This article provides you with a list of the best Christian colleges in Virginia. It also answers questions you may have about Christian colleges in Virginia.
Virginia as we all know is a state located in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States. Richmond is the state’s capital and is considered to be the cheapest metropolitan area in Virginia.
This post is not all about Virginia, so let’s quickly find out what Christian colleges in Virginia are, and how to apply to these colleges as domestic or international students.
Talking about Christian colleges, it is important you know the definition and what to expect from Christian environments.
A Christian college is one that provides instruction to help students develop a “fully formed Christian world and life view,” which will enable them to think and act correctly in whatever career God has chosen for them.
A Christian college is, to put it simply, a school or part of a school dedicated to integrating Christian studies and faith with traditional academic topics. In a Christian college, you can be sure of not just educational achievement but general body, soul, and spirit development.
Types of Christian Colleges in Virginia available for Christian Students.
There are three types of colleges that strive to ensure students develop a Christian worldview. Knowing what they are can help streamline your options.
Denominational
All around the United States, there are Christian colleges that are linked with a specific religious movement. Many are well-known for fusing academic rigor with religious principles and are well-liked by both secular and religious students. A few well-known examples are Augsburg University (Lutheran), Emory University (Methodist), and Baylor University (Baptist).
Interdenominational and Non-denominational
These Christian colleges share many academic and spiritual programs with denominational colleges, but they do not subscribe to any one particular denomination’s doctrine. In other words, they are open to persons from various denominations but they are not affiliated to any one denomination. You may be familiar with Azusa Pacific University, Gordon College, and Wheaton College among other nonreligious and interreligious institutions.
Bible/Seminary
Bible Christian colleges and seminaries are specifically focused on preparing graduates to engage in Christian ministry after graduation, in contrast to other Christian colleges that strive to incorporate a religious foundation into conventional courses of study. Pastors, missionaries, and biblical studies instructors are a few of the jobs that recent graduates of bible colleges frequently hold.
Difference between Christian Colleges in Virginia and Secular Colleges.
The table below summarises the difference between Christian colleges in Virginia and secular ones as observed in various areas of college life. From this summary, one can analyze the advantages of Christian colleges over the other and hence decide if it is necessary to attend a Christian college or not.
| Area | Christian Colleges | Secular colleges |
| Christian Student Percentage | It is not surprising that a Christian college has a greater-than-average proportion of Christian pupils. You’re more likely to find students who share your values at one of these colleges, even though some nonreligious students may choose the institution for its illustrious academic or athletic programs. | The presence of Christian students in secular colleges is by no means unusual, and some Christian students may choose their schools with a particular degree or vocation in mind. However, the likelihood that you will live with a Christian roommate or interact with Christian students in every class will probably be reduced. |
| Campus rules | Christian universities typically have tougher campus regulations with a focus on ensuring that students conduct themselves morally. Examples of rules include having distinct dorms for each sex, prohibiting students from entering the dorms of the other sex, upholding a strict no-alcohol policy, and enforcing a curfew. These restrictions help keep students in check. | Secular institutions often give students free rein to choose their behaviour, with the exception of making sure they don’t breach the law. Students can interact with members of the opposite sex on the coed floors of the dorms. Alcohol use by persons under the age of 21 is prohibited, although those above 21 are allowed to do so. Additionally, they are not required to return to campus by a certain hour. |
| Extra-curricular activities | In terms of intramural sports and dorm nights, extracurricular activities at Christian colleges frequently resemble those at secular colleges. However, they also frequently offer opportunities for mission trips during breaks from classes, chapel services, Christian speakers, and opportunities to grow your ministry. | Many of the extracurricular activities may be similar to those found at Christian institutions, but there are probably more that might be in direct opposition to the principles and beliefs upheld on Christian campuses. Examples can include boisterous Greek life communities or university events with alcohol availability. Although the chapel is not required, Christian extracurricular activities are likely to be offered. |
| Campus clubs and organizations | Christian colleges frequently have groups and clubs that are similar to those on secular campuses (e.g., there are clubs for people interested in politics, foreign languages, and certain majors), but there are also organizations that are distinctively Christian, including Campus Crusade for Christ and Young Life. | While there will presumably be a few organizations and programs that appeal to Christianity and other religions, they may be in the minority at secular colleges, which provide a wide range of clubs and programs. |
Top 10 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia
By now you should have made a decision if you want to study in a Christian college or not. But if you are a Christian student who cares about his/her faith, Christian colleges are right for you since secular ones expose you to various ideologies that may be unhealthy to your faith. This list of the best Christian colleges in Virginia will help guide your choice.
#1. Liberty University
The private university Liberty University was established in 1971. There are 48,135 undergraduate students enrolled in total (fall 2021), The campus is located in a city, and it is 7,000 acres in size. The academic calendar is based on semesters. Liberty University is ranked #331-440 in the National Universities category in the Best Colleges 2022-2023 edition. It has a net cost of $27,891 with an acceptance rate of 99% and its SAT range is 1040 – 1250.
Click here to learn more about Liberty University, one of the Christian colleges in Virginia
#2. Regent University
The private university Regent University was established in 1978. Its suburban environment, total undergraduate enrolment of 4,518 (fall 2021), and campus size of 70 acres. The academic calendar is based on semesters. The National Universities section of the Best Colleges rating for 2022–2023 places Regent University at #299. It has a net cost of $16,579 with an acceptance rate of 41% and its SAT range is 960 – 1230.
Click here to learn more about Regent University, one of the Christian colleges in Virginia
#3. Eastern Mennonite University
The private Eastern Mennonite University was established in 1917. The campus is 93 acres in size, has a total undergraduate enrolment of 958 (fall 2021), and is located in a suburban area. The academic calendar is based on semesters. Regional Universities South is where Eastern Mennonite University comes in at number 34 in the 2022–2023 edition of Best Colleges. It has a net cost of $23,936 with an acceptance rate of 95% and its SAT range is 1040 – 1590.
#4. Roanoke College
The private college Roanoke College was established in 1842. There are 1,865 undergraduate students enrolled in total (fall 2021), the campus is 80 acres in size, and the location is suburban. The academic calendar is based on semesters. In the National Liberal Arts Colleges category of the Best Colleges rating for 2022–2023, Roanoke College is ranked #120. It has a net cost of $27,758 with an acceptance rate of 80% and its SAT range is 1080 – 1230.
Click here to learn more about Roanoke College, one of the Christian colleges in Virginia
#5. University of Lynchburg
The University of Lynchburg is a private university that was established in 1903. It is located in a city, with a total undergraduate enrolment of 1,640 (fall 2021), and has a 264-acre campus. The academic calendar is based on semesters. The University of Lynchburg is ranked #219 in National Universities in the Best Colleges edition for 2022–2023. It has a net cost of $27,305 with an acceptance rate of 97% and its SAT range is 970 – 1170.
#6. Averett University
Averett University was founded in 1859 as a private institution. The campus is 185 acres in size, has a total undergraduate enrolment of 1,109 (fall 2021), and is located in a rural area. The academic calendar is based on semesters. Averett University is ranked number 24 in Regional Colleges South in the 2022–2023 edition of Best Colleges. It has a net cost of $22,674 with an acceptance rate of 48% and its SAT range is 910 – 1100.
Click here to learn more about Averett University, one of the Christian colleges in Virginia
#7. Emory & Henry College
Emory & Henry College is a private institution that was founded in 1836. It is located in a rural area, with a 325-acre campus, and 1,084 undergraduate students are enrolled there as a whole (fall 2021). The academic calendar is based on semesters. The Regional Universities South edition of Best Colleges places Emory & Henry College at #20, according to its ranking. It has a net cost of $19,797 with an acceptance rate of 87% and its SAT range is 960 – 1150.
Click here to learn more about Emory & Henry College, one of the Christian colleges in Virginia
#8. Randolph-Marcon College
Randolph-Macon College was founded in 1830 as a private university. The campus is 125 acres in size, has a total undergraduate enrolment of 1,501 (fall 2021), and is located in a suburban area. It makes use of a 4-1-4 academic schedule. In the National Liberal Arts Colleges category of the Best Colleges rating for 2022–2023, Randolph–Macon College is ranked #107. It has a net cost of $26,794 with an acceptance rate of 84% and its SAT range is 1030 – 1230.
Click here to learn more about Emory & Henry College, one of the Christian colleges in Virginia
#9. Bridgewater College
Founded in 1880, Bridgewater College is a private college. It is located in a rural area, with a total undergraduate enrolment of 1,427 (fall 2021), and has a 300-acre campus. The academic calendar is based on semesters. In the National Liberal Arts Colleges category of the Best Colleges 2022–2023 publication, Bridgewater College is ranked #156–201. It has a net cost of $19,592 with an acceptance rate of 75% and its SAT range is 1010 – 1250.
Click here to learn more about Bridgewater College, one of the Christian colleges in Virginia
#10. Mary Baldwin University
Founded in 1842, Mary Baldwin University is a private college. It is located in a city, has 1,489 undergraduate students enrolled (fall 2021), and has a 58-acre campus. It makes use of a 4-1-4 academic schedule. Mary Baldwin University is ranked #331–440 in the National Universities category in the Best Colleges 2022–2023 edition. It has a net cost of $17,525 with an acceptance rate of 100%.
Click here to learn more about Mary Baldwin University, one of the Christian colleges in Virginia
FAQS
What is the number 1 Christian college in the US?
It is recorded that the #1 Christian College is Southern Methodist University. It is located at Dallas.
What is CCCU?
CCCU stands for Council for Christian Colleges and University. It represents more than 180 Christian institutions around the world
What is the average cost of attending Christian colleges in Virginia?
An average four-year public university education costs $8,893, whereas a private university education (colleges not owned by the government) costs $30,090.
Conclusion
For Christian students, there are numerous college options that will support both your religious and intellectual interests in pursuing a degree. However, it might be challenging to know how to choose a college when there are so many options. We hope this guide made finding a Christian college in Virginia less burdensome for you.
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References
Affordablecollegesonline.org – Christian Vs Secular colleges
Onlinechristiancolleges.com – Average cost to attend a Christian college
Usnews.com – Mary Baldwin University