Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2026
Key Takeaways
- Christian colleges are bound by the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities, the association that spearheads and oversees these institutions’ accreditation status and curriculum design.
- Illinois has a diverse population base, which explains why they also have high-powered colleges and universities, including Bible and Christian colleges.
- Almost all states have Christian Colleges, and some of the most exceptional ones are found in Illinois.
10 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois in 2026
The following list of the best Christian schools consists entirely of colleges and universities that offer four-year undergraduate degrees. We’ve identified 24 Christian colleges in Illinois. 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.
Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2025
- #1 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #5 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2026 #12 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026
Tuition + fees
$56K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
72%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1265/29
Career Outlook for degree at Loyola University Chicago
Cost of Degree: $51,716Expenses: $19,694Starting Salary: $78,431Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Loyola University Chicago known for?
Loyola University Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Loyola University Chicago’s Online Degrees
BA in Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Information Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Web Technologies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Paralegal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Applied Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Strategic Digital Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 1 year
- Format: Fully online
BA in Applied Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
- #2 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #15 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #5 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2026 #7 Best Colleges in Illinois 2026
Tuition + fees
$48K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
67%
Student body
24K
Median SAT/ACT
1235/28
Career Outlook for degree at DePaul University
Cost of Degree: $44,174Expenses: $22,338Starting Salary: $75,602Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is DePaul University known for?
DePaul University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Law
- Business
- Social Work
- Philosophy
- Education
- Communications
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
DePaul University’s Online Degrees
BA in Decision Analytics
- Required Credits: 192
- Format: Fully online
BA in Professional Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Computing
- Required Credits: 192
- Format: Fully online
BA in Applied Behavioral Sciences
- Required Credits: 192
- Completion Time: 2 years
BA in Leadership Studies
- Required Credits: 192
- Format: Fully online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 192
- Completion Time: 3-4 years
- Format: Fully online
- #2 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #3 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2026 #20 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2026
Tuition + fees
$48K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
82%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1365/30
Career Outlook for degree at Wheaton College
Cost of Degree: $43,936Expenses: $15,740Starting Salary: $68,390Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wheaton College known for?
Wheaton College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Earth Sciences
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Psychology
- History
- Economics
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$53K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
73%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/25
Career Outlook for degree at Augustana College
Cost of Degree: $49,834Expenses: $15,014Starting Salary: $67,144Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Augustana College known for?
Augustana College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Philosophy
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$30K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
36%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Eureka College
Cost of Degree: $28,400Expenses: $12,992Starting Salary: $51,381Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Eureka College known for?
Eureka College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Communications
- Criminal Justice
- Philosophy
- Education
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Biology
- Medical
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #10 12 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2026 #11 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2026
Tuition + fees
$46K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
64%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1125/26
Career Outlook for degree at Elmhurst University
Cost of Degree: $41,628Expenses: $17,808Starting Salary: $67,398Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Elmhurst University known for?
Elmhurst University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Physics
- Religious Studies
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Psychology
- Literature
- Political Science
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Elmhurst University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Finance
- International Business
- Management
- Marketing
- Logistics And Supply Chain Management
- Required Credits: 39
- Completion Time: 2-3 years
BS in It
Degree Concentrations
- Computer Information Systems
- Cybersecurity
- Programming
- Required Credits: 36
- #22 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2026 #10 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2026 #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2026 #9 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2026
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
46%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Trinity International University
Cost of Degree: $12,320Expenses: $10,177Starting Salary: $51,278Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Trinity International University known for?
Trinity International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- History
- Social Work
- Education
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Literature
- Communications
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Trinity International University’s Online Degrees
BA in Business
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: 3-4Years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: 3-4 Years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Christian Ministries
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: 3-4 Years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: 3-4 Years
- Format: Fully online
- #6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs #10 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2026
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
61%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1031/22
Career Outlook for degree at Illinois College
Cost of Degree: $37,470Starting Salary: $57,546What is Illinois College known for?
Illinois College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Illinois College’s Online Degrees
BA in Accounting
- Required Credits: 42
- Completion Time: 15 months for core courses
- Format: Fully online
BA in Agribusiness Management
- Required Credits: 42
- Completion Time: 18 months for core courses
- Format: Fully online
BA in Human Resources Management
- Required Credits: 46
- Completion Time: 15 months for core courses
- Format: Fully online
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Management
- Required Credits: 42-44
- Completion Time: 15 months for core courses
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 42
- Completion Time: 12-18 months
- Format: Fully online
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #18 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2026 #21 Best Online Master’s in Finance 2026 #23 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources 2026
Tuition + fees
$47K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
62%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1182/26
Career Outlook for degree at North Central College
Cost of Degree: $44,394Expenses: $15,568Starting Salary: $65,646Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is North Central College known for?
North Central College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Business
- Psychology
- Medical
- History
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Education
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$46K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
58%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1105/23
Career Outlook for degree at Monmouth College
Cost of Degree: $43,520Expenses: $14,366Starting Salary: $54,098Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Monmouth College known for?
Monmouth College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #14 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #12 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2026 #19 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2026
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
43%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Benedictine University
Cost of Degree: $32,546Expenses: $15,654Starting Salary: $67,314Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Benedictine University known for?
Benedictine University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Physics
- Business
- Psychology
- Medical
- Political Science
- Education
- Literature
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Benedictine University’s Online Degrees
BA in Management
Degree Concentrations
- Digital Marketing
- Human Resources Management
- Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in General Professional Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing
- Required Credits: 34
- Completion Time: 1 Year
- Format: Fully online
- #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #15 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2026 #22 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2026
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
52%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at North Park University
Cost of Degree: $35,325Expenses: $14,275Starting Salary: $61,717Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is North Park University known for?
North Park University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Psychology
- Business
- Nursing
- Sociology
- History
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
North Park University’s Online Degrees
BA in Digital Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Nonprofit Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Organizational Management And Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
- #18 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2026 #17 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2026
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
51%
Graduation
44%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1100/22
Career Outlook for degree at Quincy University
Cost of Degree: $35,740Starting Salary: $55,330What is Quincy University known for?
Quincy University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Quincy University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 Years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Human Services
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 Years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Writing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 Years
- Format: Fully online
- #4 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2026 #14 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2026 #19 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #5 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2026
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
57%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1085/23
Career Outlook for degree at Lewis University
Cost of Degree: $37,882Expenses: $15,830Starting Salary: $59,389Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lewis University known for?
Lewis University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Political Science
- Philosophy
- History
- Religious Studies
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
Lewis University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Professional Sales
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
- Criminal Justice
- Security Studies
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
- #20 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #19 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2026 #24 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2026
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
55%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Saint Xavier University
Cost of Degree: $36,840Expenses: $16,008Starting Salary: $64,661Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Saint Xavier University known for?
Saint Xavier University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Mathematics
- History
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Computer Science
- Literature
- Communications
- Political Science
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
Saint Xavier University’s Online Degrees
BA in Business
- Required Credits: 45
- Completion Time: 1.5 Years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Applied Communication
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion Time: 1-1.5 Years
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Rn To Bsn Nursing
- Required Credits: 34
- Completion Time: 205 Years
- Format: Fully online
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Illinois #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Illinois 2026 #8 Top 10 Best Online Business Management Bachelor's Programs 2026
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
51%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at McKendree University
Cost of Degree: $34,070Expenses: $15,980Starting Salary: $63,391Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is McKendree University known for?
McKendree University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
McKendree University’s Online Degrees
BBA in Accounting
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Business Administration
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Entrepreneurship
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Human Resource Management
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Management
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Sport Management
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Supply Chain Management And Logistics
- Format: Fully online
BS in Computer Information Systems
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Cyber Defense
- Format: Fully online
BA in Sociology/Criminal Justice
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Completion Time: 2-3 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Psychology
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
61%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
990/21
Career Outlook for degree at Dominican University
Cost of Degree: $37,694Expenses: $14,602Starting Salary: $66,693Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Dominican University known for?
Dominican University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #18 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2026 #22 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2026
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
56%
Graduation
60%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1085/22
Career Outlook for degree at Olivet Nazarene University
Cost of Degree: $37,940Expenses: $15,024Starting Salary: $58,865Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Olivet Nazarene University known for?
Olivet Nazarene University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Earth Sciences
- Communications
- Sociology
- History
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
Olivet Nazarene University’s Online Degrees
BSB in Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BSL in Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Multidisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Rn To Bsn Nursing
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: 1.5 Years
- Format: Fully online
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Kinesiology Degree Programs for 2026 #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration #12 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs #16 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
47%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Chicago
Cost of Degree: $36,258Expenses: $13,740Starting Salary: $56,714Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Concordia University Chicago known for?
Concordia University Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Social Work
- Medical
- Education
- Business
- History
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Concordia University Chicago’s Online Degrees
BS in Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: 128
- Format: Fully online
BA in Organizational Management
- Required Credits: 128
- Format: Fully online
BA in Sports Recreation Management
- Required Credits: 128
- Format: Fully online
BA to MBA in Business Administration Dual Degree
- Completion Time: 1-2 years
- Format: Fully online
BA to MA in Sports Leadership Dual Degree
- Completion Time: 1-2 years
- Format: Fully online
BA to MA in Triton College 3+1: Sports And Recreation Management
- Required Credits: 122
- Format: Fully online
BA in Healthcare Management
- Required Credits: 128
- Format: Fully online
BS in Kinesiology
- Required Credits: 128
- Format: Fully online
BA to MA in Triton College 3+1: Sports Leadership
- Completion Time: 1-2 years
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
64%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1125/26
Career Outlook for degree at University of St. Francis
Cost of Degree: $37,000Expenses: $15,780Starting Salary: $69,137Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of St. Francis known for?
University of St. Francis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of St. Francis’s Online Degrees
BS in Healthcare Management
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion Time: 1 Year
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion Time: 1 Year
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$21K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
64%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/22
Career Outlook for degree at Trinity Christian College
Cost of Degree: $20,325Expenses: $17,500Starting Salary: $60,507Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Trinity Christian College known for?
Trinity Christian College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Social Work
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Education
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
48%
Graduation
34%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
967/20
Career Outlook for degree at Judson University
Cost of Degree: $30,910Expenses: $15,590Starting Salary: $59,095Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Judson University known for?
Judson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
45%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Blackburn College
Cost of Degree: $26,758Expenses: $12,320Starting Salary: $48,794Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Blackburn College known for?
Blackburn College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Communications
- History
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
52%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1000/22
Career Outlook for degree at Greenville University
Cost of Degree: $30,598Expenses: $14,966Starting Salary: $49,304Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Greenville University known for?
Greenville University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Chemistry
- Criminal Justice
- Religious Studies
- History
- Literature
- Business
- Biology
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Greenville University’s Online Degrees
BS in Agribusiness
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 1-2 Years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 1-2 Years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 1-2 Yeras
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 1-2 Yeras
- Format: Fully online
BS in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 1-2 Yeras
- Format: Fully online
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 1-2 Years
- Format: Fully online