20 Best Christian Colleges In Missouri To Unlock New Horizons

Missouri, affectionately known as the “Show-Me State,” is home to a wide array of Christian colleges that offer students an education deeply rooted in faith[1] and academic rigor. These institutions span various denominations and Christian churches, offering a spectrum of programs from liberal arts to specialized sciences.

Missouri has something to offer, whether you’re looking for a small, intimate setting or a larger, more diverse community. Here, we will explore 20 of Missouri’s best Christian colleges, each with unique strengths and offerings.

20 Best Christian Colleges In Missouri

1. Evangel University

In the charming city of Springfield, Evangel University stands as a beacon of knowledge and a cradle of comprehensive Christian education closely aligned with the Assemblies of God. With a rich tapestry of academic offerings (exceeding a remarkable count of 100 programs), the institution unfurls its academic wings across diverse disciplines, encompassing business, education, and theology.

At Evangel University, the sacred mission transcends the boundaries of conventional academia. It is a place where the spiritual and the scholastic converge, where enlightenment and devotion dance hand in hand, and where each student’s journey is illuminated by the radiant light of faith, guiding them toward a future filled with purpose and divine inspiration.

2. College Of The Ozarks

Known as “Hard Work U,” the College of the Ozarks is a Christian liberal arts college based in Point Lookout, Missouri. This unique institution provides a work-study program where students work on campus to offset their tuition costs, fostering a strong work ethic alongside academic development.

3. Southwest Baptist University

In the heart of Bolivar, Missouri, Southwest Baptist University offers over 80 areas of study. Affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention, this university and graduate school emphasize a Christ-centered education, aiming to produce graduates who are servant leaders in a global society. It is a private Christian college that also offers financial aid to prospective students.

4. Hannibal-LaGrange University

Hannibal-LaGrange University is a private, four-year Christian liberal arts college situated in Hannibal. With ties to the Southern Baptist Convention, it offers over 30 undergraduate programs and several pre-professional programs, all within a caring Christian environment.

5. Concordia University – St. Paul

Within the distinguished consortium of the Concordia University System, lies Concordia University in St. Paul. This educational gem is brimming with a treasure trove of degree programs, each meticulously crafted to empower students with the practical prowess and career-ready acumen needed to conquer the challenges of tomorrow. Here, students can experience a close-knit community grounded in Lutheran tradition.

6. Central Methodist University

The United Methodist Church is connected to Central Methodist University, which is situated in Fayette, Missouri. This university promotes personal growth through a dedication to academic quality and social responsibility. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like nursing, music, and business.

7. Missouri Baptist University

Creve Coeur-based Missouri Baptist University offers more than 40 undergraduate degrees in addition to a number of master’s and doctoral programs. Through encouraging their intellectual, professional, and spiritual growth in a nurturing environment, this private Christian university is committed to enhancing the lives of its students.

8. William Jewell College

In the quaint embrace of Liberty, Missouri, the William Jewell campus. This is a private haven of liberal arts excellence, shares a profound connection with the Missouri Baptist Convention.

This distinguished institution serves as a crucible for nurturing intellectual curiosity, fostering critical thinking, and igniting the flames of inquiry, all enveloped within a Christian worldview. With a bounty of over 40 academic majors, it stands as a beacon of holistic education that transcends the boundaries of conventional learning.

9. MidAmerica Nazarene University

Olathe, Missouri’s MidAmerica Nazarene University provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees. As a cherished member of the Church of the Nazarene, it stands as a sanctuary for holistic education, weaving together the threads of intellectual, spiritual, and personal development into a rich tapestry of growth for its students. In this academic oasis, the pursuit of knowledge extends beyond the classroom, nurturing not only the mind but also the spirit and character of every aspiring scholar.

10. Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University in St. Charles presents a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, offering a rich tapestry of educational opportunities. While it maintains a unique identity unbound by formal religious affiliation, it proudly holds firm to the timeless bedrock of Judeo-Christian principles.

Here, it’s not about denominations—it’s about devotion to values. Lindenwood opens its doors wide, welcoming students of all faiths to partake in a journey of enlightenment rooted in these enduring principles, crafting a values-driven education that transcends religious boundaries.

11. Saint Louis Christian College

Saint Louis Christian College is a private Bible college based in Florissant, Missouri. Specializing in Christian Ministry and Biblical Studies, this college offers both associate and bachelor’s degrees aimed at preparing students for Christian service in the church and the world.

12. Calvary University

In the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, the hallowed halls of Calvary University, also known as Calvary Bible College, beckon with a wealth of undergraduate and graduate programs. This non-denominational Christian institution stands proud, nurturing servants of faith across diverse disciplines.

The institution has an unwavering focus on honing biblical literacy and nurturing profound spiritual growth in its students. At Calvary, the journey of preparation transcends conventional education, becoming a sacred quest to equip Christians for purposeful service in a multitude of fields.

13. Baptist Bible College

Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, offers undergraduate and graduate ministry and professional studies degrees. The college is committed to training men and women for Christian life and ministry, focusing strongly on biblical authority and the Great Commission.

14. Covenant Theological Seminary

Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, offers graduate programs in divinity, ministry, and theological studies. Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America, this seminary aims to equip students for pastoral ministry, leadership, and teaching.

15. Kansas City Art Institute

In the lively cityscape of Kansas City, Missouri, the Kansas City Art Institute stands as a distinct institution. It features a chapel on its campus, providing a haven for various religious services. While it is not limited to any particular religious affiliation, the institute offers a welcoming and creative environment to students of all faiths.

16. Ozark Christian College

Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri, offers biblically centered education for Christian service and leadership. This central Christian college is committed to training men and women for Christian service by providing associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in Biblical Literature.

17. Culver-Stockton College

In the charming town of Canton, Missouri, Culver-Stockton College graces the landscape, a bastion of intellectual exploration deeply entwined with the Disciples of Christ. Boasting over 60 academic programs, its curriculum brims with dynamic innovation, purposefully designed to mold students into both professionals and conscientious global citizens, poised for success and entrusted with the mantle of responsible leadership in our ever-evolving world.

18. Drury University

Nestled in the vibrant city of Springfield, Missouri, Drury University stands as a beacon of higher education. This private liberal arts college is deeply connected to the United Church of Christ and the Disciples of Christ, enriching its academic journey with a spiritual dimension.

Drury University is dedicated to nurturing the holistic growth of its students—mind, spirit, and self. It harmoniously combines the timeless tradition of liberal arts with cutting-edge sciences and practical professional programs, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience that extends beyond the classroom.

19. Central Christian College of the Bible

Prospective college students looking to get practical training for Christian missionary work will find a home at Central Christian College of the Bible. The institution was founded in 1957 primarily to educate leaders in accordance with the teachings of the New Testament. Today, it continues to offer ministry-related programs with the addition of a master’s degree in Ministry Leadership.

20. Missouri Valley College

Founded in the year 1889, the college shares a profound connection with the Presbyterian Church, embodying a rich historical legacy. While the institution takes pride in its robust athletic programs, the heart of its curriculum beats to the rhythm of inclusivity, compassion, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to civic responsibility.

Special Mentions

Avila University

Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri, is a Catholic university sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, it aims to foster excellence in teaching and learning within a values-based community.

Fontbonne University

Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Fontbonne University stands as a luminous beacon of Catholic education, where knowledge meets conscience. This coeducational institution, brimming with a rich tapestry of undergraduate and graduate programs, operates under the guiding mantra “Deus Illuminatio Mea” (God is my light).

At Fontbonne, aspiring college students are not only inspired but also challenged to fuse academic excellence with a profound sense of ethical responsibility. They are guided to forge a path that illuminates not just their minds but also the world around them.

Conclusion

These 20 Christian colleges in Missouri represent the state’s rich diversity of faith-based higher education. From small, specialized colleges focusing on biblical studies to larger universities offering a broad range of academic disciplines, these institutions offer unique opportunities for students to grow academically, spiritually, and personally.

Each of these colleges embodies a deep commitment to Christian principles and fosters an atmosphere that seamlessly blends Christian faith and learning. These colleges stand among the best Christian colleges in Missouri, each providing a unique and enriching educational experience.