Best Online Christian Colleges in Arkansas for 2025
Learn about the top online Christian colleges in Arkansas. Get answers to commonly asked questions about the different types of Christian schools and attending a Christian college in Arkansas.
Interested in attending a Christian college or university in Arkansas? Perhaps you're looking for a school where you can study online.
If so, look no further. In this article, we'll talk about some of the best online Christian colleges and answer some related questions you may have.
Featured Accredited Christian Colleges Online in Arkansas
There are seven Christian schools in Arkansas offering online education. Let's take a closer look at each of these schools.
1. John Brown University
John Brown University is located in Siloam Springs. It is an interdenominational Christian school that was established in 1919. It enrolls around 2,300 students.
The school provides both online and in-person degrees. For students interested in online learning, some of the available programs include:
- Psychology
- Organizational Leadership
- Marketing
- Cybersecurity
- General Studies
One associate degree can be completed online; all other programs are bachelor's degrees.
2. Central Baptist College
Central Baptist College is a small private school in Conway. Affiliated with the Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas, the school enrolls around 900 students
Though it offers a wide range of campus-based programs, it also offers several Professional Adult College Education (PACE) degrees that can be completed online. These include:
- Business Analytics
- Church Administration
- Leadership and Ministry
- Human Resource Management
- Business Information Systems
Students can complete these programs on a flexible schedule and in whatever format works best for them (online, in person, or a hybrid format).
3. Williams Baptist University
Williams Baptist University is another private Baptist school. Located in Walnut Ridge, it began operations in 1941 and currently enrolls around 600 students.
This school offers mostly campus-based degree programs; however, it offers one online bachelor's degree completion program: a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice.
This program is specifically designed for law enforcement personnel who already hold an associate degree or significant transferable credits. All coursework can be completed entirely online.
4. Ouachita Baptist University
Ouachita Baptist University is yet another Baptist school offering online degree options. It is located in Arkadelphia and enrolls around 1,800 students.
The school offers several online graduate and undergraduate degree programs, including a couple of degree completion programs. Bachelor's degrees include:
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Organizational Leadership
- Christian Studies
- RN to BSN
- Psychology
Online courses are offered in eight-week blocks for flexible scheduling. The above degrees are available fully online, though some hybrid degree options are also available.
5. Harding University
Harding University, located in Searcy, is the largest Christian school in Arkansas. Established in 1924, it is affiliated with the Churches of Christ and enrolls nearly 4,900 students.
This school offers online, in-person, and hybrid degree programs to fit the needs of many different students. Online programs available include:
- Applied Dietetics
- Bible and Ministry
- History
- Special Education
- Translation
Bachelor's and master's degree programs are available, as well as various certificate and licensure programs.
6. Ecclesia College
Ecclesia College is a very small private school in Springdale. It was founded in 1975 and has fewer than 200 students.
The school offers several online programs, most of which lead to bachelor's degrees. Some of the degree options include:
- Business Administration
- Psychology and Counseling
- Christian Leadership
- Biblical Studies
- General Studies
Online classes are highly flexible, allowing students to study when and where it's convenient for them. Most classes are eight weeks long.
7. Champion Christian College
Champion Christian College is located in Hot Springs. It is one of the newest schools in the state, having been founded in 2005, and it enrolls around 150 students.
One associate's degree and two bachelor's degrees can be completed online through this school. These degree programs are as follows:
- Associate of Arts in Professional Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Church Ministries
Students complete courses on a schedule and meet deadlines but have the flexibility to study anytime throughout the week, whenever it is convenient for them.
Types of Online Christian Colleges
There are various types of Christian colleges, each with slight distinctions in how they are defined.
Let's take a closer look at three of the most common kinds of online Christian colleges.
Online Bible College
An online Bible college primarily provides ministry-specific degree programs. Bible colleges are typically small and offer a limited number of degrees.
Common Bible college degree options include:
- Theology
- Leadership and Ministry
- Christian Ministry
- Bible Studies
- Christian Counseling
Bible colleges offer targeted degree programs for students interested in pursuing careers in the mission field, as clergy members, or in other ministry-related areas.
Online Private Christian Schools
Private Christian schools are typically larger and broader than Bible colleges.
They often enroll a greater number of students and have a wider variety of degree programs, all taught from a Christian perspective.
Whereas most Bible colleges offer only ministry-specific degrees, Christian colleges may also offer a variety of traditional degrees in the arts, sciences, technology, education, business, and healthcare fields.
Most of the schools discussed above fall into the category of private Christian schools.
Online Seminary
Online seminaries are very similar to online Bible colleges. However, the degrees and programs offered may be even more targeted and specific.
Seminaries typically provide highly specialized degrees in pastoral ministries, youth ministries, and more to prepare students for specific roles.
Students hoping to become pastors or other clergy members often attend seminaries.
Is There a Free Christian College in Arkansas?
There are no free Christian colleges in Arkansas. All of the schools discussed in this article charge tuition and fees for their programs.
However, it is possible to attend school for free or nearly free if you qualify for financial aid, participate in a work-study program, or obtain tuition assistance from an employer.
You can also cover the costs of attending school by applying for various scholarships.
Scholarships for Christian Colleges in Arkansas
Some of the schools on this list offer scholarships to qualifying students. Check with your school of choice to find out what scholarship options are available to you.
The Arkansas Baptist Foundation also provides several scholarships that can help cut costs for students.
Finally, you can apply for a variety of scholarships available in your state, many of which are not limited to students planning to attend a Christian school. Some of the options available include:
- Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship
- Christian Connector Scholarship
- Garner Trust Scholarship
Find an Online Christian College Today
If you're ready to start your Christian college journey, check out the online Christian schools in Arkansas discussed above.
With any luck, you'll find one that will meet your interests and professional goals.