California has a rich Christian college presence throughout the state. These Christian schools offer varying degree levels, from associate's degrees through doctoral programs.
School Comparison
Typically, students looking for a Christian school will want to find one that has practices steeped in their own denomination. These Christian colleges are located along the Pacific Coast and range in price and denomination affiliations.
| School Name | Institution Type | Denomination | Location | In-State Tuition (2021-2022)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Jesuit, Catholic | Santa Clara, CA | $55,860 |
| Shasta Bible College and Graduate School | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Baptist | Redding, CA | $12,860 |
| Life Pacific University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Other Protestant | San Dimas, CA | $18,300 |
| Chapman University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) | Orange, CA | $58,634 |
| Claremont School of Theology | 4-year, private not-for-profit | United Methodist | Claremont, CA | $26,520 (graduate tuition) |
| Providence Christian College | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Undenominational | Pasadena, CA | $33,396 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Comparing California Christian Colleges
Many Christian colleges in California, such as Santa Clara University and Providence Christian College, offer the opportunity to look at other religions beyond the Christian faith as well. All of the following colleges incorporate faith-based ideas into their educational programs.
Santa Clara University
Though a Jesuit, Catholic university, Santa Clara University strongly urges peace and celebration of all religions. Roughly half of the undergraduates that attend Santa Clara are Catholic, with the other half being made up of other Christian denominations, Muslim, Jewish, and Hindu. There are several areas on campus where students can get involved spiritually or pray, such as the Mission Church or the meditation room. Class sizes average about 11:1 in terms of student to teacher ratio, and Santa Clara has 50 undergraduate programs from which to choose.
Shasta Bible College and Graduate School
At Shasta Bible College and Graduate School, there are varying degree levels conferred, including certificates, associate's degrees, master's degrees, diplomas and master's degrees. There are two primary departments, the Department of Education and the Department of Bible and Theology. Being a Bible-focused college, the programs are all Christian-based, with even the Bachelor of Arts in Education focusing on Christian teacher education. Class sizes are very small, and the teacher to student ratio is 3:1.
Life Pacific University
Life Pacific University was founded in 1923. The school offers 10 undergraduate degrees; however, only five are at the baccalaureate level. Two of the programs, the B.A. in Ministry & Leadership & the B.A. in Organizational Management, are offered online. To complete these, students must transfer into the program with 75 or 72 credits (respectively). There is a Chapel program that occurs twice a week; it is the largest student gathering on campus. Faculty, graduates, and community members are invited to speak during Chapel. If no one is scheduled, Chapel will typically be an all-music service.
Chapman University
With a student to teacher ratio of roughly 12:1, Chapman looks for good grades when looking at applications. The average GPA for admitted students is 3.76. The offerings are varied, with 123 degree majors available, including degrees in dance, data analytics, film studies, mathematics & civil engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, and war & society. Chapman also offers 69 graduate degrees and programs. Faith is brought on campus through the Fish Interfaith Center and many religious groups.
Claremont School of Theology
It is important to note that the Claremont School of Theology is a graduate school for theology programs. They offer a Master of Divinity, and Master of Arts in Religion, a Master of Theological Studies, a Doctor of Ministry, and a Doctor of Philosophy. Along with worship opportunities, there are sacred spaces set aside, such as the Biblical Meditation Garden, for students to pray, meditate, and reflect. On-campus apartments are available for students and their families, since many graduate students are older and have established a family.
Providence Christian College
The student to teacher ratio is 10:1 at Providence Christian College (PCC). Of the 164 undergraduate students currently enrolled, 100% of them received grants and scholarship aid. As a liberal arts college, students can anticipate a well-rounded education with general requirements on top of concentration courses. Some of these core courses are not just math and science, but many are studies on the Bible and the ways to strengthen your Christian mind and community presence. There are 12 concentrations that your liberal arts program can work toward, and these vary from Biblical languages to psychology. To learn what it is like to be in the global community, PCC has the Avodah program, which allows students to study abroad, study other religions or take part in community research to be fully immersed in the secular world but applying Christian faith to it.
