In this ranking, we examine the best affordable Baptist colleges with online bachelor’s degrees. Christian and Bible colleges provide students the opportunity to pursue higher education in a faith-based environment. For years, undergraduates have earned bachelor’s degrees in an on-campus setting while participating in religious activities and attending church with other students. While traditional, on-campus Christian and Bible colleges are here to stay, many faith-focused institutions have started to offer their programs via online learning, focusing on educating working adults and nontraditional students from all over the world. As we will see, while Christian and Bible colleges, including Baptist colleges, are similar, there is a definitive difference between the two. The following article focuses on the top Baptist colleges that offer bachelor’s degrees to online students.
Methodology
To provide our readers with the most comprehensive list of the best affordable Baptist colleges with online bachelor’s degrees, we ranked each school based on three factors: average cost of attendance, student-to-faculty ratios, and graduation rates. We searched for the College Navigator tool at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) for schools that met our criteria. We then narrowed down the search results from 45 colleges into the top 25 based on the methodology. We used information obtained from both the NCES and each school’s website to award points as outlined below.
Average Cost of Attendance
As you compare programs, it is important to consider the average cost of attendance in relation to what the school has to offer. In other words, instead of choosing the cheapest program just for the sake of saving money, make sure that the school you select offers everything you are looking for in an academic program. This could be anything from certain concentrations or specializations, opportunities for research or internships, or extracurriculars that allow you to further develop your knowledge and skills beyond the classroom. For this article, we ranked tuition based on the cost of one academic year of study (15 hours per semester) for an online student. We used tuition information obtained from each school’s website for accuracy purposes.
Points:
Under $7,500: 5 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 3 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Next, we consulted the NCES to determine each institution’s student-to-faculty ratio. We used this number to get a better idea of the class sizes at the following schools. While some students prefer to blend into the background of a larger classroom, others rely on the accountability that smaller classrooms provide. Since schools that report low ratios are more likely to offer small classes and, therefore, more opportunities for mentoring, individualized studies, and one-on-one relationships between students and faculty, we awarded the most points to these institutions based on the following ranges.
Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point
Graduation Rate
Finally, we also gathered graduation rates for each school using information supplied by the NCES. This number helps determine how successful students are at the following schools, mainly because it tells us how many graduated from their programs and earned their degrees. In other words, colleges and universities with high graduation rates are keeping their students enrolled, possibly because they offer affordable programs, academic support, and helpful faculty members, for example. Therefore, these institutions received the most points in our ranking according to the ratio percentages below.
Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point
Ranking Top 25 Best Affordable Baptist Colleges With Online Bachelor’s Degrees
25. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Kansas City, Missouri
Points: 5
Program Website
Established in 1957, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is one of six seminaries affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. MBTS is also home to Spurgeon College, an undergraduate college formerly known as Midwestern College. MBTS offers OnlineYou, a rigorous academic program designed specifically for online students considering a future in the ministry. The school offers affordable online Bachelor of Arts degrees in areas such as business leadership, biblical studies, and interdisciplinary studies as well as a Bachelor’s in Christian ministry with three concentrations: general studies, business, and divinity. An accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s is also available. All low-cost programs feature contextualized, strategic assignments that allow students to apply what they have learned in day-to-day ministry. Courses are offered in 8-week terms entirely online, or students may choose to meet one-on-one with their professors. Practicum experiences and symposiums provide further learning beyond the classroom.
Degree Options:
BA, Christian Ministry
BA, Biblical Studies
BA, Business Leadership
BA, Interdisciplinary Studies
Accelerate
Online Tuition: $10,800
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 10 percent
24. Dallas Baptist University
Dallas, Texas
Points: 6
Program Website
Dallas Baptist University, established in 1898 as Decatur Baptist College, is a Christian liberal arts university and one of the most affordable Baptist universities for an online bachelor’s degree. At DBU, students experience a genuine, Christ-centered community as they interact with peers and faculty members online. DBU offers more than 75 high-value, fully online degree programs as well as several online certificates to students from across the U.S. and other countries such as Singapore, Vietnam, Korea, Portugal, China, Mexico, and Panama. More than 1,800 students pursue an online degree from DBU, and the school reports an overall student completion rate of 94 percent. Online undergraduate options include Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Business Administration, and Bachelor of Business Studies. Majors include biblical studies, Christian studies, interdisciplinary studies, business, and management, to name a few. DBU’s online campus features student-centered courses and web technologies which include support for on-demand media, web conferencing, and mobile platforms.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Bachelor of Arts and Science (B.A.S.)
Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)
Bachelor of Business Studies (B.B.S.)
Online Tuition: $30,690
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 53 percent
23. Carson-Newman University
Jefferson City, Tennessee
Points: 6
Program Website
Established in 1851 as Mossy Creek Missionary Baptist Seminary, Carson-Newman University is a private liberal arts university that is affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention. Ranked among the “Best in the Southeast” by The Princeton Review in 2019 and among the top 50 Christian colleges in the U.S. by College Atlas, C-N enrolls 2,725 students from more than 36 countries. Undergraduates of this economical university can choose from 50 majors, including two online bachelor’s degrees: a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (BSOL). The BBA is a degree-completion program in which students must transfer at least 48 credits previously earned at an accredited institution. All business administration major courses are provided online in 5-week modules, and students can graduate in as few as 12 months. Courses in the BSOL program are also provided in 5-week modules and can be completed in as few as 18 months.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (BSOL)
Online Tuition: $28,200
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 51 percent
22. Mississippi College
Clinton, Mississippi
Points: 6
Program Website
Mississippi College is recognized as one of the most affordable Baptist colleges with online bachelor’s degrees. Established in 1826, MC is the oldest college in the state and the second-oldest Baptist-affiliated college in the country. With more than 80 areas of study and 14 graduate degrees, MC enrolls more than 5,000 students from 40 U.S. states and 30 foreign countries. MC offers nine affordable online bachelor’s programs that lead to Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degrees. These cheap distance learning options provide nontraditional students and working adults the opportunity and flexibility they need to advance their careers by learning anywhere at any time. With more than 50 chartered student organizations ranging from campus ministries to academic societies, MC has ways for everyone to get involved.
Degree Options:
Business Administration B.S.B.A.
Communication B.S.
Homeland Security B.S.
Loss Prevention B.S.
Nursing (RN-to-BSN) B.S.N.
Paralegal Studies B.S.
Online Tuition: $18,200
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 53 percent
21. Judson College
Marion, Alabama
Points: 6
Program Website
Founded in 1838 by members of Siloam Baptist Church, Judson College is a private Baptist women’s institution of higher learning and the fifth-oldest women’s college in the country. The school enrolls more than 250 students, resulting in a whopping 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and offers bachelor’s degrees in both pre-professional and liberal arts programs. The Judson College Distance Learning program confers top, fully online bachelor’s degrees in more than 10 areas, including religious studies, interdisciplinary studies, music, business administration, psychology, criminal justice, and education. Students may also take classes online to get ahead on their college degrees or to catch up on course credits they may have missed. Students have two to fourth months to complete each class, but many finish earlier as they can work at their own pace. All top-value, online bachelor’s degrees are comprised of a minimum of 128 semester hours of study.
Degree Options:
Business Administration – Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
Criminal Justice – Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
Elementary Education – Bachelor of Science
Psychology – Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
Religious Studies – Bachelor of Arts
Online Tuition: $17,240
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Graduation Rate: 35 percent
20. California Baptist University
Riverside, California
Points: 6
Program Website
California Baptist University is a private liberal arts university that was founded as California Baptist College in 1950. Affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention, CBU is also a top choice among students looking for an affordable Baptist college with online bachelor’s degrees. Through CBU Online, CBU confers more than 40 top-value online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in areas such as Christian ministries, business, liberal studies, public health, interdisciplinary studies, and healthcare. CBU Online is designed for nontraditional, working students as it offers the flexibility students need to advance their education. Undergraduates can enroll on a part- or full-time basis. CBU is ranked 52nd on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” as well as 34th on its list of “Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs for Veterans” for 2020.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Online Tuition: $16,965
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent
19. Charleston Southern University
Charleston, South Carolina
Points: 6
Program Website
Charleston Southern University is a private institution of higher learning that was founded as Baptist College in 1964. Affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, CSU’s vision is to be nationally recognized for integrating faith in serving, leading, and learning. CSU offers affordable online bachelor’s degrees in areas such as computer and information science, criminal justice, hospitality and tourism management, human resources, organizational management, project management, and supply chain management. All programs at this low-cost university are available entirely online and designed for the nontraditional student seeking a bachelor’s degree that works with his or her schedule and current commitments. U.S. News & World Report ranked CSU 11th on its list of top “25 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” and 11th on its list of top “10 Best Online Bachelor’s for Veterans” lists, making Charleston Southern Online one of the best choices for an online undergraduate program in the state.
Degree Options:
Computer and Information Sciences (BA)
Criminal Justice (BS)
Hospitality & Tourism Management (BS)
Human Resources (BS)
Organizational Management (BS)
Project Management (BS)
Supply Chain Management (BS)
Online Tuition: $12,840
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 36 percent
18. Missouri Baptist University
St. Louis, Missouri
Points: 6
Program Website
Established in 1957 as Missouri Baptist College, Missouri Baptist University is one of three universities in the Missouri Baptist Convention. MBU is an affordable Baptist college with online bachelor’s degrees that are tailor-made for working students who are looking to advance their education. Thanks to MBU’s flexible learning environment, undergraduates of this top-value university can begin their studies at any time and complete coursework at their own pace. Online bachelor’s degrees are available in fields such as business, healthcare, the liberal arts, ministry and leadership, nursing, and criminal justice, to name a few. Courses begin every eight weeks, and students receive the same education as their on-campus counterparts. MBU’s passionate faculty encourage undergraduates to succeed in a digital environment that emphasizes faith and empowerment.
Degree Options:
Online Bachelors Degree in Business Administration
Online Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice
Online Bachelors Degree in Healthcare Management
Online Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts
Online Bachelors Degree in Ministry and Leadership
Online Bachelors Degree in RN-BSN
Online Bachelors Degree in Sport Management
Online Tuition: $12,840
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 36 percent
17. Truett McConnell University
Cleveland, Georgia
Points: 6
Program Website
One of the best affordable Baptist colleges with online bachelor’s degrees, Truett McConnell University is a private institution of higher education affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention. Established in 1946, TMU is ranked among the 25 “Best Online Colleges in Georgia” by U.S. News & World Report, offering both bachelor’s and master’s degrees taught from a Christian worldview. Through TMU Online, students can choose from four online undergraduate programs in business administration, Christian studies, criminal justice, and psychology. Each course emphasizes and examines its content through a Scripture lens. Graduates of this economical university are prepared to enter their careers with the confidence of strong biblical convictions.
Degree Options:
Business Administration
Christian Studies
Criminal Justice
Psychology
Online Tuition: $11,100
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 43 percent
16. Bluefield College
Bluefield, Virginia
Points: 6
Program Website
Established in 1922, Bluefield College is a Baptist liberal arts college that is affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia. Bluefield College’s academic programs are designed to prepare graduates for a fulfilling career and life. The school’s online degree programs, in keeping with a liberal arts education, emphasize different perspectives and can be completed from almost anywhere. Students can choose from low-cost online bachelor’s degrees in business administration, criminal justice, early childhood education, and human services as well as organizational leadership, cybersecurity, and nursing. Classes are delivered entirely online, providing students the flexibility and convenience to learn at their own pace. All faculty members possess a combination of practical experience in their respective fields, academic credentials, and a commitment to Bluefield’s Christian heritage.
Degree Options:
Business Administration
Criminal Justice Major
Early Childhood Education
Human Services Major
Organizational Leadership
Cybersecurity
RN-BSN Nursing
Online Tuition: $10,950
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 29 percent
15. Judson University
Elgin, Illinois
Points: 7
Program Website
Established in 1813 as Judson College, Judson University is an evangelical Christian liberal arts university that formed out of the Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. Judson University is recognized as one of the best affordable Baptist colleges with online bachelor’s degrees, offering undergraduate programs in applied psychology, business administration, human services, and organizational leadership. Judson University’s Professional studies Division is geared toward adults who are building on prior education or work experience as they pursue a bachelor’s degree. Classes are designed to give undergraduates leadership and growth opportunities, and students can expect to spend about 15 hours a week on coursework. Graduates of this cost-effective university may complete the major requirements in as few as two years; the remaining time to completion depends on each student’s prior learning experience.
Degree Options:
Applied Psychology, B.A.
Business Administration, B.A.
Human Services, B.A.
Organizational Leadership, B.A.
Online Tuition: $28,840
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Graduation Rate: 64 percent
14. Eastern University
St. Davids, Pennsylvania
Points: 7
Program Website
Established in 1925 as a division of Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Eastern University is a Christian university that enrolls approximately 3,300 students in its undergraduate, graduate, seminary, professional, and international programs. Affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA, Eastern’s core values of justice, reason, and faith are woven into all of its educational programs. Students looking for an affordable online bachelor’s degree can choose from undergraduate programs in business administration, early childhood education, early childhood studies, organizational leadership, and youth ministry leadership. All online programs blend research with real-life applications. With a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Eastern demonstrates a commitment to success by providing guidance and mentorship that helps students reach their goals.
Degree Options:
BS in Business Administration
BS in Early Childhood Education
BS in Early Childhood Studies
BA in Organizational Leadership
BA in Youth Ministry Leadership
Online Tuition: $17,490
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 61 percent
13. Averett University
Danville, Virginia
Points: 7
Program Website
Founded as a women’s college in 1859, Averett University is a private Baptist institution of higher education. Affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia, Averett University offers three top online bachelor’s degree programs in sociology and criminal justice, business administration, and leadership studies. All low-cost degrees are available entirely online and offer many of the same benefits as traditional on-campus programs. Students can expect meaningful interactions between peers and faculty members, and they have 24/7 access to online course materials. Course content is tailored to nontraditional students and working adults, including discussions, group projects, and a practical, up-to-date curriculum. Students have the flexibility to complete material at their own pace, on their own time — no campus visits required.
Degree Options:
Applied Science – Leadership Studies (BAS-L)
Business Administration (BBA)
Sociology and Criminal Justice (BSCJ)
Online Tuition: $14,400
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 42 percent
12. Blue Mountain College
Blue Mountain, Mississippi
Points: 7
Program Website
Established as a women’s college in 1873, Blue Mountain College is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention. BMC is recognized as one of the best affordable Baptist colleges with online bachelor’s degrees, offering a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration — each with either a management or marketing concentration. All courses are eight weeks long, and BMC offers six starting dates each year. Faculty members teach classes from a Christian, biblical worldview, allowing students to advance their education as they further develop their faith. U.S. News & World Report ranks BMC as the top institution in the Southeast for “Best Value and Affordability.”
Degree Options:
Psychology, B.S.
Business Administration, B.A., B.S.
Online Tuition: $14,100
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 49 percent
11. Central Baptist College
Conway, Arkansas
Points: 7
Program Website
Central Baptist College, established in 1952 as Conway Baptist College, is a private liberal arts college and an institution of higher learning affiliated with the Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas. Undergraduates looking for a low-cost Baptist college with online bachelor’s degrees can pursue nine programs at CBC, including studies in psychology, business, leadership, management, and a new program in Church administration. Each high-value program requires 120 total hours of study. All degrees are offered through CBC’s Professional Adult College Education (P.A.C.E.) program and consist of online courses designed for the nontraditional, working adult student. Classes are taught by both adjunct, experienced career professionals and full-time faculty to create a unique experience for students.
Degree Options:
BBA – Business Administration
BS – Church Administration
BS – Human Resource Management
BS – Leadership & Ministry
BS – Management Information Systems
BS – Psychology
Online Tuition: $13,350
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate: 34 percent
10. Wayland Baptist University
Plainview, Texas
Points: 7
Program Website
Wayland Baptist University is a private institution of higher learning and one of the best affordable Baptist colleges with online bachelor’s degrees. Founded in 1908 as Wayland Literary and Technical Institute, WBU offers low-cost online undergraduate programs in areas such as psychology, Christian ministry, business administration, history, and Spanish. In addition, WBU’s top Bachelor of Applied Science degree program is designed for those with technical certifications and/or occupational training and allows students to choose from 10 majors. WBU Online prides itself on its commitment to the whole person and its ability to provide a career-focused education that fits the lives of busy working professionals.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
Bachelor of Arts in History
Bachelor of Science in History
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Christian Ministry
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Online Tuition: $12,420
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Graduation Rate: 24 percent
9. William Carey University
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Points: 7
Program Website
William Carey University is a private Christian liberal arts college affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention. Founded in 1892 as Pearl River Boarding School, the institution burned down in 1905 and reopened in 1906 as South Mississippi College. Today, WCU is known for its economical online bachelor’s programs, delivering instruction in a flexible learning environment that both challenges and engages its students. Undergraduates can choose from three cheap online programs: Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Bachelor of Science in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, and a Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A hybrid program that combines online and on-campus courses is also available in elementary education.
Degree Options:
Physical Education (B.S.)
Health, Physical Education, And Recreation (B.S.)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)
Teacher Assistant Academy, Elementary Education K-6 (B.S.) Tradition Campus (Hybrid Online)
Online Tuition: $12,300
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 47 percent
8. Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, Kentucky
Points: 7
Program Website
Campbellsville University is a private Christian university that was founded in 1906 as Russell Creek Academy, a Baptist institution. Today, CU enrolls more than 12,000 students from all denominations and is ranked among the best affordable Baptist colleges for online bachelor’s degrees. Students can choose from eight low-cost distance learning bachelor’s programs, including degrees in nursing, social work, pastoral ministries, and the liberal arts and sciences as well as leadership and missions, business, and criminal justice. CU’s top online undergraduate degrees prepare students as Christian servant leaders for active participation in a global, diverse society as well as for lifelong learning and continued scholarship.
Degree Options:
B.S. Business Administration
B.S. Criminal Justice Administration
B.S. in Leadership and Missions
B.S. Liberal Arts & Science
B.S. Pastoral Ministries
Bachelor of Social Work
RN to BSN
Online Tuition: $11,970
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 40 percent
7. Shorter University
Rome, Georgia
Points: 7
Program Website
Established in 1873 as Cherokee Baptist Female Colege, Shorter University is a private Baptist institution of higher education that is affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention. The school is also a top choice among undergraduates seeking a Baptist college that offers a distance learning bachelor’s degree. In Shorter University’s high-value online bachelor’s degree programs, undergraduates receive a Christ-centered experience with the flexibility that nontraditional and working professionals need to advance their education. Students can choose from affordable online bachelor’s degrees in areas such as business administration, Christian studies, criminal justice, human services, and interdisciplinary studies. Each online program features shortened 8-week terms, and all of the coursework can be completed entirely online.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Business Administration in Sport Management
Bachelor of Science in Christian Studies
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
Online Tuition: $11,050
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 46 percent
6. Hannibal-LaGrange University
Hannibal, Missouri
Points: 7
Program Website
Established in 1858, Hannibal-LaGrange University is a private Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention. Students considering attending a Baptist college for an online bachelor’s degree can choose from distance learning programs in nursing, business management, and criminal justice. All five top-value programs offered by HLGU are degree-completion programs, meaning that students must have credits to transfer from another accredited institution. Coursework is available entirely online, providing the flexibility and convenience that working professionals and nontraditional students need. Business management and criminal justice majors can earn their degrees in as few as 18 months, while nursing students can graduate within one year.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
Online Tuition: $10,500
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 37 percent
5. Anderson University
Anderson, South Carolina
Points: 8
Program Website
Established in 1911 as Anderson College, Anderson University is a private institution of higher education that is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Anderson has established a reputation as a school with a Christ-centered, diverse environment. The school offers many online and continuous learning academic opportunities that add value through flexibility and convenience. Affordable online undergraduate programs are offered in areas such as the arts and sciences, nursing, criminal justice, allied health, business, and Christian studies. All best-value, online bachelor’s degrees are taught by knowledgeable, dedicated faculty members that model the principles of the Christian faith.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Christian Studies
Bachelor of Human Services
Bachelor of Liberal Studies
Bachelor of Organizational Leadership
Online Tuition: $13,500
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 59 percent
4. Corban University
Salem, Oregon
Points: 8
Program Website
Corban University is a private Christian college that was established in 1935 as the Phoenix Bible Institute. Today, the school enrolls around 1,200 students in undergraduate and graduate degree programs. A member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, Corban offers several affordable online bachelor’s degrees in areas such as interdisciplinary studies, psychology, and business with concentrations in leadership and management, marketing, and accounting. All courses emphasize practical applications in real-world settings, and students can advance their education without sacrificing spiritual engagement, personal mentoring, or academic rigor. U.S. News & World Report ranks Corban among the “Best Universities in the West.”
Degree Options:
Business: Accounting
Business: Marketing
Business: Leadership and Management
Psychology: Family Studies
Interdisciplinary Online
Online Tuition: $12,600
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 67 percent
3. Clarks Summit University
Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
Points: 8
Program Website
Established in 1932, Clarks Summit University is a private Christian university that offers a range of top academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. CSU provides low-cost online bachelor’s degrees designed for adult learners looking to advance within their current careers or start a new one. All students double-major in the Bible and a major of their choice. Seven majors are available in criminal justice, counseling ministries, counseling, and Christian ministries as well as Bible and theology, addictions counseling, and business administration. All high-value programs consist of 121 credits of study and can be completed entirely online within four years.
Degree Options:
Addictions Counseling
Bible and Theology
Business Administration
Christian Ministries
Counseling
Counseling Ministries
Criminal Justice
Online Tuition: $11,850
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate: 57 percent
2. The Baptist College of Florida
Graceville, Florida
Points: 9
Program Website
The Baptist College of Florida is a private Baptist institution of higher education that was founded in 1943 and affiliated with the Florida Baptist Convention. BCF originally focused on training Baptist ministers, but it now offers affordable on-campus and online degree programs in business, psychology, English, history, education, counseling, music, and theology. Distance learning coursework includes testing, forum discussions, lectures, reading assignments, and posting assignments. Most courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, allowing students to participate on their own time. BCF’s cheap online bachelor’s degrees follow the same curriculum and cost the same as the school’s traditional on-campus programs.
Degree Options:
B.A. in Business Leadership
B.A. in Ministry Studies
B.A. in Psychology
B.A. in Biblical Studies
B.A. in Elementary Education
B.A. in Music
B.A. in Christian Studies
Online Tuition: $11,400
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Graduation Rate: 62 percent
1. University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Points: 9
Program Website
The University of the Cumberlands, founded in 1888 as Cumberland College, is a private Christian university and our number one pick for the best-value Baptist college with online bachelor’s degrees. With 40 different low-cost undergraduate majors and minors as well as pre-professional programs, students are sure to find a degree to meet their academic and professional goals. UC offers several affordable online bachelor’s degrees, including majors in fields such as education, religious studies, health and wellness, business, the social and behavioral sciences, the humanities, nursing, technology, and general studies. UC professors belong to more than 200 professional organizations and perform research, meaning that undergraduates not only receive an education but experience it.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Applied Science
Online Tuition: $6,270
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 33 percent
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Difference Between Christian Colleges and Bible Colleges?
Although some may believe that Christian colleges and Bible colleges are one and the same, there are actually several distinct differences between the two types of postsecondary institutions. Also referred to as seminaries, Bible schools prepare graduates for careers in theology, divinity, or Christian ministry. Career options may include reverends, pastors, missionaries, and youth leaders. Courses in Bible colleges are rooted in vocational training, biblical languages, and both New and Old Testament doctrine. Undergraduates can expect little to no coursework in the liberal arts. Academic programs are typically only offered at the undergraduate level, and many schools have not yet earned accreditation. Bible colleges also often prohibit or restrict on-campus activities, including co-mingling between male and female students at night, wearing certain types of clothing, and alcohol use.
On the other hand, Christian colleges, including Baptist colleges, often provide degree programs that integrate liberal arts studies with the Christian faith. Christian colleges are more likely to offer degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and these schools have generally earned programmatic, national, or regional accreditation. Compared to students at Bible colleges who are generally seeking an education that is focused exclusively on Christianity, those enrolled at Christian colleges receive an academic program that includes certain Christian elements, including religious philosophy and theology. Also, many Christian colleges offer a less-strict culture around their campuses, although students may be required to follow certain policies or refrain from specified behaviors during their time at the school.
What Courses Will You Take at an Online Christian College
As is the case with any college, curriculum requirements will vary depending on the program chosen as well as the school itself. In most cases, Christian colleges provide academic degrees that integrate the Christian philosophy and biblical teachings into what is considered a generally secular curriculum. While Christian-focused universities and colleges vary in the courses they offer, most of these institutions provide similar areas of focus, including classes in:
- New Testament Studies
- Old Testament Studies
- Persuasion
- World Religions
- Theology
Nearly all Christian colleges require that undergraduates take classes in the New Testament, biblical literature, and other similar topics. Keep in mind that the number of credits required in religion-focused topics will vary depending on the school chosen. At the very least, undergraduates can expect to complete at least one class in religion in an online bachelor’s program, although some colleges implement a three-course requirement in theology, Chrisitan studies, or other similar areas.
Even though delivery methods are different between online and on-campus Christian schools, the curriculum requirements are typically the same. Those with work and family commitments as well as students who are already working may look to an online program to provide the flexibility they need to study as their schedule allows. On the other hand, students pursuing a traditional program are required to be on-campus at specific times, where they benefit from in-person interactions between faculty and peers.
Should You Attend an On-Campus or Online Christian College?
Online bachelor’s degrees at Christian universities and colleges generally integrate Christian philosophy and biblical teachings into their programs in the same way that on-campus programs do. At many Christian institutions, both on-campus and online degrees feature the same faith-based course and curriculum requirements. Also, both online faculty members and on-campus professors must sign the same documents agreeing to the school’s policies. Some Christian schools hire faculty members capable of teaching both on-campus students as well as distance learners, meaning that regardless of the delivery method chosen, all students receive the same level and quality of education.
Depending on the school, many Christian colleges that offer on-campus programs implement a mandatory Church service requirement, meaning that students must go to Church a certain number of times per week. While online schools may enforce these requirements as well, in some cases, those pursuing online degrees are generally not required to attend church regularly. Online bachelor’s degrees at Christian colleges typically culminate in a capstone experience that pertains to faith-based service and Christian ministry. In these courses, distance learners are responsible for coordinating service projects with community centers, shelters, and churches. Regardless of the major you are pursuing, if you are considering attending a Christian college and looking for the flexibility that distance learning provides, we hope that our list of the 25 best affordable Baptist colleges with online bachelor’s degrees serves as a helpful starting point.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the top 25 best affordable Baptist colleges with online bachelor’s degrees.
Other Rankings of Interest:
- 25 Most Affordable Christian Colleges (non-Catholic) with Online Doctoral Degrees
- 25 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees Christian/Nondenominational Colleges
- 35 Best Affordable Online Divinity and Ministry Degree Programs (Master’s)
- 35 Best Affordable Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
- The 50 Most Affordable Colleges with the Best Return
- The 20 Most Affordable Online Colleges
- 20 Tuition-Free Colleges
- 25 Best Colleges for Student Athletes
The Best Colleges
The Lowest Costs
The Highest Returns