Christian colleges where the most freshmen return in California
Christian colleges ranked by first-year retention: the share of full-time freshmen who come back for a second year.
Christian colleges where the most freshmen return in California12 schools
12 schools qualify, ranked by first-year retention.
How this list is made
- Schools in California.
- Christian undergraduate colleges on the Compass. Seminaries and graduate-only schools are not counted.
- Faith grade B or better (Faith score 70 or higher). Cost and outcomes never change a grade.
- Has a first-year retention rate from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by retention rate, highest first.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
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Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA · Private nonprofitHonor Roll- 86% of freshmen return
- 77% graduate
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Vanguard University of Southern California
Costa Mesa, CA · Private nonprofit- 70% of freshmen return
- 57% graduate
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Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University | $58,098 | $23,510 | $82,939 | 83% |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | $38,729 | $22,990 | $63,998 | 77% |
| Westmont College | $29,053 | $23,250 | $64,778 | 70% |
| Azusa Pacific University | $22,212 | $23,219 | $66,677 | 62% |
| Biola University | $31,495 | $23,875 | $56,778 | 68% |
| La Sierra University | $45,566 | $27,000 | $61,824 | 60% |
| William Jessup University | $28,062 | $23,700 | $56,257 | 56% |
| California Baptist University | $26,285 | $26,063 | $61,504 | 62% |
| Life Pacific University | $20,898 | $22,395 | $43,299 | 40% |
| Fresno Pacific University | $13,630 | $23,146 | $58,896 | 50% |
| Vanguard University of Southern California | $21,241 | $22,000 | $59,541 | 57% |
| Hope International University | $29,310 | $23,000 | $49,697 | 49% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.