For some high school students, religion permeates everything that they do, and guides the decisions that they make. This was certainly true of my nephew, who decided to attend Belhaven College, a Christian university in my home state of Mississippi. He loved the idea of attending a school that married higher education with Christian values and teachings.

Belhaven is certainly one of the best Christian universities in America, but most Americans have not heard of it. To help you become acquainted with Belhaven and other Christian universities, I decided to compile a ranking of the best Christian colleges and universities in America.

1. Liberty University – is a private, non-profit Christian university with a focus on research, located in Lynchburg, VA. Liberty is the most substantial Christian university on the planet. The university is comprised of 17 colleges, which includes a school of medicine and a school of law. Liberty offers over 290 bachelors, 315 masters, and 32 doctoral areas of study.
2. Faulkner University – This small, private university offers a Christian-based liberal arts education for more than 70 different degrees. The school attract students from across the United States and from other countries; half of these students are minorities, and more women than men attend this school at a ratio of 2:1.
3. College of the Ozarks – College of the Ozarks makes higher education accessible to those least able to afford it. In addition, the undergraduate teaching program is the fourth best in the nation. There is no charge for tuition; students must demonstrate an educational need to attend this school.
4. Calvin College – A liberal arts school with a Christian focus, Calvin College focuses on helping their students find employment within nine months of their graduation date. Expectations are high, and excellence is the norm.
5. Arizona Christian University – Ranked as one of the top regional west colleges, this accredited school integrates faith, fellowship and Christian service in a liberal arts program of study. Annual tuition is approximately $24,000/year.
6. Abilene Christian University – Abilene Christian University is a faith-based school that make it one of the best colleges and universities to work for in 2018 because of its passion for creating a balance between work and life. Those who have worked at the Texas-based campus cite collaboration, trust and campus safety as their primary reasons for rating this school with high marks. The university culture promotes critical thinking and positivity. Reviewers report enjoying national exposure in a small-town atmosphere.
7. Fontbonne University – With less than 1,000 students, Fontbonne provides an individualized higher education experience for students seeking a liberal arts degree or professional program in a Christian environment. The school ranks 72^nd among Midwestern colleges, and it is also a best-value college opportunity.
8. Mississippi College – This school offers liberal arts and science programs in a Christian environment. Students who are admitted to the private college have demonstrated excellence in academics and seek to integrate their faith into their studies. The college is ranked #32 in the South and is a best-value school. Expect to pay approximately $17,500 annually in tuition and fees.
9. Belhaven University – This private college ranks #78 among southern institutions of higher learning. Belhaven offers a Christian liberal arts education that will buoy graduates throughout their lives. Tuition and fees cost approximately $24,000 a year.
10. Williams Baptist College – This private, Christian school offers a liberal arts education that is tailored to student need and delivered in small class sizes. Students enroll predominantly in elementary education, biblical studies, psychology, and general management. Annual tuition is $17,320.
11. Wheaton College – Illinois – With a curriculum and mission that clearly reflect conservative Christian values, this school is also very accepting of students of different beliefs. The population is diverse, and teachers and students demonstrate warmth and friendliness.
12. Belmont University – Belmont is a private Christian school devoted to outstanding undergraduate teaching; Belmont tied for fourth place in this category, and it ranks #5 among regional universities in the south. This university is also veteran-friendly and confers degrees in music and music production. Annual tuition and fees at this private school are $32,820.
13. Tennessee Wesleyan University – At # 15 among southern colleges, this school offers a Christian atmosphere and strong academics in teacher education, business, and nursing.  Veterans will find that this school caters to their unique needs, and the university is a best-value choice. Annual tuition and fees cost $23,800.
14. Milligan College – Ranked at #23 among southern universities, Milligan, a Christian liberal arts school, requires that every student participates in its Spiritual Formation Program. Many Milligan graduates go on to earn advanced degrees. The annual tuition and fees are $32,500.
15. Welch College – This small, private school has a student enrollment of 385 students and has placed #26 among southern region colleges. Formerly known as the Free Will Baptist Bible College, the campus attracts students from a variety of Christian backgrounds. It has continued some of its original traditions, including prohibiting alcohol on campus.
16. Taylor University – is a conservative Christian school that prides itself on preparing students for ministry. There are a multitude of athletic and social events, including a popular film festival. With a supportive, home-like atmosphere, college dorms here rank #25 in the nation.
17. Warner Pacific College – Coming in at #9 in Western colleges, Warner Pacific is a private school with a Christian liberal arts focus. The school prides itself on providing a personalized and well-rounded education. Annual tuition and fees here run $24,000.
18. Samford University – A Christian University that is slightly larger than Faulkner, Samford is also a liberal arts school. Students experience small classes that focus on communication, culture and a Biblical focus. Tuition and fees cost approximately $30,000/year.
19. Dordt College – is a private Christian school in rural Sioux Center. Although the focus is on ministry-related majors like worship art, the school does provide some excellent secular programs, too.
20. The Baptist College of Florida – This small private school allows students to combine religious education with preparation for their career paths. Courses are taught from a Christian perspective.
21. Luther College – Rated as one of the top Christian colleges in the nation, Luther is known for a beautiful campus with dorms catering to specific interests. It’s an ideal setting for students who love the outdoors.
22. Central College – is a private Christian college which emphasizes environmental studies and international programs. Students can choose from a wide variety of study abroad programs all over the world.
23. Northwestern College – rates high among the top colleges in the Midwest. Some of its best features include a Peer Learning Center and a strong sports program. A diverse student population and competitive financial aid make this Christian college a great choice.
24. Southwestern Christian University – Ranked at #21 among western regional colleges, this school embraces the motto “scholarship, spirit, service” in everything it does. The small school offers traditional programs of study as well as adult and online courses. The annual tuition and fees here run approximately $13,000.
25. Bethel University – The focus at Bethel is on Christian principles in every one of the programs of study offered at the college. Business, nursing, and education are popular majors, and students learn how to become servant leaders. Annual tuition is $36,200. Bethel is tied for 11^th in the Midwest.
26. Pepperdine University– Malibu, California: While the population of this Christian school is only at 11 percent Hispanic, the graduation rate for this group is 81.8 percent. This number is higher than the graduation rate for white students which is 78.8 percent, giving Pepperdine a negative graduation rate gap for Hispanic students at -1.9.
27. Blue Mountain College – One of the tiniest private liberal arts schools, Blue Mountain has a total enrollment of fewer than 600 students. Academic studies include a Christian-centered focus. The college is ranked #8 in the South and is considered a best-value. Tuition and fees cost $11,760 annually.
28. Ottawa University – Since 1865, this Christian school has provided higher education for students seeking vocational training and service to God.
29. MidAmerica Nazarene University – This Christian-based school prepares students for critical thinking, a conservative philosophy, and a personal relationship with God. Three-fourths of the classes here have fewer than 20 students. Tuition is $17,514 annually.
30. Toccoa Falls College – features a wooded, rural campus and a Christian-based curriculum. The school combines career preparation with spiritual development, using scenic mountains as a backdrop.
31. Grand Canyon University – Located in Phoenix, this university is a private, non-denominational Christian School that offers degrees in broadly diverse areas of academics, including business, biology, and fine arts. Tuition and fees run $17,000/year.

Click here to learn more about the ranking methodology that we used to compile this list.

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