Top 10 Bible Colleges in the South
You’re looking for a college, but not just any college, you want one that’s going to help you grow in your relationship with God. You want a college education to not only help you not only find a job, but get you on a mission.
However with the price of gas and airfare, you may want to stay relatively close to your family and friends, and that’s understandable. That’s why this list focuses on Bible colleges located in the South. (For those of you who are not from the South, this could help you get further away from your family and friends if that’s what you’re looking for).
Here’s the criteria we considered when making this list:
1) Bible Colleges: we limited this list to Bible colleges and not just any college with Christian in its name.
2) Interesting Programs: We made sure to find ones which had some good Bible-related programs.
3) Student Life: How attractive is the student life at their school and how are they concerned with the students’ spiritual health? Having a community feel is an important part of a strong Bible college.
4) Cost: Which colleges won't put you in debt forever? Some colleges are just too expensive to reasonably consider, even after financial aid. However, while some are more expensive than others, sometimes paying more can be worth it.
For more detailed breakdowns and further information on each college, click on their links to learn more. Without further ado, here is a list of the top 10 Bible Colleges in the South (note that the degrees listed are only the Bible-related degrees they offer, not necessarily all of their degrees).
Where: Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Degrees: Christian Studies (with an emphasis in Biblical Studies & Theology, Christian Ministry, Christian Missions, or Philosophy) and Biblical Languages
Cost per year: $37,00
Average after Financial Aid: $21,000
Other:
OBU offers four emphases in their Christian Studies degree: Biblical Studies and Theology, Christian Missions, and Philosophy. They boast all faculty having PhDs and 40 books published by their faculty members. They have a 80% freshman retention rate, and 66% graduation rate. 99% of their grads have a full-time job or are accepted into graduate school within 6 months of graduation. It’s a baptist school, so your theological training will happen within that denominational trajectory. According to CollegeConsensus.com, they had the #1 Student Satisfactory Rate in the State of Arkansas.
Columbia International University
Where: Columbia, South Carolina
Degrees: Bible, Bible Teaching, International Community Development, Intercultural Studies, and Youth Ministry, Family and Culture
Cost Per Year: $35,690
Average After Financial Aid: $18,651
Other:
U.S. News & World Report has ranked CIU for a few different reasons; along with being listed among the Best Value University in the South, and a Best College for Veterans in the South, it has consistently been ranked as one of the Top Southern Regional Universities. Average class size of 18 and a student-teacher ratio of 16:1. This year marks the 100th anniversary of CIU as it was founded in 1923.
Where: Birmingham, Alabama
Degrees: Arts in Ministry Leadership (Associates)
Cost Per Year: $42,000
Average Cost After Aid: $9,000-$15,000
Other:
While they are developing a bachelors program, the Highlands currently only offers an Associates in Arts in Ministry Leadership. However, they have a partnership with Southeastern University where students can continue their education to receive a bachelors in their same course by transferring to SEU after they’ve completed their first 2 years at Highlands.
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
Degrees: Ministerial Leadership [degree through SEU]
Cost Per Year: $12,486 (tuition only)
Other:
The Belonging Co College has a partnership with Southeastern University in Florida, and thus your degree will technically be from SEU. Regarding how their classes are handled, their website says: “Classes that receive academic credit through SEU are facilitated in-person, online, and in group study sessions. Adjunct Professors, our Academic Director and The Belonging Co College staff will also be available for support.” One thing to note is that The Belonging Co does not have any housing or dorms. (However, they will give you a list of contacts who they know who may have rooms available). This makes the cost per year tuition-only, and does not include housing or meals.
Where: Mount Hope, West Virginia
Degrees: Bible/Theology
Cost: $25,610
Avg. Cost After Aid: $15,620
Other:
In order to nurture the student’s spiritual life, the school facilitates prayer partners with staff, accountability groups, weekly devotionals, and chapel three times a week. They have a variety of ministries such as a choir, puppet ministry, drama team, handbell choir, and vocal ensemble. With less than 300 students and most students living on campus, the college provides students with a close-knit community.
Clear Creek Baptist Bible College
Where: Pineville, Kentucky
Degrees: Ministry
Cost: $14,180
Avg. Cost After Aid: $9,069
Other:
This conservative Bible college is more affordable than most on this list and is also smaller in size for those who prefer a more communal feel. One drawback for some may be their limited choice of programs, with only the option of a ministry degree.
Southwest Assemblies of God University
Where: Waxahachie, Texas
Degrees: Bible, A.A., Bible & Theology, Biblical Studies, Church Ministries, A.A., General
Ministries, Church Leadership, Global Compassion Leadership, Intercultural Studies, Intercultural Studies, A.A., Religion & Philosophy, Religious Studies, A.A., Theological Studies, Worship Leadership
Cost per year: $30,110 (for the more specific break down on their site, click here)
Avg. cost after aid: $24,000
Other:
SAGU has one of the highest number of specific Bible, Theology, and Church ministries degrees within this top ten list. SAGU also has a student-led organization called Southwestern Missions Association which gives students opportunities to get involved in ministry (missions, community service, and prayer times). They boast a very safe campus with a tight-knit community life.
Where: Lookout Mountain, Georgia (near Chattanooga, Tennessee)
Degrees: Biblical & Theological Studies and Biblical & Theological Studies with Missions Concentration;
Cost: $40,414
Avg. Cost After Aid: $26,116
Other:
Covenant has an 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio and an average class size of 16 students. They have a Center for Student Success which offers assistance to students in the realms of academic support, disabilities, student care, and more. One neat aspect about Covenant College is that all students participate in service learning.
Where: Knoxville, Tennessee and Kissimmee, Florida
Degrees: Bible & Theology Major
Cost: $26,124
Avg. Cost After Aid: $18,292
Other:
While Johnson University has two campuses, if you’re looking for something closer to the heart of the South, then you may be considering their campus in Knoxville, Tennessee. All the students at Johnson double major, as the Bible and Theology Major is required for all students. With 94% of students receiving financial aid, Johnson University ranks over the national average.
Where: Jackson, Tennessee (with other campuses in Hendersonville/Nashville, Germantown/Memphis, and Midtown/Memphis)
Degrees: Biblical Studies/Languages, Christian Studies, Theological Studies, Christian Ministry and Missions
Cost: $49,990
Avg. Cost After Aid: $30,000
Other:
While they are located in Jackson, Tennessee, they have a few other campuses in Nashville and Memphis. They boast a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and were ranked in the Top 5 best college dorms in the nation by Niche.com. Founded in 1823, Union is now moving into its 200th year.
The Institute for Global Outreach Developments International
Where: Old Hickory, Tennessee (right outside of Nashville)
Degree: Biblical Studies, Community Development
Cost: $21,752
Avg. Cost After Aid: $10,000 (in 2022, all incoming freshmen received a full-tuition scholarship)
Other:
One of the most shocking things about this school is that 100% of Institute graduates have graduated with zero debt! That’s even more remarkable when you factor in that every student spends 20+ weeks in the third world — another distinctive of this missions-focused school. Their spiritual emphasis includes chapels, mentors, accountability groups, worship band, and morning prayer, and that along with their depth of Bible teaching must really stick with their students because 96% of graduates are still active in ministry and missions ten years after graduation.
Not satisfied with this list? or just looking for something closer to home? Then check out these other resources to help you find the Bible school you are looking for:
Sources:
“The Best Schools for Studying the Bible.” The Best Schools.
https://thebestschools.org/rankings/bachelors/best-schools-for-studying-bible/
“The Best Bible Colleges & Universities in America (Top 20 List).” Crosswalk.
“Colleges Offering a Biblical Studies Major.” “US News.
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/biblical-studies-major-3902
“Best Christian Colleges.” Bible College Online.
https://biblecollegeonline.com/colleges/
“Best Online Bible Colleges.” Best Colleges.
https://www.bestcolleges.com/features/top-online-bible-colleges/
“2023 Best Christian Colleges in America.” Niche.
https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-christian-colleges/
“The Best Bible Colleges.” Intelligent.
https://www.intelligent.com/best-bible-colleges/#southwestern_assemblies_of_god_university
College Navigator. National Center for Education Statistics.