A conservative, Christian college adheres to traditional values, which can include religious, political, and social ones. The five Midwestern schools highlighted were all ranked as conservative by Niche or Young America's Foundation.
School Comparison
These five schools represent faiths from Roman Catholic to Evangelical denominations.
| School Name | Institution Type | Denomination | Location | Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Saint Francis - Fort Wayne | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Roman Catholic | Fort Wayne, IN | $30,430 |
| Wisconsin Lutheran College | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod | Milwaukee, WI | $29,725 |
| Cedarville University | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Baptist | Cedarville, OH | $30,270 |
| Franciscan University of Steubenville | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Roman Catholic | Steubenville, OH | $27,630 |
| College of the Ozarks | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Evangelical Christian | Point Lookout, MO | $19,360 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Overview of Midwestern Conservative Christian Colleges
All of these colleges have undergraduate degree programs, with some offering graduate degrees. Each school offers weekly worship sessions, along with faith-based activities like Bible study and student-led small groups.
University of Saint Francis - Fort Wayne
The University of Saint Francis - Fort Wayne is ranked #2 for most conservative colleges in Indiana by Niche for 2020. The school holds traditional values such as fostering peace and justice and serving each other and the Church. Daily masses are held, with a formal Bible study group on Thursday evenings and student-led sessions in the dorms. Other student organizations include the American Advertising Federation and Artists in Action. The university offers bachelor's degrees in areas like accounting and computer information systems, along with master's degrees in areas such as clinical mental health counseling and chemistry.
Wisconsin Lutheran College
Wisconsin Lutheran College is considered a top conservative college by the Young America's Foundation for its commitment to educating students within a Christian framework. The college offers more than 15 worship activities throughout the week, including daily chapel services and Bible study sessions. Campus organizations range from the civic-minded Sisters in Service to the recreational Ultimate Frisbee Organization. Students can earn bachelor's degrees in fields like communication or engineering, with graduate studies available in leadership and innovation and instructional technology.
Cedarville University
At Cedarville University, students will experience an academic environment rooted in the biblical worldview, helping the school earn Niche's rating as one of the top conservative schools in Ohio for 2020. Academic programs include allied health, biblical studies, and civil engineering. Outside of the classroom, students can take part in weekday morning chapel services and organizations like Discipleship Groups, which are weekly small groups led by upperclassmen. They can also take part in campus clubs like the Ayo Dance Company or the College Republicans.
Franciscan University of Steubenville
The Young America's Foundation ranked Franciscan University of Steubenville as a top conservative school. The university promotes the Scriptures and infuses Christian humanism into all academic programs. Students can choose from programs like catechetics, communication arts, and computer science. Worship opportunities include praise and worship sessions on Tuesdays, solemn vespers on Sundays, and the sacrament of reconciliation four times a week. The university offers student life clubs such as the Faith Study Club, the Franciscan Equestrian Club, and Student Government.
College of the Ozarks
Named a top conservative school by the Young America's Foundation, College of the Ozarks' mission is to develop citizens of Christ-like character who are well-educated, hard-working, and patriotic. A unique feature of the school is that full-time students pay for tuition through work programs and scholarships. Academic programs include family studies and social services and biblical and theological studies. Students can enroll in pre-professional programs for law, dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, physician's assistant, and pre-veterinary. The college's student programs include Character Camp, a 10-day orientation for incoming students.