10 Christian Colleges in Missouri for Prospective College Students

Missouri is a midwestern state known for its low cost of living, Kansas City-style barbecue, and iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch. It’s also home to several Christian colleges that are great options for prospective students. This article will highlight 10 Christian colleges in Missouri that soon-to-be college students should check out.

Missouri Christian Colleges and Universities

1. Calvary University

Calvary University is a 4-year non-denominational Christian university in Kansas City, Missouri. The university gives students opportunities to gain real-world experience through Christian ministries and study work programs.

Calvary offers various academic programs, including online, early college, college degree, graduate school, seminary, and Ph.D. Some popular undergraduate majors include business, biblical studies, pastoral counseling, specialized ministries, and theological and ministerial studies. 

Students can participate in on-campus clubs and organizations focused on leadership, creativity, and faith formation.

Tuition (on-campus, undergraduate courses): $13,692

Size: 262 undergraduates

2. Central Christian College of the Bible

This is a private Christian college located in Moberly, Missouri. Central Christian College of the Bible centers its academics around biblical instruction and practical training for students. It offers the opportunity for dual enrollment at Indiana Wesleyan University and Moberly Area Community College. 

The college offers a broad range of programs, including church ministry and marketplace ministry. Church ministry programs can be completed in one to four years and prepare students to work at a church or non-profit organization. Marketplace ministry programs like business administration, education, and health science degrees allow students to pursue a full-time or specialized ministry career. 

Tuition (undergraduate, full-time): $11,200 per year 

Size: 155 undergraduates

3. College of the Ozarks

Located in Point Lookout, Missouri, College of the Ozarks is a private Christian liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on faith, character, and work ethic. The college operates on a unique Work Education Program, allowing students to graduate without student loan debt by working on campus as part of their education.

College of the Ozarks offers a range of undergraduate programs grounded in Christian values, with popular majors including business administration, education, psychology, nursing, agriculture, and biblical and theological studies. 

Tuition: Covered through the Work Education Program (no out-of-pocket tuition)

Size: 1,403 undergraduate students

4. Evangel University

Located in Springfield, Missouri, Evangel University is a Christian university and seminary school affiliated with the Assemblies of God. The private liberal arts university offers more than 70 academic programs integrated with faith, learning, and life.

The top five majors include elementary education, biology, business management, psychology, and allied health. In addition to traditional undergraduate programs, there are online, graduate, and seminary programs. 

Apart from academics, the school has a vibrant campus life with dozens of clubs, activities, dorm devotionals, chapels, and sports teams.

Tuition: $28,578 per year

Size: 2,621 

Learn more about Evangel University on page 42 of THE Guide. 

5. Hannibal-LaGrange University

Hannibal-LaGrange University is a private 4-year Christian university affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention, which forms part of the Southern Baptist Convention. It’s located in Hannibal, Missouri. 

The school offers a wide range of programs, all of which are taught from a biblical perspective. Popular programs include licensed practical nurse training, nursing, business, and elementary education. 

The academic experience at Hannibal-LaGrange is amplified through student life activities that provide leadership opportunities, spiritual growth, and meaningful, life-long relationships.

Tuition: $26,880 per year

Size: 402 undergraduates

6. Mission University

Mission University, a private Baptist university, is located in Springfield, Missouri. As a small institution, it offers a tight-knit community where students are encouraged to grow academically and spiritually.

The university provides programs designed to prepare students for ministry and leadership roles, with popular majors including biblical studies, business, and missionary studies. Outside of academics, students can participate in a variety of campus activities, spiritual life events, and service opportunities.

Tuition: $16,230 per year

Size: 342 undergraduate students

7. Missouri Baptist University

Missouri Baptist University is another private liberal arts university affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist. It’s located in Saint Louis, Missouri, on a 68-acre campus. This Christian university challenges students to dig deep and find their God-given passions.

This liberal arts university offers over 50 degree programs with small class sizes (17:1 student-faculty ratio). The top five majors include nursing, education, business, exercise science, and psychology. 

There are many opportunities for students to get involved on campus through residential life, student clubs and organizations, and spiritual life.

Tuition: $31,530 per year

Size: 5,704

Learn more about Missouri Baptist University on page 144 of THE Guide. 

8. Ozark Christian College

Located in Joplin, Missouri, Ozark Christian College is a private evangelical college. The school is dedicated to training men and women for Christian service. 

Top programs include pastoral counseling and specialized ministries, religious vocations, biblical studies, and missionary studies. Additional academic programs are related to the church, Bible, and leadership. Students can get involved on campus through Christian service, residential life, life groups, and student employment. 

Tuition: $15,550 per year

Size: 614 undergraduates

9. Southwest Baptist University

Southwest Baptist University, a Christian liberal arts university, is located in Bolivar, Missouri. The school is affiliated with the Southern Baptist, and its mission is to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. 

The university offers more than 100 areas of study, with popular programs being exercise science, elementary education, nursing, biology, and management. Furthermore, the school has an Honors program and international and cross-cultural study programs. 

Students can participate in various clubs, organizations, spiritual life programs, intramurals, and varsity sports. Additionally, all students receive some form of financial aid.

Tuition: $29,500 per year

Size: 1,064 undergraduates

Learn more about Southwest Baptist University on page 157 of THE Guide. 

10. Spurgeon College

Spurgeon College, located in Kansas City, Missouri, is the undergraduate college of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. The school is rooted in Baptist tradition and is committed to preparing students for ministry, leadership, and service in a variety of fields.

Students can choose from a range of academic programs, with opportunities to study theology, ministry, business, counseling, education, and more. The college emphasizes both academic excellence and spiritual formation, offering chapel services, mentorship, and hands-on ministry experiences.

Campus life provides students with opportunities to get involved in organizations, service projects, and spiritual life programs, while also connecting with the broader seminary community.

Tuition: $11,220–$21,210 per year

Size: 3,840 students (2023)

That concludes the list of Missouri Christian colleges. For more information on Christian colleges and universities across North America, download your free copy of THE Guide.