Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2024
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 Michigan.
10 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan
- Calvin University
- Hope College
- University of Detroit Mercy
- Andrews University
- Adrian College
- Madonna University
- Olivet College
- Alma College
- Concordia University Ann Arbor
- Spring Arbor University
- Andrews University
- Calvin University
- Hope College
- University of Detroit Mercy
- Olivet College
- Alma College
- Adrian College
- Madonna University
- Finlandia University
- Cornerstone University
- University of Detroit Mercy 91%
- Aquinas College 91%
- Andrews University 91%
- Olivet College 85%
- Cornerstone University 82%
- Hope College 80%
- Kuyper College 76%
- Calvin University 74%
- Rochester College 71%
- Concordia University Ann Arbor 70%
- Adrian College 16 to 1
- Cornerstone University 15 to 1
- Alma College 14 to 1
- Olivet College 14 to 1
- Rochester College 14 to 1
- Calvin University 12 to 1
- Finlandia University 12 to 1
- Madonna University 12 to 1
- Siena Heights University 12 to 1
- University of Detroit Mercy 11 to 1
- Alma College $45,616
- Adrian College $39,596
- Calvin University $38,620
- Hope College $38,370
- Aquinas College $37,280
- Concordia University Ann Arbor $32,982
- Andrews University $32,734
- Olivet College $32,006
- Spring Arbor University $31,660
- University of Detroit Mercy $31,058
- Andrews University $26,580
- University of Detroit Mercy $21,626
- Alma College $18,720
- Adrian College $18,600
- Madonna University $16,830
- Concordia University Ann Arbor $14,166
- Cornerstone University $14,160
- Siena Heights University $12,600
- Calvin University $11,880
- Aquinas College $11,718
- Rochester College
- Aquinas College
- Kuyper College
- Siena Heights University
- Finlandia University
- Cornerstone University
- Spring Arbor University
- Concordia University Ann Arbor
- Alma College
- Olivet College
- Rochester College
- Concordia University Ann Arbor
- Aquinas College
- Siena Heights University
- Spring Arbor University
- Kuyper College
- Cornerstone University
- Finlandia University
- Madonna University
- Adrian College
- Spring Arbor University 47%
- Alma College 65%
- Siena Heights University 65%
- Madonna University 65%
- Finlandia University 67%
- Adrian College 69%
- Concordia University Ann Arbor 70%
- Rochester College 71%
- Calvin University 74%
- Kuyper College 76%
- Kuyper College 7 to 1
- Andrews University 10 to 1
- Spring Arbor University 10 to 1
- University of Detroit Mercy 11 to 1
- Hope College 11 to 1
- Aquinas College 11 to 1
- Concordia University Ann Arbor 11 to 1
- Calvin University 12 to 1
- Finlandia University 12 to 1
- Madonna University 12 to 1
- Kuyper College $25,370
- Finlandia University $25,946
- Madonna University $26,100
- Rochester College $26,736
- Cornerstone University $27,880
- Siena Heights University $29,044
- University of Detroit Mercy $31,058
- Spring Arbor University $31,660
- Olivet College $32,006
- Andrews University $32,734
- Kuyper College $5,400
- Spring Arbor University $8,198
- Rochester College $11,034
- Aquinas College $11,718
- Calvin University $11,880
- Siena Heights University $12,600
- Cornerstone University $14,160
- Concordia University Ann Arbor $14,166
- Madonna University $16,830
- Adrian College $18,600
Key Takeaways
- Michigan’s population places it in the top ten states in the US. Because of the number of people in the state, it’s not a surprise that Michigan is home to at least 200 accredited colleges and universities.
- With more than 200 institutions scattered across Michigan, Bible colleges and Christian colleges also take part of the growing population in the state.
- Christian colleges in Michigan are represented by various denominations, including the United Methodist, Church of Christ, United Church of Christ, Christian Reformed Church, Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Free Methodist, Protestant, Presbyterian, and Interdenominational.
Michigan’s Christian Colleges
Dubbed the “Great Lake State,” Michigan is proud of its highly distinct education landscape with 98 colleges, including 14 Christian colleges. For students who wish to attend college in a faith-based environment, Michigan is the perfect state. Whether you are a devout Lutheran, Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, or Protestant, all the Christian colleges in Michigan welcome all students regardless of their denomination.
Choosing a Christian university is a perfect way for students to further strengthen their relationship with God, engage in smaller classes, expand their spiritual worldviews, join in meaningful service, and even prepare for seminaries.
Choosing the Right Christian College
Choosing the right college for you is crucial, so we have some tips that might help guide your decision.
Find out the school’s religious affiliation: You may attend a Baptist church, and that is familiar and comfortable for you. In that case, attending a Lutheran college may not be a good fit. However, this is a very personal decision. You may visit the school and realize that the teaching style, Bible study, and weekly church and worship services are exactly what you are looking for.
Our best advice? Let the denomination be a starting point, but don’t allow yourself to be bound by it, potentially ruling out a school where you could be very happy.
Check the majors being offered: Make sure that the college major you are most interested in is offered at the school. Also it is important to find out if the major is offered at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
Note that if you are considering a faith-based major like ministry or theology, a Christian college is a great choice.
Evaluate the quality of education: The schools included in this ranking are evaluated on many criteria including graduation rates, academic influence of the faculty, and accreditation, among other factors, so you can be confident in the quality of these programs.
Explore ministry and fellowship on campus: How a faith-based school showcases its faith via student life opportunities is an important factor in finding a Christian college.
Does the school have a Chapel or mass requirement? Is fellowship strongly encouraged? These are crucial questions you should ask especially when you’re visiting schools. Most Christian colleges have fellowship and ministry groups, and some even require their students to attend regular church or worship services.
Learn the school’s missionary and community service opportunities. For students who want to experience service opportunities to help build their résumé while they’re still in school, then check out what the top ranked Christian colleges offer in this respect.
A majority of Christian colleges have solid community and missionary service programs, and these schools take so much pride in them. From local to international opportunities, and even a combination of study abroad and missionary work programs, students can earn school credits while simultaneously doing something good in the world.
Colleges and Universities in Michigan
With over 80 public and private colleges to choose from, students hoping to earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree can find a program that suits their educational needs and budget. Michigan State University and the University of Michigan are the two largest schools, both serving around 42,000 students and costing $16,000 in tuition. Most of the schools in The Wolverine State, however, serve smaller student populations, with tuition fees ranging from $3,000 to $49,000.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Additionally, students pursuing their degree at a school with religious affiliations have more than 20 options to choose from, including Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Grand Rapid’s Calvin College, and Hope College in Holland. Students attending one of Michigan’s private schools, like Davenport University, can earn their degrees in fields like nursing, education, criminal justice, and history. Michigan, like many other states, also provides a special loan forgiveness program to those in medical, dental, and mental health professions who work in underserved communities. Recipients can receive up to $200,000 of tax-free funds over an eight-year period.
The great state of Michigan famously serves as the major hub of the United States auto industry - and also boasts the longest freshwater coastline in the nation. Students who love the outdoors but are also drawn to the metropolitan energy of big cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids will feel very much at home in Michigan.
To find your degree program, explore some of the top schools in Michigan.
What are Michigan’s Colleges & Universities?
- 12 Research Universities
- 30 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 16 Graduate Schools
- 21 Public Colleges & Universities
- 21 Private Colleges & Universities
- 16 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 26 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 21 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 23 Community Colleges
- 20 Online Colleges
Michigan’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 16 Christian colleges in Michigan. 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 Michigan 2023
- #2 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #3 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
77%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1245/27
Career Outlook for degree at Calvin University
Cost of Degree: $38,620Expenses: $15,450Starting Salary: $48,700Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Calvin University known for?
Calvin University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Physics
- Social Work
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Literature
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
80%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1210/27
Career Outlook for degree at Hope College
Cost of Degree: $37,221Expenses: $14,840Starting Salary: $50,700Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hope College known for?
Hope College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #3 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2024
- #6 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2024
- #8 Best Colleges in Michigan 2024
- #25 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
- #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Michigan 2024
- #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan
- #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
- #13 Best Online Master's in Economics
- #19 Best Online Master’s in Finance
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
73%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1084/23
Career Outlook for degree at University of Detroit Mercy
Cost of Degree: $31,058Expenses: $14,560Starting Salary: $53,700Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Detroit Mercy known for?
University of Detroit Mercy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #16 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #6 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2024 #10 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2024
Other Rankings
- #10 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Michigan 2024
- #3 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies
- #4 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2024
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan
- #6 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #6 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #10 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Michigan 2024
- #14 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #25 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
71%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1225/24
Career Outlook for degree at Andrews University
Cost of Degree: $32,734Expenses: $11,674Starting Salary: $47,800Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Andrews University known for?
Andrews University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Andrews University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Religion
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2024 #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
51%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1050/21
Career Outlook for degree at Adrian College
Cost of Degree: $39,596Expenses: $15,902Starting Salary: $42,800Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Adrian College known for?
Adrian College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2024 #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Michigan 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
49%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Madonna University
Cost of Degree: $26,100Expenses: $15,690Starting Salary: $44,400Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Madonna University known for?
Madonna University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Madonna University’s Online Degrees
BS in Hospitality And Tourism Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Family And Consumer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 38
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Gerontology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #10 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2024
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
44%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Olivet College
Cost of Degree: $32,006Expenses: $15,208Starting Salary: $42,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Olivet College known for?
Olivet College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$46K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
62%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Alma College
Cost of Degree: $45,616Expenses: $15,934Starting Salary: $46,500Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Alma College known for?
Alma College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Michigan #9 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability #14 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs #15 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2024
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
52%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Ann Arbor
Cost of Degree: $32,982Expenses: $17,860Starting Salary: $40,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Concordia University Ann Arbor known for?
Concordia University Ann Arbor’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- History
- Medical
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Concordia University Ann Arbor’s Online Degrees
BS in Applied Computer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #7 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA #13 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2024 #15 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration #20 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
47%
Graduation
60%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1052/23
Career Outlook for degree at Spring Arbor University
Cost of Degree: $31,660Expenses: $13,232Starting Salary: $45,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Spring Arbor University known for?
Spring Arbor University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Spring Arbor University’s Online Degrees
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies #6 Best Online Associate Degrees in Michigan 2024 #8 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2024 #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
62%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Cornerstone University
Cost of Degree: $27,880Expenses: $14,780Starting Salary: $40,800Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Cornerstone University known for?
Cornerstone University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Religious Studies
- Communications
- Psychology
- Business
- History
- Education
- Computer Science
- Literature
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Cornerstone University’s Online Degrees
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 46
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Ministry Leadership
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration and Leadership
- Required Credits: 46
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
31%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Finlandia University
Cost of Degree: $26,036Expenses: $14,508Starting Salary: $38,700Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Finlandia University known for?
Finlandia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #12 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #7 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2024 #23 Best Online Master's Programs in Michigan 2024
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
51%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1031/23
Career Outlook for degree at Siena Heights University
Cost of Degree: $29,044Expenses: $15,190Starting Salary: $45,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Siena Heights University known for?
Siena Heights University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
- Business
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
Siena Heights University’s Online Degrees
BA in Applied Science
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accouting
- Healthcare Management
- Information Technology Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Multidisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Public Services Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$25K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
54%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Kuyper College
Cost of Degree: $25,370Expenses: $12,066Starting Salary: $35,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Kuyper College known for?
Kuyper College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
61%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Aquinas College
Cost of Degree: $37,280Expenses: $13,606Starting Salary: $42,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Aquinas College known for?
Aquinas College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Religious Studies
- Economics
- Communications
- Social Work
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Literature
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
41%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Rochester College
Cost of Degree: $26,736Expenses: $12,362Starting Salary: $39,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Rochester College known for?
Rochester College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Rochester College’s Online Degrees
BS in Early Childhood Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Christian Ministry
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Computer Information Systems
- Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Strategic Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Michigan’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.