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Best Online Bible Colleges Of 2024

Education Writer
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Reviewed

Published: Mar 18, 2024, 1:47pm

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Online Bible colleges typically offer distance learning programs focused on biblical study, theology and ministry; however, many Bible colleges have expanded their offerings to include a broader range of disciplines.

Such universities offer a faith-integrated educational experience that combines academic learning with religious or spiritual values. Learners gain a holistic understanding of their chosen fields of study within the framework of their faith. From foundational biblical studies to advanced theological training, attending Bible college online prepares learners for vocations in ministry or service and beyond.

Through interactive online platforms, students receive quality education and collaborate with peers and professors from around the globe. This article ranks the top 10 online Bible colleges, highlighting each school’s key features and considerations.

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Best Online Bible Colleges

  1. Concordia University-Saint Paul
  2. Central Methodist University
  3. Mid-America Christian University
  4. Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
  5. Shasta Bible College and Graduate School
  6. Nazarene Bible College
  7. Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary
  8. Ottawa University-Online
  9. Los Angeles Pacific University
  10. South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary

Featured Online Schools

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'


1

Concordia University-Saint Paul

Concordia University-Saint Paul

Undergraduate Tuition

$420/credit

Overall Student Retention Rate

61%

Overall Graduation Rate

60%

Concordia University-Saint Paul

$420/credit

61%

60%

Editor's Take

Concordia University-Saint Paul (CSP), based in Minnesota, is a Christ-centered university offering several online bachelor’s degree programs through its online campus, CSP Global. Students can choose from a broad selection of programs such as child development, computer science, psychology and healthcare administration.

CSP’s career-connected curriculum equips students with skills in demand in their respective fields. Some programs culminate in a portfolio and synthesis course, capstone or internship. Most undergraduate programs cost $420 per credit; however, the accelerated nursing program costs $1,050 per credit.

What To Know
  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: Free
  • Online Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
  • Notable Online Programs: Business administration, psychology, digital marketing
  • Notable Scholarships Available: Concordia St. Paul Scholarship, CSP Pell Commitment, AmeriCorps Scholarship, Minnesota Child Care Grant
  • In-Person Requirements: Some programs require internships that may completed locally
2

Central Methodist University

Central Methodist University

Undergraduate Tuition

$270/credit

Overall Student Retention Rate

67%

Overall Graduation Rate

50%

Central Methodist University

$270/credit

67%

50%

Editor's Take

You can pursue fully online bachelor’s degrees at Central Methodist University (CMU), based in Fayette, Missouri. CMU offers degree programs in business, computer science, English, secondary education, and nursing (RN to B.S.N.).

Learners develop career-ready skills and have opportunities to engage in hands-on learning opportunities through projects, presentations and fieldwork. Some programs include a capstone or internship experience. Online classes run for eight or 16 weeks, depending on the course.

What To Know
  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: Free
  • Online Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
  • Notable Online Programs: Cybersecurity, communication studies, health science, middle school education
  • Notable Scholarships Available: Gulstad Full-Tuition Scholarship, Gulstad Achievement Scholarship
  • In-Person Requirements: Yes, some programs require internships
3

Mid-America Christian University

Mid-America Christian University

Undergraduate Tuition

$435 to $499/credit

Overall Student Retention Rate

69%

Overall Graduation Rate

34%

Mid-America Christian University

$435 to $499/credit

69%

34%

Editor's Take

Mid-America Christian University (MACU), a private, faith-based institution based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, offers a broad selection of online degrees spanning several disciplines. Program offerings include Christian ministries, digital marketing, healthcare administration and ethics, and network management and security.

MACU offers a unique online learning structure where students take one five-week course at a time in consecutive order. Enrollees can earn up to 30 credits for life experience, including volunteering, travel and vocational learning.

What To Know
  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: N/A
  • Online Enrollment Options: Part-time
  • Notable Online Programs: Communication, media and ethics; data analytics, elementary education, Christian ministries
  • Notable Scholarships Available: N/A
  • In-Person Requirements: Yes, some degrees require field experience
4

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

Undergraduate Tuition

$395 to $455/credit

Overall Student Retention Rate

N/A

Overall Graduation Rate

54%

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

$395 to $455/credit

N/A

54%

Editor's Take

At Indiana Wesleyan University, based in Marion, you can pursue flexible, fully online degrees across several areas of study. IWU’s diverse program offerings include addictions counseling, aviation management, organizational leadership,  information technology and marketing analytics. Students interested in service-oriented work can pursue degrees in biblical studies, mission-driven leadership, and service and leadership.

IWU’s faith-integrated curriculum offers hands-on learning opportunities through practicums, field experiences and/or capstone projects.

What To Know
  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: Free
  • Online Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part-time, full-time
  • Notable Online Programs: Addictions counseling, global security and strategy management, service and leadership
  • Notable Scholarships Available: William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship
  • In-Person Requirements: Some programs require practicums, field experience and/or internships
5

Shasta Bible College and Graduate School

Shasta Bible College and Graduate School

Undergraduate Tuition

$425/credit

Overall Student Retention Rate

N/A

Overall Graduation Rate

44%

Shasta Bible College and Graduate School

$425/credit

N/A

44%

Editor's Take

Shasta Bible College and Graduate School, a private Baptist institution based in Redding, California, offers a handful of online degrees geared toward students seeking a comprehensive education in biblical studies, theology and ministry within a Christian framework. Learners can pursue degrees in education, Bible and theology, or Christian professional studies in counseling, education or biblical studies.

Shasta Bible College and Graduate School charges a $150 technology fee per semester.

What To Know
  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Online Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
  • Notable Online Programs: Bible and theology, chaplaincy, Christian professional studies: biblical counseling
  • Notable Scholarships Available: Full-time enrollment tuition discount, Academic Excellence Award, Talents for Christ National Award
  • In-Person Requirements: No
6

Nazarene Bible College

Nazarene Bible College

Undergraduate Tuition

$398/credit

Overall Student Retention Rate

N/A

Overall Graduation Rate

20%

Nazarene Bible College

$398/credit

N/A

20%

Editor's Take

At Nazarene Bible College (NBC), based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, you can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in ministry with several majors to choose from. Options include Bible and theology, counseling for Christian ministries, and leadership and ethics.

Each major is designed to prepare students for work as deacons, pastors, counselors and educators. Students must complete the NBC experience and ministry progress review and participate in a graduating colloquium before graduating. Each component requires a $60 fee. NBC charges a $75 technology fee per term.

What To Know
  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: Free
  • Online Enrollment Options: Part-time
  • Notable Online Programs: Bible and theology, Christian educational ministries, leadership and ethics
  • Notable Scholarships Available: Alumni Matching Grant
  • In-Person Requirements: Some degrees require ministry integration
7

Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary

Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary

Undergraduate Tuition

$1,545/course

Overall Student Retention Rate

50%

Overall Graduation Rate

27%

Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary

$1,545/course

50%

27%

Editor's Take

At Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary, an evangelical Christian institution based in Charlotte, North Carolina, students can study online or in person for every degree. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in biblical studies, urban Christian ministries or pastoral studies. The biblical studies and urban Christian ministries programs offer several concentration options.

Each program strives to provide learners with a deeper understanding of the Bible, its interpretation through theology and its application through ministry.

What To Know
  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Online Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
  • Notable Online Programs: Biblical languages, theology, pastoral studies, cross-cultural studies
  • Notable Scholarships Available: Christian Vocation Scholarship, President’s List Scholarship, Dean’s List Scholarship
  • In-Person Requirements: Yes, some degrees require practicum experiences
8

Ottawa University-Online

Ottawa University-Online

Undergraduate Tuition

$419 to $499/credit

Overall Student Retention Rate

N/A

Overall Graduation Rate

45%

Ottawa University-Online

$419 to $499/credit

N/A

45%

Editor's Take

Ottawa University, a Christ-centered institution based in Ottawa, Kansas, offers many fully remote degree programs through its online campus. Students can choose from majors such as English, healthcare management, human and social services, and computer science. Ottawa University’s transfer credit policy allows students to transfer up to 80 lower division credits from a two-year college toward a bachelor’s degree.

Many programs provide opportunities to gain practical experience through practicums or internships.

What To Know
  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Online Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
  • Notable Online Programs: Leadership and management, business economics, addiction counseling
  • Notable Scholarships Available: Life of Significance Award, Tuition Exchange
  • In-Person Requirements: Yes, some programs require internships or practicums
9

Los Angeles Pacific University

Los Angeles Pacific University

Undergraduate Tuition

$499/credit

Overall Student Retention Rate

25%

Overall Graduation Rate

32%

Los Angeles Pacific University

$499/credit

25%

32%

Editor's Take

You can pursue a bachelor’s degree online at Los Angeles Pacific University, based in Los Angeles, California. Majors include organizational leadership, criminal justice, health sciences and digital marketing. Each program features a faith-integrated curriculum taught from a Christian worldview. LAPU offers three semesters per year, each split into two sessions, enabling learners to finish up to 50% faster than with traditional schedules.

With LAPU’s generous transfer credit policy, students can transfer up to 90 credits from a four-year college or 70 credits from a two-year college.

What To Know
  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: Free
  • Online Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part-time, full-time
  • Notable Online Programs: Applied psychology, digital marketing, supply chain management
  • Notable Scholarships Available: N/A
  • In-Person Requirements: Yes, the teaching credential program requires a practicum
10

South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary

South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary

Undergraduate Tuition

$295 to $305/credit

Overall Student Retention Rate

Overall Graduation Rate

38%

South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary

$295 to $305/credit

38%

Editor's Take

At South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary, based in Deerfield Beach, learners can pursue a handful of fully online bachelor’s degrees primarily focused on biblical studies, theology and ministry training. Program offerings include business administration and management, Christian counseling, ministry and leadership, and psychology. SFBC’s curriculum aims to deliver a comprehensive education grounded in Christian values and principles.

The college charges a $150 online fee per course.

What To Know
  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: $75
  • Online Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
  • Notable Online Programs: Biblical and theological studies, ministry and leadership
  • Notable Scholarships Available: Private School Scholarship, Esther Scholarship, Restoration Scholarship
  • In-Person Requirements: No

Degree Finder

Should You Enroll in an Online Bible College?

Deciding to enroll in any online college is a personal decision that depends on factors such as academic interests, career goals and learning preferences. If religious denominational alignment is important to you, it’s vital to research a school’s affiliation to ensure it suits your faith.


Accreditation for Bible Colleges Online

Online colleges are subject to the same rigorous accreditation standards and processes as their physical counterparts. Two primary types of college accreditation exist: institutional and programmatic.

Attending an accredited college or university is critical. This guarantees the school has undergone a thorough evaluation and meets specific standards of quality and rigor. A school’s program offerings, curriculum, faculty qualifications, student support services and student outcomes factor into its accreditation status.

To determine a college or university’s accreditation status, search the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s directory or check the U.S. Department of Education database.

Programmatic accreditation assesses specific programs or schools within an institution to ensure they meet industry-specific standards and effectively prepare students for careers in their field of study.


How To Find the Right Online Bible College for You

Consider Your Future Goals

Before enrolling in an online Bible college, consider your academic and professional goals and how they align with a school’s program offerings. Research each program’s concentration options, specialized coursework and hands-on learning opportunities to help you find one that supports your interests and aspirations.

Bible colleges prepare graduates for careers in various fields within and outside of vocational ministry. If you’re interested in entering the workforce directly after completing your bachelor’s, consider programs incorporating practical training in their curriculum through field placements, practicums or internship opportunities.

If you plan to attend graduate school, consider undergraduate programs with rigorous coursework and opportunities for research that effectively prepare you for advanced studies.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

The cost of enrolling in an online Bible college depends on the institution’s size, program offerings and financial aid options. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), students at public four-year colleges paid an average of $9,750 in tuition and fees for the 2022–23 academic year. Nonprofit private colleges charge an average of $38,421 per year. Over a four-year degree, that translates to $39,000 and $153,684, respectively.

Comparatively, the private Bible colleges featured in this ranking are relatively inexpensive. Per-credit tuition for undergraduate courses ranges from $295 to $499. Most bachelor’s degrees require about 120 credits, putting total tuition at $35,400 to $59,880. Of course, this number varies by type of degree and required fees.

Several financing options exist for college students, including scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs. Submitting the FAFSA® helps determine your eligibility for federal student aid and can also be a crucial step in accessing other forms of financial assistance.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Bible Colleges

Can you go to Bible college online?

Yes, you can enroll in a Bible college online. Each school featured on our list either is fully online or offers remote degree options.

Is online Bible college legit?

The legitimacy of an online Bible college depends on various factors, including its accreditation status and denominational affiliation. Before enrolling in an online Bible college, it’s also important to consider program offerings, faculty credentials, experiential learning opportunities, student resources and graduate outcomes.

Is Bible college a real degree?

Earning a degree from a Bible college is a legitimate credential. Accredited Bible colleges offer programs that lead to various academic titles, spanning associate to doctoral degrees. Graduates of Bible colleges can pursue careers in ministry, education, counseling and other fields.


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