Choosing a college is a highly personal process, and many people seek institutions of higher learning that line up with their faiths. Christian-based colleges, also known as Bible colleges, focus primarily on getting people ready for a vocation in Church ministry, specifically by offering theological education to prepare them for their future. However, finding out which Bible colleges are the best for your needs can be a little tricky, especially if you want to do it online. We’ve reviewed several of the best Bible colleges to give you some basic information that could help with your decision. Read on to learn more about these top-rated options.
Top 5 Online Bible Colleges
- Clear Creek Baptist Bible College
Piedmont International University
LeTourneau University
John Wesley University
Southeastern Baptist College
Clear Creek Baptist Bible College
In general, all of the colleges on this list are beneficial in that they are cost effective, and this is no exception. Tuition for Clear Creek Baptist Bible College runs you around $6,000, and the school is a private institution that is not for profit. A majority of its students go on to graduate and work in valuable careers and vocations in religious practice.
Highlights:
- Low tuition rate
- Greater-than-average graduation rate
- Being not for profit leads to a more student-focused goal set
Piedmont International University
Piedmont International University covers a lot of vocations - while a lot of people may think of a bible college as being about the very basic religious practice, they are anything but. Piedmont offers several courses that go out of the traditional expected wheelhouse of a Bible college, incorporating Christianity into them. These range from education to art to science. That should not go to say that they do not do a good job of covering Christian ministry - in fact, they give plenty of opportunities for people who intend to go down that path. Raising Christian educators at this university is one of the unique aspects that calls a lot of people to this college.
Highlights:
- Programs for teaching
- Variety of educational opportunities
- Education for people looking to become a Christian minister
LeTourneau University
LeTourneau University is a pretty good choice if you are looking to specialize in an “arts and science” focus in your Christian education. If you are looking for an online Bible college that is able to revolve around your needs and schedule, LeTourneau University is a good choice as well; online students must do a certain number of hours of study to earn their degree, but they have some good freedom with their spare time. Do note however, you should prepare for education in evangelism, ministry of teaching, and others.
Highlights:
- Good for arts and science education focus
- Able to work to your schedule
- Specific focus on evangelism
John Wesley University
John Wesley University offers as true an experience to the college life as you can get in an online bible college. The online sector works on normal class times, and you can choose whether you want to simply take individual courses or take an entire course. This online college also offers a good variety, allowing people to work for doctorates, bachelor’s master’s, and associate degrees.
Highlights:
- Treats online college just as valid as local colleges
- Solid variety of degrees at your disposal
Southeastern Baptist College
This is one of the best bets you can choose if you want to go to an online bible college. The Southeastern Baptist College not only has a very low cost for tuition relative to a lot of sources of higher learning (clocking in at only about $5,000), but the college has graduates in abundance, with four out of every five students graduating. Better yet, once you get into the college, you have opportunities to continue with your education, thanks to the access given to returning students to online coursework. You also do not have to worry about low standards for who gets into the college: you have to be a professed Christian, and selection is on a case-by-case basis.
Highlights:
- Online coursework access for new and old students alike
- Low price, high graduation rate
- High, individualized inspections of every applicant ensures the highest of standards for students
Conclusion
Choosing a Bible college is a decision that will shape the course of your higher learning. For many Americans, a faith-based education is the way to go. These online colleges allow you to pursue a Christian-leaning education in a way that prepares you to meet the challenges of daily life head-on.