Top 10 Christian Colleges With Art Programs in 2025

Religious students with a passion for art may still hesitate at the idea of going to an art college, as the arts are often intentionally provocative. However, there are Christian art colleges that offer an art education in a Christ-centered environment.

While there aren't really Christian colleges that are exclusively for art, there are many quality Christian schools with strong art programs. Keep reading to learn more about the top Christian colleges with art programs.

Best Christian Art Colleges

There are several Christian colleges with art programs throughout the U.S. Below, we've highlighted some of the best Christian colleges for art majors.

1. Union University

Union University is a Southern Baptist school in Jackson, TN. It offers several bachelor's degrees in art, including options in fields like:

• ceramics
• graphic design
• photography
• studio art

All art students complete a five-course art history sequence. They're also challenged to grapple with the issues of our day and integrate Christian faith within their field of study.

• Estimated tuition cost: $40,025 per year
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)

2. Taylor University

At Taylor University, students can earn several bachelor's degrees through the Art, Film, & Media Department. Areas of study include art education, design, illustration, and studio art.

Taylor University, a nondenominational Christian institution, is located in Upland, IN. Faculty here are deeply committed to ensuring Biblical principles are embedded in every class.

• Estimated tuition cost: $40,490 per year
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Oklahoma Christian University

Oklahoma Christian University (OC) offers many bachelor's degrees through its School of Visual Art + Design. OC is a Church of Christ institution in Edmond, OK.

Bachelor's degrees here are available in areas like digital design, gaming and animation, graphic design, and interior architecture. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities in a Christ-centered environment.

• Estimated tuition cost: $27,180 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Huntington University

Art degrees at Huntington University are offered through the Department of Art & Design. Majors are available in fine arts, graphic design, studio art, and visual art education.

Huntington University, located in Huntington, IN, is affiliated with the United Brethren Church. The Department of Art & Design here is dedicated to producing artists, art educators, and designers of unique creative thought and outstanding Christian faith.

• Estimated tuition cost: $31,870 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Belmont University

Belmont University is a nondenominational Christian institution in Nashville, TN. It offers bachelor's and master's degrees through its Watkins College of Art, including degrees in fields like:

• art studies
• art history
• illustration
• visual arts

Artists may also be interested in programs through Belmont's O'More College of Architecture and Design, which includes degrees in architecture, interior design, and fashion. All programs are meant to celebrate the unique interests and talents of each student.

• Estimated tuition cost: $42,540 per year
• Accreditation: SACSCOC, NASAD

6. Lipscomb University

Students at Lipscomb University can earn bachelor's and master's degrees through the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts. Bachelor's options include animation, fashion design, game art, and visual art.

Lipscomb University, a Church of Christ school, is located in Nashville, TN. The goal of its art college is to train the next generation of believer artists who seek to uplift, challenge, and entertain culture through their art.

• Estimated tuition cost: $40,572 per year
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College uses a Christian perspective to introduce students to the theories and practices that structure the art world. Trinity is a nondenominational Christian college in Palos Heights, IL.

Bachelor's degrees here are available in art education, art therapy, digital design, graphic design, and studio arts. Minors in these fields are also available.

• Estimated tuition cost: $20,605 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Messiah University

The Department of Art and Design offers four majors: art education, digital media, graphic design, and studio art. The art education major also offers concentrations in areas like interactive design and two-dimensional studies.

Messiah University, located in Mechanicsburg, PA, is a nondenominational Christian institution. It features an on-campus gallery that displays artwork by nationally recognized artists, Messiah's art faculty, and Messiah students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $42,240 per year
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), NASAD

9. Judson University

Judson University is a private Baptist institution in Elgin, IL. It offers degrees in fields like:

• art
• graphic design
• photography
• studio art

Judson offers the same professional, comprehensive art program you would expect to find in a large public university in a small, Christian environment. It also offers degrees in areas like architecture and interior design.

• Estimated tuition cost: $31,360
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Palm Beach Atlantic University

Through the College of Art at Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA), students can earn bachelor's degrees in visual arts as well as other art fields. Visual arts degrees include majors in art education, graphic design, and studio art.

PBA, a nondenominational Christian university, is located in West Palm Beach, FL. The College of Art provides innovative and critical thinking, historical and cultural awareness, a thorough examination of the creative process, and core Christian values.

• Estimated tuition cost: $40,650 per year
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Benefits of Attending Good Christian Art Colleges

Students who are passionate about their faith will find the most benefit in attending Christian art colleges and universities. These institutions provide a faith-based education and often offer extracurricular activities that help students grow in their faith, like small groups and Bible studies.

Additionally, these schools can be a great option for art students who want to use their degree to work in a religious setting, like churches, ministries, or other types of Christian organizations.

Admission Requirements for Christian Art Schools

The admission requirements for Christian colleges with art majors can vary. Generally, you can expect to need a high school diploma or equivalent, like the GED. Many art programs also require students to send in portfolios of their work.

Other requirements you may need to meet include:

• a minimum high school GPA
• ACT/SAT test scores
• personal essays
• letters of recommendation

FAQs About Christian Art Colleges

A Christian art college can be a great way for religious students to hone their artistic skills. We've answered some frequently asked questions about these programs below.

How Much Does a Degree in Art Cost at a Christian College?

The cost of tuition at a Christian college varies by institution. Many of the schools listed above charge between $40,000 and $50,000 per year, but a few go as low as $20,000 per year.

The price you pay will depend not just on the school you choose, but also on the level of degree you're earning, the number of credit hours you need, and whether you study on campus or online. Many schools offer or accept financial aid to help students pay for their programs.

Do I Need To Believe in the Same Faith To Attend a Christian Institution?

Whether or not you need to believe in the same faith will depend strongly on the institution. There are many Christian institutions that will accept students from all faith backgrounds. At the same time, there are many that only accept Christian students, although they are usually flexible on the particular denomination.

What Can I Do With an Art Degree From a Christian College?

You can do many of the same things with a Christian art degree that you can do with an art degree from a nonreligious institution. In addition to working as an artist, you could find jobs in areas like:

• art director
• art education
• graphic design
• museum curation or management

What Is the #1 Christian College in the U.S.?

Which Christian college is the best depends on who you ask. Some schools that are commonly ranked as top Christian schools include:

• Pepperdine University
• Texas Christian University
• Baylor University
• Wheaton College

What Are Some Good Christian Colleges for Art?

Good Christian colleges for art include Union University, Taylor University, Oklahoma Christian University, and Huntington University.