcome to apply for admission.

Truett McConnell University now offers online bachelor’s degrees based on a Christian perspective. Through the prism of Scripture, each course investigates and stresses its content. When you base your online education on God’s Word, the quality of your education improves.

With the assurance of a fully approved education and the certainty of strong biblical convictions, completing a TMU Online degree prepares you for your chosen job. The reliability of God’s word and the quality of your scholastic preparation can help you succeed in both temporal and spiritual pursuits.

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Cheapest Online Christian Bachelor's Colleges - University of the Cumberlands

University of the Cumberlands

Tuition: $220 per credit hour

The University of the Cumberlands started in 1888 as a non-profit private higher education institution located in the rural environment of Williamsburg, Kentucky. Now, UC is a significant coeducational US higher education institution formally linked with the Christian-Baptist church.

This school offers a selective admissions procedure based on entrance exams and students’ previous academic records and ratings. This US higher education school is somewhat demanding, with acceptance rates ranging from 70 to 80 percent. They have an excellent student-to-faculty ratio.

The University of the Cumberlands now offers several online bachelor’s degrees that provide a variety of Christian-based learning. Their dedication to an excellent academic program is matched by their desire to think critically and creatively. Online students are encouraged to prepare for and participate in community service and leadership roles.

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cheapest online christian colleges

The Baptist College of Florida

Tuition: $375 per credit hour

The Baptist College of Florida, established in 1943, is a non-profit private specialized higher-education institution located in the rural environment of Graceville, Florida. There are other branch campuses for this school in the following cities: Jacksonville, FL, and Orlando, FL. 

The Baptist College of Florida is a minor coeducational US higher education institution nominally linked with the Christian-Baptist church. 

This school offers a selective admissions procedure based on entrance exams and students’ previous academic records and ratings. This US higher education institution has an 80-90 percent acceptance rate, making it the least selective university.

The Baptist College of Florida can be one of the best institutions to look into if you’re searching for a more structured degree program in a Christian context. The institution feels compelled to extend out and is doing so by offering distance learning and overseas studies.

The college’s original objective was to prepare individuals for mission work; that goal remains the same, but with the new worldwide focus, it has evolved into a mission to prepare people for many sorts of service wherever God may call them. At Baptist College of Florida, almost every class has fewer than twenty students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1.

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LUTHERAN

cheapest online christian colleges

Newberry College

Tuition: $405 per credit hour

Newberry College started in 1856 as a non-profit private multidisciplinary higher-education school located in the rural environment of Newberry, South Carolina. It is a smaller coeducational US higher education institution nominally linked with the Christian-Lutheran religion. 

This school offers a selective admissions procedure based on entrance exams and students’ previous academic records and ratings. The acceptance rate is 60 to 70%, making this US higher education school somewhat selective. 

Newberry College provides four online undergraduate degree programs in criminal justice, psychology, respiratory therapy, and nursing, covering four academic areas. Distance learners can access the college’s own learning management system through the Wolf Den online site.

Webmail for students, access to the college library, and technical assistance are all available to students. Students with relevant life experience or previous college education may be allowed to transfer credits.

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cheapest online christian colleges

Concordia University – Texas

Tuition: $500 per credit

Concordia University Texas, founded in 1926, is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the big city of Austin, Texas. Concordia University Texas (CTX) is a minor coeducational US higher education institution nominally linked with the Christian-Lutheran religion. 

This school offers a selective admissions procedure based on entrance exams and students’ previous academic records and ratings. This US higher education organization has an admittance rate of 90-100 percent, making it the least selective university. 

Their program gives you the skills you need to be an innovative and effective manager, including collaboration, leadership, and team building. The online program is tailored to students’ schedules, allowing them to learn at their own pace and when they can.

Professors with industrial expertise teach classes that emphasize relevant, practical skills. Effective managers can boost employee productivity and quality while also ensuring that businesses run smoothly.

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CATHOLIC

cheapest online christian colleges

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

Tuition: $390 per credit hour

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, started in 1912, is a non-profit private higher education college located in the suburban environment of Standish, Maine.

There is also a branch campus in Portland for this institution. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine (SJC) is a minor educational US higher education institution formally linked with the Christian-Catholic church. 

This college has selective admission criteria based on entrance exams, previous academic records, and students’ grades. This US higher education institution has an 80-90 percent acceptance rate, making it the least selective university.

Catholic online students, particularly adult learners, are looking forward to Saint Joseph’s College. The school provides adult learners with the chance to combine formal liberal arts education with professional experience.

Undergraduate programs offer several academic opportunities leading to degrees in a variety of fields. Individual courses are also available for personal goals and/or industry continuing education requirements.

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cheapest online christian colleges

Barry University

Tuition: $16,800 (12-18 credits per semester)

Barry University, established in 1940, is a non-profit private higher-education school located in Miami, Florida. This institution also has branch campuses in Orlando, Tampa, Palm Beach Gardens, and other cities in Florida. Barry University (BU) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution nominally linked with the Christian-Catholic religion. 

This college has selective admission criteria based on entrance exams, previous academic records, and students’ grades. This US higher education organization has an admittance rate of 50-60 percent, making it the least selective university. International students can apply for admission.

Barry University is predominantly a liberal arts institution, although it has expanded to include business, nursing, health sciences, teacher education, and liberal arts degrees.

Barry University is currently one of the few private universities that provide cheap undergraduate degrees. Academic advisers help students plan their calendars each semester as they work toward their personal and professional objectives.

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Established in 1889, Saint Leo University is the first Catholic higher education institution in Florida. It offers a diverse range of over 40 majors and minors and is renowned for its values-centered education and close-knit community. 

Saint Leo University has pioneered online education, expanding its programs to Latin America, Brazil, and India. With a foundation in Catholic values, the university provides a well-rounded education designed to foster growth in all aspects of students’ lives. 

It serves over 14,000 students worldwide and is a top choice for US military members. While it’s proudly Catholic, its focus is on helping everyone become their best selves and contribute to a fairer society.

SLU’s online degree programs are top-notch and super flexible. Online students get the same great academics, supportive professors, and friendly community as on-campus students. The university’s online setup lets students learn at their own pace with easy-to-use tech. 

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cheapest online christian colleges

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Types of Christian Colleges?

Christian universities cover 62 official denominations, excluding non-denominational Christian institutions. Some denominations, such as First Baptist and Southern Baptist, can be further subdivided, resulting in even more variation.

Here are some of the most well-known denominations that students might encounter in searching for a religion-focused college experience, ranked by volume:

Baptist

Baptists believe in baptism by immersion for professing Christians, and their roots may be traced back to 1609 when the first Baptist church was established in Amsterdam.

There are more than 100 million Baptists in the world, and many of them are represented by several groups, the largest of which is the Southern Baptist Association.

There are five major Baptist affiliations in North America, and Baptist universities in the United States are almost certainly affiliated with at least one of them.

Catholic

According to the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, more than 200 institutions in the United States believe themselves linked with the Catholic Church.

A shared Christian vision and aims, contemplation in light of faith, loyalty to tradition, and devotion to service define these institutions. Even though Catholic institutions have roughly 65 percent of their Catholic undergraduates, these colleges welcome anyone.

Lutheran

The Lutheran Church has its roots in Martin Luther, who nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the chapel’s door. The Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, Independent Lutheran, and other Lutheran affiliations are available to those looking for a Lutheran college.

The Lutheran Church is home to almost 80 million people worldwide, so students attending a Lutheran college will be in excellent company.

Methodist

Another Protestant Christian denomination, Methodist schools, are founded on good educational ideas and loving connections through social service.

This emphasis on assisting the underprivileged and improving the lives of ordinary people frequently leads to large-scale service projects involving the entire university. There are nearly 40 denominations within the Methodist umbrella, in addition to the United Methodist Church.

cheapest online christian colleges

What Are The Benefits of an Online Christian Degree?

For most students, online Christian colleges provide degree programs that are convenient, relevant, and inexpensive. They are frequently less expensive than a traditional university education.

The Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSOC), and other certifying authorities accredit the majority of courses.

For students who qualify, many online degree programs additionally provide state and federal financial help programs. A college degree is a significant time and financial investment, and these programs can assist students in funding their education.

Online institutions make education more accessible. Their professors are industry experts with practical expertise and a biblical viewpoint. Students can choose from dozens of college degrees at every academic level, depending on the school. The student-to-faculty ratio is more than acceptable.

How Is an Online Christian College Different from Other Online Colleges?

Many people of faith contemplate Christian education, but you might be wondering what sets an online Christian institution apart from others.

Many Christian students appreciate the opportunity to receive a high-quality education in a Christian setting. According to World Magazine, most online Christian universities employ words like “Christ-centered education” in their marketing brochures. These schools aim to assist students in developing their spiritual lives in addition to offering an educational basis.

Classes on corporate ethics are standard, and they may also link social science, history, and art studies to a biblical interpretation. In addition to their degree-related curriculum, a Christian school will require degree-seeking students to take a certain number of religious courses. The nature and scope of these classes vary in each school.

Key Takeaway

Online students can enjoy earning their degrees with confidence and convenience through one of the above online bachelor’s degree programs. Faith-based learning schools are able to provide a wide variety of affordable online degrees while also providing biblical viewpoints.

As you gain a valuable skillset for your future career, you also gain valuable insight and growth in your spiritual life. Biblical higher education is a true privilege and pleasure!


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