The Best Christian Colleges in Illinois

Illinois is home to several great Christian colleges and universities. These schools are great options for prospective college students looking to pursue a Christian higher education. This midwestern state, nicknamed “The Prairie State,” is known for its Chicago skyline, delicious deep-dish pizza, and being the birthplace of Route 66.

This article will introduce 10 Christian Colleges in Illinois to help students with their college search.

Illinois Christian Colleges and Universities 

1. Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago is a private 4-year Lutheran university located in River Forest, Illinois. It offers over 170 undergraduate, graduate, and accelerated degree programs. 

Popular undergraduate programs include elementary education, nursing, sports management and business, criminal justice, and exercise science and fitness management. In addition, the Concordia campus experience encompasses faith, ministry, group activities, academic resources, and international programs. 

Tuition (full-time, undergraduate): $36,430 per year

‍Size: 1,377 undergraduates*

2. Greenville University

Greenville University is a private Christian university in Greenville, Illinois, affiliated with the Free Methodist Church. It has over 50 programs and offers a hands-on learning experience through partnerships with local organizations and businesses.

Popular majors are business, elementary education, criminal justice and law enforcement administration, psychology, and more! Some programs are offered both on-campus and online. Campus life consists of academic clubs, honors societies, community service, worship, and more.

Tuition (full-time, undergraduate): $31,500 per year

‍Size: 839 undergraduates*

3. Judson University

Judson University, located in Elgin, Illinois, is a private evangelical university. The liberal arts and sciences university sits on the Fox River bank, only 40 miles from downtown Chicago. It has over 50 programs of undergrad, grad, and adult professional studies. 

The top five undergraduate majors include architecture, business, education, psychology, and exercise sport science. In addition, Judson campus life centers around community and faith, with opportunities to participate in arts, clubs, organizations, and intramural sports. 

Tuition (full-time, undergraduate): $30,375 per year

‍Size: 1,000

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Learn more about this university on page 142 of THE Guide. 

6. Moody Bible Institute in Chicago

Moody Bible Institute is a private evangelical Christian Bible college in the north side of Chicago. The university offers over 30 undergraduate programs, some of which are online.

The top five majors include human services, communications, elementary education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and biblical studies and theology. The Moody college experience extends to events and activities between classes—community activities, sports, extracurriculars, and opportunities for students living on and off campus.

Tuition (undergraduate, on-campus): $0 ($13,974 paid by donors)

‍Size: 1,043

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Learn more about this Bible institute on page 74 of THE Guide. 

7. North Park University

North Park University is a private university affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church, located on Chicago’s north side. The university specializes in providing students with a hands-on, dynamic education rooted in liberal arts and the Christian faith.

There are 80 majors and minors to choose from, with the top five majors being nursing, business, biology, psychology, and engineering. In addition, the student experience includes sports, STEM, arts, and chapel, stretched across a vibrant, park-like campus. 

Tuition (undergraduate): $36,070 per year

‍Size: 1,842 undergraduates

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Learn more about this university on page 80 of THE Guide. 

8. Olivet Nazarene University

Olivet Nazarene University is a four-year Christian liberal arts university in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Its 275-acre campus is located 50 miles south of Chicago. 

The university offers more than 140 fields of study, and the top five majors are nursing, engineering, business, biology, and education. There are countless opportunities for personal and spiritual growth outside the classroom through campus events, sports, clubs, organizations, music ensembles, and chapel. 

Tuition (undergraduate): $37,910 per year

‍Size: 2,500 undergraduate students

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Learn more about this university on page 155 of THE Guide. 

9. Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College is a liberal arts, interdenominational college in Palos Heights, Illinois. It’s a short 30-minute drive from Chicago, where students have many cultural, career, and social opportunities.

The top five areas of study include business, nursing, elementary education, psychology, and criminal justice. In addition to dozens of clubs and organizations, the school has live music performances, dances, talent shows, movie nights, and excursions in Chicago.

Tuition (undergraduate): $19,980 per year

‍Size: 900

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Learn more about this university on page 164 of THE Guide. 

10. Wheaton College

Wheaton College, in Wheaton, Illinois, is a four-year liberal arts college with a nondenominational affiliation. It has 43 undergraduate majors and more than 75 study abroad programs and urban engagement opportunities. 

The top five majors at Wheaton are business/economics, psychology, English, communication, and health science, each deeply rooted in a Christian worldview and taught by humble professors and staff. In addition, students can gain real-world experience through the school’s robust internship program. 

Tuition (undergraduate): $45,420 per year

‍Size: 2,300 undergraduates

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Learn more about this university on page 114 of THE Guide.  

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That concludes the list of Christian Colleges in Illinois. For further information about Christian Colleges, check out The Guide to Christian Colleges and Universities. 

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*Statistics from Niche.com

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