Choosing the right college to live and strengthen one’s faith throughout the higher education experience is an important factor for many Christian students. We’re making this aspect of the college search easier by curating lists of amazing Christian schools that could be a great match for students like you. All the colleges and universities on this list are church-affiliated Christian institutions in the Western United States. You can click the green “Connect me” button below each school to have your CollegeXpress profile information sent directly to them—then they’ll reach out to you. It’s really that simple to start your college search on the right foot!
California Baptist University
California Baptist University is a private church-affiliated liberal arts university in Riverside, California—60 miles east of Los Angeles. With more than 10,000 students and a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, the University offers over 150 undergraduate majors and minors for students to choose from. CBU also offers opportunities like the First-Year Experience to welcome new students to University life; weekly chapel meetings to keep you connected to your faith; and mock job interviews and job fairs for an easy college-to-career transition.
Concordia University Irvine
Concordia University Irvine is a Lutheran faith university in Irvine, California—50 miles south of Los Angeles. With nearly 4,000 students and a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, CUI offers 30 undergraduate degrees, concentrated in 27 majors across 17 broad fields of study. As a member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, the University also offers opportunities like chapel four days a week, the SHOUT! Worship experience, Bible studies, mission trips, the Witness outreach program, and more.
Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University is a private church-affiliated arts and sciences university in Malibu, California—only 12 miles from Santa Monica. With 3,400 undergraduate students and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students can choose from 45 majors and 40 minors. Pepperdine offers Christian students general education religion courses, a Convocation Series, an on-campus University Church of Christ, a campus ministry program, student-led spiritual programs, prayer and unity gatherings, service projects, mission trips, and more.
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Pacific University is a private church-affiliated university in downtown Seattle, Washington. With a total enrollment of 2,600+ students and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, SPU offers 56 undergraduate majors, 61 minors, 17 master’s programs, and five doctorate programs. Students can also take advantage of opportunities like University ministries, the Center for Worship, and the John Perkins Center for Reconciliation, Leadership Training, and Community Development.
Vanguard University of Southern California
Vanguard University of Southern California is a church-affiliated liberal arts university in Costa Mesa, California—45 miles east of Los Angeles. With 1,700 undergraduate students and a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, students can choose from 23 majors, some with concentration options, and eight minors. With more than 24 denominations represented on campus, students have access to global mission trips, regular chapel meetings, and more than 20 student-led worship teams and ministry opportunities.
Want to learn about even more faith-based colleges in other areas of the US? Check out this list of Great Christian Colleges and Universities in the Midwest.
