Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2024

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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

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  1. Calvin University
  2. Hope College
  3. University of Detroit Mercy
  4. Andrews University
  5. Adrian College
  6. Madonna University
  7. Olivet College
  8. Alma College
  9. Concordia University Ann Arbor
  10. Spring Arbor University
  1. Andrews University
  2. Calvin University
  3. Hope College
  4. University of Detroit Mercy
  5. Olivet College
  6. Alma College
  7. Adrian College
  8. Madonna University
  9. Finlandia University
  10. Cornerstone University
  1. University of Detroit Mercy 91%
  2. Aquinas College 91%
  3. Andrews University 91%
  4. Olivet College 85%
  5. Cornerstone University 82%
  6. Hope College 80%
  7. Kuyper College 76%
  8. Calvin University 74%
  9. Rochester College 71%
  10. Concordia University Ann Arbor 70%
  1. Adrian College 16 to 1
  2. Cornerstone University 15 to 1
  3. Alma College 14 to 1
  4. Olivet College 14 to 1
  5. Rochester College 14 to 1
  6. Calvin University 12 to 1
  7. Finlandia University 12 to 1
  8. Madonna University 12 to 1
  9. Siena Heights University 12 to 1
  10. University of Detroit Mercy 11 to 1
  1. Alma College $45,616
  2. Adrian College $39,596
  3. Calvin University $38,620
  4. Hope College $38,370
  5. Aquinas College $37,280
  6. Concordia University Ann Arbor $32,982
  7. Andrews University $32,734
  8. Olivet College $32,006
  9. Spring Arbor University $31,660
  10. University of Detroit Mercy $31,058
  1. Andrews University $26,580
  2. University of Detroit Mercy $21,626
  3. Alma College $18,720
  4. Adrian College $18,600
  5. Madonna University $16,830
  6. Concordia University Ann Arbor $14,166
  7. Cornerstone University $14,160
  8. Siena Heights University $12,600
  9. Calvin University $11,880
  10. Aquinas College $11,718
  1. Rochester College
  2. Aquinas College
  3. Kuyper College
  4. Siena Heights University
  5. Finlandia University
  6. Cornerstone University
  7. Spring Arbor University
  8. Concordia University Ann Arbor
  9. Alma College
  10. Olivet College
  1. Rochester College
  2. Concordia University Ann Arbor
  3. Aquinas College
  4. Siena Heights University
  5. Spring Arbor University
  6. Kuyper College
  7. Cornerstone University
  8. Finlandia University
  9. Madonna University
  10. Adrian College
  1. Spring Arbor University 47%
  2. Alma College 65%
  3. Siena Heights University 65%
  4. Madonna University 65%
  5. Finlandia University 67%
  6. Adrian College 69%
  7. Concordia University Ann Arbor 70%
  8. Rochester College 71%
  9. Calvin University 74%
  10. Kuyper College 76%
  1. Kuyper College 7 to 1
  2. Andrews University 10 to 1
  3. Spring Arbor University 10 to 1
  4. University of Detroit Mercy 11 to 1
  5. Hope College 11 to 1
  6. Aquinas College 11 to 1
  7. Concordia University Ann Arbor 11 to 1
  8. Calvin University 12 to 1
  9. Finlandia University 12 to 1
  10. Madonna University 12 to 1
  1. Kuyper College $25,370
  2. Finlandia University $25,946
  3. Madonna University $26,100
  4. Rochester College $26,736
  5. Cornerstone University $27,880
  6. Siena Heights University $29,044
  7. University of Detroit Mercy $31,058
  8. Spring Arbor University $31,660
  9. Olivet College $32,006
  10. Andrews University $32,734
  1. Kuyper College $5,400
  2. Spring Arbor University $8,198
  3. Rochester College $11,034
  4. Aquinas College $11,718
  5. Calvin University $11,880
  6. Siena Heights University $12,600
  7. Cornerstone University $14,160
  8. Concordia University Ann Arbor $14,166
  9. Madonna University $16,830
  10. 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.

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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?

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.

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Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2023

  1. #4

    Andrews University

    Berrien Springs , MI
    Other Rankings

    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: $32,734
    Expenses: $11,674
    Starting Salary: $47,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  2. #5

    Adrian College

    Adrian , MI
    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: $39,596
    Expenses: $15,902
    Starting Salary: $42,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Adrian College known for?

    Adrian College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  3. #6

    Madonna University

    Livonia , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Madonna University

    Cost of Degree: $26,100
    Expenses: $15,690
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
  4. #7

    Olivet College

    Olivet , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Olivet College

    Cost of Degree: $32,006
    Expenses: $15,208
    Starting Salary: $42,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #8

    Alma College

    Alma , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Alma College

    Cost of Degree: $45,616
    Expenses: $15,934
    Starting Salary: $46,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Ann Arbor

    Cost of Degree: $32,982
    Expenses: $17,860
    Starting Salary: $40,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Concordia University Ann Arbor known for?

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

    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. #10

    Spring Arbor University

    Spring Arbor , MI
    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: $31,660
    Expenses: $13,232
    Starting Salary: $45,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
  8. #11

    Cornerstone University

    Grand Rapids , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Cornerstone University

    Cost of Degree: $27,880
    Expenses: $14,780
    Starting Salary: $40,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Cornerstone University known for?

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

    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
  9. #12

    Finlandia University

    Hancock , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Finlandia University

    Cost of Degree: $26,036
    Expenses: $14,508
    Starting Salary: $38,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Finlandia University known for?

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

  10. 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: $29,044
    Expenses: $15,190
    Starting Salary: $45,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Siena Heights University known for?

    Siena Heights University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
  11. #14

    Kuyper College

    Grand Rapids , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Kuyper College

    Cost of Degree: $25,370
    Expenses: $12,066
    Starting Salary: $35,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Kuyper College known for?

    Kuyper College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  12. #15

    Aquinas College

    Grand Rapids , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Aquinas College

    Cost of Degree: $37,280
    Expenses: $13,606
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Aquinas College known for?

    Aquinas College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  13. #16

    Rochester College

    Rochester Hills , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Rochester College

    Cost of Degree: $26,736
    Expenses: $12,362
    Starting Salary: $39,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
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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.

  1. University of Detroit Mercy
  2. Andrews University
  3. Hope College
  4. Albion College
  5. Calvin University
  6. Aquinas College
  7. Madonna University
  8. Alma College
  9. Adrian College
  10. Cornerstone University
  11. Spring Arbor University
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