Best Christian Colleges in California 2023

Best Christian Colleges in California 2023

For prospective college students looking for schools that align with their Christian faith and demonstrate academic excellence, here are the best Christian colleges and universities in California.

10 Best Christian Colleges in California

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Colleges and Universities in California

California’s higher education institutes span across the entire state, allowing students to study by the beach, in the forest, in small towns, and in large cities. There are over 30 high quality online programs that would allow you to earn a degree from literally anywhere in California, or the world.

The state’s largest university is the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). UCLA serves nearly 44,000 students and offers a tuition rate around $13,000. This isn’t the only school with a large student body though. California is home to 23 colleges and universities with student populations of over 20,000 students.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

However, more than half of the state’s schools serve smaller student populations, offering plenty of options for students who crave a more intimate campus experience. Additionally, California boasts 50 religiously affiliated schools. Many of these schools have high graduation rates. However, tuition costs can range greatly, from $8,000 at Bethesda University up to $54,000 at Pepperdine University.

Additionally, many of California’s colleges and universities boast influential faculty and alumni, including Neil Armstrong, Jerry Lewis, and Weird Al Yankovic. In addition to famous alumni and professors, California’s schools are also home to some of the country’s top degree programs, including nursing, business, religious studies, education, literature, and law. Many of these schools offer online courses and complete online programs in these same disciplines.

Though Hollywood has given us an inside look into California’s most popular landmarks and attractions, these one-of-a-kind places aren’t the only reason people flock to The Golden State. With hundreds of colleges and universities, as well as community and junior colleges, to choose from, students have countless opportunities to further their education in California.

Many of these opportunities are also accessible through online courses and online colleges. A growing number of online programs in California have received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools, which means online students have a higher level of quality assurance than ever before. It’s also worth noting that students who live in California can still get an in-state discount on their associate degree or bachelor’s degree even when completing online courses or online programs.

To learn more about earning your degree in California, check out some of the state’s top programs and career paths.


What are California’s Colleges & Universities?

California’s Best Overall

The following list of the best Christian schools consists entirely of colleges and universities that offer four-year undergraduate degrees. We’ve identified 30 Christian colleges in California. In order to be included in this ranking list of best Christian colleges and universities, a school must self-identify as Christian, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor degree programs.

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Best Christian Colleges in California 2022

  1. Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/28

    Pepperdine University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. #5

    University of San Diego

    San Diego , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    8K

  3. #6

    Loyola Marymount University

    Los Angeles , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1300/29

  4. #7

    Biola University

    La Mirada , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/25

    Biola University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Relations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Biblical Ministries
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    8K

    Azusa Pacific University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Bridge to BSN
    • Required Credits: 40
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1161/24

  7. #10

    La Sierra University

    Riverside , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/19

  8. Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/21

    California Baptist University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Graphic Design and Digital Media
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 69
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Logistics and Operations
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Network Administration and Management
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Early Childhood Studies
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Christian Ministries
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 49
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 50
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration and Management
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Kinesiology
    • Required Credits: 50
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sport, Recreation and Fitness Management
    • Required Credits: 49
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/25

  10. #13

    Westmont College

    Santa Barbara , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/27

  11. #14

    Pacific Union College

    Angwin , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/20

  12. #15

    California Lutheran University

    Thousand Oaks , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

  13. Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/23

    What is Concordia University Irvine known for?

    Concordia University Irvine’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Concordia University Irvine’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Townsend Institute: Leadership Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. #17

    Thomas Aquinas College

    Santa Paula , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/28

    What is Thomas Aquinas College known for?

    Most Influential Alumni

  15. Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/21

    What is Hope International University known for?

    Hope International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Hope International University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Teacher Preperation
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Christian Ministry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  16. Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1089/22

    What is John Paul the Great Catholic University known for?

    John Paul the Great Catholic University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  17. #20

    Holy Names University

    Oakland , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    <1K

    Holy Names University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Completion
    Degree Concentrations
    • Certified Personal Financial Planning
    • Finance
    • International Business
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 55
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  18. #21

    Simpson University

    Redding , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1072/24

    What is Simpson University known for?

    Simpson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Simpson University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. #22

    Marymount California University

    Rancho Palos Verdes , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Marymount California University known for?

    Marymount California University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  20. Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    999/21

    What is San Diego Christian College known for?

    San Diego Christian College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    San Diego Christian College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Leadership
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Christian Ministries
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communications
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Development
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  21. #24

    The Master's University

    Santa Clarita , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    2K

    The Master's University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Management
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Biblical Counseling
    • Required Credits: 52
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  22. #25

    Vanguard University

    Costa Mesa , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1045/20

    Vanguard University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Early Childhood
    • Required Credits: 55
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Religion
    Degree Concentrations
    • Ministry and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  23. Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    2K

    What is William Jessup University known for?

    William Jessup University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    William Jessup University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  24. Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1005/20

    Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminology
    • Required Credits: 124-126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  25. Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/19

    Fresno Pacific University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Management
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminology
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Early Childhood Development
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  26. Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Providence Christian College known for?
  27. #30

    Life Pacific University

    San Dimas , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1007/20

    What is Life Pacific University known for?

    Life Pacific University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Life Pacific University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Organizational Management
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Ministry and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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California’s Best Christian Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Pepperdine University
  2. Santa Clara University
  3. University of San Francisco
  4. Notre Dame de Namur University
  5. American Jewish University
  6. Chapman University
  7. University of San Diego
  8. Loyola Marymount University
  9. Pacific Union College
  10. La Sierra University
  11. Biola University
  12. Thomas Aquinas College
  13. Westmont College
  14. Saint Mary's College of California
  15. Hope International University
  16. Concordia University Irvine
  17. John Paul the Great Catholic University
  18. Azusa Pacific University
  19. Holy Names University
  20. Point Loma Nazarene University
  21. Simpson University
  22. Marymount California University
  23. San Diego Christian College
  24. California Lutheran University
  25. The Master's University