25 Most Affordable Online Christian Bachelor’s Colleges

Lamoni, Iowa

Graceland University-Lamoni (GUL, est. 1895) is affiliated with the Community of Christ. It serves students on two campuses and online. Ranked by Princeton Review as a Best College in the Midwest for 2017 (and previous years) and as a Green College (2015-2016), the university also has several rankings from U.S. News & World Report for best colleges Midwest (2013), undergrad online programs (#5 nationally Online Bachelor’s Programs 2013), graduate online programs (Education, Nursing). Washington Monthly magazine ranked GUL as a “2013 Best Bang for the Buck” for affordability.

GUL offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees and graduate certificate programs — over 40 programs in total, including 30+ undergrad majors. Bachelor’s students have five online degree options: Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BABA); BA in Organizational Leadership (BAOL); BA in Online Dual Major Program in BA and OL (see site for details); BA in Health Care Management (BAHCM); Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN (completion – requires associate’s degree in nursing). These programs require a minimum 120 credits for graduation but accept both new students as well as those who have completed up to an associate’s degree (where not already explicitly required).

Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia College (CC, est. 1854) is a woman’s college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. First year students are all “paired with a mentor who is a woman leader in the community.” Male students are accepted into evening, online and graduate programs. Full-time traditional undergraduate students will enjoy a tuition decrease of nearly $10K starting in AY 2017-18. Students in the graduating class of 2017 found employment or pursued graduate studies at a rate of 94% (as of Oct 2017) – higher than the national average by 13 points. It also boasts one of the best student-teacher ratios (11:1) in the country and uses no teaching assistants. Students have access to the McNair Center for Entrepreneurism, which offers business incubation space and a select number of micro-seed fund grants, plus coaching and mentoring. These and other reasons have earned CC a number of awards/ rankings, including from the following organizations/ publishers: U.S. News & World Report (Top Regional Universities – #13 South, 2016 Best Value Institution and other years); Washington Monthly magazine (Best Bang for the Buck – 2016 Southeast Colleges); President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll; 2012 Washington Center and New York Life Foundation (Higher Education Civic Engagement Award).

CC offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, with 35 undergrad majors and five online bachelor’s options: Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (BACJ); BA Disaster and Emergency Management; RN to BS in Nursing (BSN, completion – requires associate’s of nursing degree); BS in Fire Science; BS in Respiratory Care – AAS to BS (BSRC, completion – requires AAS). Graduation requirements include completion of a minimum of 120 credits.

Bismarck, North Dakota

University of Mary (UMary, est. 1959) is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and open to students of all faiths. UMary claims 99% of traditional (main campus) undergrad students “receive some form of scholarship.” The university, which serves on this main campus, nine satellite campuses (5 states, Italy and Peru), also scores high (98%) for placement after graduation. The stat and the Bismarck-Mandan region scores high for business and careers, and the region for being one of the safest and least stressful places to live in the country, according to Sperling, Forbes magazine and Farmers Insurance Group collectively. Qualifying military students benefit from a number of initiatives for online or evening classes which can significantly reduce the overall cost of a college education. For this and other reasons, Victory Media designated UMary as a Military Friendly School for 2016.

UMary has degree programs from the bachelor’s to doctorate levels, with nearly 80 programs in total (primarily undergrad). Bachelor’s students have 14 online degree options: Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BSA); BS Criminal Justice (BSCJ); Bachelor of Arts (BA) or BS Business Administration (BABA, BSBA); BS or Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Business Management (BSBM, BASBM); BS Healthcare Administration (BSHA); BA or BS Information Technology Management (BAITM, BSITM); BA or BS Marketing (BAM, BSM); BA Nursing – RN to BSN (BSN, completion – requires RN licensure and associate’s degree in nursing); BS Psychology; BS Respiratory Therapy (BSRT, completion – requires RRT licensure and associate’s degree). Credit requirements for graduation from these programs is at least 124.

Cleveland, Tennessee

Lee University (Lee, est. 1918), celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2018, is affiliated with the Church of God but has students of multiple denominations, including nondenominational. It’s faith-based educational offering has earned it many rankings and accolades: Princeton Review (Best Colleges – Best in the Southeast, multiple years); U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges – Top Tier 2018 and South 2018; Best Online Bachelor’s Programs 2017 and other years; Comprehensive Medium-Size Universities – Top Tier South in multiple years); USA Today (Top 20 Colleges Most Committed to Community Service – #13 in 2011); President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll (multiple years) and others.

Lee’s offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as graduate certificate programs – over 155 undergrad programs alone. Bachelor’s students have 28 online degree options through the Division of Adult Learning (DAL). This includes six majors with a choice of Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) and some concentration/ emphasis options. The online programs are: BA or BS Business Administration (BABA, BSBA) with Management Emphasis; BA or BS Criminal Justice with two Emphasis options (Corrections, Criminology and Juvenile); BA or BS Liberal Studies (BALS, BSLS); BA or BS Bible and Theology (BABT, BSBT); BA or BS Christian Studies (BACS, BSCS); BA or BS Ministry Leadership with eight Emphasis options (Business, Church Administration, Children’s Ministry, Counseling, Discipleship, Music and Worship, Pastoral Ministry, Youth Ministry). A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation.

Clinton, Mississippi

Mississippi College (MC, est. 1826) is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Church (Mississippi Baptist Convention). It is both the state’s oldest institution of higher learning as well as the largest private university. A key mission of MC is to integrate faith with its academic programs. Its offering has earned it various accolades and rankings, including: U.S. News & World Report (Best Value Schools in the South, Best Schools for Veterans in the South, Regional Universities in the South, and topical rankings) and several dozen topical rankings from various smaller educational publishers.

MC offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees plus graduate certificate programs – over 100 programs in total, emphasizing sciences and liberal arts. Bachelor’s students have over 80 areas of study including eight online degree options: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with three Concentrations (Accounting, Finance and Marketing); BS Communication (BSC) with five track options (Interpersonal and Public Communication, Journalism, Mass Media, Public Relations, Sports Media); BS Paralegal Studies (BSPS); BS Homeland Security (BSHS); BS Loss Prevention (BSLP); BS Nursing – RN to BSN (BSN, completion – requires licensure and associate’s degree in nursing). Graduation requirements include completion of at least 130 credits. Also online: 18 master’s and one doctorate degrees, and two undergrad and six graduate certificate programs.

Adrian, Michigan

Siena Heights University (SHU, est. 1919) is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Serving students at 10 locations plus online, it claims to be 5th in the country for graduation rate. U.S. News &amp World Report ranked them #1 in the state for online learning and #24 nationally (2017 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and other years), as well as #47 nationally for Best Online Program for Veterans. They are also designated as a Military Friendly School for several years by Victory Media.

SHU has associate’s through master’s degrees, with over 50 majors for bachelor’s and master’s levels. Bachelor’s students have 12 main online degree options. One of these has dozens of paths determined by the AAS degree major that students have previously completed. The 12 main options are: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with six Concentration options (Accounting, Computer Information Systems, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Management, Marketing); Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS — requires Associate of Applied Science or 35+ credits from select other institutes, to establish the major, typically in “allied health, public safety, technical/industrial, and/or specialized occupational backgrounds,” with dozens of options, including BAS Health Care Management); Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology Management (BAITM); BA Multidisciplinary Studies (BAMS); BS Nursing – RN-BSN (completion); BA Professional Communication (BAPC). Graduation requirements include completion of a minimum 120 credits. Also online: 11 undergrad minor programs.

Nashville, Tennessee

Trevecca Nazarene University (TNU, est. 1901) is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. TNU has a high funding rate, with 98% of students receiving some form of financial aid. SmartAsset ranked TNU as #6 in the state in their Best Value Christian Colleges 2017 list, while Victory Media designated them as a Military Friendly School in 2018 and several others (including 2017 Gold). Student enrollment grew more than 22% between 2015 and 2016, contributing to TNU becoming the “fastest growing university in Middle Tennessee.”

In addition to associate’s through doctorate level degrees, TNU also has undergrad and graduate certificate programs. Overall, there are nearly 90 undergrad majors. Bachelor’s students have six online degree options: Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry (BACM); BA General Studies (BAGS); BA Management and Human Relations (BAMHR); BA Psychology (BAP); Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology (BSCIT); BS Health Care Administration (BSHCA). Some of these completion programs requiring at least 40 credits earned from an accredited institution. Graduation requirements include a minimum 120 credits completed. TNU celebrated a milestone in 2017 of having over 1,000 online students at all levels.

Fresno, California

Fresno Pacific University (FPU, est. 1944) is a recently fast-growing institution which is affiliated with the Mennonite Brethren Church and serves students at five locations and online. FPU claims to be the only accredited Christian university in California’s Central Valley and is also a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). They provide financial aid to nearly all (98%) of traditional undergrads, and qualified students receive a four-year graduation guarantee. U.S. News & World Report ranked FPU in its “Best Colleges – Regional Universities West” list for 2018 (#41), 2017 and other years. The university also achieved #32 in 2017 in Washington Monthly magazine’s “Best Bang for Your Buck-West” ranking list, for helping lower income students “graduate and find good jobs.”

FPU’s academic offering includes degrees from associate’s to master’s level plus graduate certificate programs – covering over 100 areas of study in total. Bachelor’s students have five online degree options, all of which are completion programs (requiring an associate’s degree or other previous credit): Bachelor of Arts in Business Management (BABM); Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (BSCIS); BA Early Childhood Development (BAECD); BA Health Care Administration (BAHCA); BA Organizational Leadership (BAOL). Minimum credits required for graduation is 120. Also online: one undergrad minor, nine master’s programs, and several graduate credential programs.

Jackson, Mississippi

Belhaven University (BU, est. 1883) is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and serves students at nine campuses and learning centers, plus online — the latter since 2006. It is one of a few dozen universities in the U.S. that has programs accredited in all four of the major arts. It is also one of two Christian institutions whose science programs are recognized by the STEM Initiative overseen by the White House. BU’s overall offering has earned it recognition from several sources, including rankings on college review lists: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities South 2017, Best Value Regional Universities 2017, Best Online Programs – Bachelor’s 2014, Best Online Programs for Veterans); Victory Media (Military Friendly School – 2017 and previous years); John Templeton Foundation (Templeton Guide: Colleges That Encourage Character Development (book)) and more.

BU offers associate’s through master’s level degrees plus both undergrad and graduate certificate programs — including 70 areas of study (majors and concentrations). Bachelor’s students have nine online degree options: Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology (BAAP); BA Biblical Studies (BABS); BA Interdisciplinary Studies (BAIS); Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA); Bachelor of Health Administration (BHA); Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BSA); BS Management (BSM) with optional Criminal Justice Concentration; BS Nursing – RN to BSN (completion – requires associate’s degree in nursing). Graduation requirements include completion of at least 124 credits. Also online: three associate’s and over 20 graduate degree programs.

Barbourville, Kentucky

Union College (UC, est. 1879) is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Fully 100% of students receive some form of financial aid (grants, scholarships). The university’s academic offering builds upon four pillars: service to community, Appalachian heritage, core Methodist affiliation, liberal arts experience. Student volunteers contribute over 15,00 hours of community service in a given academic year. UC has ranked in U.S News & World Report’s “Best Colleges – Regional Universities South” in 2016 and other years.

UC offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees (35 majors in total), as well as graduate certificate programs. Bachelor’s students have six online degree options: BS Business Administration (BSBA); BS General Management (BSGM); BS General Studies (BSGS); BS Nursing – RN-BSN (completion – requires associate’s degree in nursing); BS Law Enforcement (BSLE); BS Substance Abuse (BSSA). At least 120 credits must be completed for graduation.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Chaminade University of Honolulu (CUH, est. 1955), originally founded as a men’s college, is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church — the only such affiliated institution of higher education in the state, and part of only a trio of Marianist institutions in the country. In the new student population, females outweigh males 71% to 29%, and 43% of students are Catholic. Nearly all students (98%) get some form of financial aid.

CUH has over 25 academic programs (associate’s through master’s level degrees) in a range of study areas. Bachelor’s students have 11 online degree options: BA Business Administration (BABA); BS Criminology and Criminal Justice (BSCCJ); BS Early Childhood Education (BSECE) with optional Montessori Credential; BS Elementary Education (BSEE); BA English (BAE); BA Historical and Political Studies (BAHPS); BA Management (BAM); BS Psychology (BSP); BA Religious Studies (BARS); BA Secondary Education (BASE). Graduation requirements include completion of a minimum 120 credits. Adults and working professionals may qualify for the PACE Undergraduate Program (through the Office of Professional and Continuing Education). The PACE program offers different requirements for these degrees, to facilitate more demanding schedules that these students may face outside of college.

Sioux City, Iowa

Briar Cliff University (BCU, est. 1930) is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church (Franciscan) and was originally founded as a Catholic college for women, becoming co-ed in 1966. BCU’s educational offering integrates a Catholic perspective with a liberal arts education. The university, which participates in the Yellow Ribbon program and other military student initiatives, has been designated a Military Friendly School across multiple years by Victory Media. It is also a top regional college, as per U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges – Regional Colleges Midwest 2018, 2017 and other years).

BCU offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees and graduate certificate programs. Bachelor’s students have six online degree options, all of which are completion programs requiring a suitable associate’s degree or prior credit. These are: Bachelor of Arts in Accounting (BAA, completion); BA Business Administration (BABA, completion); Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS, completion); BS Nursing – RN-to-BSN (BSN, completion); BA Operations Management (BAOM, completion); Bachelor of Social Work (BSW — one of very few SW programs that’s both online and accredited by CSWE). Credit requirements are between 30-39 for the major.

Bristol, Tennessee

King University (King, est. 1867) is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). King is offering qualified out-of-state students up to $4K in grants. It serves students online and at 12 locations (campuses plus learning centers through partnership with community colleges). The university has received awards/ recognition for its academic offering, including from: Brookings Institute (#3 in Tennessee 2016 of colleges that “prepare students for high-paying careers”); Princeton Review (Best College in the Southeast – multiple years); U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges – Best Regional Universities 2018 and 27 previous years, Best Online Programs – 2014, Best Colleges for Veterans – 2014); Victory Media/ G.I. Jobs (Military Friendly School – 2016 and other years); President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll (2013 – for volunteering and civic engagement).

King has a range of degree programs from associate’s through doctorate levels – in business, science and humanities – as well as graduate certificate programs — over 90 majors, minors, degrees and concentrations. Bachelor’s students have 12 online degree options, several of which are completion programs: Bachelor of Arts in English (BAE); Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA, completion); Bachelor of Science in Communication (BSC); BS Criminal Justice (BSCJ); BS Healthcare Administration (BSHA); BS Health Informatics (BSHI); BS History (BSH); BS Information Technology; BS Nursing – RN to BSN (completion – requires associate’s degree in nursing); BS Psychology; BS Religious Studies; Bachelor of Social Work. Graduation requirements include completion of a minimum of 124 credits.

Toccoa Falls, Georgia

Toccoa Falls College (TFC, est. 1907) is affiliated with the Christ and Missionary Alliance Church. For those who care to see the campus, it situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is graced with the 186-foot Toccoa Falls waterfall (taller than Niagara Falls). The college, which has been enjoying record-breaking enrollment for two straight years, was ranked by in college review lists by various educational publishers, including U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges 2018 — #19 Best Value Schools South, #21 Regional Universities South, #9 Best for Veterans South).

TFC offers associate’s and bachelor’s degrees as well as undergrad certificates. Bachelor’s students have 10 online degree options: Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies (BSBS); BS Business Administration (BSBA); BS Criminal Justice (BSCJ); BS Counseling Psychology (BSCP); BS General Studies (BSGS); BS Ministry Leadership (BSML); BS Non-profit Business Administration (BSNBA); BS Organizational Leadership (BSOL); BS Sport Management (BSSM); BS Youth Ministries (BSYM). Minimum credits required for graduation is 126. Also online: three associate’s degrees, two certificate programs, and six “pre” plans.

Mount Vernon, Ohio

Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU, est. 1968) is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. Its academic offering — serving students through four locations plus online — focuses on leadership principles and is grounded in biblical values. The university caters to military students by awarding up to 40 credit hours of general electives for previous military training recommendations, as well as accepting various Chapter benefits from the Post 9/11 program, and participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program. MVNU’s offering has been recognized by several publishers, including Time/ Money Magazine (Best Merit Scholarship College -#1 in Ohio, #4 in the U.S.).

MVNU has a range of degree programs from associate’s to master’s level. Bachelor’s students have eight online degree options, including concentrations: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with four concentrations (Finance, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing); Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (BAECE); BA Leadership (BAL); BA Ministry Leadership (BAML); BA Public Administration (BAPA). Credit requirements for graduation vary by program, ranging from 40-51 for Core courses and 15 credits per concentration.

Saint Louis, Missouri

Missouri Baptist University (MBU, est. 1957) is affiliated with the Baptist Church but welcomes all students. It serves students on the main campus and 10 learning centers (in three states), plus online. A key mission of MBU is to ensure that students graduate with an purpose of “service and lifelong learning.” Qualified military students are eligible for a tuition-free education, thanks to initiatives such as Post 911 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program. The latter fact contributes to MBU earning the designation of a Military Friendly School from Victory Media over several years. Other recognition comes from Wall Street Journal (Most Inspirational Colleges – #7 in 2017) and various educational publishers.

MBU offers degree (associate’s through doctorate levels) and certificate (undergrad and graduate) programs — over 40 programs in total. Bachelor’s students have nine online degree options (fully or partially online), specifically designed for non-traditional students and which follow a career-based curriculum. These are: Bachelor of Professional Studies in Applied Management (BPSAM); BPS Criminal Justice (BPSCJ); BPS General Studies (BPSGS); Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts (BLA); BPS Healthcare Management (BPSHM); BPS Organizational Leadership (BPSOL); Bachelor of Science in Ministry and Leadership (BSML); BS Nursing – RN-BSN (BSN, completion – requires associate’s degree in nursing); BS Sport Management (BSSM). Graduation requirements including completion of a minimum 120 credits.

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Concordia University-Saint Paul (CSP, est. 1893), originally founded as a high school, is affiliated with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and part of the system of ten American universities using the Concordia name. The university had over an 84% retention rate of transfer students in Fall 2016. About 95% of students who graduate find work or continue studies within 12 months of graduation, and they earn 44% more than the national average. Recognition for CSP’s overall offering include rankings/ accolades from various educational publishers, including: U.S. News & World Report (Online Bachelor’s Programs -#37 in 2013, plus rankings for online graduate business, education and MBA programs); Victory Media (Military Friendly Schools – 2015 and other years); Washington Monthly (Best Colleges for Adult Learners -#3 nationally and #1 statewide for 2017, plus other years).

CUSP’s academic programs include associate’s through doctorate level degrees and both undergrad and graduate certificate programs. Bachelor’s students have 17 online degree options: Bachelor of Arts in Business (BAB); BA Child Development (BACD); BA Criminal Justice (BACJ); BA Exercise Science (BAES); BA Family Science (BAFS); BA Health Care Administration (BAHCA); BA Human Resource Management (BAHRM); BA Information and Technology Management (BAITM); BA Marketing (BAM); BA Organizational Management and Leadership (BAOML); BA Psychology (BAP); BA Sport Management (BASM); Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BSA); BS Computer Science (BSCS); BS Pulmonary Science (BSPS); BS Radiologic Science Leadership (BSRSL); BS Nursing – RN to BSN (completion – requires associate’s degree in nursing). Core credit requirements vary by program and range from 36 to 55.

Canton, Missouri

Culver-Stockton College (C-SC, est. 1853) is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). C-SC claims that 97% of students receive some form of financial aid, and that 98% of graduating students find work or continue in graduate studies within six months. Furthermore, 90% of freshmen students graduate within four years. Recognition for C-SC’s offering includes that from: President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll (multiple years); U.S. News & World Report (Best Value in the Midwest Region); Victory Media (Military Friendly School 2016).

C-SC offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees — over 60 majors and minors — with six online bachelor’s options: BS Accountancy (BSA, 150 credits, with optional double major with Finance); Business Administration (BS, with optional double-major); Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Criminal Justice Administration (BAAS-CJA); BS Criminal Justice (BSCJ); BS Marketing (BSM); BS Sport Management (BSSM). Most of these programs require a minimum of 120 credits for graduation, with the exception of the BSA, which prepares students for CMA certification.