The Best Christian Colleges in Illinois

Illinois is home to several great Christian colleges and universities. These schools are great options for prospective college students looking to pursue a Christian higher education. This midwestern state, nicknamed “The Prairie State,” is known for its Chicago skyline, delicious deep-dish pizza, and being the birthplace of Route 66.

This article will introduce 10 Christian Colleges in Illinois to help students with their college search.

Illinois Christian Colleges and Universities 

1. Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago is a private 4-year Lutheran university located in River Forest, Illinois. It offers over 170 undergraduate, graduate, and accelerated degree programs. 

Popular undergraduate programs include kinesiology and exercise science, business, healthcare management, psychology, and marketing. In addition, the Concordia campus experience encompasses faith, ministry, group activities, academic resources, and international programs. 

Tuition (full-time, undergraduate): $33,944 per year

Size: 1,284 undergraduates*

2. Greenville University

Greenville University is a private Christian university in Greenville, Illinois, affiliated with the Free Methodist Church. It has over 50 programs and offers a hands-on learning experience through partnerships with local organizations and businesses.

Popular majors are business, elementary education, organizational behavior studies, criminal justice, music technology, biology, and more! Some programs are offered both on-campus and online. Campus life consists of academic clubs, honors societies, community service, worship, and more.

Tuition (full-time, undergraduate): $29,998 per year

Size: 737 undergraduates*

3. Judson University

Judson University, located in Elgin, Illinois, is a private evangelical university. The liberal arts and sciences university sits on the Fox River bank, only 40 miles from downtown Chicago. It has over 50 programs of undergrad, grad, and adult professional studies. 

The top five undergraduate majors include architecture, business, education, psychology, and exercise sport science. In addition, Judson campus life centers around community and faith, with opportunities to participate in arts, clubs, organizations, and intramural sports. 

Tuition (full-time, undergraduate): $29,850 per year

Size: 1,175

Learn more about this university on page 141 of THE Guide

4. Lincoln Christian University

Lincoln Christian University is a private four-year university affiliated with the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. While it is located in Lincoln, Illinois, it also offers online courses. 

Lincoln Christian University offers bachelor’s degrees in biblical studies and Christian ministry. The school’s academic and campus experiences equip students with a Biblical worldview so they can serve and lead in the church and the world.

Tuition (undergraduate): $14,820 per year

Size: 259 undergraduates*

5. Moody Bible Institute in Chicago

Moody Bible Institute is a private evangelical Christian Bible college in the north side of Chicago. The university offers over 30 undergraduate programs, some of which are online.

The top five majors include human services, communications, elementary education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and biblical studies and theology. The Moody college experience extends to events and activities between classes—community activities, sports, extracurriculars, and opportunities for students living on and off campus.

Tuition (undergraduate, on-campus): $0 ($12,960 paid by donors)

Size: 1,502

Learn more about this Bible institute on page 74 of THE Guide

6. North Park University

North Park University is a private university affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church, located on Chicago’s north side. The university specializes in providing students with a hands-on, dynamic education rooted in liberal arts and the Christian faith.

There are 80 majors and minors to choose from, with the top five majors being nursing, business, biology, psychology, and education. In addition, the student experience includes sports, STEM, arts, and chapel, stretched across a vibrant, park-like campus. 

Tuition (undergraduate): $33,350 per year

Size: 1,739 undergraduates

Learn more about this university on page 76 of THE Guide

7. Olivet Nazarene University

Olivet Nazarene University is a four-year Christian liberal arts university in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Its 275-acre campus is located 50 miles south of Chicago. 

The university offers more than 140 fields of study, and the top five majors are nursing, engineering, business administration, biology, and criminal justice. There are countless opportunities for personal and spiritual growth outside the classroom through campus events, sports, clubs, organizations, music ensembles, and chapel. 

Tuition (undergraduate): $37,940 per year

Size: 2,700 undergraduate students

Learn more about this university on page 156 of THE Guide

8. Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College is a liberal arts, interdenominational college in Palos Heights, Illinois. It’s a short 30-minute drive from Chicago, where students have many cultural, career, and social opportunities.

The top five areas of study include business, nursing, elementary education, psychology, and biology. In addition to dozens of clubs and organizations, the school has live music performances, dances, talent shows, movie nights, and excursions in Chicago.

Tuition (undergraduate): $33,800 per year

Size: 1,175

Learn more about this university on page 167 of THE Guide

9. Trinity International University

Trinity International University is a liberal arts university affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America. Its location near Chicago in Deerfield, Illinois, gives students access to large companies, churches, nonprofit organizations, and cultural centers. 

Trinity International University’s academics consist of small class sizes, personalized curriculums, and hands-on learning. The five most popular majors are business, Bible and ministry, communication, education, and exercise science. 

Tuition (undergraduate): $32,398 per year

Size: 571 traditional undergraduate students

Learn more about this university on page 168 of THE Guide

10. Wheaton College

Wheaton College, in Wheaton, Illinois, is a four-year liberal arts college with a nondenominational affiliation. It has 43 undergraduate majors and more than 75 study abroad programs and urban engagement opportunities. 

The top five majors at Wheaton are business/economics, psychology, biology, applied health science, and English, each deeply rooted in a Christian worldview and taught by humble professors and staff. In addition, students can gain real-world experience through the school’s robust internship program. 

Tuition (undergraduate): $41,990 per year

Size: 2,400 undergraduates

Learn more about this university on page 106 of THE Guide.  

That concludes the list of Christian Colleges in Illinois. For further information about Christian Colleges, check out The Guide to Christian Colleges and Universities

*Statistics from Niche.com

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