Top 10 Best Online Bible Colleges for Theological Studies
Which are the best online Bible colleges in the United States? We rank the top Christian colleges for theological studies.
Key Takeaways
- Online Bible colleges teach students how to read and interpret the Bible to strengthen their core convictions, feed their spiritual life, and help them succeed in their careers.
- An online Bible college degree can lead to a career in Christian ministry or to a fulfilling career in many other fields.
- Theological studies at an online Bible college help students shape their Christian faith through an understanding of how Christianity relates to the world today and throughout history.
Have you ever dreamed of going full-time into ministry? If so, enrolling in an online Bible college and pursuing theological studies is a good choice. Even those who want to pursue careers unrelated to religion might gain much from theological education.
Featured Programs
What Is a Bible College?
Bible colleges are higher education institutions with a theology and Christian-related curriculum that emphasizes biblical courses and often includes studying a language like Latin, Greek, or Hebrew.
Many Bible colleges also have seminaries to prepare Christian leaders for ordination and careers in ministry or theology. These Bible colleges, such as the Moody Bible Institute and Dallas Theological Seminary, are renowned for offering Christian degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate levels and many online Christian colleges also offer online degree programs.
What To Expect From an Online Bible College Degree in Theological Studies
Theological studies cover more than just studying online Bible. Coursework may also include methodical examinations of customs, observations, and ideas from different periods within history and different people groups.
Common Courses
Some of the most common courses in a theological studies degree program include:
- Cultural Impacts of Religion
- History of Worship
- Analysis and Interpretation of Scripture
- Practical Applications of Faith
- Philosophy of Faith
Outside of general online Bible courses, Bible colleges allow students to study a specific aspect of the Christian faith and explore courses that delve deep into a specific subject. Examples include how individuals express their religion through music or how the church has interacted with marginalized groups throughout history.
Students may also choose to explore other religions through the prism of their Christian faith. This gives students a context for interfaith connections by assisting them in comprehending the moral and ethical conundrums encountered in other religions.
During their online Bible studies, students develop critical thinking, lucid writing, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, they will develop a capacity to understand historical and social patterns. Courses may include a linguistic component such as Latin, Hebrew, or Ancient Greek, so that students have a better understanding of the original languages that were used in writing the scriptures.
Students are also encouraged to discuss tough historical topics in Christianity, explore unsettling realities about the past, present, and future of the faith, and ask difficult questions.
Online Bible colleges offer majors in many fields outside of pure theological studies. The thing that sets a Bible college apart from a traditional college or university is that an online Bible college interweaves a student’s faith with the major they are interested in studying. Students may explore aspects of the Christian faith and how they interact and relate to areas of study such as:
- Architecture
- Art
- Business
- Cultural criticism
- Economics
- Education
- Healthcare
- Law enforcement
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Music
- Politics
- Psychology
- ...and many more!
Cost
The average cost of tuition for online Bible colleges with theological programs for the academic year 2022–23 was $30,060 for undergraduate programs and $17,338 for graduate programs.
Admission Requirements
While many pieces go into a Bible college application, you should focus on some critical things:
GPA requirements: The minimum GPA required to apply at most Bible colleges is 2.5, however some schools may be open to accepting students with a GPA lower than 2.5.
Testing requirements: Standardized testing requirements vary from school to school. The SAT or ACT are required at most Bible colleges, and some schools may also demand SAT subject tests.
Many Bible colleges look for a composite SAT score of 1070 out of 1600, and an ACT score of at least 21.
Background Check Authorization: Since Bible colleges seek students who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ and aim to live a life that pleases God through service, many require a background check.
Other requirements may include the following:
- Official transcripts
- Personal essays
- Letters of recommendation from church leaders
- Application fee
Bottom Line: While many of the requirements for admission into a Bible college are the same as admission requirements for any typical college or university, a Bible college will have a deeper focus on the moral character of prospective students.
How long does it take to earn a degree at a Bible college?
The length of time that it takes to earn an online degree in theological studies for a Bible college depends on a variety of factors, but in general:
- An online associate’s degree at a Bible college typically requires 60 credit hours and takes two years of full time study to finish.
- An online bachelor’s degree in theology at a Bible college requires 120 credit hours and usually takes four to five years of full time study to complete.
- An online master’s degree in theology at a Bible college requires 35-48 credit hours. Graduate degrees usually take two years of full time study to complete.
It is important to note that online students in theological studies at a Bible college are often advised to complete seminary hours in addition to their online classes.
Bottom Line: Some online Bible colleges may allow transfer credits from other schools, which could shorten the time to graduation. Pursuing a degree only part-time will obviously lengthen the amount of time it takes to complete a degree program.
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Best Online Bible Colleges for Theological Studies
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Theology Degree Programs in 2023 #1 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Illinois 2023 #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
53%
Student body
2K
What is Moody Bible Institute known for?
Moody Bible Institute’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Moody Bible Institute has an online Bachelor of Science in Theological Studies that is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education. Students at this Bible college can attend the Moody Theological Seminary at the Chicago main campus and explore more courses to know the Bible, apply biblical truth, and better communicate the Scriptures.
Students participate in various classes at Moody Bible Institute that allow them to articulate their beliefs better. Coursework involves research, writing, studying, and teaching the Bible. Students receive an online education that matches the rigor of on-campus degree programs.
Prospective students should submit their high school transcripts, autobiographical essays, and two reference letters and pay a non-refundable application fee. SAT or ACT scores are optional.
100% Online | Self-Paced
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Cost per Credit
- In State: $399
- Out of State: $399
Moody Bible Institute’s Online Degrees
BS in Biblical Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Integrated Ministry Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Ministry Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Theological Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
62%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1090/20
What is Lancaster Bible College known for?
Lancaster Bible College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Lancaster Bible College prepares students for theology careers through their online Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies This Bible college is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
Students at Lancaster Bible college can choose to blend online courses with on-campus intensives to gain more hands-on learning experience from the faculty with years of experience in pastoral ministry. This is one of the few web-based programs in Biblical Studies offering various minors, including Business Administration, Human Services, Ministry Leadership, and Criminal Justice.
Interested Christian students must submit official transcripts from previously attended institutions, standardized test scores, and local church or religious organization referrals.
100% Online | Fast-Paced
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Cost per Credit
- In State: $375
- Out of State: $375
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
40%
Graduation
50%
Student body
<1K
What is Summit Christian College known for?
A top-ranked Bible college, Summit Christian College, offers a BA and BS in Biblical Studies. The Association for Biblical Higher Education accredits both programs. SCC also offers a low student-faculty ratio. Furthermore, the college offers one of the most affordable tuition rates of any of the Christian schools in our ranking.
Students who want to focus on the original languages of the Bible should opt for the BA degree, while those interested in training for the clergy should choose the BS degree program. Students can also pursue seminar and certificate programs while pursuing their bachelor’s degree.
Students interested in applying for the Bible studies program should submit official high school or college transcripts with a minimum 2.0 GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and character references.
100% Online | Self-Paced
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Cost per Credit
- In State: $230
- Out of State: $230
Average Tuition
- In-state: $7,958
- Out-of-state: $7,958
- #16 Best Online Associate Degrees in Texas 2023 #17 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry #21 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies #22 Best Online Master's in Theology
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
41%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1050/23
What is The King's University known for?
The King's University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
King’s University is a top-ranked Bible college to obtain a high-quality education in Christian studies. The online Bachelor of Biblical and Theological Studies equips students with the necessary abilities to become part of various Christian ministries.
Students can develop Christian leadership skills by concentrating their studies on the land of the Bible, Israel. The program aims to help students gain a strong biblical education and be ready to examine the key individuals, locations, and events in the Old and New Testaments. In addition to online courses, students must complete Practicum Prep and Junior Ministry Practicum courses.
Applicants should submit official high school transcripts with a minimum 2.5 GPA or the equivalent, and official SAT, ACT, or CLT scores.
100% Online | Self-Paced
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Cost per Credit
- In State: $475
- Out of State: $475
Average Tuition
- In-state: $12,720
- Out-of-state: $12,720
Accreditation: Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools
The King's University ’s Online Degrees
BA in General Christian Studies
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Christian Ministries
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Biblical and Theological Studies
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
66%
Student body
<1K
What is Ozark Christian College known for?
Ozark Christian College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The Association for Biblical Higher Education fully accredits Ozark Christian College’s online Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies. The program at this Bible college comprises many Bible and professional education courses and a strong biblical emphasis designed with adults in mind.
Like the other traditional degrees at OCC, this online degree requires students to complete academically rigorous courses. Additionally, this program allows online students to train for various ministry and community service positions.
Online students must only submit their official high school or college transcripts. There are no GPA and standardized test scores requirements and no application fee.
100% Online | Self-Paced
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Cost per Credit
- In State: $456
- Out of State: $456
Average Tuition
- In-state: $21,138
- Out-of-state: $21,138
Ozark Christian College’s Online Degrees
BA in Biblical Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Biblical Education
- Professional Education
- General Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$15K
Graduation
46%
Student body
<1K
What is Lincoln Christian University known for?
Lincoln Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Students who want to study on-campus at a Bible college should opt for Lincoln Christian University’s traditional Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies. This degree program provides an intensive scholarly study of scripture to prepare future religious leaders in the 21st century.
Students enroll in courses that provide linguistic, historical, and theological information. This degree program is also designed to help students pursue their master’s degrees and develop more competency in leadership positions in the community.
Applicants are expected to have a minimum 3.0 GPA in English, math, science, and social studies. Standardized test scores are required for applicants below 23 years of age.
On-Campus
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Cost per Credit
- In State: $484
- Out of State: $484
Average Tuition
- In-state: $15,300
- Out-of-state: $15,300
Lincoln Christian University’s Online Degrees
BA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Christian Ministry
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Christian Counseling Degree Programs #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2023 #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2023 #15 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
53%
Student body
<1K
What is Davis College known for?
Davis College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The Online Bachelor of Religious Education degree at Davis College is a part of the Association for Biblical Higher Education and is accredited to train Christian students for Christian ministry positions. It is one of the best online degree programs for students seeking a Bible college with an option for specialized study.
Students can major in Christian Counseling, Christian Ministries, Intercultural Ministries, Organizational Leadership, Pastoral Studies, Teaching English as a Second Language, or Youth Ministries.
To apply, you need to submit your official transcripts. There is no GPA cut-off. SAT and ACT scores are optional.
100% Online | Self-Paced
Credits to Graduate: 121
Average Cost per Credit
- In State: $325
- Out of State: $325
Average Tuition
- In-state: $17,150
- Out-of-state: $17,150
Davis College ’s Online Degrees
BRE in Religious Education
Degree Concentrations
- Christian Counseling
- Christian Ministries
- Intercultural Ministries
- Music/Worship Leader
- Organizational Leadership
- Pastoral Studies
- Teaching English as a Second Language
- Youth Ministry
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
42%
Student body
<1K
What is God's Bible School and College known for?
God's Bible School and College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
God’s Bible School and College, another top-ranked Bible college, offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Biblical & Theological Studies that is rooted in the rich tradition in Wesleyan-Arminian theology. The Association for Biblical Higher Education has accredited GBSC.
Students in the program must complete various courses designed to hone their leadership abilities and prepare them for ministry roles. Students will comprehensively understand traditional Christian theology and the unique Wesleyan theology.
Applicants must submit their official transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students with lower GPAs can be considered but will have a conditional status.
100% Online | Self-Paced
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Cost per Credit
- In State: $250
- Out of State: $250
Average Tuition
- In-state: $7,046
- Out-of-state: $7,046
#9 Saint Louis Christian College
On-Campus
Average Cost per Credit
In State: $415
Out of State: $415
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Tuition
In-state: $13,280
Out-of-state:$13,280
Retention Rate: 75%
Admission Rate: 27.8%
Students Enrolled: 62
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 3.23%
Accreditation: Council for Higher Education Accreditation
Another Bible college for students who want to enroll in traditional academic programs is Saint Louis Christian College’s Associate of Arts in General Studies. The Association for Biblical Higher Education has accredited this Christian College.
This degree program uses an investigative approach to help students relay their ideas and points better. This on-campus program allows students to question life and God. Students study various fields, including Bible and Theology, Personal Finance, American History, and many other biblical courses.
Applicants must submit official transcripts from accredited high schools or have high GED scores. There’s no minimum GPA requirement.
#10 Manna University
100% Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
In State: $300
Out of State: $300
Credits to Graduate: 39
Average Tuition
In-state: $5,783
Out-of-state: $5,783
Retention Rate: 33%
Admission Rate: 100%
Students Enrolled: 235
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 75.74%
Accreditation: Association for Biblical Higher Education
Manna University’s graduate school offers one of the most flexible and affordable master’s degrees offered at any Bible college. The online Master of Arts in Biblical Studies Program is best for students looking to advance in Bible-based careers.
Students in the program learn how to use advanced hermeneutics in various situations. On top of online courses, students must complete a graduate thesis, where they’ll examine every book of the Bible, biblical languages, and biblical leadership.
Applicants must submit an essay about their conversion experience and a pastoral and personal reference. While not required, applicants are preferred to have a minimum 2.0 GPA on all their official transcripts.
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Careers for Online Bible Colleges Graduates in Theological Studies
Getting a Christian education through a degree in theology is a great option if you want to pursue a career in a Christian field, such as Christian ministry, Christian leadership, or Christian counseling, among others. But, it can also be an excellent choice for students seeking a career in sectors outside religion.
Some of the most common career paths you can pursue after completing a degree from the best online Bible colleges, aside from clergy, with a theological studies degree include:
- Postsecondary Religious Educator: If you’re interested in helping other people understand spiritual texts, you can become a university professor. Postsecondary religious educators provide students in Bible colleges with theological-based learning and facilitate conversations about how theology has influenced the world.
- High school teacher: If you cannot pursue a doctorate but still want to impart knowledge to like-minded people, you can obtain a master’s degree and become a high school teacher in a private Christian school. As a theology instructor, you will discuss the origins of religion, its evolution, and its effects on adherents to its practices.
- Youth counselor: Perhaps working with our country’s future leaders— children—is your passion. You are, therefore, ideal for a profession as a youth counselor. You’ll have the opportunity to have a direct impact on a child’s life. You can help them overcome family issues, mental health challenges, or substance addiction issues, among others.
In this capacity, you might be teaching those who, like yourself, wish to pursue theology as a profession or others taking the course as a part of a larger education. This position, however, will require students to continue in graduate programs.
Average Annual Salary: $79,640
It is important to note that a master’s degree in theological studies from an online Bible college alone will not qualify you for a teaching position in a public school system. An additional teacher certification would be required in order to teach in a public school setting.
Average Annual Salary: $61,820
Average Annual Salary: $32,944
Financing Your Online Bible College Study
Because many online Bible colleges are private institutions, they often do not accept or receive federal funds from the government. This means that their students are usually not qualified for the federal financial aid. You should enroll in online Bible colleges with regional accreditation if you want higher chances of obtaining federal financial aid and student loans.
So, what are your options?
You can apply for academic scholarships.
Online Bible colleges often give students academic scholarships using private funds. However, scholarships of this type are difficult to obtain.
You need stellar academic performance or participation in a particular field of study. Your school’s financial aid office should have a list of the scholarships offered and instructions on submitting an application.
You can apply for scholarships and grants from private organizations.
Students actively involved in their local church or other private organizations may qualify for special grants and scholarships available to members of those organizations. These groups frequently work to grow their membership and congregation by offering educational opportunities that inspire students to pay back the financial aid with the skills they acquire in school.
These financial aid opportunities, however, might not be enough to finance your degree.
You can obtain private loans.
You can obtain private loans if you’re ineligible for federal student loans. But unlike federal loans, private student loans have higher interest rates and often have strict repayment schedules.
The interest rate on private loans is determined by the student’s or their parents’ credit and financial position. Following the terms stated in the loan agreement, these loans must be repaid after graduation.
Back to TopFrequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between online Bible schools and Christian colleges and universities?
A Christian education and study of the Bible are both emphasized in online Bible schools and Christian colleges. The distinct difference between the two is that online Bible schools will equip students to serve Christ in the context of church administration—your coursework and campus life will be steeped in spirituality. You’ll also need to adhere to a strong moral code. The student body in an online Bible college is typically smaller than that at most Christian colleges.
On the other hand, on-campus and online Christian colleges and universities integrate biblical principles into your online coursework, but they won’t be the sole focus. The student body in Christian colleges will likely be large, and the rules will be less stringent.
Why study theology?
The benefits of studying theology go far beyond potential employment opportunities, whether arguing matters of religious ethics, evaluating claims that God exists, or reflecting on a protracted metaphysical debate.
What’s the difference between religious studies and theological studies?
Theological studies at online Bible schools analyze religion through the prism of a single religion. It challenges students to reflect on and engage in philosophical discussion of the existence of the divine and the meaning of life. On the other hand, religious studies at online Bible schools are excellent for those with an academic interest in world religions since they take a much more objective approach to faith.
Are Bible Colleges worth it?
The worth of Bible colleges depends on a person’s interest. But if you feel called to enter the Christian ministry, then Bible colleges are worth it.
Make sure to find traditional colleges or online schools that are accredited by colleges and schools commission agencies to be sure of the quality of education being delivered. If you’re unsure, consider your options and ask the Lord how you might best serve him. After all, serving God doesn’t require one to attend a Bible or Christian school to obtain a degree.
