Christian School CompassTrue north for Christian families.
Crowley's Ridge College

Christian college

#15 Christian colleges with the strongest worship and chapel in America

Crowley's Ridge College

Paragould, AR · Private nonprofit · 4-year · churches of Christ · Churches of Christ and Christian Churches

Real cost

Average price after aid $16,315 a year

Median debt at graduation: $26,228 (all students)

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

Crowley's Ridge College is a private four-year college in Paragould, Arkansas, affiliated with the churches of Christ but autonomous. Chapel is held Monday through Thursday, and full-time students are required to attend, and every bachelor's student takes Old and New Testament surveys.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

  • “While the college is affiliated with the churches of Christ, students of all religious backgrounds are welcome”

    Source: crc.edu

  • “The intent of this design is to enhance the student’s personal growth, community involvement, awareness of the global community, and awareness of the nature of God.”

    Source: crc.edu

  • “Combined student devotionals (men and women) and separate student devotionals are held weekly.”

    Source: crc.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Full-time students are required to attend chapel services, and they may miss chapel eight times each semester.

Source: crc.edu
What's a normal week?

Chapel is held Monday through Thursday, and student devotionals are held weekly, including at an outdoor amphitheater by the lake.

Source: crc.edu
Where do I find community?

Combined and separate student devotionals for men and women are held weekly.

Source: crc.edu

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.
44 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.36%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.54%
  • 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.$4,858

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.

AWorship and chapel: 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.

Worship and chapel

91 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel services during the week3 or more a week (Chapel is held Monday through Thursday (four days a week), which counts as daily under the rubric's three-or-more tier.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Attendance: Chapel | Academic Catalog 2026-2027crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Academic-Catalog-2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel is held each day Monday through Thursday.”
      Chapel is held Monday through Thursday.
    2. Chapel Attendance | Student Handbook 2026-27crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel is held Monday through Thursday at the Hillcrest Church of Christ. Full-time students are required to attend all chapel services.”
      Full-time students are required to attend all chapel services held Monday through Thursday.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Full-time students must attend all chapel services, with eight absences allowed each semester.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel Attendance | Student Handbook 2026-27crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel is held Monday through Thursday at the Hillcrest Church of Christ. Full-time students are required to attend all chapel services.”
      Full-time students are required to attend all chapel services held Monday through Thursday.
      “Students are allowed to miss chapel eight times during the semester.”
      Students may miss chapel eight times a semester, which sets a fixed number of services.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesEvery week (Student devotionals are held weekly; these are student gatherings, not a separate worship night.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Activities | Academic Catalog 2026-2027crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Academic-Catalog-2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Student devotionals are held weekly.”
      Student devotionals are held every week.
    2. Devotionals | Student Handbook 2026-27crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Combined student devotionals (men and women) and separate student devotionals are held weekly.”
      Combined and separate student devotionals for men and women are held weekly.
  • 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 (A Campus Minister is named in the staff directory.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty, Administration, Staff | Academic Catalog 2026-2027crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Academic-Catalog-2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Josh Lazzarino”
      The staff directory lists Josh Lazzarino as Campus Minister.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes (Chapel meets in the Hillcrest Church of Christ auditorium, which the catalog lists among campus facilities.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Facilities | Academic Catalog 2026-2027crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Academic-Catalog-2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Classroom facilities are located in the Larry M. Bills Administration Building, the Natural Sciences Building, and Hillcrest Church of Christ.”
      Classroom facilities include Hillcrest Church of Christ, next to campus.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayerNot enough information: no verified chapel or worship times are recorded.
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

88 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students2 courses (Old Testament Survey and New Testament Survey are the two required Bible courses. Chapel is not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Bachelor Degree General Education Core | Academic Catalog 2026-2027crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Academic-Catalog-2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BIB 113 Old Testament Survey 3 SLO: Christian Values BIB 123 New Testament Survey 3”
      The bachelor's general education core requires Old Testament Survey (BIB 113) and New Testament Survey (BIB 123), 3 credits each.
      “Students who transfer into CRC, regardless of classification, are required to complete a minimum of six hours of Bible at CRC in order to confer any degree.”
      Six hours of Bible are required of all students to earn any degree.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students
    Sources (1)
    1. Bachelor Degree General Education Core | Academic Catalog 2026-2027crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Academic-Catalog-2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BIB 113 Old Testament Survey 3 SLO: Christian Values BIB 123 New Testament Survey 3”
      The bachelor's general education core requires Old Testament Survey (BIB 113) and New Testament Survey (BIB 123), 3 credits each.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot 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 integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies | Academic Catalog 2026-2027crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Academic-Catalog-2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies degree program is designed to”
      A Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies is offered.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A published statement of faithYes (The published statement is a short preamble of founding beliefs.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Preamble | Academic Catalog 2026-2027crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Academic-Catalog-2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The founders of Crowley’s Ridge College believed:”
      The college publishes a short preamble of its founders' beliefs about God.
CChristian community: 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.

Christian community

58 of 100 points · 5 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 (One Campus Minister is named; the Dean of Students is not counted as spiritual life staff.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty, Administration, Staff | Academic Catalog 2026-2027crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Academic-Catalog-2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Josh Lazzarino”
      The staff directory lists Josh Lazzarino as Campus Minister.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (Two yearly events: CRC Lectureships and the Faith & Business Success Symposium.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Academic Calendar 2026-2027 | Academic Catalog 2026-2027crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Academic-Catalog-2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Faith & Business Success Symposium”
      The academic calendar lists an annual Faith & Business Success Symposium and CRC Lectureships in April.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsA few (Weekly student devotionals.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Activities | Academic Catalog 2026-2027crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Academic-Catalog-2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Student devotionals are held weekly.”
      Student devotionals are held every week.
    2. Devotionals | Student Handbook 2026-27crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Combined student devotionals (men and women) and separate student devotionals are held weekly.”
      Combined and separate student devotionals for men and women are held weekly.
  • 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.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In some halls (Weekly devotionals are held for men and women in the residence halls.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Devotionals | Student Handbook 2026-27crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Combined student devotionals (men and women) and separate student devotionals are held weekly.”
      Combined and separate student devotionals for men and women are held weekly.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Yes
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Life: Church Attendance | Student Handbook 2026-27crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each student is encouraged to attend church services regularly. In fact, the college recommends”
      Students are encouraged to attend church, and resident students are encouraged to join a local congregation.
      “Partial list of Greene County Churches of Christ”
      The handbook gives a list of local Churches of Christ congregations with phone numbers.
  • 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.
N/AMissions and service: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Missions and service

Not enough information · 1 of 6 found

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service or outreach officeNot 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.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot 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.
    Missions trips offered to studentsNot 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.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceNot 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.
    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
    Sources (1)
    1. Academic Honesty | Academic Catalog 2026-2027crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Academic-Catalog-2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “helps graduates to lead a life of service to God and the community”
      The college says it helps graduates lead a life of service to God and the community.

Strengths

  • Chapel is held four days a week, and full-time students are required to attend.
    Sources (2)
    1. Attendance: Chapel | Academic Catalog 2026-2027crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Academic-Catalog-2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel is held each day Monday through Thursday.”
      Chapel is held Monday through Thursday.
    2. Chapel Attendance | Student Handbook 2026-27crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel is held Monday through Thursday at the Hillcrest Church of Christ. Full-time students are required to attend all chapel services.”
      Full-time students are required to attend all chapel services held Monday through Thursday.
  • Old and New Testament surveys are required of every bachelor's student, and a Biblical Studies bachelor's degree is offered.
    Sources (1)
    1. Bachelor Degree General Education Core | Academic Catalog 2026-2027crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Academic-Catalog-2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BIB 113 Old Testament Survey 3 SLO: Christian Values BIB 123 New Testament Survey 3”
      The bachelor's general education core requires Old Testament Survey (BIB 113) and New Testament Survey (BIB 123), 3 credits each.
      “the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies degree program is designed to”
      A Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies is offered.
  • The handbook lists local Churches of Christ congregations to help students find a church.
    Sources (1)
    1. Churches of Christ in Greene County | Student Handbook 2026-27crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Partial list of Greene County Churches of Christ”
      The handbook gives a list of local Churches of Christ congregations with phone numbers.

Concerns

  • The core requires six hours of Bible, and no separate Christian worldview or faith-and-learning course is required of all students.
    Sources (1)
    1. Bachelor Degree General Education Core | Academic Catalog 2026-2027crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Academic-Catalog-2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BIBLE (6 hrs)”
      The bachelor's general education core has six hours of Bible, and no other Bible or worldview course is required of all students.
      “Students who transfer into CRC, regardless of classification, are required to complete a minimum of six hours of Bible at CRC in order to confer any degree.”
      Six hours of Bible are required of all students to earn any degree.
  • Only one campus minister is named on official pages.
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty, Administration, Staff | Academic Catalog 2026-2027crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Academic-Catalog-2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Josh Lazzarino”
      The staff directory lists Josh Lazzarino as Campus Minister.

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

Campus Ministry and chapel

  • Address: 100 College Drive, Paragould, AR 72450
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel in the Hillcrest Church of Christ auditorium, next to campus, outdoor amphitheater by the lake (weekly devotionals)

View on map ↗

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

Campus ministry

Sources (1)
  1. Faculty, Administration, Staff | Academic Catalog 2026-2027crc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Academic-Catalog-2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Josh Lazzarino”
    The staff directory lists Josh Lazzarino as Campus Minister.

Christian clubs and student life

4 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 0 off campus, 3 location not published

Worship and prayer 1

  • Daily chapel (Monday through Thursday)On campus
    Monday through Thursday
    Required chapel for full-time and residence hall students, held in the Hillcrest Church of Christ auditorium next to campus.
    crc.edu, crc.edu, crc.edu

Faith formation 1

  • Student devotionals
    Weekly
    Weekly combined and separate devotionals for men and women, planned by students and the campus minister.
    crc.edu, crc.edu

Other 2

  • CRC Lectureships
    April 11-14, 2027 (2026-27 calendar)
    Yearly lectureships listed on the academic calendar.
    crc.edu
  • Faith & Business Success Symposium
    September 23, 2026 (2026-27 calendar)
    Yearly symposium listed on the academic calendar.
    crc.edu

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

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$15,652
$30,001–$48,000$17,238
$48,001–$75,000$12,707
$75,001–$110,000$19,956
Over $110,000$18,079

Full cost of attendance before aid: $27,340 a year.

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)
225
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 58% · Women 42%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
40%
Total students225
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$16,315
Cost of attendance (per year)$27,340
Median federal debt at graduation$26,228
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
36%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
53%
First-year retention54%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$39,533
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
No application fee
Typical rent
HUD fair market rent, FY2026
About $772 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants42%

Value index: 38 / 100 (how it’s computed)

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.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

FieldShare of degrees
Education37%
Business27%
Parks, recreation and fitness20%
Liberal arts and general studies10%
Theology and religious studies7%

Campus facts

School colors
SettingRural
Part-time undergraduates4%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older4%
On-campus room and board (per year)$8,500
SportsNAIA · American Midwest Conference
Students per faculty member10 to 1
Faculty who are full-time45%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$8,500IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm spaceFor about 66% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceFrederick W. Smith International Airport (MEM)About 78 miles away · about 1 hour 55 minutes by car
Town population30,215Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreMemphisAbout 75 miles away · about 1 hour 50 minutes by car
Typical weather37°F in January · 80°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Paragould 1 S, AR, about 5 miles away

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

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.000.07
Robbery0.000.01
Aggravated assault0.000.04
Burglary0.000.08
Motor vehicle theft0.000.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Christian churches nearby

Map of Crowley's Ridge College, its Christian center and nearby Christian churches0.25 miCampus Ministry and chapel: 0.1 miCrowley's Ridge College (campus)N0.1 mi
CampusChristian centerOpen a street map ›

No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.

Questions families ask

Is Crowley's Ridge College a Christian college?
Yes. Crowley's Ridge College is a Christian college. Its sponsor is churches of Christ.
What is Crowley's Ridge College’s Compass Score?
70 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

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