Ranking Academics at Christian Colleges in Missouri

For prospective college students seeking a blend of faith-based education and strong academic programs, Missouri offers a variety of Christian colleges and universities. This article explores some of the best Christian colleges in Missouri, highlighting their academic strengths, unique features, and overall value.

Overview of Christian Higher Education in Missouri

Missouri boasts a diverse landscape of higher education, including a significant number of Christian colleges and universities. These institutions provide students with an environment where faith is integrated into the learning experience. There are 16 Christian Colleges & Universities.

Featured Christian Colleges and Universities

Here's a closer look at some of the top Christian colleges in Missouri, considering factors like academics, cost, and student experience:

College of the Ozarks

Located in Point Lookout, MO, College of the Ozarks is a distinctive institution dedicated to academic excellence, character development, and service. Known as "Hard Work U," the college integrates a unique work-education program. The College received the No. 1 ranking for Best Christian College in Missouri and the No. 5 ranking for Best Christian Colleges in America. Additionally, the College received the No. 1 ranking for Best Small Colleges in Missouri, the No. 2 ranking for Top Private University in Missouri, the No. 4 ranking for Best Value Colleges in Missouri, the No. 4 ranking for Colleges with the Best Academics in Missouri, and the No. 3 ranking for Best Colleges in Missouri.

Southwest Baptist University

Southwest Baptist University (SBU), located in Bolivar, Missouri, is a Christ-centered institution dedicated to academic excellence and personal growth. SBU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students. Southwest Baptist University is affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention, and its mission is to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. The university offers more than 80 areas of study, with popular programs being exercise science, elementary education, biology, psycholoy, and pre-nursing. All students receive some form of financial aid.

Evangel University

Evangel University, located in Springfield, Missouri, is a leading Christian university committed to integrating faith, learning, and service. With a mission to equip students to impact the world for Christ, Evangel offers a diverse range of academic programs. Evangel University is a Christian university and seminary school affiliated with the Assemblies of God. The private liberal arts university offers more than 70 academic programs integrated with faith, learning, and life. Apart from academics, the school has a vibrant campus life with dozens of clubs, activities, dorm devotionals, chapels, and sports teams. Evangel University has been recognized as the #1 Best College in Springfield, Missouri by Niche.

Missouri Baptist University

Missouri Baptist University is a Christ-centered institution dedicated to empowering students through academic excellence and spiritual growth. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, MBU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs. This Christian university challenges students to dig deep and find their God-given passions. This liberal arts university offers over 50 degree programs with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. There are many opportunities for students to get involved on campus through residential life, student clubs and organizations, and spiritual life.

Hannibal-LaGrange University

Hannibal-LaGrange University, located in Hannibal, Missouri, provides a Christ-centered education rooted in academic excellence and spiritual growth. With a rich history and a strong commitment to integrating faith and learning, the university offers a wide range of programs, all of which are taught from a biblical perspective. The academic experience at Hannibal-LaGrange is amplified through student life activities that provide leadership opportunities, spiritual growth, and meaningful, life-long relationships.

Calvary University

Calvary University is a 4-year non-denominational Christian university in Kansas City, Missouri. The university gives students opportunities to gain real-world experience through Christian ministries and study work programs. Calvary offers various academic programs, including online, early college, college degree, graduate school, seminary, and Ph.D. Students can participate in on-campus clubs and organizations focused on leadership, creativity, and faith formation. Calvary University is a Christ-centered institution dedicated to equipping students with a biblically grounded education to impact the world for Christ. With a rich heritage of academic excellence and spiritual formation, Calvary offers diverse programs.

Ozark Christian College

Located in Joplin, Missouri, Ozark Christian College is a private evangelical college. The school is dedicated to training men and women for Christian service. Students can get involved on campus through Christian service, residential life, life groups, and student employment. Ozark Christian College is a private institution that was founded in 1942. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 614 (fall 2023), and the campus size is 60 acres. Ozark Christian College has a test-blind admissions policy.

Read also: Generation of Disciples

Central Christian College of the Bible

This is a private Christian college located in Moberly, Missouri. Central Christian College of the Bible centers its academics around biblical instruction and practical training for students. It offers the opportunity for dual enrollment at Indiana Wesleyan University and Moberly Area Community College. The college offers a broad range of programs, including church ministry and marketplace ministry.

Mission University

Mission University, a private Baptist university, is located in Springfield, Missouri. The university provides programs designed to prepare students for ministry and leadership roles, with popular majors including pastoral counseling, biblical studies, and business. Outside of academics, students can participate in a variety of campus activities, spiritual life events, and service opportunities.

Other Notable Institutions

In addition to the colleges highlighted above, several other institutions in Missouri offer a strong academic experience within a Christian environment:

Saint Louis University: A college with Jesuit roots, has campuses in both St. Louis and Madrid, Spain.
William Woods University
Rockhurst University
Drury University
Central Methodist University
Fontbonne University
Avila University
Westminster College
Columbia College
Culver-Stockton College
Missouri Valley College

Factors to Consider When Choosing a College

When evaluating Christian colleges in Missouri, consider the following factors:

Academic Programs: Look for colleges that offer programs aligned with your academic and career interests.
Accreditation: Ensure the college is fully accredited, which indicates quality and credibility.
Student-Faculty Ratio: A lower ratio can mean more personalized attention and a better learning environment.
Campus Culture: Visit the campus and interact with students and faculty to get a sense of the community.
Cost and Financial Aid: Understand the total cost of attendance and explore financial aid options, including scholarships and grants.
Online Programs: Many of these universities offer online programs.

Affordability and Value

Tuition costs in Missouri fall below the national average, allowing students access to many affordable options.

Read also: DCS Tuition Information

Here's a look at the costs associated with some of the featured universities:

Saint Louis University: Cost of Degree: $53,244
Rockhurst University: Cost of Degree: $43,420
Drury University: Cost of Degree: $35,235
Missouri Baptist University: Cost of Degree: $33,316
Westminster College: Cost of Degree: $34,188
Culver-Stockton College: Cost of Degree: $29,915
Fontbonne University: Cost of Degree: $28,976
William Woods University: Cost of Degree: $28,860
Central Methodist University: Cost of Degree: $27,140
Southwest Baptist University: Cost of Degree: $28,320
College of the Ozarks: Tuition and fees: $21,290 (2023-24)
Columbia College: Cost of Degree: $12,268

It's important to note that these are just the costs of the degree. Expenses and starting salaries also play a role in the overall value of a college education.

Online Degree Programs

Many Christian colleges in Missouri offer online degree programs, providing flexibility for students who need it. Here are some examples:

Saint Louis University’s Online Degrees: Offers BS degrees in Computer Information Systems, Leadership and Organizational Behavior, General Studies, Emergency Management, Nursing, Organizational Leadership and Technology, Project Management, and Social Work.
William Woods University’s Online Degrees: Offers BS degrees in Business Administration, Management And Leadership, Paralegal Studies, Cybersecurity, Deaf Human Services, Interpretation Studies Is Asl-English Degree and BSN in Nursing.
Drury University’s Online Degrees: Offers BS degrees in Sociology, Health Services Management, Behavioral And Community Health and Psychology.
Central Methodist University’s Online Degrees: Offers BS/BA degrees in Communication, Accounting, Criminal Justice, Child Development, Education, Business, English, Computer Science, Educational Studies, Psychology, Nursing, Interdisciplinary Studies, Mathematics and Sociology.
Fontbonne University’s Online Degrees: Offers BS degrees in Business Administration and Special Education: Paraprofessional Pathways to Teaching.
Southwest Baptist University’s Online Degrees: Offers BS degrees in Health Sciences and Nursing.
Avila University’s Online Degrees: Offers BA degrees in Human Resources, Business Management and Strategic Communication.
Culver-Stockton College’s Online Degrees: Offers BAS in Criminal Justice Administration.
Missouri Valley College’s Online Degrees: Offers BA/BS in Psychology, BS in Nursing and BS in Business Management.
Columbia College’s Online Degrees: Offers BS in Accounting, BA in History, BS in Cybersecurity, BA in English, BA in Business Administration, BA in Healthcare Management, BS in Healthcare Management, BA in Human Resource Management, BS in Human Resource Management, BA in General Studies, BA in Human Services, BS in Human Services, BA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, BA in Psychology, BS in Nursing, BS in Criminal Justice Administration, BA in Management, BA in Organizational Leadership, BS in Organizational Leadership, BA in Political Science and BA in Public Administration.

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