California
Christian Colleges in California
California has 26 accredited Christian colleges (20 undergraduate, plus seminaries and graduate schools). 15 have a faith scorecard so far, and 7 are Compass Recommended.
Map of colleges for Christian students in California
Hover or tap a dot to see the school and its score.
Compass ScoreChristian Life ScoreNot yet ratedMap: U.S. Census Bureau boundaries; roads and places © OpenStreetMap contributors via OpenFreeMap.
Highest-rated Christian colleges in California
Top lists in California
- 12 schoolsBest Christian colleges
- 5 schoolsChristian colleges with chapel three or more times a week
- 12 schoolsChristian colleges that require the most Bible and theology
- 11 schoolsChristian colleges with the strongest worship and chapel
- 11 schoolsChristian colleges with the strongest Bible and theology
- 11 schoolsChristian colleges with the strongest Christian community
- 11 schoolsChristian colleges with the strongest missions and service
- 8 schoolsChristian colleges with a full-time campus pastor
Show all 51 lists
- 8 schoolsBest Christian colleges for nursing
- 5 schoolsBest Christian colleges for engineering
- 12 schoolsBest Christian colleges for business
- 10 schoolsBest Christian colleges for education
- 10 schoolsBest Christian colleges for biology and pre-med
- 11 schoolsBest Christian colleges for psychology
- 6 schoolsBest Christian colleges for theology
- 8 schoolsBest Christian colleges for philosophy
- 6 schoolsBest Christian colleges for computer science
- 11 schoolsBest Christian colleges for communications and journalism
- 9 schoolsBest Christian colleges for accounting
- 4 schoolsBest Christian colleges for finance
- 6 schoolsBest Christian colleges for marketing
- 8 schoolsBest Christian colleges for criminal justice
- 9 schoolsBest Christian colleges for political science and pre-law
- 4 schoolsBest Christian colleges for economics
- 10 schoolsBest Christian colleges for history
- 11 schoolsBest Christian colleges for English
- 10 schoolsBest Christian colleges for mathematics
- 9 schoolsBest Christian colleges for chemistry
- 10 schoolsBest Christian colleges for music
- 9 schoolsBest Christian colleges for art and design
- 11 schoolsBest Christian colleges for exercise science and kinesiology
- 5 schoolsBest Christian colleges for social work
- 12 schoolsBest value Christian colleges
- 12 schoolsMost affordable Christian colleges with a strong faith grade
- 12 schoolsChristian colleges with the highest graduation rates
- 7 schoolsBest small Christian colleges
- 5 schoolsBest mid-size Christian colleges
- 7 schoolsBest Christian colleges for NCAA Division II athletes
- 3 schoolsBest Christian colleges for NAIA athletes
- 12 schoolsBest test-optional Christian colleges
- 12 schoolsChristian colleges with the biggest discount off the sticker price
- 12 schoolsLowest net price for middle-income families
- 12 schoolsChristian colleges with the lowest student debt
- 12 schoolsChristian colleges with the best earnings for the price
- 11 schoolsChristian colleges that pay for themselves fastest
- 12 schoolsBest value Christian colleges in the West
- 12 schoolsChristian colleges where the most freshmen return
- 12 schoolsChristian colleges with the most faculty per student
- 12 schoolsChristian colleges that spend the most on teaching
- 7 schoolsChristian colleges where Pell Grant students thrive
- 12 schoolsMost selective Christian colleges
All Christian colleges in California
| School | Compass Score | Faith | Academics | Net price | Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biola University Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.Honor RollChristian School Compass Honor Roll: a Faith score of 85 or higher (grade A), with all four faith pillars rated and none below 70 (grade B).ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. La Mirada · Private nonprofit | AFaith: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | $31,495 | 5,296 | |
| Westmont College Honor RollChristian School Compass Honor Roll: a Faith score of 85 or higher (grade A), with all four faith pillars rated and none below 70 (grade B).ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. Santa Barbara · Private nonprofit | AFaith: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | $29,053 | 1,310 | |
| Azusa Pacific University Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.Honor RollChristian School Compass Honor Roll: a Faith score of 85 or higher (grade A), with all four faith pillars rated and none below 70 (grade B).ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. Azusa · Private nonprofit | AFaith: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | $22,212 | 6,487 | |
| Point Loma Nazarene University Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.Honor RollChristian School Compass Honor Roll: a Faith score of 85 or higher (grade A), with all four faith pillars rated and none below 70 (grade B).ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. San Diego · Private nonprofit | AFaith: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | $38,729 | 4,494 | |
| La Sierra University RecommendedCompass Recommended: a Faith score of 80 or higher, at least three of the four pillars rated, and none below C (55). A school with an Academic Excellence score must also reach 80 on its Compass Score.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. Riverside · Private nonprofit | BFaith: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | $45,566 | 1,611 | |
| William Jessup University Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. Rocklin · Private nonprofit | BFaith: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | B+Academics: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | $28,062 | 1,484 | |
| Hope International University Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. Fullerton · Private nonprofit | AFaith: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | $29,310 | 1,140 | |
| Pepperdine University Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. Malibu · Private nonprofit | BFaith: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | AAcademics: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | $58,098 | 9,545 | |
| Vanguard University of Southern California Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. Costa Mesa · Private nonprofit | BFaith: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | $21,241 | 2,219 | |
| Fresno Pacific University Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. Fresno · Private nonprofit | BFaith: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | $13,630 | 2,921 | |
| Life Pacific University Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. San Dimas · Private nonprofit | BFaith: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | B-Academics: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | $20,898 | 504 | |
| California Baptist University Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. Riverside · Private nonprofit | BFaith: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | $26,285 | 11,407 | |
| Latin American Bible Institute Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.RecommendedCompass Recommended: a Faith score of 80 or higher, at least three of the four pillars rated, and none below C (55). A school with an Academic Excellence score must also reach 80 on its Compass Score.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard.Seminary / theologySeminary or theology school: listed for the ministry or theological programs it offers. La Puente · Private nonprofit | — | BFaith: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | $10,030 | 78 |
| The Master's University and Seminary Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.RecommendedCompass Recommended: a Faith score of 80 or higher, at least three of the four pillars rated, and none below C (55). A school with an Academic Excellence score must also reach 80 on its Compass Score.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard.Seminary / theologySeminary or theology school: listed for the ministry or theological programs it offers. Santa Clarita · Private nonprofit | — | BFaith: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | $32,647 | 2,799 |
| Loma Linda University Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. Loma Linda · Private nonprofit | — | CFaith: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 4,202 |
| Concordia University-Irvine Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. Irvine · Private nonprofit | — | N/AFaith: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | BAcademics: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | $28,115 | 3,481 |
| Azusa Pacific University Global Online onlyOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. San Dimas · Private nonprofit | — | N/AFaith: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | C+Academics: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | $22,677 | 1,829 |
| Pacific Union College Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. Angwin · Private nonprofit | — | N/AFaith: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | A-Academics: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | $41,008 | 938 |
| Simpson University Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. Redding · Private nonprofit | — | N/AFaith: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | B-Academics: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist. | $27,817 | 907 |
| SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary Online onlyOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard.Seminary / theologySeminary or theology school: listed for the ministry or theological programs it offers. El Dorado Hills · Private nonprofit | — | N/AFaith: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | $21,680 | 508 |
| America Evangelical University Online onlyOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard.Seminary / theologySeminary or theology school: listed for the ministry or theological programs it offers. Gardena · Private nonprofit | — | N/AFaith: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | $17,854 | 207 |
| Southern California Seminary Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard.Seminary / theologySeminary or theology school: listed for the ministry or theological programs it offers. El Cajon · Private nonprofit | — | N/AFaith: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 138 |
| San Diego Christian College Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. Santee · Private nonprofit | — | N/AFaith: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | $992 | 102 |
| Haven University Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard.Seminary / theologySeminary or theology school: listed for the ministry or theological programs it offers. Garden Grove · Private nonprofit | — | N/AFaith: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 95 |
| Epic Bible College & Graduate School Online availableOnline study: at least 10% of this college's students study only online, from the federal enrollment data. Online-only colleges (90% or more) are rated on an online faith checklist.ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. Sacramento · Private nonprofit | — | N/AFaith: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | — | 91 |
| Oak Valley College ChristianChristian college: federal data lists a Protestant or evangelical affiliation (or it belongs to the CCCU), so it gets the full four-pillar faith scorecard. Rialto · Private nonprofit | — | N/AFaith: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | N/AAcademics: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet. | $21,379 | 52 |
Common questions
How many Christian colleges are in California?
26 accredited Christian colleges report a Protestant or evangelical affiliation to the U.S. Department of Education or belong to the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities; 20 enroll undergraduates.
Which Christian colleges in California are Compass Recommended?
Biola University, Westmont College, Azusa Pacific University, Point Loma Nazarene University, La Sierra University, Latin American Bible Institute, The Master's University and Seminary. Recommended means a Faith score of 80 or more with no weak pillar, and a Compass Score of 80 or more where academic data exists (how it works).