Top 10 Christian Colleges With Nursing Programs in 2025
Many Christian schools offer nursing programs, allowing nursing students to complete their undergraduate or graduate education in a Christ-centered atmosphere.
Some students, especially those raised in a strongly Christian environment, prefer to continue their education at Christian schools. These schools often offer the same programs as non-religious schools, with nursing degrees being especially popular.
Students may be able to become registered nurses (RNs) through an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at these schools or further their nursing education through Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. Keep reading to learn more about Christian nursing programs.
Best Christian Nursing Schools
Several Christian schools offer nursing degrees both on-campus and online. We've highlighted some of the top Christian colleges with nursing programs below.
1. Concordia University Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) is a member of the Lutheran Concordia University system and is based in Mequon, WI, with an additional campus in Ann Arbor, MI. It offers a traditional BSN in person and an RN to BSN and MSN, as well as Christian DNP degrees, online.
CUW also offers an online undergraduate certificate in faith community nursing. The MSN is available in primary care and psychiatric mental health, while the DNP offers both a post-BSN and post-MSN track.
- Estimated tuition cost: $35,470 per year
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
2. Colorado Christian University
At Colorado Christian University (CCU), students can earn a BSN on campus or complete an RN to BSN program online in just over a year. CCU also gives students the opportunity to expand their career options with a Christian MSN degree or DNP.
CCU, a nondenominational university, is located in Lakewood, CO. The undergraduate nursing degrees provide a Christ-centered community for students, while the graduate programs include courses that integrate biblical principles for roles in nursing leadership.
- Estimated tuition cost: $41,342 per year
- Accreditation: HLC, CCNE
3. Gardner-Webb University
Gardner-Webb University (GWU) trains nurses who lead lives of service for God and humanity through its School of Nursing. GWU is a Southern Baptist institution in Boiling Springs, NC.
The School of Nursing offers multiple programs, including an Associate of Science in nursing (ASN) and BSN on campus and an RN to BSN online. It also offers graduate programs, like an MSN, DNP, and nursing certificates, on-campus and online.
- Estimated tuition cost: $34,760 per year
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
4. Indiana Wesleyan University
The nursing degrees at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) include an on-campus BSN as well as an online RN to BSN. At the graduate level, students can earn an MSN or DNP online in areas like family nursing practice and psychiatric mental health nursing practice.
IWU, located in Marion, IN, is a Methodist university. It provides all students with evidence-based academic programs and Christ-centered support.
- Estimated tuition cost: $32,352 per year
- Accreditation: HLC, CCNE
5. Liberty University
Liberty University is a conservative evangelical school in Lynchburg, VA, that was founded by famed televangelist Jerry Falwell Sr. It offers an on-campus pre-licensure bachelor's degree that includes more than 550 hours of clinical experiences.
Online, Liberty offers an RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing practice. The master's degree offers concentrations in community health, health policy, nursing administration, and more.
- Estimated tuition cost: $22,362 per year
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, CCNE
6. McKendree University
Nursing students at McKendree University can complete their bachelor's degree or further their nursing careers with a graduate degree through online learning. The BSN is for those who already have their RN license and includes nursing courses and two practicum experiences.
McKendree University, a Methodist school, is located in Lebanon, IL. The MSN here offers concentrations in education and management/administration.
- Estimated tuition cost: $34,740 per year
- Accreditation: HLC, CCNE
7. Morningside University
Morningside University offers an in-person BSN that prepares students for roles in the nursing profession and to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Morningside is a Methodist university in Sioux City, IA.
The School of Nursing at Morningside also offers various online options, including an RN to BSN, MSN, and DNP. Post-master's certificates are also available to nurse practitioners who want to change or expand the scope of their patient care.
- Estimated tuition cost: $39,660 per year
- Accreditation: HLC, CCNE
8. Point Loma Nazarene University
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is a great option for students looking for Christian colleges in California with nursing programs. It offers an in-person BSN, online RN to BSN, and online MSN and DNP options.
PLNU, located in San Diego, is a private Nazarene university. The nursing programs here provide state-of-the-art technology, caring nursing faculty, and a faith-based curriculum focused on servant leadership.
- Estimated tuition cost: $46,250 per year
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), CCNE
9. University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Southern Baptist institution in Mobile, AL. It offers an ASN, traditional and accelerated BSN, RN to BSN program, and MSN and DNP options to nursing students.
The school has a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate and provides hands-on learning through a high-tech lab. The university believes that its deep compassion and a Christian commitment to loving people are what make the nursing graduates here stand out.
- Estimated tuition cost: $26,910 per year
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, ACEN, CCNE
10. William Carey University
Through William Carey University (WCU), students have multiple options for completing their nursing major, including a traditional BSN, LPN to BSN track, and an online RN to BSN. Students can further their studies with an MSN or DNP in nursing education.
WCU, a Baptist institution, is located in Hattiesburg, MS. The goal of its nursing department is to create compassionate, qualified nurses who live out the call to care.
- Estimated tuition cost: $15,480 per year
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, CCNE
Benefits of Attending Christian Nursing Colleges
Students who are passionate about their faith or want to grow more in their faith will get the most benefit out of attending Christian schools with nursing programs. These schools provide a nursing education through a religious lens and often offer Christ-centered extracurriculars, like on-campus Bible studies and church groups.
Admissions Requirements for Christian Nursing School
Admission requirements for a nursing degree program will depend on which College of Nursing you attend, as well as what level nursing degree you're earning.
Pre-licensure nursing programs sometimes accept students straight out of high school, but sometimes they require things like:
- a minimum GPA
- completion of pre-nursing and health sciences prerequisites
- personal essay
- letters of recommendation
RN to BSN programs require that you have an associate degree in nursing and have a valid, unencumbered nursing license.
Graduate programs usually require a BSN, although there are some pathways for those with an associate degree. You'll need a valid nursing license and may need a certain amount of professional nursing experience.
FAQs About Christian Colleges Offering Nursing Programs
Christian nursing schools can be a great option for some students. Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about Christian universities with nursing programs.
How Much Does a Degree in Nursing Cost at a Christian College?
Degrees at Christian colleges are often more expensive than degrees at public institutions, and can range from $15,000 to over $50,000 per year. Several factors will affect your costs, including:
- what school you choose
- what level of degree you're earning
- whether you study on campus or online
- how many credit hours you need
- what financial aid you qualify for
Do I Need To Believe in the Same Faith To Attend a Christian Institution?
Whether or not you need to be the same faith to attend a Christian institution depends on the institution. Some schools are welcoming to students of all religious backgrounds. Others only accept Christian students, although they don't necessarily need to be of the same denomination.
What Can I Do With a Nursing Degree From a Christian College?
You can do the same things with a nursing degree from an accredited Christian college that you can do with a nursing degree from any other accredited school. An undergraduate nursing degree typically allows you to pursue licensure as a registered nurse, while an in-person or online Christian nurse practitioner program prepares you for NP or APRN licensure.
Are There Programs That Will Pay for Nursing School at Christian Colleges?
There are numerous financial aid options for nursing students at Christian schools. All students should start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what they qualify for.
FAFSA will assess your eligibility for state and federal aid. Many schools also use it to determine how much institutional aid you can receive. If you still need assistance, look for nursing scholarships from private programs.
What Are the Benefits of Attending a Christian Nursing Program?
Students attending a Christian nursing program have the benefit of knowing that their fellow students and faculty members share similar beliefs. These schools also often provide religious services or extracurricular activities for students.