Best Christian Colleges in Florida 2023

Best Christian Colleges in Florida 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 Florida.

10 Best Christian Colleges in Florida 2022

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Key Takeaways

  • Christian colleges are for students who want to continue higher education in institutions that incorporate Christian ideas into academics and student life. These colleges allow students to practice religion in a welcoming environment, enhancing their body, mind, and soul, while receiving a quality education.
  • Florida is among the most affordable states to seek higher education from a Christian perspective. The highest tuition fee on the list is $48,000 from Eckerd College, and the lowest is $8,000 from Hobe Sound Bible College.
  • Christian colleges on the list have distinct features, giving students several options in choosing a Christian college that best suits their academic interests and preferred ways of applying their faith.

Colleges and Universities in Florida

The state of Florida offers a wealth of options for students seeking both traditional and online degree programs. With more than 40 public and 50 private schools, prospective students can earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from an extremely wide variety of brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Florida.

Colleges in Florida are also uniquely affordable, with the state average tuition of $6,360 falling well under the national average. Among the most popular disciplines in Florida are anthropology, nursing, law, religious studies, and earth sciences. Many of these valuable degrees are available through online courses and fully online degree programs.

Indeed, nearly 40 colleges and universities in Florida offer online degrees. These online degree programs offer flexibility, convenience and accessibility. Make sure to choose an online degree program with accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

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Among the largest colleges in Florida is Miami Dade College. This public college is home to over 165,000 students across eight campuses and 21 outreach centers as well as various excellent online degree programs. Miami Dade College also offers an extremely affordable in-state tuition of $3,000.

Students seeking a religious school can choose from 21 colleges and universities that are grounded in Judeo-Christian, Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist, and Christian principles. Ranked as the top two schools, the University of Florida (UF) and Florida State University (FSU) both have large student populations, with just over 45,000 at UF and just under 39,000 as FSU. Both are also affordable, with tuition at $6,000 and $7,000, respectively.

At $50,000, the University of Miami is the most expensive private college in the state and has graduated influential people such as Gene Roddenberry, Sylvester Stallone, and Dwayne The Rock Johnson. Florida also offers its nursing students up to $4,000 in financial aid through their Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

Coastal cities, sandy beaches, orange groves, and vibrant flowers - it’s no wonder Florida is called The Sunshine State. Home to the famous Everglades National Park and Disney World, Florida also boasts 90 higher education institutes.

With so many options for both traditional and online colleges in Florida, this state has a lot to offer higher education students. Check out Florida’s best degree programs and top career paths.


What are Florida’s Colleges & Universities?

Florida’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 19 Christian colleges in Florida. 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.

Florida's Best Christian Colleges and Universities
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Discovering Faith-based Florida Colleges

Florida, one of the top states for pursuing higher education, offers dozens of Christian colleges. Many Christian colleges are cheaper than in other major states, such as New York and California.

 

Numerous Bible colleges are located all around the Sunshine State, ranging in size from small institutions to major campuses. Christian colleges are private institutions set apart from other colleges by their ties to well-known religious bodies.

Benefits of Attending Christian Colleges in Florida

Low Tuition Rates

Regardless of the state, attending college can be very expensive. However, in Florida, tuition and fees for all school types are comparably cheaper. In fact, Florida is #1 for higher education in the United States, according to US News & World

Florida has the second-lowest tuition in the US and the sixth-lowest level of student debt at graduation.

Internship opportunities

Christian colleges in Florida offer students vast access to internship opportunities in settings that will satisfy their religious demands. However, the majority of internships from Christian colleges are unpaid, but they’ll give you the practical experience you need to prepare for your future career.

Work Programs

Christian colleges in Florida also focus on helping students pay for their college. As a result, most of the best Christian colleges in the state have work programs to help students make extra cash while gaining practical experience in their chosen fields.

A feeling of community.

Students can form intimate bonds with professors and fellow students at Florida Christian colleges by maintaining small class sizes. The relationships formed during this process aid students in academic and personal development.

Florida Online Christian Colleges and Financial Aid Opportunities

The majority of the best Christian colleges in Florida offer online degrees that allow students to receive the same education as their on-campus counterparts. These Christian colleges offer online courses and degrees, perfect for working professionals:

  • Barry University
  • Saint Leo University
  • St. Thomas University
  • Southeastern University
  • Trinity Baptist College
  • Advent Health University
  • Trinity College of Florida
  • Baptist College of Florida

When it comes to financial aid opportunities, Christian colleges in Florida offer plenty of them. In fact, Florida’s federal government provides grants and student loans to most of the state’s Christian Colleges, many of which also offer competitive scholarship packages to deserving students.

Students looking for Christian education in Florida with generous financial aid offers have several high-quality options. These Christian colleges provide one of the best financial aid packages:

  • Eckerd College
  • Warner University
  • Florida Memorial University
  • Hobe Sound Bible College

Students must submit the FAFSA before completing a Florida financial aid application. But students will still be able to apply for some scholarships regardless if they haven’t finished the FAFSA.

If you’re an out-of-state student, expect to pay higher tuition, fees, and limited financial aid opportunities for at least 12 months. After 12 months of staying and studying in Florida, you’ll be evaluated and have higher chances of becoming a resident and paying in-state tuition, which is significantly lower than out-of-state tuition.

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Best Christian Colleges in Florida 2022

  1. #1

    Barry University

    Miami , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    6K

    Barry University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BPA in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. #4

    Ave Maria University

    Ave Maria , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1129/24

    What is Ave Maria University known for?

    Ave Maria University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  3. #5

    Saint Leo University

    Saint Leo , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    9K

    Saint Leo University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Logistics
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science Information Assurance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminalistics
    • Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Educational Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Early Childhood Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Elementary Education Grades K-6
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Religion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Applied
    • Clinical
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Care Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Clinical Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. #6

    Palm Beach Atlantic University

    West Palm Beach , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1105/23

  5. #7

    St. Thomas University

    Miami Gardens , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1005/18

    St. Thomas University ’s Online Degrees

    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. #8

    Warner University

    Lake Wales , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Warner University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  7. #9

    Florida Memorial University

    Miami Gardens , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Florida Memorial University known for?

    Florida Memorial University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  8. #10

    Bethune–Cookman University

    Daytona Beach , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    910/17

  9. #11

    Southeastern University

    Lakeland , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/21

    Southeastern University ’s Online Degrees

    BS in Digital Media and Design
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Business and Professional Leadership
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Communication and Mass Media
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Ministerial Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. #12

    Trinity Baptist College

    Jacksonville , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    18%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    999/19

    What is Trinity Baptist College known for?

    Trinity Baptist College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Trinity Baptist College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Degree In Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    100%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Saint John Vianney Seminary known for?

    Saint John Vianney Seminary ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  12. Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/22

    What is AdventHealth University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    AdventHealth University’s Online Degrees

    BSHA in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical Imaging Sciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Imaging Leadership
    • Computed Tomography (CT)
    • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
    • Vascular Interventional (VI)
    • Sonography
    • Interdisciplinary
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    929/21

    What is Johnson University Florida known for?

    Johnson University Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  14. Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    952/17

    What is Trinity College of Florida known for?

    Trinity College of Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  15. #17

    Edward Waters University

    Jacksonville , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    905/16

    What is Edward Waters University known for?

    Edward Waters University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  16. #18

    Baptist College of Florida

    Graceville , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/21

    What is Baptist College of Florida known for?

    Baptist College of Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Baptist College of Florida’s Online Degrees

    BA in Music
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BM in Education
    • Required Credits: 133
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Education Studies
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English Secondary Education
    • Required Credits: 129
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History/Social Studies Secondary Education
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Leadership/Christian Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Christian Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History/Social Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Ministry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Ministry Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Missions
    Degree Concentrations
    • Aviation
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BM in Worship Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. #19

    Hobe Sound Bible College

    Hobe Sound , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Hobe Sound Bible College known for?

    Hobe Sound Bible College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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Find Florida’s best Christian college in your subject 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. Eckerd College
  2. Ave Maria University
  3. St. Thomas University
  4. Florida Southern College
  5. Palm Beach Atlantic University
  6. Saint Leo University
  7. Southeastern University
  8. Saint John Vianney Seminary
  9. Baptist College of Florida
  10. Hobe Sound Bible College

Photo Credit: Barry University, Public Domain Image, By Jutland86.