Division 1 schools are those that are part of the NCAA Division 1 system. Along with great athletic teams, these Christian universities provide a full campus life, with spiritual activities and undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
School Comparison
Christian universities that have Division 1 athletic teams tend to have a higher tuition because they are larger schools with a lot to offer. The table below looks at the average undergraduate tuition for the 2022 school year.
| School Name | Institution Type | Denomination | Location | Undergraduate Tuition (2021-2022)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Baptist | Waco, TX | $50,232 |
| Loyola University Chicago | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Roman Catholic | Chicago, IL | $47,808 |
| Duke University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | United Methodist | Durham, NC | $60,244 |
| Valparaiso University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Lutheran Church in America | Valparaiso, IN | $44,796 |
| Pepperdine University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Churches of Christ | Malibu, CA | $59,702 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Division 1 Christian Schools Overview
Students at the following universities will often find a strong Christian presence in all that they do on campus. Whether in chapel, in class, or on the field, these schools offer faith-based values and traditions to students earning their undergraduate or graduate degree.
Baylor University
Twelve colleges/schools make up Baylor University's campus. Baylor offers degree programs at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral level. Over 142 bachelor's degree programs are available, as well as 75 master's degrees and 42 doctoral programs. Christian values are stressed on campus, with housing and activities centered around Christian experiences. Chapel is offered twice a week for students to re-focus their minds to Jesus. The Division I teams that Baylor has include baseball, football, tennis, gymnastics, and equestrian.
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago is a larger campus, with about 17,000 students enrolled. Christian ethics are the basis for education and student life. In January, students can join the campus immersion trips to use their winter break for a good purpose. Though chapel is available, Loyola encourages students of all faiths to find a local church to be a part of. Faith programs, such as Noon Tunes and Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice, are just a few for students to connect and fellowship in. There are several great undergrad and graduate programs for students to study, including advertising creative, anthropology, and food systems & sustainable agriculture. There are six men's teams and seven women's teams for students to get involved in sports. Some of the sports teams include soccer, golf, volleyball, and basketball.
Duke University
U.S. News & World Report named Duke University the tenth best college in the nation as of 2022. At Duke, undergraduate paths have been broken down into two primary areas: liberal arts and engineering. There are 48 majors to choose from in the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. Duke athletics are strong but do not interfere with learning. In fact, 90% of athletic students graduate. That's the highest in Division 1 schools. Duke boasts that they provide over 150 opportunities for the campus to come together for fellowship and worship.
Valparaiso University
At Valparaiso College, students will take part in several faith-based activities and groups. The Social Action Leadership Team (SALT) puts together many faith-based activities and peer ministry opportunities. Opportunities to grow closer to God through worship are available daily, including the weekly candlelight evening prayer service. Seven colleges and schools make up the university, offering many undergraduate and graduate degrees. Sports enthusiasts have several options to choose from. From bowling to swimming, students can get involved in teams or individually.
Pepperdine University
Students at Pepperdine University can expect plenty of Division 1 fun. The school has many athletic facilities to encourage student involvement, including a tennis center, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a track and a gymnasium that seats 1,800 students for sporting events. Though the main campus is in Malibu, there are five other California locations and several international facilities. Each summer, Pepperdine holds a 4-day conference for Bible lectures. This spiritual life spills over into the school year with chapel worships and service opportunities around the community. Pepperdine students can find almost any degree program they are looking for. Bachelor's through doctoral degrees and professional certificates are all offered.
