17 Best Christian Colleges in Texas

January 25, 2023

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the number of prospective Christian colleges and universities. If you're looking to attend a Christian higher education institution in Texas, you're sure to find one that matches your preferences. This article will introduce 17 of the best Christian colleges in Texas to help narrow your search.

List of Christian Colleges in Texas:

Texas Christian Colleges

1. Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University, in Abilene, is one of the largest Christian universities in the Southwestern region of the United States. It's affiliated with the Churches of Christ and offers daily spiritual-growth opportunities such as chapel, small groups, mission trips, and community service.

As a large university, there's a ton to do on campus, including over 100 clubs and organizations, D1 sporting events, Greek life, and intramural sports. In addition, the school has over 164 areas of study. Its top majors include liberal arts and humanities, psychology, nursing, business, and kinesiology and exercise science.

‍School size: 3,153 undergraduate students

Student-to-faculty ratio: 9:1

Annual undergraduate tuition: $44,200

2. Concordia University Texas

Located in Austin, Concordia University Texas is a private, Lutheran university that offers undergraduate, graduate, online, and adult degree programs. The school provides a liberal arts education enhanced by hands-on learning and real-world experience.

The most popular majors include nursing, elementary education, sports management and business, exercise fitness and fitness management, and criminal justice. This small campus is a lively one with many opportunities to get involved through student government, intramural sports, social events, school traditions, and student organizations.

‍School size: 5,066 students

Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1

Annual undergraduate tuition: $36,430 (2024-25 academic year)

3. Criswell College

Criswell College is a Baptist Christian college and divinity school in Dallas. It's a small private college; however, its big-city location gives students great employment and ministry opportunities and a rich cultural experience.

The most popular majors at this college are biblical studies, liberal arts and humanities, missionary studies, and theological and ministerial studies. Apart from academics, the school has a thriving spiritual life, fun campus social events, and a student government organization.

‍School size: 78 undergraduate students*

Student-to-faculty ratio: 5:1

Annual undergraduate tuition: $13,350

*Statistics from Niche.com

4. Dallas Baptist University

Dallas Baptist University (DBU) is a private four-year Christian university in the southwestern part of Dallas. This Baptist university complements its Christian-centered education with various learning opportunities like internships, study abroad, service abroad, and service-learning.

The top five majors are management, biology, psychology, education, and marketing. All courses are taught by expert professors who are also available for mentoring and advising.

‍School size: 4,247 students

Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1

Annual undergraduate tuition: $38,340

Learn more about DBU on page 132 of THE Guide.

5. Dallas Christian College

Located in Farmers Branch, Dallas Christian College is a four-year private university affiliated with the Christian Church. This university offers flexible and accelerated learning formats through its on-campus and online degree programs. Popular programs include biblical studies, business, psychology, pastoral counseling and specialized ministries, and liberal arts and humanities.

Apart from academics, students can participate in spiritual life through campus events, devotion, and mentoring. In addition, the campus has an active residence life for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

‍School size: 220 undergraduate students*

Student-to-faculty ratio: 19:1*

Annual undergraduate tuition: $20,580 per year

*Statistics from Niche.com

6. Dallas International University

Located in the southwest corner of Dallas, Dallas International University offers programs for undergraduate and graduate students. This university's academic programs include anthropology, linguistics, language & culture learning, translation, and more.

In addition to receiving a unique and specialized academic experience, students can grow their Christian faith and leadership skills through chapel, weekly prayer groups, worship teams, and Student Body Association.

‍School size: 250+

Student-to-faculty ratio: 7:1

Annual undergraduate tuition: $11,310

7. East Texas Baptist University

East Texas Baptist University is a Christian university in Marshall affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. It offers traditional and adult education programs for those seeking a degree in a Christian-centered environment.

The most popular majors are liberal arts and humanities, business, nursing, elementary education, and biology. Outside the classroom, students can participate in student organizations, service learning initiatives, clubs, sports, intramurals, and NCAA athletics.

‍School size: 1,232 total students

Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1

Annual undergraduate tuition: $28,910

8. Hardin-Simmons University

Located in Abilene, Hardin-Simmons University is a private liberal arts Baptist university. It offers more than 50 majors and minors across various subjects. Students can also opt for a fast-track program and earn a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as four years.

The top five majors include business, kinesiology and exercise science, liberal arts and humanities, biology, and psychology. Students can connect with their peers through spiritual development, student organizations, intramural sports, community service, and more.

‍School size: 1,263 undergraduate students

Student-to-faculty ratio: 11:1

Annual undergraduate tuition: $30,694

9. Houston Christian University

Houston Christian University (HCU), formerly Houston Baptist University, is a STEM and liberal arts Baptist university in Houston. Its urban campus offers many opportunities for spiritual, professional, personal, and academic growth.

Students can participate in worship, small study groups, mission opportunities, and community service. Academic-wise, the school is committed to high academic standards, with the top majors being nursing, liberal arts and humanities, psychology, biology, and business.

‍School size: 2,153 undergraduate students

Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1

Annual undergraduate tuition: $36,750

10. Howard Payne University

Located in Brownwood, Howard Payne University is a private Baptist university committed to excellence and student development. Students can choose from more than 100 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs.

Popular majors include business, criminology, physical education teaching and coaching, elementary education, and biology. The student experience on campus has Christ at the center and consists of athletics, chapel, Baptist Student Ministry, student activities, organizations, intramurals, and residence life.

‍School size: 659 undergraduate students*

Student-to-faculty ratio: 10:1*

Annual undergraduate tuition: $31,650

11. LeTourneau University

LeTourneau University is an interdenominational Christian Polytechnic University in Longview. The school is committed to preparing students for their professional careers as Christians and provides hands-on training.

There are over 140 academic programs for undergraduate and graduate students, with the top five majors being engineering, aviation, computer science, nursing, and business. Campus life consists of student activities, student ministries, residence life, and more.

‍School size: 3,571 students

Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1

Annual undergraduate tuition: $36,340

Learn more about LeTourneau University on page 66 of THE Guide.

12. Lubbock Christian University

Lubbock Christian University, in Lubbock, is a private university affiliated with the Churches of Christ. Students can select from over 100 academic programs and get involved on campus in several ways.

Spiritual life consists of service opportunities, mission trips, chapel, and more. There's also a strong sense of community on campus, with more than 25 student organizations and 13 intramural sports.

‍School size: 1,135 students

Student-to-faculty ratio: 11:1

Annual undergraduate tuition: $28,540

13. Texas Baptist College

Texas Baptist College, in Fort Worth, is Christ-centered, scripture-driven, and student-focused. The school was formerly known as the undergraduate school of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Bachelor's degrees include Christian studies, intercultural studies, humanities, performance, worship music, and music. There are options to complete a bachelor's online or on campus, and a master's degree in five years. A lot goes on around campus, from chapel services to student events and organizations.

‍School size: 362 undergraduate students*

Student-to-faculty ratio: 24:1*

Undergraduate tuition: $520 per hour**

*Statistics from Niche.com

**The Southern Baptist Cooperative Program provides a scholarship that pays half the tuition for Southern Baptist students, depending on their chosen program (see website for details).

14. The King's University

The King's University is a private evangelical university in Southlake (the Dallas-Fort Worth area). It offers flexible learning options with the ability to choose between on-campus day classes or evening online or a combination of the two.

Students can choose from nine undergraduate programs to begin their ministry training, including ministry leadership, worship leadership, Biblical and theological studies, etc. Campus life consists of chapel services, student government, events, intramural sports, and other activities.

‍School size: 163 undergraduate students*

Student-to-faculty ratio: 8:1*

Annual undergraduate tuition: $12,720

*Statistics from Niche.com

15. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

In the heart of Central Texas, Belton, there's the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, a Christian university affiliated with the Baptist church. This university has a large campus with lots going on, such as chapel services, community service, events, and school traditions.

Popular majors include nursing, clinical psychology, liberal arts and humanities, kinesiology and exercise science, and business. In addition to on-campus undergraduate and graduate programs, the school offers seven fully online degree programs.

‍School size: 3,800 students

Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1

Annual undergraduate tuition: $33,150

16. Wayland Baptist University

Wayland Baptist University, in Plainview, is a private Baptist university. The Plainview campus is its home, traditional campus; however, it has several external campuses throughout the U.S. The campus is lively, with non-stop events, activities, and programs.

Academics are grounded in liberal arts and faith-centered teachings. Popular majors are business, liberal arts and humanities, criminal justice and law enforcement administration, human services, and nursing. In addition, there are opportunities to apply your knowledge gained from the classroom through internships, research, service learning, and more.

‍School size: 1,100 students

Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1

Annual undergraduate tuition: $21,728

17. Nelson University

Nelson University, a private liberal arts and Bible college affiliated with the Assemblies of God, offers a unique blend of academic rigor and spiritual growth. Located in Texas, Nelson is dedicated to fostering a community where students can explore their faith and pursue their career aspirations.

Popular majors include Christian ministries, business administration, education, counseling/psychology, and criminal justice. Students benefit from various opportunities, such as internships, work-study, and co-op programs, helping them gain real-world experience while living out their Christian values.

School size: 1,370 students

Student-to-faculty ratio: 15:1

Annual undergraduate tuition: $24,024

Learn more about Nelson University on page 78 of THE Guide.

Wrapping Up

That concludes our list of 17 Christian colleges and universities in Texas. Prospective college students, parents, and anyone looking for Christian higher education options can download a free copy of THE Guide to Christian Colleges and Universities to assist in the search.

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