Top 10 Most Affordable Online Christian Colleges in 2026

Students who are passionate about their faith often prefer to attend a Christian college. However, private schools, including Christian ones, can often be more expensive than attending a public institution. Additionally, not all students have the time or ability to learn on campus.

For these students, an affordable online Christian college may be the answer. These offer flexible programs, a Christian worldview, and a price tag on par with, or even lower than, some public schools. Keep reading to learn more about affordable online Christian colleges.

How Much Does an Online Christian College Cost?

The cost of an online Christian college can vary significantly between schools. Some charge over $800 per credit hour, while more affordable Christian colleges charge less than $400 per credit hour.

What Financial Aid Options Are There for Affordable Bible Colleges Online?

Whether you're looking for affordable Bible colleges or just generally cheap Christian colleges, you have a few financial aid options, including:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines what federal and state student aid you qualify for and is often necessary to receive institutional aid
• institutional scholarships and grants
• scholarships through private organizations

There are various tools, such as the scholarship finder on the U.S. Department of Labor's CareerOneStop website, that can help students search for scholarship and grant opportunities from private sources.

Cheapest Online Christian Colleges

There are several affordable Christian universities in the U.S. Below, we've highlighted some of the cheapest Christian colleges with online programs.

1. Sterling College

Sterling College is an evangelical Christian school in Sterling, KS. It offers online bachelor's degrees in areas like:

• business administration
• Christian thought
• education
• history

The school also offers an online Master of Arts (MA) in sports ministry. Additionally, students can complete gen ed courses and a special education add-on endorsement online.

• Estimated tuition cost: $175 per credit
• Financial aid: Sterling College accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of the Cumberlands

At the University of the Cumberlands, students can earn associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online. Fields of study include business, computer science, education, and social sciences.

University of the Cumberlands, a Baptist institution, is located in Williamsburg, KY. It uses a ''one price promise,'' which includes all fees and textbooks wrapped into the tuition cost.

• Estimated tuition cost: $220 per credit
• Financial aid: University of the Cumberlands offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Union Commonwealth University

Union Commonwealth University offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Union is a Methodist university in Barbourville, KY.

Bachelor's degrees are available in business, law enforcement, nursing, and substance abuse. Master's degrees are available in fields like business administration, healthcare administration, and management.

• Estimated tuition cost: $225 per credit
• Financial aid: Union Commonwealth University offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Central Methodist University

Central Methodist University (CMU) offers various bachelor's and master's degrees online. Fields of study include business, education, healthcare, and psychology.

CMU, located in Fayette, MO, is a Methodist university. It offers a Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant for qualifying adult students earning their bachelor's degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $275 per credit
• Financial aid: CMU accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Central Christian College of Kansas

Central Christian College of Kansas (CCCK) is a Methodist school in McPherson, KS. It offers primarily bachelor's degrees online in areas like:

• business administration
• criminal justice
• health and human services
• organizational leadership

Online associate degrees are available in arts and criminal justice, and an online Master of Strategic Leadership is available as well. Even with the low tuition costs, 97% of students at CCCK receive financial aid.

• Estimated tuition cost: $288 per credit
• Financial aid: CCCK accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Stillman College

Students at Stillman College can earn bachelor's degrees online. These degrees are available in business administration, criminal justice, and psychology.

This Presbyterian school is a historically Black college (HBCU) and it's located in Tuscaloosa, AL. Courses here are offered in eight-week and 16-week terms and are flexible for busy students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $292 per credit
• Financial aid: Stillman offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Avila University

Avila University offers numerous online bachelor's and master's degrees to students. Avila is a Catholic institution in Kansas City, MO.

Online fields of study for bachelor's degrees include business, cybersecurity, criminology, and social work. Students are allowed to transfer in up to 90 credit hours into their bachelor's program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $300 per credit
• Financial aid: Avila accepts aid through FAFSA as well as private aid, including employer tuition assistance.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Hampton University

Online associate through doctoral degrees are available at Hampton University. Bachelor's students can earn degrees in areas like business management, criminal justice, nursing, and religious studies.

Hampton University, located in Hampton, VA, is a Christian HBCU. It offers a couple of scholarship opportunities specifically for adult students returning to school for their bachelor's.

• Estimated tuition cost: $300 per credit
• Financial aid: Hampton University accepts FAFSA and private aid and offers institutional financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Lindsey Wilson College

Lindsey Wilson College is a Methodist school in Columbia, KY. It offers bachelor's degrees online in a few fields of study, including:

• business administration
• communication
• human services and counseling
• nursing

Additionally, students can earn an online master's degree in areas like business administration, counseling, cybersecurity, and data science. About 95% of students at Lindsey Wilson receive financial aid.

• Estimated tuition cost: $312 per credit
• Financial aid: Lindsey Wilson College accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Evangel University

Through Evangel University, students can earn their associate, bachelor's, or master's degrees online. Fields of study for online bachelor's degrees include business management, church ministries, and criminal justice.

Evangel University, an Assemblies of God school, is located in Springfield, MO. It offers discounts to students who are employees of partner organizations, Assemblies of God employees, or members of certain church education partners.

• Estimated tuition cost: $320 per credit
• Financial aid: Evangel University offers educational discounts to qualifying students. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the cheapest online Bible colleges and Christian schools listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All institutions on this list are regionally accredited.
• Affordability and financial aid: All schools charge less than $350 per credit and accept outside aid, and many offer their own aid as well.
• Program reputation: Every institution is nonprofit and known for offering quality education programs.

FAQs About Affordable Online Bible Colleges

Affordable Christian colleges can be a great option for many students. Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about cheap Bible colleges and Christian schools to help you determine if this is the right option for you.

Is Online Christian College Worth It?

For many students, an online Christian college is worth it. These schools allow students to earn their degree in a flexible format and in a Christ-centered environment.

What Degrees Can You Earn From the Most Affordable Christian Colleges?

The schools above offer several degree options. Some of the most common fields of study include:

• business
• computer science
• criminal justice
• healthcare
• social sciences

Are There Any Free Christian Colleges?

There are no Christian colleges that are inherently free. However, by combining affordable tuition rates with financial aid, you can completely cover your tuition costs without loans or paying out of pocket.

How Long Does It Take To Earn a Degree at an Online Christian College?

In general, it takes the same amount of time to earn a degree at a Christian college as it takes to earn one at a non-religious college. On average, bachelor's degrees take about four years to earn, but the length depends on whether you have previous college credits and what pace you take your courses.

What Can You Do With a Degree From an Affordable Online Christian College?

As long as the college is regionally accredited, you can do the same thing with a degree from an affordable online Christian college that you can do with that degree from any other school. Your specific career opportunities will depend on your major.

Explore Christian Colleges

Find the perfect school for you by exploring the best affordable Christian colleges featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.