Considering only those online Christian colleges and universities accredited by recognized and respected accrediting agencies, we investigated which online Christian schools were explicit about providing a biblically rooted, Christ-centered online education experience. From there, we relied on the following criteria to generate our rankings: student satisfaction (as measured by graduation and retention rates), peer and instructional quality (as measured by acceptance rate and student-teacher ratio), affordability (as measured by tuition costs and availability of financial aid), and credibility (as measured by years of accreditation, reputation, awards and job placement record).
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Ohio Christian University
Ohio Christian University provides its students with "a holistic, Christ-centered, biblically integrated education in the Wesleyan tradition." Offering online associate and bachelor degrees in business, leadership, ministry, psychology and counseling through its AIM Adult Degree Program, Ohio Christian University has established itself as a leader in online Christian education. Competitive admissions and a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1 make Ohio Christian University a top choice for an online Christian degree.
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Saint Leo University
Founded in 1889, Saint Leo is the oldest Catholic higher education institution in Florida. With 16,000 students enrolled around the globe, the university is a leader in online education and one of the largest providers of higher education for members of the U.S. military. As a religious-based institution, all online undergraduates must take three religion or philosophy courses as general education requirements, though not necessarily on Christian theology. With 15 undergraduate majors and around 40 distinct graduate degrees and certifications, St. Leo brings its experience and heritage as an established university to online education.
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Liberty University
Liberty University is the largest Christian college in the world. With a campus tucked away in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, Liberty has also established itself as a heavyweight in online education. The university offers 160 distinct online programs and has more than 90,000 students enrolled. Boasting high student retention and graduation rates, Liberty is routinely ranked among the best universities for an online education. Since Liberty is not-for-profit, it offers some of the lowest tuition rates for online programs.
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Grand Canyon University
Based in Phoenix, AZ, with over 8,000 on-campus students, Grand Canyon University offers over 100 online degrees. Students complete courses one at a time, a unique approach Grand Canyon believes leads to greater understanding and immersion in the courses materials. Classes are small and begin frequently, and they are taught by full-time faculty. As an interdenominational Christian institution, religion plays an important role in Grand Canyon's mission. The university abides by a strong statement of Christian faith and offers twice-weekly chapel services that students can attend in-person or online.
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University College
Located just north of Los Angeles, University College has been a leader among evangelical Christian institutions of higher learning since 1899. The university has over 100 associate, bachelor's and master's programs and is regularly ranked among the nation's best universities by U.S. News World Report. University College Pacific offers around 30 distinct degree programs that can be completed full-time or part-time. Online students study with the same faculty as traditional students and have full access to campus resources. They can also participate in the university's Christian life through live-streaming videos of chapel services.
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Graceland University
With its online nursing and education degrees ranked 10th and 11th best in the nation by U.S. News World Report, Graceland has proven its excellence in distance learning. The liberal arts university opened its doors well over 100 years ago in rural Iowa and provides a religiously-influenced education to all of its roughly 2,000 part- and full-time students, the large majority of whom are practicing Christians from various denominations. The university offers nine online master's degree programs aimed at busy professionals in healthcare, education, and theology.
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Colorado Christian University
Recognized as a top Christian college and ranked among the top 2% of universities nationwide by American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), Colorado Christian University offers its students a strong reputation. For online students, there are five associate's, 12 bachelor's, three masters, and numerous certificate programs to choose from. All online courses are taught by the same professors who teach the university's 5,000+ on-campus students and have the same high standards for student performance. Founded in 1914 as an interdenominational Christian institution, all faculty and staff at Colorado Christian embrace faith in their own Christian way.
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Indiana Wesleyan University
Established in 1985 as a regional university, Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused liberal arts school. IWU strives for "Christlikeness", encourages students to pursue their educations as "life callings", and prepares them for professional success through spiritual growth and intellectual challenge. IWU online allows working adults the opportunity to advance their careers or broaden their intellectual horizons by offering most of the school's degree programs to distance learners. Online students enroll for all required courses at once, so they are never wait-listed, and all books and course materials are delivered directly to their doors as part of the program cost.
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University Of Northwestern-St. Paul
Established in 1902, UNW, an accredited private institution, provides students with a Christ-centered, liberal arts education. The school's code of conduct for faculty, staff, and students, as well as its core values, are rooted in Christian doctrine. The knowledgeable and experienced professors strive to give the students the intellectual and spiritual tools they need to succeed. With a 14:1 student to faculty ratio and a promise made by all affiliated with UNW to hold each other accountable, students have the support system they need to grow in faith. The school offers eight, online or hybrid, faith-based programs that are taught with the same care and values as their on-campus counterparts.
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Ashland University
Holding firm to their values of compassion, self-discipline, and integrity, Ashland University has provided students with a faith-based education for nearly 140 years. This private, nonprofit, liberal arts university understands the importance of diversity of thought, and it encourages students and faculty to respectfully explore differing opinions in the pursuit of intellectual growth. Their flexible online programs offer individuals a chance to obtain a quality education, from experienced professors who share their values, when it is most convenient to their schedules.
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