Are There Tuition-Free Online Bible Colleges?

If you want to gain a deeper understanding of Christianity and doctrine, then it makes sense to study its holy texts. Now, you can find several online lectures and tutorials, which allow beginners and intermediate Bible scholars to delve further into scripture. In this article, we'll introduce you to several affordable or tuition-free online Bible colleges.

How Much Does Bible College Cost?

A traditional Bible college could cost tens of thousands of dollars, especially if you enroll in a bachelor's degree program. There are, however, many free Bible colleges online from accredited educational institutions. Some even offer a free or low-cost certification for those who wish to pursue active ministry.

Are There Tuition-Free Online Bible Colleges?

Yes, there are several free Bible colleges, such as Christian Leaders Institute (CLI), which offer multiple free classes. You can find specific courses dedicated specifically to the Old Testament, New Testament, St. Paul's epistles, the four Gospels, and many other focused topics.

How To Make Your Degree Affordable

Perhaps you have an enthusiasm for Biblical scholarship but cannot afford to invest in an expensive education at a Christian college. If so, then consider these tips for finding a cheaper way to earn a degree or take individual Bible courses.

• Find a free Bible college online.
• Identify degree programs with generous financial aid options.
• Audit classes at a Christian college or online for free.
• Explore online community colleges with low tuition rates.

Free and Low-Cost Online Bible Colleges

Here is a list of low-cost and tuition-free accredited online Bible colleges. This section describes each program, estimated costs, and the organizations' accreditation statuses.

1. Christian Leaders Institute

CLI offers several hours of free online content for prospective Christian ministers. It costs nothing to create a free student account. Anyone can gain access to about 150 free courses and mini-courses covering diverse Bible topics.

CLI's online Bible school features training and instruction from over 50 reputable theological professors, which you can enjoy from your computer, smartphone, or tablet anytime.

• Estimated tuition cost: Free
• Accreditation: Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)

2. Hillsdale College

Hillsdale College is an accredited Christian school with various degree programs and plenty of course content free to the public. This includes hundreds of hours of video lectures from esteemed theologians.

These mini courses cover religious topics, such as ancient Christianity and the Book of Genesis, along with secular/literary content, such as commentary on Dante's Divine Comedy and an Introduction to the Constitution.

• Estimated tuition cost: Free
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Online Bible Institute

The Online Bible Institute offers a mix of free courses, certificate programs, diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees. While there may be tuition charges for academic degree programs, this organization offers all individual courses for free.

The registration process is simple, and the institute also uploads new podcasts on popular religious topics.

• Estimated tuition cost: Free
• Accreditation: Commission for Independent Education of the Florida Department of Education (CIEFDE)

4. In His Hands International Bible College

The In His Hands International Bible College offers free courses along with affordable certificate and degree programs online. It also provides resources for transferring its course credits to other degree-granting institutions.

This organization has course offerings taught by academic professors from several other Bible schools, such as Saints Academy Bible College and Powerhouse International Christian University.

• Estimated tuition cost: Free courses
• Accreditation: American Accrediting Association of Theological Institutions (AAATI)

5. Victorious Christian Bible University

Victorious Christian Bible University offers free online courses for students in over 72 countries. This college is tuition-free for all its courses except for small administrative fees. It encourages students to enjoy all its course offerings in order to answer ''God's-given call'' to active ministry.

• Estimated tuition cost: Free
• Accreditation: International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary & Higher Education (QAHE)

6. Tennessee Bible College

Tennessee Bible College has plenty of free resources for students in pursuit of a Bible-centered education. Although these courses do not carry college credit, the college promotes them as a terrific way to deepen your understanding of Christian theology. Most of its courses come in either English or Spanish language formats.

• Estimated tuition cost: Free
• Accreditation: Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC)

7. International College of the Bible

The International College of the Bible offers tuition-free distance-learning content for anyone who wishes to explore the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Students who enjoy this free content can also explore the college's degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

• Estimated tuition cost: Free
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission International for Schools, Colleges, and Theological Seminaries (ACISCTS)

8. Dallas Theological Seminary

The Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) has enjoyed a strong reputation for training ministers in non-denominational Christianity since 1924. You can enroll in DTS's free online courses in subjects like the Gospel of John, Martin Luther's Reformation, the Book of Revelation, Pauline epistles, and Bible apologetics.

• Estimated tuition cost: This institution is free to attend for individual online courses.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

9. Covenant Theological Seminary

Covenant Theological Seminary offers its seminary courses 100% online for free. It contains over 1,000 hours of Biblical and ministry content after you complete its brief registration process. You can also explore other topics like Christian outreach, church history, counseling, and Christian theology.

• Estimated tuition cost: About 1,000 hours of free online Bible and ministry content.
• Accreditation: The Association of Theological Schools (ATS)

10. Bridges Christian College

Bridges Christian College offers affordable tuition rates for its various degree programs in Christian theology. It promises a debt-free education and participates in federal funding programs through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The school's Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biblical studies costs only $200 per trimester thanks to scholarship funding from generous donations. Students can apply for grants and scholarships by using the school's FAFSA code: 042995.

• Estimated tuition cost: $200 per trimester
• Accreditation: ABHE

How We Rank Schools

This is how Learn.org ranks the free online Bible college options above. Our list includes only accredited Bible programs with strong reputations and affordable enrollment opportunities.

• Accreditation: Each Bible college must hold some type of academic or religious accreditation to ensure authentic scriptural education.
• Affordability and financial aid: We selected affordable or free online programs for this list.
• Program reputation: These nonprofit organizations and colleges enjoy a solid reputation among Christian communities.

FAQs About Tuition-Free Online Bible Colleges

Here are a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) about attending a free Bible college online. This section addresses the value of these programs, cost concerns, and what you can do with them.

Is Online Bible College Worth It?

Yes, the best free online Bible colleges grant learners the chance to broaden their perspective of holy texts and sometimes use their acquired knowledge to begin careers in Christian ministry. Since these programs are affordable or 100% free, Christians should find them edifying just for the sake of learning more about their religion.

Can I Use Federal Financial Aid at Tuition-Free Bible Colleges?

If you enroll in a ''free'' program, it is unlikely you will require financial aid. However, there may be opportunities to lower your costs with grants and scholarships if you attend a four-year degree program with tuition charges.

What Can You Do With a Degree From a Tuition-Free Online Bible College?

These degree programs may help you enter Christian ministry or find employment at Christian-friendly businesses and nonprofit organizations. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has a section on religious workers with typical salary figures. The BLS shows several career paths for Christians who work for religious organizations, private schools, Christian colleges, and healthcare facilities while earning salaries ranging from about $40,000 to $70,000 per year.

Explore Bible Colleges

Check out all our other resources for online colleges, certification programs, and more. Learn.org has an extensive library of information regarding free online learning opportunities at accredited Bible colleges.