Best Christian Colleges & Universities Georgia 2023
It is not uncommon for young religious individuals to seek out a college that shares their values. America’s “Bible Belt” is a group of states where Christianity is a central aspect of the culture, making the south a comfortable place for young adults to spread their wings. This culture has saturated the social and educational opportunities afforded to students who attend Georgia schools.
The south is home to a wide array of faith-based, or otherwise strictly Christian, colleges. The Pew Research Center’s data from 2016 shows 66% of adults in Georgia considered themselves highly religious. With numbers like that, finding a diversified selection of Christian colleges that stem from multiple denominations is relatively easy for Georgia’s aspiring students. Overall, the south is the place to find some of America’s foremost religious academic institutions, and Georgia is the best place to start.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Financial assistance is available through the HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships and Grants foundations. Students who plan to attend any of the several Christian colleges in Georgia most likely qualify for aid. More information can be found here: https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/.
Georgia boasts over 64 state parks on top of its scenic recreation areas and historical sites. The state’s genuine southern hospitality and its flourishing job market make it an enticing choice for any Christian student seeking post-secondary education.
Rankings
EDsmart assesses Christian colleges in Georgia based on data that covers four main areas:
- Cost (average net price)
- Academic quality (graduation rate)
- Student satisfaction (retention rate)
- Salary After Attending (the median earnings of former students who received federal financial aid, at 10 years after entering the school)
All data was gathered from the U.S. Dept of Education websites College Scorecard and College Navigator.
This ranking aims to help students assess the affordability and value of top Christian colleges in Georgia so they can make informed decisions about which college to attend.
Best Accredited Christian Colleges & Universities in Georgia 2023
1. Agnes Scott College
Score: 100.0
Average Net Price: $20,291
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 69%
Salary After Attending: $48,175
Agnes Scott College is a private women’s Christian college with strong roots in the Presbyterian Church. It started in Decatur, Georgia in 1889. Its doors are now open to women of all religions and denominations. Despite its small population of just over 1,100 students, Agnes Scott still claims the top spot of EDsmart’s best Christian schools in Georgia. In 2022, it ranked #1 among First-Year Experiences and #1 on the list of Most Innovative Schools. It is a requirement to live on campus for all four years of one’s undergraduate career at this school. The most popular majors are in public health, psychology, business, and mathematics. Agnes Scott also offers a pre-medical program for students in non-science majors who want to attend medical school in the future but have no previous training or experience in the sciences. This year-long track is the only program like it in the whole state of Georgia.
Agnes Scott College. (2022). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/agnes-scott-college-1542
Agnes Scott College. (2022). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/agnes-scott-college/
2. Emory University
Score: 100.0
Average Net Price: $22,597
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 92%
Salary After Attending: $72,364
Emory University started in Atlanta, Georgia under the leadership of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1836. In 2022, it ranked #3 among the Best Colleges of Nursing in America, #15 for Colleges with the Best Professors in America, #21 in Best Value Colleges, and #22 among Best National Universities. Emory hosts nine different schools of study, four of which are for undergraduate and graduate students. Emory requires freshman and sophomores to live on campus, but many choose to continue living on campus all four years until they earn their undergraduate degrees. Students can choose from over 270 academic majors and certificates. The most popular majors are business, biology, nursing, economics, psychology, and neuroscience. The Emory Eagles are also widely known around Atlanta for their competitive swimming and diving team.
Emory University. (2022). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/emory-university-1564
Emory University. (2022). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/emory-university/
3. Piedmont University
Score: 99.0
Average Net Price: $18,796
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 57%
Salary After Attending: $46,095
Piedmont University was founded in 1897 and has 1,255 undergraduate students. U.S. News and World Report ranked Piedmont University #20 in Best Value Schools, #24 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, and #44 in Regional Universities South. There are fewer than 20 students in 72.2% of Piedmont’s classes. Piedmont University’s most popular majors are Health Professions, Education, Management, Marketing, and Psychology. In addition to these are Homeland Security, Law Enforcement and Firefighting, Visual and Performing Arts, History, Fitness, and Kinesiology. The average freshman retention rate is 70%. This proves that plenty of students are happy with their time at this school.
Piedmont University. (2022). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/emory-university-1564
4. Wesleyan College
Score: 98.4
Average Net Price: $11,174
Retention Rate: 71%
Graduation Rate: 58%
Salary After Attending: $38,065
Wesleyan is a private Christian women’s college founded in Macon, Georgia in 1836. This was the first school in the world chartered to award degrees to women, so it has a legacy of educating and providing women with opportunities to be successful in any vocation they choose. With 734 attendees in total, each class hosts only about 20 students. The college takes pride in its small student population and recognizes students not just as numbers in a database, but as individuals. The small class sizes allow students to enjoy one-on-one collaboration with instructors. Students typically choose to study nursing, business, biology, psychology, accounting, and advertising. Wesleyan’s study abroad program is also an incredible opportunity for students to gain real-world global experience.
Wesleyan College. (2022). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/wesleyan-college-1600
Wesleyan College. (2022). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/wesleyan-college/
5. Covenant College
Score: 98.4
Average Net Price: $25,389
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 70%
Salary After Attending: $46,183
Covenant College is a private Christian institution that was founded in 1955 in Pasadena, California but transferred its main campus to Lookout Mountain, Georgia, in 1965. The institution associates itself with the Presbyterian Church of America. Today, its proximity to Chattanooga makes it an especially ideal location for freshly-graduated job-seekers. In 2022, it ranked #4 in Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia. Covenant’s most popular academic majors are biology, English, economics, psychology, liberal arts and humanities, elementary education, and business. During their first three years of attendance, students are required to live on campus, and on each floor of the residence halls, discipleship coordinators lead Bible study groups. Covenant College seeks to help students succeed both academically and spiritually, upholding its maxim: “In all things, Christ preeminent.”
Covenant College. (2022). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/covenant-college/
Covenant College. (2022). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/covenant-college-3484
6. Shorter University
Score: 97.0
Average Net Price: $17,871
Retention Rate: 61%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Salary After Attending: $42,097
Rooted firmly in the Baptist faith, Shorter University is a private Christian institution that first opened in Rome, Georgia in 1873. At its founding, it served as a Cherokee Baptist Women’s college. It was not until 1948 that men were able to be admitted. Today, Shorter University ranks #99 in Regional Universities South, and #79 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. Students pursue degrees in business, liberal arts and humanities, sport and fitness management, nursing, and biology. There are 40 different programs available for students to choose from, and Shorter’s online courses are convenient for working adults as well. Shorter’s mission is to “transform lives through Christ.” It’s committed to providing its students with opportunities for spiritual growth, a high-quality education, and valuable Christian leadership skills.
Mission. (2022). Shorter University. Retrieved from: https://www.shorter.edu/mission/
Colleges, schools, and departments. (2022). Shorter University. Retrieved from: https://www.shorter.edu/colleges-schools-departments/
About Shorter. (2022). Shorter University. Retrieved from: https://www.shorter.edu/about-shorter/
Shorter University. (2022). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/shorter-university/
Shorter University. (2022). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/shorter-university-1591
7. Young Harris College
Score: 96.2
Average Net Price: $20,768
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 39%
Salary After Attending: $40,544
Young Harris College is a private Christian school that was established in 1886. It continues the tradition of upholding values and principles of the United Methodist Church. It ranks #70 among Top Performers on Social Mobility. Because of its small, 13-student class size, students can gain a highly personalized educational experience. The school offers over 30 bachelor’s, 8 graduate, and 4 certificate programs. Many students pursue degrees in business, communications, psychology, biology, or history, and Young Harris provides undergraduate research opportunities for each of these programs.
Young Harris College. (2022). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/young-harris-college-666965
Young Harris College. (2022). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/young-harris-college/
8. LaGrange College
Score: 95.4
Average Net Price: $24,063
Retention Rate: 63%
Graduation Rate: 48%
Salary After Attending: $45,428
LaGrange College is a private Christian school that operates in affiliation with the United Methodist Church. In 2022, this college ranked #15 among the Best Value Colleges in Georgia. It is recognized as the oldest private college in the state of Georgia. When it first opened in 1831, LaGrange was a women’s university. It did not integrate until 1953. All students are required to live on campus unless they live with their parents within 30 miles of the campus or are at least 23 years old. The school offers a total of 50 undergraduate degree programs to choose from and supports research projects in each. Many LaGrange students choose to study business, nursing, kinesiology and exercise science, biology, psychology, or accounting.
LaGrange College. (2022). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/lagrange-college-1578
LaGrange College. (2022). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/lagrange-college/
9. Point University
Score: 95.0
Average Net Price: $22,433
Retention Rate: 64%
Graduation Rate: 46%
Salary After Attending: $38,553
Point University is a private Christian institution that was founded in the year 1937 in West Point, Georgia. Today, it ranks #68 for Best Regional Colleges in the South. At this school, faith is incorporated into every course, a few of which are business, entertainment, arts, education, and government. Every degree program centers on the Christian faith. Students typically choose to study Biblical studies, counseling psychology, business, liberal arts and humanities, criminal justice, or child development. They can also take classes online for added convenience and flexibility. Whether in the classroom or online, the school’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for any career they may choose to pursue. Point students often get involved with mission trips to other countries and urban service projects, which gains them real-world experience among different cultures and people.
Point University. (2022). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/point-university/
Point University. (2022). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/point-university-1547
10. Truett McConnell University
Score: 94.8
Average Net Price: $19,253
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 40%
Salary After Attending: $35,357
Established in Cleveland, Georgia in 1946, Truett McConnell University is a private Christian institution. In 2022, this college ranked #51 among Regional Colleges in the South. It offers 22 undergraduate and graduate degree options. Many students pursue nursing, biblical studies, business, elementary education, and psychology degrees. Truett runs 16 different sports teams, along with 16 worship and Bible groups for those seeking to enhance their faith. It is a Bible-centered organization instituted on four pillars: love the Lord, love His Word, love the Church, and love the lost. Each student is encouraged to take an evangelistic mission trip during their time at the university, which enables them to grow spiritually and develop global perspectives.
Truett McConnell University. (2022). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/truett-mcconnell-university-1597
Truett McConnell University. (2022). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/truett-mcconnell-university/
11. Toccoa Falls College
Score: 94.4
Average Net Price: $22,212
Retention Rate: 61%
Graduation Rate: 54%
Salary After Attending: $36,199
Toccoa Falls College is a private Christian institution that was established in Toccoa Falls, Georgia in 1907. Today, it ranks #10 for Best Value Schools, #24 for Best Regional Colleges in the South, and #9 for Top Performers on Social Mobility. Toccoa Falls is affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. It includes Biblical studies in each of its academic tracks, making for a spiritual and considerate student community. A few of the more popular majors are counseling psychology, missionary studies, biblical studies, business, liberal arts and humanities, and divinity and ministry. Overall, Toccoa Falls is committed to preparing students to be personally, professionally, and spiritually successful throughout their futures.
About. (2022). Toccoa Falls College, Inc. Retrieved from: https://tfc.edu/about/
Toccoa Falls College. (2022). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/toccoa-falls-college/
Toccoa Falls College. (2022). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/toccoa-falls-college-1596
12. Reinhardt University
Score: 94.2
Average Net Price: $23,163
Retention Rate: 63%
Graduation Rate: 39%
Salary After Attending: $41,251
Set in the scenic woodland suburbs of Waleska, Georgia, Reinhardt University is a private Christian institution that first opened its doors in 1883. Today, the school ranks #7 among Best Colleges for Veterans, #20 in Best Value Schools, and #36 in Best Regional Colleges in the South. There are over 40 degrees and a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs for students to choose from. The most popular choices generally are business, sport and fitness management, criminal justice, biology, healthcare management, and accounting. Reinhardt is proud to be the only college providing undergraduate and graduate degrees in Cherokee County, and one of its most notable qualities is its affordability. The university also has an excellent study abroad program that equips students with global perspectives and real-world experience. Overall, Reinhardt dedicates itself to helping its students achieve both their educational and spiritual goals.
About Reinhardt University. (2022). Reinhardt University. Retrieved from: https://www.reinhardt.edu/about/
Reinhardt University. (2022). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/reinhardt-university-1589
Reinhardt University. (2022). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/reinhardt-university/
Further Reading: Cheapest Online Colleges
13. Clark Atlanta University
Score: 94.0
Average Net Price: $35,170
Retention Rate: 69%
Graduation Rate: 43%
Salary After Attending: $39,369
Clark Atlanta University was organized in 1988 when two historically African American schools joined to form a private Christian institution of higher learning. It is now one of the largest historically black private colleges in America. CAU has 40 degree options to choose from. The schools most popular majors are Radio and television, business, psychology, biology, criminal justice, and social work. Clark students also have access to the Career Planning and Placement Center, a distinctive asset that helps them practice interview skills, create high-quality resumes, and participate in internships applicable to their majors. Ultimately, Clark Atlanta University aims to give students the experience they need for prospective careers and future success.
Clark Atlanta University. (2022). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/clark-atlanta-university-1551
Clark Atlanta University. (2022). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/clark-atlanta-university/
14. Emmanuel College
Score: 93.8
Average Net Price: $24,189
Retention Rate: 65%
Graduation Rate: 44%
Salary After Attending: $37,494
Emmanuel College is a private Christian institution that first opened its doors in Franklin Springs, Georgia in 1919. The school affiliates with the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. Emmanuel students spread the gospel on their service visits to hospitals, homeless shelters, and even prisons. They also participate in tutoring children, aiding the ministry, assisting pastors in preaching, and embarking on mission trips around the world.
EC at a glance. (2022). Emmanuel College. Retrieved from: http://www.ec.edu/about-ec
Emmanuel College. (2022). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/emmanuel-college-1563
Emmanuel College. (2022). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/emmanuel-college—georgia/
15. Brewton-Parker College
Score: 93.2
Average Net Price: $18,736
Retention Rate: 44%
Graduation Rate: 28%
Salary After Attending: $36,885
Brewton-Parker College is a private Christian school that was founded in the year 1904 in Mount Vernon, Georgia. Today, this college ranks #76-99 among Best Regional Colleges in the South. It is a Baptist institution that incorporates Christian values and leadership with its academic curriculum. Many students study liberal arts and humanities, business, sports and fitness management, psychology, and biology. Several online programs are also easily accessible to students with demanding schedules. The school also hosts 16 different sports teams. Overall, Brewton-Parker is a college dedicated to enabling its students to achieve their life goals while growing spiritually.
About BPC. (2022). Brewton-Parker College. Retrieved from: https://www.bpc.edu/about-bpc
Brewton-Parker College. (2022). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/brewtonparker-college-1557
Brewton-Parker College. (2022). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/brewton-parker-college/
16. Paine College
Score: 93.0
Average Net Price: $14,699
Retention Rate: 46%
Graduation Rate: 23%
Salary After Attending: $31,714
Paine College is a private Christian institution that was established in 1882 in Augusta, Georgia. Paine’s students can choose from majors in business, sociology, biology, elementary education, criminology, and much more. Faculty meet with each student and go over their academic goals and how to achieve them. The school runs countless research opportunities, scholarly presentations, the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, and several STEM programs. It partners with the Lydia Patterson Institute of El Paso, Texas, which helps recruit community-conscious Hispanic students through the United Methodist Church. The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship features programs that help alleviate the shortage of minority teachers in higher education by bringing together highly qualified scholars that want to help and improve their students. Overall, Paine aims to provide students with excellent academic opportunities and equip them with spiritual principles, as well.
Paine College. (2022). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/paine-college/
Paine College. (2022). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/paine-college-1587
Honorable Mention
Beulah Heights University
For over one hundred years, Beulah Heights University has been a pillar of the greater southeastern Atlanta community. Although known first and foremost for its devotion to the Christian faith, Beulah Heights offers a variety of degree programs through which students can obtain highly marketable skills while simultaneously strengthening their faith. Beulah Heights’ students can choose to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies, Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership, or more. Beulah even offers master’s degrees in leadership studies, religious studies, divinity, business administration, chaplaincy, and more. Through its study abroad programs (which send students to places like Brazil, Kenya, Belgium, Japan, South Korea, and the Congo), the university offers a plethora of opportunities for worldwide service and prepares students for a lifetime of Christ-centered service and enlightenment.
Beulah Heights University. (2022). Beulah Heights University website. Retrieved from: https://www.beulah.edu/page.aspx?pid=339
Andrew College
Since its founding in 1854, Andrew College has been at the forefront of religious postsecondary education, preparing students for lifelong service throughout the southwest region of Georgia, and beyond. At Andrew College, students can major in criminal justice, art, literature, mathematics, physics, nursing, engineering, and more. Whether you’re looking to study abroad, participate in an honors program, or design an online class schedule to fit your personal one, Andrew has it all. Through its South Korea sister school, Pai Chai University, Andrew College also operates a student exchange program by which students can develop expanded worldviews and gain ample marketing opportunities. Through its dual enrollment program, even high school students can take part in everything Andrew has to offer.
Andrew College. (2022). Andrew College website. Retrieved from: https://www.andrewcollege.edu/
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
