Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023

Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023

For prospective college students looking for schools that align with their Christian faith and demonstrate academic excellence, here are the best Christian colleges and universities in Pennsylvania.

10 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania

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Key Takeaways

  • Christian colleges are the top choices among Christian students. But these schools also allow non-Christian enrollees to apply for admission.
  • It’s very rare for schools to place restrictions on their applicants, as far as faith is concerned. Most of the time, faith-eccentric colleges welcome college applicants of a different faith who are interested in attending a school that designs a student life within the context of Christianity.
  • From conservative to liberal, nondenominational to Presbyterian, there is a school for any college Christian students who want to earn their college degree while keeping the focus on their faith in God.

Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania

Prospective students hoping to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree have over 100 higher learning institutions to choose from. The largest public university is Pennsylvania State University, or Penn State, with a tuition of $18,000, and a student population of over 95,000 across its campuses. As a private institution, the University of Pennsylvania, or simply Penn, is known for its medical, nursing, social work, and business fields. Tuition is $56,000, and the school boasts a 95% graduation rate.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Students can also attend one of the more than 60 religiously affiliated schools, such as Villanova University or Lafayette College, each with a tuition of about $53,000. Some of the most affordable colleges in the state include the Curtis Institute of Music and the Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia, with tuitions set at $3,000 and $9,000, respectively. Though the average tuition for college in Pennsylvania comes in above the national average, those who practice medicine in underserved areas may qualify for up to $100,000 in loan forgiveness through the Pennsylvania Primary Care Loan Repayment Program.

As the nation’s second state, Pennsylvania’s history runs deep. It’s here where Betsy Ross made the first American flag and where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Keystone State is also home to some culinary delights, including whoopie pies, soft pretzels, and the famous Philly cheesesteak. Students looking to earn their degree in Pennsylvania will undoubtedly enjoy what the state has to offer.

Check out the state’s top programs and learn more about earning your degree in Pennsylvania.


What are Pennsylvania’s Colleges & Universities?

Pennsylvania’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 the best Christian colleges in Pennsylvania. 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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Exploring Pennsylvania’s Christian Education Institutions

Religious colleges and universities are located all over the US. Although many colleges are only religious in their founding, others merge their religious beliefs into everyday life in schools. If you have a solid faith and you want to surround yourself with students who share the same faith, a Christian college might be a good option.

Why Enroll in a Christian College

College is a whole new place that allows you to explore and recognize how and where you want to live your life. In a Christian college, you will find out more about your God-given purpose and passions. Here are other compelling reasons why enrolling in a Christian college is a wise choice.

Great Education: While some Christian colleges may not be household names, these schools can offer a great education. They have outstanding academic programs for undergraduate students and graduate students alike.

Christian colleges must comply with the same requirements as other big colleges and universities to gain accreditation. Plus, most faculty members of Christian colleges hold terminal or doctorate degrees in their respective fields. Others have published works or serve as experts in their disciplines.

Faith-Based Development: Most Christian colleges and universities offer, and some even require, courses on church history, the Bible, Greek language, faith, and more.

Most Christian colleges also have church services or a chapel on campus for their students. It’s also not uncommon to find things like prayer in the classroom, missionary opportunities, or Bible studies taking place in residence halls. Almost all facets of the college experience are intertwined with faith in a Christian college.

Smaller Size: Since many Christian schools are relatively smaller in size, this gives you a chance to get to know the school’s faculty members and staff. Personnel in Christian colleges always go out of their way to guarantee that college freshmen are not lost in the crowd. They provide programs designed to help students easily transition from home life to college life.

Active Student Body: Like any traditional university, Christian colleges also have so many other ways to get students involved outside of class. Student organizations, student newspapers, college athletics, and theatrical productions are just some of the many extra-curricular activities you can find in a Christian school. While the social environment will still be similar to that of most universities, Christian schools add a commitment to fellowship and faith.

Education and Faith Integration: Unlike in most universities where faith is only covered in courses on religion, Christian colleges discuss this in most of their subjects.

These discussions often revolve around how a specific subject can integrate with the student’s worldview as it relates to their personal beliefs. Students often have the chance to talk in their classes about controversial issues, and get to hear other’s beliefs.

Strong Campus Community: Because Christian colleges encourage student connections via faith services, activities, student organizations, and other projects, coupled with the fact that students share the same values and beliefs, everybody can easily find friendship and support on campus.

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Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2022

  1. #2

    Duquesne University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/25

    Duquesne University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Computer Systems Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. #7

    University of Scranton

    Scranton , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1190/25

  3. #8

    Grove City College

    Grove City , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1236/27

  4. #10

    Chestnut Hill College

    Philadelphia , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    1K

  5. #11

    Muhlenberg College

    Allentown , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/28

  6. #12

    Allegheny College

    Meadville , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/27

  7. #13

    Arcadia University

    Glenside , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/24

  8. #14

    DeSales University

    Center Valley , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/25

  9. #15

    Lycoming College

    Williamsport , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/23

  10. #16

    Albright College

    Reading , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    1K

    Albright College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Psychology
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. #17

    Carlow University

    Pittsburgh , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/21

    What is Carlow University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  12. #18

    Immaculata University

    Immaculata , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/20

    What is Immaculata University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Immaculata University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Allied Health for Clinical Professionals
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Care Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Behavior
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resources Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Planning and Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Leadership
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. #19

    Neumann University

    Aston , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    990/18

    What is Neumann University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. #20

    Holy Family University

    Philadelphia , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    975/19

    What is Holy Family University known for?

    Holy Family University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Holy Family University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Cybersecurity Operations and Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cyber Management and Leadership
    • Cyber Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 34
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems and Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 49
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. #21

    Susquehanna University

    Selinsgrove , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    2K

  16. #22

    Saint Vincent College

    Latrobe , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/23

    Saint Vincent College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Anthropology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Applied Anthropology
    • General Anthropology Concentrations
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Art Education
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Biochemistry
    • Required Credits: 104
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Data Science
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Science
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Education
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Science
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Digital Art And Media
    Degree Concentrations
    • Graphic Design
    • Video and Animation
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Education Early Childhood PreK-4
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in French
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Integrated Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Allied Health
    • Chemical and Biological Analysis
    • Applied Physics and Science
    • Technology and Society Concentrations
    • Required Credits: 137
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminology, Law and Society
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Sports Management Track
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Mathematics
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Mathematics/Actuarial Science
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Music Performance
    Degree Concentrations
    • Sacred Music Concentration
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Mental Health Concentration
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Public History
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Mathematics/Engineering
    • Required Credits: 194
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Biology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cell and Molecular Biology
    • Organismal Biology
    • Population Biology Concentrations
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Chemistry
    • Required Credits: 101
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 140
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Engineering
    Degree Concentrations
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Environmental Engineering
    • Materials Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering Concentration
    • Required Credits: 164
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Chemistry
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Data Analytics
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Education Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 141-142
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy and Theology
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Middle Grade Education
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy and Politics
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Politics and Political Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Politics and Political Science
    • Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties Concentration
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Pre-Med
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Physics/Physics Education
    • Required Credits: 116
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Economics
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance
    Degree Concentrations
    • Four academic tracks
    • Corporate finance
    • Investment management
    • Behavioral finance
    • Computational finance
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Spanish
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in International Business
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sports and Media
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sports Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Arts
    Degree Concentrations
    • Vertical
    • Horizontal Concentration.American Studies
    • Business Studies
    • Cultural Studies
    • Media Studies
    • Pre-Health studies and Quantitative Studies.
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Theology
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Pre-Law
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Policy
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/24

  18. #24

    Lebanon Valley College

    Annville , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1165/23

  19. #25

    Rosemont College

    Rosemont , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1040/21

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Find Pennsylvania’s best Christian colleges in your subject of interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Westminster College, Pennsylvania
  2. Saint Francis University
  3. Elizabethtown College
  4. Villanova University
  5. Lafayette College
  6. Allegheny College
  7. Susquehanna University
  8. University of Scranton
  9. Duquesne University
  10. La Salle University
  11. Grove City College
  12. Arcadia University
  13. Eastern University
  14. Saint Joseph's University
  15. Muhlenberg College
  16. Misericordia University
  17. Lycoming College
  18. Albright College
  19. Carlow University
  20. Seton Hill University
  21. Gannon University
  22. Saint Vincent College
  23. Lebanon Valley College
  24. King's College
  25. DeSales University