Christian School CompassTrue north for Christian families.
Aerial view of Champion Christian College
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Christian college

#21 Most affordable Christian colleges with a strong faith grade in America

Champion Christian College

Hot Springs, AR · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Nondenominational and Interdenominational

Real cost

Average price after aid About $17,000 a year

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas, holds a weekly chapel service on Wednesdays in the church auditorium, and students are allowed two absences per semester. Every bachelor's student takes four Bible courses in the Christian core, and the college offers a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies. Ministry pages describe service programs with the affiliated Gospel Light Baptist Church, including nursing-home visits and a youth conference.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Students are allowed two absences per semester from chapel.

Source: cdn.prod.website-files.com
What's a normal week?

Champion offers a biweekly chapel service, and all students are encouraged to attend a church service during the week.

Source: champion.edu
Where do I find community?

Students are encouraged to join a small group Bible study, and students who move to the area are encouraged to attend and serve at Gospel Light Baptist Church.

Source: cdn.prod.website-files.com
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Students can lead worship, teach, mentor youth or take a mission trip, and Gospel Light and Champion minister to ten nursing homes.

Source: cdn.prod.website-files.com

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Academic Excellence

C+Academic Excellence: 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.
16 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.0%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.35%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.10 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$1,613

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

CWorship and chapel: 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.

Worship and chapel

55 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel services during the weekOnce a week (Once a week per the 2026-27 handbook (Wednesdays) and the catalog ("each week"). The chapel page says biweekly (e1). Conflict noted in gaps.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-27 | Champion Christian Collegecdn.prod.website-files.com/623b698570cdf09ee31b401e/6aa031e8f9682ca940ae95e2_Champion%20%E2%80%94%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel is held on Wednesdays at 10:50 a.m. in the church auditorium.”
      Chapel is held on Wednesdays at 10:50 a.m. in the church auditorium (2026-27 handbook).
    2. College Catalog 2026-27 | Champion Christian Collegecdn.prod.website-files.com/623b698570cdf09ee31b401e/6aa031e9c6de94c5867ff7e3_Champion%20%E2%80%94%20College%20Catalog%202026-27%20(FALL%20Version).pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The lives of Champion students are influenced by uplifting, inspiring chapel services each week.”
      The catalog says chapel services are held each week.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Required, with two absences allowed per semester.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-27 | Champion Christian Collegecdn.prod.website-files.com/623b698570cdf09ee31b401e/6aa031e8f9682ca940ae95e2_Champion%20%E2%80%94%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students are only allowed two absences per semester.”
      Chapel attendance is expected, with two absences allowed per semester before fines apply.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsPart-time (One named chapel director, who is also head baseball coach; recorded as part-time.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Directory | Champion Christian Collegechampion.edu/directory · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Head Baseball Coach - Chapel Director”
      A named staff member is listed as chapel director; he is also head baseball coach.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes (Chapel hours are listed (Wednesdays at 10:50 a.m.) in the church auditorium.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-27 | Champion Christian Collegecdn.prod.website-files.com/623b698570cdf09ee31b401e/6aa031e8f9682ca940ae95e2_Champion%20%E2%80%94%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel is held on Wednesdays at 10:50 a.m. in the church auditorium.”
      Chapel is held on Wednesdays at 10:50 a.m. in the church auditorium (2026-27 handbook).
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer1 or 2 times a week (1 weekly time documented: 1 chapel, 0 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).
ABible and theology: 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.

Bible and theology

90 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (The Christian core (12 hours) is required of every bachelor's student in the 51-hour core: BIB 1013, BIB 1023, BIB 2023 and BIB 2033 (four courses). Minimum across all bachelor's programs.)
    Sources (1)
    1. College Catalog 2026-27 | Champion Christian Collegecdn.prod.website-files.com/623b698570cdf09ee31b401e/6aa031e9c6de94c5867ff7e3_Champion%20%E2%80%94%20College%20Catalog%202026-27%20(FALL%20Version).pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Christian Core Courses (12 hours) BIB 1013 Old Testament Survey BIB 1023 New Testament Survey BIB 2023 Spiritual Formation BIB 2033 Apologetics”
      Every bachelor's program requires four Bible courses in the Christian core: Old and New Testament surveys, Spiritual Formation and Apologetics.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (Old Testament Survey and New Testament Survey are required of all bachelor's students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. College Catalog 2026-27 | Champion Christian Collegecdn.prod.website-files.com/623b698570cdf09ee31b401e/6aa031e9c6de94c5867ff7e3_Champion%20%E2%80%94%20College%20Catalog%202026-27%20(FALL%20Version).pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Christian Core Courses (12 hours) BIB 1013 Old Testament Survey BIB 1023 New Testament Survey BIB 2023 Spiritual Formation BIB 2033 Apologetics”
      Every bachelor's program requires four Bible courses in the Christian core: Old and New Testament surveys, Spiritual Formation and Apologetics.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNone required (Apologetics (BIB 2033) and Spiritual Formation (BIB 2023) are counted under T1 only.)
    Sources (1)
    1. College Catalog 2026-27 | Champion Christian Collegecdn.prod.website-files.com/623b698570cdf09ee31b401e/6aa031e9c6de94c5867ff7e3_Champion%20%E2%80%94%20College%20Catalog%202026-27%20(FALL%20Version).pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Christian Core Courses (12 hours) BIB 1013 Old Testament Survey BIB 1023 New Testament Survey BIB 2023 Spiritual Formation BIB 2033 Apologetics”
      Every bachelor's program requires four Bible courses in the Christian core: Old and New Testament surveys, Spiritual Formation and Apologetics.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (Stated in the academic life section of the catalog.)
    Sources (1)
    1. College Catalog 2026-27 | Champion Christian Collegecdn.prod.website-files.com/623b698570cdf09ee31b401e/6aa031e9c6de94c5867ff7e3_Champion%20%E2%80%94%20College%20Catalog%202026-27%20(FALL%20Version).pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Champion Christian College faculty members teach classes from a biblical worldview and to the highest academic standards.”
      The academic life statement says faculty teach classes from a biblical worldview.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (A Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies is offered (formerly Church Ministries).)
    Sources (1)
    1. College Catalog 2026-27 | Champion Christian Collegecdn.prod.website-files.com/623b698570cdf09ee31b401e/6aa031e9c6de94c5867ff7e3_Champion%20%E2%80%94%20College%20Catalog%202026-27%20(FALL%20Version).pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Studies with a choice of four different emphases”
      The college offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A published statement of faithYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Statement of Faith | Champion Christian Collegechampion.edu/statement-of-faith · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Bible to be the inspired and only infallible and authoritative Word of God and that it is inerrant in all it affirms and teaches.”
      The college publishes a statement of faith.
N/AChristian community: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Christian community

Not enough information · 3 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (1 named spiritual life staff member (chapel director) in the official directory.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Directory | Champion Christian Collegechampion.edu/directory · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Head Baseball Coach - Chapel Director”
      A named staff member is listed as chapel director; he is also head baseball coach.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsA few (Small group Bible study through the affiliated church, and a young adult small group ministry.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-27 | Champion Christian Collegecdn.prod.website-files.com/623b698570cdf09ee31b401e/6aa031e8f9682ca940ae95e2_Champion%20%E2%80%94%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “All students are encouraged to attend a church service during the week and to participate in small group Bible Study.”
      Students are encouraged to join small group Bible study.
      “Champion Christian College is affiliated with Gospel Light; consequently, Champion students have the benefit of attending functions of the church, such as small groups.”
      Students may attend small groups of the affiliated church, including its young adult ministry.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Yes (The affiliated church is recommended to students, and the VP of Student Services helps choose meetings.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-27 | Champion Christian Collegecdn.prod.website-files.com/623b698570cdf09ee31b401e/6aa031e8f9682ca940ae95e2_Champion%20%E2%80%94%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students who have moved into the area to attend Champion are strongly encouraged to attend and serve at Gospel Light Baptist Church.”
      Students are directed to the affiliated local church, and the VP of Student Services helps choose meetings.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionNot enough information: not found in official sources.
BMissions and service: 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.

Missions and service

77 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes (An organized, staffed service program is described on the Ministry page.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Ministry | Champion Christian Collegechampion.edu/ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “For a follower of Jesus Christ, service isn’t a burdensome task”
      The Ministry page presents service opportunities (Ways to Serve) such as C4C, Teen Revolution and nursery volunteering.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Missions trips offered to studentsSome (Mission trips are offered to students (some, not stated as many each year).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-27 | Champion Christian Collegecdn.prod.website-files.com/623b698570cdf09ee31b401e/6aa031e8f9682ca940ae95e2_Champion%20%E2%80%94%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students have opportunities to partake in leading worship, teaching in a classroom, mentoring youth, or take a mission’s trip.”
      Students have the opportunity to take a mission trip.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceSome (Nursing home ministry with the affiliated church.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-27 | Champion Christian Collegecdn.prod.website-files.com/623b698570cdf09ee31b401e/6aa031e8f9682ca940ae95e2_Champion%20%E2%80%94%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Gospel Light and Champion have the privilege to go into ten different nursing homes and minister to the elderly.”
      Students serve in nursing homes with the affiliated church.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes (Service is described as rooted in following Jesus Christ.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Ministry | Champion Christian Collegechampion.edu/ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “For a follower of Jesus Christ, service isn’t a burdensome task”
      The Ministry page presents service opportunities (Ways to Serve) such as C4C, Teen Revolution and nursery volunteering.

Strengths

  • Chapel attendance is expected, with a set limit of two absences per semester.
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-27 | Champion Christian Collegecdn.prod.website-files.com/623b698570cdf09ee31b401e/6aa031e8f9682ca940ae95e2_Champion%20%E2%80%94%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students are only allowed two absences per semester.”
      Chapel attendance is expected, with two absences allowed per semester before fines apply.
  • Every bachelor's student takes four Bible courses, including Old and New Testament surveys.
    Sources (1)
    1. College Catalog 2026-27 | Champion Christian Collegecdn.prod.website-files.com/623b698570cdf09ee31b401e/6aa031e9c6de94c5867ff7e3_Champion%20%E2%80%94%20College%20Catalog%202026-27%20(FALL%20Version).pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Christian Core Courses (12 hours) BIB 1013 Old Testament Survey BIB 1023 New Testament Survey BIB 2023 Spiritual Formation BIB 2033 Apologetics”
      Every bachelor's program requires four Bible courses in the Christian core: Old and New Testament surveys, Spiritual Formation and Apologetics.
  • A Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies is offered.
    Sources (1)
    1. College Catalog 2026-27 | Champion Christian Collegecdn.prod.website-files.com/623b698570cdf09ee31b401e/6aa031e9c6de94c5867ff7e3_Champion%20%E2%80%94%20College%20Catalog%202026-27%20(FALL%20Version).pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Studies with a choice of four different emphases”
      The college offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies.
  • Service programs and a mission trip option are described.
    Sources (2)
    1. Ministry | Champion Christian Collegechampion.edu/ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “For a follower of Jesus Christ, service isn’t a burdensome task”
      The Ministry page presents service opportunities (Ways to Serve) such as C4C, Teen Revolution and nursery volunteering.
    2. Student Handbook 2026-27 | Champion Christian Collegecdn.prod.website-files.com/623b698570cdf09ee31b401e/6aa031e8f9682ca940ae95e2_Champion%20%E2%80%94%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students have opportunities to partake in leading worship, teaching in a classroom, mentoring youth, or take a mission’s trip.”
      Students have the opportunity to take a mission trip.

Concerns

  • Distance education students are currently exempt from chapel attendance.
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-27 | Champion Christian Collegecdn.prod.website-files.com/623b698570cdf09ee31b401e/6aa031e8f9682ca940ae95e2_Champion%20%E2%80%94%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Please note, Distance Education Students are currently exempt from attending chapel services.”
      Distance education students are currently exempt from chapel attendance.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Champion Chapel and Ministry

  • Address: 600 Garland Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71913

Source: champion.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, champion.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (1)
  1. Ministry | Champion Christian Collegechampion.edu/ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “For a follower of Jesus Christ, service isn’t a burdensome task”
    The Ministry page presents service opportunities (Ways to Serve) such as C4C, Teen Revolution and nursery volunteering.

Christian clubs and student life

1 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 0 off campus

Worship and prayer 1

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 1

  • Wednesday10:50 AMChurch auditorium (Gospel Light) · 2026-27 handbook. The chapel page describes biweekly chapel.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Student Handbook 2026-27 | Champion Christian Collegecdn.prod.website-files.com/623b698570cdf09ee31b401e/6aa031e8f9682ca940ae95e2_Champion%20%E2%80%94%20Student%20Handbook%202026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Chapel is held on Wednesdays at 10:50 a.m. in the church auditorium.”
    Chapel is held on Wednesdays at 10:50 a.m. in the church auditorium (2026-27 handbook).

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average paid by families who received aid, by income. Families who get no aid pay the full cost of attendance: $20,970 a year.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000About $14,000
$30,001–$48,000About $18,000
$48,001–$75,000About $15,000
$75,001–$110,000About $20,000
Over $110,000About $20,000

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
139
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 75% · Women 25%
Total students139
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
About $17,000
Cost of attendance (per year)$20,970
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
0%
First-year retention35%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
$25
Typical rent
HUD fair market rent, FY2026
About $834 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants33%

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Campus facts

SettingCity
Part-time undergraduates6%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older9%
On-campus room and board (per year)$7,400
Students per faculty member10 to 1
Faculty who are full-time63%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Dorm spaceFor about 72% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceBill & Hillary Clinton National Airport/Adams Field (LIT)About 50 miles away · about 1 hour 10 minutes by car
Town population37,920Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreMemphisAbout 181 miles away · about 3 hours 35 minutes by car
Typical weather42°F in January · 83°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Hot Springs 1 Nne, AR

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). None of this changes the faith grades.

Questions families ask

Is Champion Christian College a Christian college?
Yes. Champion Christian College is a Christian college.
What is Champion Christian College’s Compass Score?
Compass grade C+: Solid. It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Champion Christian College?
Chapel is listed at Church auditorium (Gospel Light). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

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About this school’s data
  • IPEDS unit ID 492069
  • Carnegie classification: Baccalaureate/associate's college
  • Accreditation: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Non-Denominational
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

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