Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2023

Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2023
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

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 North Carolina.

10 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina

  1. Duke University
  2. Davidson College
  3. Campbell University
  4. High Point University
  5. Shaw University
  6. Queens University of Charlotte
  7. Guilford College
  8. Salem College
  9. Bennett College
  10. Belmont Abbey College

Key Takeaways

  • The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) accredits more than 180 Christ-centered institutions worldwide, 150 of which are in the US. Out of the 150 Christian colleges, 24 are in North Carolina.
  • A Christian college is a perfect place to learn more about God while developing professionally. This is also the best spot to make new friends who will eventually become family.
  • There are many reasons students prefer to attend a Christian college, but everything boils down to one major thing: commitment to a community and an institution centered on God and the Scripture.

Christian Education for College Undergrads in North Carolina

Last year, North Carolina was home to more than 18,000 international students. After all, this state has it all: some of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast, picturesque mountains on the west, lively cities in the central part, and the largest research park in America, the Research Triangle Park.

North Carolina also has a low cost of living, which makes the state one of the top choices for college students.

The state has 53 colleges and universities, including three Tier 1 research universities, and the third largest community college system in the US. It’s no wonder North Carolina’s education institutions award more than 25,000 STEM degrees annually.

Why Attend a Christian College

While there are many college choices for undergrads and graduate students in North Carolina, some college students prefer to enroll in a Christian college. Aside from offering a great education, why is a Christian college generally a good option for post-secondary education?

Choosing which college to attend is a huge decision. Here are some reasons students opt to attend a Christian college.

A Christian College Helps Grow Your Faith. Attending church services on campus, being exposed to a Christian curriculum, getting access to Christian advisors, and building your Christian worldview through what you learn and are exposed to are all important components of a Christian education.

In most secular colleges, you will be faced with different and opposing worldviews that may not align with your Christian beliefs. Enrolling in a Christian college means your faith-based values are likely incorporated into each class. Better yet, your professors and classmates hold the same spiritual values that you do.

A Christian college will also offer majors that may not be available in secular colleges, such as those focused on ministry or Christian counseling. If you want to pursue a career in a Christian field, attending a top-ranked Christian college in North Carolina is a great choice.

Colleges and Universities in North Carolina

Among these schools are over 60 public colleges and universities, including the state’s largest school, North Carolina State University, which serves almost 30,000 students. Tuition costs average about $9,000, just below the national average, and students also have the option to enroll in over 1,000 online courses. Another notable public school is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which is one of the country’s oldest universities.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

The 25,000 students who attend UNC will walk the same halls as Francis Collins, Thomas Wolfe, and former president James K. Polk. North Carolina’s private schools have also made a name for themselves, including the well-known Duke University located in Durham. Here, students can earn degrees in some of the top programs, like nursing, political science, and business. Additionally, students can attend one of the many small schools which serve less than 5,000 students, like Campbell University in Buies Creek, or a religiously affiliated school, like Mid-Atlantic Christian University in Elizabeth City.

From its coastal beaches to its lush forests, it’s no wonder the Wright Brothers dreamed of taking flight over North Carolina. This state is rich with history, scenic views, and famous people who once called it home, like John Coltrane and Nicholas Sparks. Students hoping to earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree also have the option of choosing from over 100 schools in the Tar Heel State.

Whether you prefer ocean views or wooded forests, North Carolina has something for everyone. Discover more about the state’s higher learning options.


What are North Carolina’s Colleges & Universities?

North Carolina’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 24 Christian colleges in North Carolina. 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 North Carolina 2022

  1. #1

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #1 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2023 #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #13 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    What is Duke University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  2. #2

    Davidson College

    Davidson , NC
    #11 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2023 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2023 #1 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2023 #3 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1380/31

    What is Davidson College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  3. #3

    Campbell University

    Buies Creek , NC
    #7 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2023 #2 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2023 #4 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2023 #8 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/22

    What is Campbell University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Campbell University’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Information Technology And Security
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology And Security
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Pre-Law
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Pre-Law
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education (K-6)
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Christian Studies
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Generalist
    • Public Relations And Corporate Communication
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Arts
    Degree Concentrations
    • Humanities
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. #8

    Salem College

    Winston-Salem , NC
    #10 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1076/20

    What is Salem College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  11. #10

    Belmont Abbey College

    Belmont , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/21

    What is Belmont Abbey College known for?

    Belmont Abbey College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  13. #11

    Greensboro College

    Greensboro , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/19

    What is Greensboro College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Greensboro College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Organizational Leadership And Management
    • Required Credits: 72
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General Psychology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. #12

    University of Mount Olive

    Mount Olive , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1005/19

    What is University of Mount Olive known for?

    University of Mount Olive’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Mount Olive’s Online Degrees

    BA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Agribusiness
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Agricultural Communication And Leadership
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Finance
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice And Criminology
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education (B-K)
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Leadership
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Religion
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 126-141
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. #13

    Livingstone College

    Salisbury , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    51%

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    850/14

    What is Livingstone College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  16. #14

    Montreat College

    Montreat , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1025/20

    What is Montreat College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Montreat College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Bachelor Of Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Bachelor Of Science In Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Bachelor Of Science In Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Bachelor Of Science In Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Bachelor Of Science In Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Bachelor Of Science In Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Bachelor Of Science In Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. #15

    North Carolina Wesleyan University

    Rocky Mount , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    28%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    915/17

    What is North Carolina Wesleyan University known for?

    North Carolina Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  19. #16

    Barton College

    Wilson , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1025/19

    What is Barton College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Barton College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Justice Administration
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Rn To Bsn Nursing
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  20. #17

    Brevard College

    Brevard , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Brevard College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  21. #18

    Pfeiffer University

    Misenheimer , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/18

    What is Pfeiffer University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Pfeiffer University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Management And Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Health Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  22. #19

    William Peace University

    Raleigh , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1040/20

    What is William Peace University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    William Peace University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Leadership & Nonprofit Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Strategic Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  23. #20

    Gardner–Webb University

    Boiling Springs , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1052/21

    What is Gardner–Webb University known for?

    Gardner–Webb University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Gardner–Webb University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Foundations
    • Required Credits: 9
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Birth-Kindergarten Education
    • Required Credits: 73
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Teacher Assistants To Teachers
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Christian Ministry
    • Required Credits: 38
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Rn To Bachelor Of Science In Nursing
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  25. #21

    St. Andrews University

    Laurinburg , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is St. Andrews University known for?

    St. Andrews University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    St. Andrews University ’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Equine Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Middle Grades Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  26. #22

    Methodist University

    Fayetteville , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1035/20

    What is Methodist University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Methodist University’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  27. #23

    Lenoir–Rhyne University

    Hickory , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    3K

    What is Lenoir–Rhyne University known for?

    Lenoir–Rhyne University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Lenoir–Rhyne University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Exercise Science
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  28. #24

    Chowan University

    Murfreesboro , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    895/15

    What is Chowan University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  29. #25

    Lees–McRae College

    Banner Elk , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    59%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1051/21

    What is Lees–McRae College known for?

    Lees–McRae College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Lees–McRae College’s Online Degrees

    BAAS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAAS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN RIBN in Lpn To Bsn Ribn
    • Required Credits: 105
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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North Carolina’s Best Christian Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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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. Duke University
  2. Davidson College
  3. Guilford College
  4. Queens University of Charlotte
  5. Campbell University
  6. Salem College
  7. High Point University
  8. Barton College
  9. University of Mount Olive
  10. Gardner–Webb University
  11. Bennett College
  12. Greensboro College
  13. William Peace University
  14. Belmont Abbey College
  15. Methodist University
  16. Lenoir–Rhyne University
  17. Brevard College
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