The editors at Lord’s Library have compiled this list of the best Christian colleges in Texas to save you the search.
Searching for the best Christian colleges in Texas can involve a fair bit of research with a number of options across the state. According to Pew Research Center’s 2014 Religious Landscape Study, the religious composition of Christian adults in the state is 77 percent. Texas’ Christian higher learning landscape includes colleges and universities with varying degrees of religious study, as well as dedicated Bible colleges for a scripture-first approach.
Choosing the institution that is right for you will largely depend on your spiritual and educational goals. It’s with this in mind that our editors assembled this list of the best Christian colleges in Texas to consider. Each entry includes the school’s location and a brief “From the institution” description to give you a high-level overview of the college and save you time. Simply click the college name or logo to go direct to the institution’s website if you want to learn more.
Note: The best Christian colleges in Texas are ranked in alphabetical order.
The Best Christian Colleges in Texas
Abilene Christian UniversityLocation: Abilene, TX
From the institution: “Abilene Christian University is a hub of rigorous academic excellence and devoted community. Through residential and online undergraduate and graduate programs, we equip students for lives of service leadership, empowering them through exceptional teaching that unlocks the power of their curiosity and prepares them to create the solutions that will address the opportunities of today and tomorrow. In our vibrant, Christ-centered community, we aim to contribute to our students’ spiritual and intellectual growth in ways that encourage confidence and vocational formation.”
Arlington Baptist UniversityLocation: Arlington, TX
From the institution: “Every institution has its beginning in the planting of a seed idea, and for Arlington Baptist University the seed was planted in 1925 with a concept of a Bible Institute in Dallas. Although this institute did not materialize, it led Dr. J. Frank Norris, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, to begin in 1927, the Fundamental Bible Institute. The Institute offered a plan of systematic Bible study via radio and correspondence. Arlington Baptist University strives to prepare every student for Christian life and service by integrating faith and learning in the context of an informed biblical worldview that affirms the inerrancy of scripture.”
Baptist University of the Americas
Location: San Antonio, TX
From the institution: “Each year, the excellence of education, the personal size, the encouraging character of the student body and the beauty of the campus and surrounding area draw new students from diverse cultures all over the world to Baptist University of the Americas. We take pride in bridging cultures to share the word of God: three out of every four Hispanic Baptist pastors in Texas attended BUA, and we have extension centers in three countries, with plans for further expansion. At BUA, we will offer you a full 4-year program of study, a superb personal scholastic environment, an outstanding faculty, affordable tuition, and a full range of scholarships and financial assistance.”
Baylor University Location: Waco, TX
From the institution: “Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 19,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.”
Criswell CollegeLocation: Old East Dallas, TX
From the institution: “Here, you will be surrounded by a community of expert faculty and committed learners. Our approach is based on Scripture and builds skills sought by all types of employers: critical thinking, effective communication, and collaborative peacemaking. Through our distinctively Christian curriculum and close relationships with faculty, you will be equipped for further study and learn to meet challenges in whatever field you choose to pursue.”
Dallas Baptist University Location: Dallas, TX
From the institution: “Founded in 1898, DBU has one mission—to transform the lives of students who will transform the world, all for the glory of God. We offer a variety of educational opportunities for individuals of all ages and academic backgrounds—including degree programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, as well as continuing education and certificate programs. Through it all, we seek to integrate faith and learning and develop individuals whose desire is to serve the world. We invite you to discover DBU and join us in our one mission.”
Dallas Christian CollegeLocation: Dallas, TX
From the institution: “Dallas Christian College strives to meet the educational needs of an increasingly diverse student body and to encourage leadership of churches and Christian organizations. Our mission is to educate and mentor students to be people of influence, engaging in their calling to the work of Christ in the Church and in the world. To fulfill it, we have created a unique blend of programs to equip you for your chosen field of service. There are only a few colleges anywhere in the world who can match this robust blend of educating and mentoring at the level which we have created.”
East Texas Baptist UniversityLocation: Marshall, TX
From the institution: “East Texas Baptist University’s legacy, beginning with the establishment of the College of Marshall over 100 years ago, remains committed to Christ by meeting students where they are and propelling them to where God has called them to be. With another year of record enrollment, ETBU continues to proclaim God’s truths and equip His disciples as described in the mission statement. As a Christ-centered institution, East Texas Baptist University educates students by integrating biblical faith and learning to develop mind, body, and soul through community engagement to prepare graduates to be Christian servant leaders in their calling to God and humanity. “
Hardin–Simmons UniversityLocation: Abilene, TX
From the institution: “You’ll never find another place like Hardin-Simmons University. We are a Baptist university in Abilene, Texas, with 127 years of history and traditions that aren’t matched at any other school, and that gives HSU a personality as big as the West Texas horizon. Hardin-Simmons University will be an innovative community of servant scholars engaging the minds and nurturing the spirits of future Christian leaders. The mission of Hardin-Simmons University is to be a community dedicated to providing excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values.”
Houston Baptist University Location: Houston, TX
From the institution: “Houston Baptist University offers an intimate college environment in the heart of one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the United States: Houston, Texas. Coming to HBU as a student is about more than books, tests and lectures. It is about stepping into a community where each person is recognized as a distinct individual. HBU strives to not only develop each student academically, but spiritually, physically and relationally as well. With an average class size of 25, the more than 3,000 students of HBU get the personal attention they want and need.”
Howard Payne University Location: Brownwood, TX
From the institution: “A Christian liberal arts institution, Howard Payne University prides itself on fostering a close community where personal connection is valued. Through teaching, learning and service, the faculty and staff truly invest in students’ success. At HPU, students choose from more than 100 majors, minors and pre-professional programs in seven schools: Business, Christian Studies, Education, Humanities, Music and Fine Arts, Nursing, and Science and Mathematics.”
Jacksonville CollegeLocation: Jacksonville, TX
From the institution: “[Jacksonville College] is located in a city of some 14,000 inhabitants, nestled in the beautiful, rolling hills of East Texas. The city boasts several industries, a prosperous farming region, friendly people, a fine system of public schools, a national seminary, and many fine churches. The student body, the strong faculty, the campus spirit, and the location all combine to make Jacksonville College an ideal place for any student who seeks a sound education which keeps Christ preeminent.”
Jarvis Christian CollegeLocation: Hawkins, TX
From the institution: “Jarvis Christian College is a historically Black liberal arts, four-year institution affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The mission of the college is to prepare a diverse population of lifelong learners intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally through providing interactive services and using varied modalities of instructional delivery.”
LeTourneau UniversityLocation: Longview, TX
From the institution: “LeTourneau University is an unapologetically Christian university. While it has no direct denominational ties, it welcomes students of all denominations who love and seek after God. It is a place where students have found a deeper relationship with Him, grown in their spiritual walk and discovered God’s purpose for their lives. Claiming every workplace in every nation as our mission field, LeTourneau University graduates are professionals of ingenuity and Christ-like character who see life’s work as a holy calling with eternal impact.”
Lubbock Christian UniversityLocation: Lubbock, TX
From the institution: “Organizations from across the country have recognized Lubbock Christian University’s efforts to offer a quality education that goes beyond the classroom, delivered from professors who have real world experience and who care about their students on a personal level. We are grateful for the various awards and want to share those with you so that you may be assured your academic pursuits at LCU will be a transformative experience. Below are a few awards we have received in the past.”
McMurry UniversityLocation: Abilene, TX
From the institution: “As a United Methodist institution grounded in traditions of intellectual achievement and vital piety, McMurry nurtures and cares for students as they face the many challenges of higher education. The institution provides the support necessary to encourage students to grow as whole persons – spiritually, emotionally, morally, intellectually, socially, and physically. The McMurry community expresses its Christian principles through hospitality and gracious interactions with those who do and those who do not identify with the Christian faith. The institution encourages connections between people of varying circumstances, cultures, languages, and beliefs.”
legeLocation: Bedford, TX
From the institution: “Messenger College is committed to developing world-changing Spirit-empowered leaders for the 21st century. At Messenger College, you will find a community of believers completely focused and dedicated to the pursuit of God’s purpose in His Kingdom. The students who enroll at MC share a passion to become men and women of God fashioned as arrows in His hand to be released into their world for His glory. It is here their passion is met with kindred hearts in the faculty and leadership of MC. The Holy Spirit is alive and living in our community, a place where Spirit-empowered learning meets focused academics and specialized training for men and women who have responded and answered the call of God.”
Southern Methodist UniversityLocation: Dallas, TX
From the institution: “SMU was founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South in partnership with civic leaders. The University is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry. A nationally ranked private university located near the heart of Dallas, SMU is a distinguished center for global research with a liberal arts tradition. SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.”
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Location: Waxahachie, TX
From the institution: “Southwestern Assemblies of God University exists to equip students spiritually, academically, professionally, and cross-culturally for their God-given careers and callings. SAGU will be a distinguished, Christian university that equips Spirit-empowered leaders with career and ministry skills by providing affordable education, hands-on training opportunities, and innovative academic programs. SAGU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees.”
Southwestern Christian College
Location: Terrell, TX
From the institution: “Southwestern Christian College, founded and sponsored by members of Churches of Christ, is accredited as a four-year (level II), educational college (limited to Bachelor’s degree in Bible and Religious Education), with a two-year associate program in the liberal arts. Its purpose is to offer a holistic educational program that will motivate the student to value and achieve academic excellence within the context of commitment to moral and spiritual values; to assist students in making their transitions from high school to higher education on various levels; to assist students in preparation for varied vocations in life; to prepare future leaders for their distinct communities and the world at large.”
Texas Christian UniversityLocation: Fort Worth, TX
From the institution: “TCU is the largest of 21 institutions associated by an ongoing covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). A protestant denomination with Presbyterian and Baptist roots, the Disciples’ vision statement speaks of “true community, deep Christian spirituality and a passion for justice. This continued relationship supports an approach to education that values scholarship, reason and intellectual inquiry while honoring the importance of every individual’s religious identity. Today’s TCU students come from more than 60 religious traditions and faiths.”
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Location: Belton, TX
From the institution: “The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is dedicated to Christian higher education.nFounded in 1845, the university has traditionally been known for producing excellent educators, nurses, business leaders, and missionaries. That has not changed, but today UMHB is also earning recognition for its talented science and music graduates, for top-notch graduate programs in counseling and physical therapy, and more.”
Wayland Baptist UniversityLocation: Plainview, TX
From the institution: “Founded in 1908 by a pioneer physician committed to the value of education, Wayland continues to pioneer new standards in higher learning, serving as a leader among the nation’s Christian colleges and universities. WBU is a place to pursue a higher calling. Ours is an academically challenging and distinctively Christian environment. Here, you will not only prepare for professional success, but also for service to God, your family, and your community.”
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