Christian colleges with the strongest Bible and theology in California
Christian colleges ranked by the Bible and theology pillar: required Bible and theology courses, faith across the curriculum, and a published statement of faith.
Christian colleges with the strongest Bible and theology in California11 schools
11 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in California.
- Christian undergraduate colleges on the Compass. Seminaries and graduate-only schools are not counted.
- Has a graded Bible and theology pillar and a complete Compass Score.
- Ordered by the Bible and theology pillar score alone, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1Tie
Biola University
La Mirada, CA · Private nonprofitHonor Roll- Bible and theology: grade A
- 3+ required Bible or theology courses
- 1Tie
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA · Private nonprofitHonor Roll- Bible and theology: grade A
- 3+ required Bible or theology courses
- 1Tie
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA · Private nonprofitHonor Roll- Bible and theology: grade A
- 3+ required Bible or theology courses
- 1Tie
Hope International University
Fullerton, CA · Private nonprofit- Bible and theology: grade A
- 3+ required Bible or theology courses
- 1Tie
Life Pacific University
San Dimas, CA · Private nonprofit- Bible and theology: grade A
- 3+ required Bible or theology courses
- 6Tie
Westmont College
Santa Barbara, CA · Private nonprofitHonor Roll- Bible and theology: grade A
- 3+ required Bible or theology courses
- 6Tie
William Jessup University
Rocklin, CA · Private nonprofit- Bible and theology: grade A
- 3+ required Bible or theology courses
- 6Tie
Vanguard University of Southern California
Costa Mesa, CA · Private nonprofit- Bible and theology: grade A
- 3+ required Bible or theology courses
- 9
La Sierra University
Riverside, CA · Private nonprofit- Bible and theology: grade A
- 3+ required Bible or theology courses
- 10Tie
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA · Private nonprofit- Bible and theology: grade A
- 3+ required Bible or theology courses
- 10Tie
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA · Private nonprofit- Bible and theology: grade A
- 2 required Bible or theology courses
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biola University | $31,495 | $23,875 | $56,778 | 68% |
| Azusa Pacific University | $22,212 | $23,219 | $66,677 | 62% |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | $38,729 | $22,990 | $63,998 | 77% |
| Hope International University | $29,310 | $23,000 | $49,697 | 49% |
| Life Pacific University | $20,898 | $22,395 | $43,299 | 40% |
| Westmont College | $29,053 | $23,250 | $64,778 | 70% |
| William Jessup University | $28,062 | $23,700 | $56,257 | 56% |
| Vanguard University of Southern California | $21,241 | $22,000 | $59,541 | 57% |
| La Sierra University | $45,566 | $27,000 | $61,824 | 60% |
| Pepperdine University | $58,098 | $23,510 | $82,939 | 83% |
| Fresno Pacific University | $13,630 | $23,146 | $58,896 | 50% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.