Top 10 Community Colleges With Bible Classes 2025

There are many community colleges that have Bible classes, with accessible pathways into religious studies. These programs combine affordability with accredited coursework, helping learners explore faith, history, and philosophy in an academic setting.

Whether your goal is personal enrichment, ministry preparation, or transfer to a four-year university, community colleges offer flexible options to pursue higher education. Keep reading to discover the top schools offering Bible courses.

Do Community Colleges Offer Bible Classes?

Yes, many community colleges in the U.S. do offer Bible classes, usually as part of religion, philosophy, or humanities departments. These courses may include introductions to the Old and New Testaments, world religions, or comparative studies. They are often transferable to four-year schools, helping students fulfill general education requirements while exploring spiritual and cultural perspectives.

What Type of Bible Training Can I Get at a Community College?

Community colleges offer a range of Bible and religious studies training that gives you both foundational knowledge and versatile credentials. Whether you aim to deepen your personal faith, prepare for ministry, or build toward a bachelor's in theology, these programs provide flexible and accessible entry points.

• Certificate in Biblical Studies: These short-term programs offer concentrated study of Scripture, theology, and biblical languages, making them ideal for personal enrichment or foundational prep.
• Associate of Arts in Religious Studies: This two-year degree provides a broad base in world religions, ethics, biblical literature, and interpretive methods. It's an excellent option for transfer or career flexibility.
• Associate of Arts in Ministry or Christian Leadership: Focused on practical ministry skills � preaching, pastoral care, leadership, and church administration � this degree equips students for roles in faith-based organizations or works as a stepping stone to four-year ministry degrees.

10 Best Community Colleges for Bible Courses

Community colleges nationwide offer accessible Bible courses, blending affordability with quality education and transfer options for students exploring faith and academics.

1. Cerritos College

Cerritos College offers Bible and religious studies courses through its philosophy and religion department, giving students a foundation in biblical literature, world religions, and ethics. The college stands out for its strong Transfer Success Pathway, which provides two years of free tuition and guaranteed transfer options to the University of California and California State University.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,364
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), part of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

2. Austin Community College

The Associate of Arts in philosophy with religion emphasis at ACC blends philosophy, ethics, and comparative world religions. It includes courses like Philosophy of Religion and Introduction to Comparative Religion. Available fully online, the program equips students for transfer to four-year institutions or roles in religious studies and intercultural engagement.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,580
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Phoenix College

The Associate in Arts with an emphasis in religious studies program at Phoenix College offers a well-rounded exploration of world, American Indian, modern, and comparative religions. Designed for seamless transfer, it supports students pursuing careers in humanities, education, media, or theology. The college also earned the Seal of Excelencia, highlighting its commitment to student success and inclusive support.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,358
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C)

Tri-C offers a robust selection of religious studies courses, including Introduction to Religious Studies, Comparative World Religions, Religious Traditions of Western Christianity, and African-American Religious Experience. Many of these classes are part of Ohio's Transfer 36 Pathway and carry an Ohio Articulation Number (OAN), ensuring students can seamlessly transfer credits to other public colleges and universities in the state.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,958
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Wallace State Community College

The religious studies short-term certificate at Wallace State in Hanceville, AL, covers 15 credits, including History of World Religions, Interpreting the Bible, surveys of the Old and New Testaments, and the History of American Christianity. It's ideal for students seeking a focused introduction to biblical and religious studies or preparing for further academic exploration.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,220
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Butler Community College

Butler Community College offers a fully online Associate of Arts in Religion. The 60- to 61-credit hour program includes courses such as Comparative Religions, Old Testament, New Testament, and Philosophy. Designed with flexibility in mind, it prepares students for transfer or further study in religious and humanities fields.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,575
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Normandale Community College

The religious studies certificate at Normandale offers a concentrated pathway into the cultural, historical, and foundational aspects of major world religions. Students explore global belief systems and spiritual communities through courses like Introduction to World Religions and Psychology of Religion.

This rare offering � one of the few religious studies certificates at community colleges � enhances interdisciplinary learning when paired with fields like anthropology or history.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,329
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Brightpoint Community College

Brightpoint offers foundational religious studies courses, such as Religions of the World, which covers origins, doctrine, and histories of major faiths. Religions in the U.S. is another course that examines religious diversity in America. These transferable, state-recognized courses foster cultural awareness and prepare students for liberal arts or general studies pathways.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,082
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Estrella Mountain Community College

EMCC's Associate in Arts with an emphasis in religious studies offers two years of foundational study in theology, global faith traditions, and the historical and sociocultural dimensions of religion. This program prepares students for seamless transfer to bachelor's programs and future careers in fields such as social services, education, or cultural leadership.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,358
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Fullerton College

The Religious Studies Associate in Arts degree offers 18 units focused on the world's major faith traditions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and others. Courses emphasize historical, cultural, and philosophical contexts, preparing students for careers in education, social work, counseling, government service, ministry, or advanced religious research.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,150
• Accreditation: ACCJC and WASC

How We Rank Schools

We select the top community colleges with Bible courses by weighing accreditation, affordability, and program reputation.

• Accreditation: Only regionally accredited schools are included, ensuring recognized and transferable coursework.
• Affordability: We highlight colleges with lower tuition and value-driven pathways to keep education accessible.
• Program reputation: Schools are chosen for strong student outcomes, respected faculty, or well-established transfer partnerships.

FAQs About Community College Bible Programs

Students often have common questions about community college Bible programs. The following answers provide helpful insights into what these programs involve.

Can You Go To College To Study the Bible?

Yes, you can attend college to study the Bible. Community colleges, universities, and seminaries offer programs in biblical studies, theology, and religion. These range from certificates and associate degrees to advanced graduate programs, preparing students for careers in ministry, education, counseling, or further theological study at four-year institutions.

How Much Does a Bible Degree Cost at a Community College?

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the average in-district tuition and required fees for full-time community college students was $3,978 in the 2021 to 2022 academic year. This figure includes $3,307 for tuition and $671 for fees, offering an affordable pathway for students pursuing Bible or religious studies courses.

Are There Free Bible Colleges?

Yes, a few Bible colleges offer tuition-free programs, often funded by donations, endowments, or work-study commitments. However, most are highly selective and may require students to cover housing, books, or fees. Community colleges remain the more accessible and affordable option for studying the Bible with transferable coursework.

Are Bible Colleges Worth It?

Bible colleges can be worthwhile for students seeking a faith-centered education, ministry preparation, or deeper theological study. They provide specialized training in Scripture, theology, and leadership, often within a supportive Christian community. However, students should weigh accreditation, transfer options, and career goals to ensure the degree aligns with future plans.

How Do I Pick a Bible College?

When choosing a Bible college, consider accreditation, tuition, and transfer opportunities to four-year schools. Review program strengths in areas such as ministry, theology, or religious studies, and look at faculty expertise. It's also important to assess campus culture, online options, and student support services to ensure the program fits your goals.

Discover More Bible Degrees

Explore more opportunities in faith and academics by visiting Learn.org, where you'll find additional religious studies classes and transfer pathways.