Are you considering attending a Christian college? Is your sole purpose to study the Bible or another field? With so many choices how do you decide? We’ve created this article summarizing the top Christian colleges or universities and Bible colleges located in central North Carolina. Consider if one might be a good fit for you.
First, what is the difference between a Christian college or university and a Bible college?
A Christian college or university subscribes to a Christian worldview and holds the Bible in high regard while offering a wide variety of majors and degrees. They are often referred to as Christian liberal arts schools.
A Bible college is primarily designed to equip believers for vocational ministries such as a pastor, youth pastor, or a missionary. A major focus is training in the study and communication of the Bible as well as to gain spiritual maturity. An expected outcome is learning the practical aspects of ministry under the direct mentorship of experienced faculty.
Because many colleges have experienced mission drift, you need to carefully consider the beliefs of the college or university before looking at additional information. The same can be said for a Bible college to determine if it aligns with your personal beliefs.
Now, check out these TOP SEVEN…
1) Campbell University
On January 5, 1887, James Archibald Campbell, a 26-year-old-baptist minister, welcomed 16 students to a small Christian church in Buies Creek, North Carolina.
Since then, Buies Creek Academy Campbell Junior College (1926) became Campbell College in 1961, and then Campbell University in 1971 preparing students to lead with purpose.
Accreditation is granted by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
There are 150 undergraduate programs in 10 Academic Divisions:
- Healthcare
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering & Math
- Business & Management
- Accounting & Financial Planning
- Arts
- Communication & Marketing
- Education & Human Sciences
- Government, Law & Security
- Humanities & Ethics
Graduate & Professional degrees are offered within:
- The College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
- Divinity School
- School of Osteopathic Medicine
- School of Business
- School of Law
- School of Education & Human Sciences
Be sure to wear orange if you visit the campus on Wednesdays! Learn more about Campbell University here.
2) Carolina College of Biblical Studies
Carolina College of Biblical Studies (CCBS) celebrates 50 years of ministry in discipling Christ followers for a lifetime of effective servant leadership.
Having begun in 1973 this Fayetteville, North Carolina institution strives to be a premier institution of biblical higher education whose graduates launch and lead healthy ministries worldwide.
Providing a quality education is evidenced by a 4:1 student to faculty ratio and a median class size of 12, with 90% of graduates involved in ministry positions. Quality assurance is guided by the Association for Biblical Higher Education accreditation.
Undergraduate programs focus on these ministry areas:
- Biblical Studies
- Apologetics
- Organizational Leadership
Graduate programs include the following:
- Master of Arts in Biblical Translation
- Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
- Master of Arts in Theological Studies
- Master of Divinity
With a diverse student body, there are ample opportunities to personally learn from trained faculty who have 380 years of combined ministry experience. Learn more about Carolina College of Biblical Studies here.
3) Carolina University
Located in Winston Salem, North Carolina, Carolina University is a Christ-centered University committed to exceptional teaching, scholarly research, creative innovation, and professional collaboration.
The University was originally launched in September 1945 by Dr. Charles Stevens, pastor of Salem Baptist Church and is now accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) with a tuition rate of $427 per credit hour.
The university is comprised of the following schools:
- School of Arts & Sciences
- School of Business
- School of Education
- School of Leadership
- Piedmont Divinity School.
Undergraduate programs include:
- Biblical Studies
- Deaf Studies
- Education
- Psychology
- Sports Management
Graduate programs include:
- Biblical Studies
- Divinity
- Education
- Nursing
- Technology
Doctoral degrees are offered in:
- Healthcare Administration
- Innovation
- Leadership
- Organizational Management
- Educational Administration
Seven colleges, universities, and seminaries merged, leading to the 2020 creation of Carolina University. Learn more about the university here.
4) Manna University
Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Manna Christian College was formed by Jerry Daley in 1978 to train future pastors and church leaders.
In 2020 the college was relaunched as Manna University operating on the campus of and in conjunction with Manna Church but functioning as a commuter school dedicated to educating, equipping, and empowering emerging leaders to change the world.
Manna is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education with an undergraduate tuition rate of $210.00 per credit hour.
Undergraduate Programs include the following:
- Counseling
- Leadership
- Divinity
- Intercultural Studies
- Worship Ministry
Graduate Programs include:
- Biblical Studies
- Counseling
- Leadership & Ministry
- Chaplain Candidate Programs
- Doctor of Ministry
On-campus programs are also offered in Virginia, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Texas. Learn more about Manna University here.
5) Methodist University
Located in Fayetteville, NC, Methodist University is historically supported by the North Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, and is committed to an ecumenical spirit providing opportunities to acquire enlightened minds for spiritual, academic, and social growth.
Methodist aspires to engage in a culture of excellence to provide transformative educational experiences by integrating a liberal arts foundation and spiritual and moral heritage. Their innovative student-centered programs are designed to produce successful graduates who are dedicated to making positive contributions to a global society.
Methodist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Undergraduate programs provide 70+ majors including:
- Business Administration
- Counseling
- Education
- Global Studies
- International Relations
- Kinesiology
- Music
- Nursing
- Religion
Fifty countries are represented by the current international students. Learn more about Methodist University here.
6) Shepherd’s Theological Seminary
Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, Shepherd’s Theological Seminary began in 2003 and functions out of a local church.
Their vision is to impact the world for Christ by equipping servant leaders for life and ministry, strategically shaping both intellect and character through biblical scholarship and personal mentoring.
Additional locations include Wyoming, Texas, and Florida.
Shepherd’s is accredited by the Commission of the Association of Theological Schools.
Programs include:
- Master of Divinity
- Master of Theology
- Doctor of Ministry
Unique to Shepherd’s is the Israel Initiative through which students complete a 2-week study in the Holy Land at a minimal cost. Learn more about Shepherd’s Theological Seminary here.
7) Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Located in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) opened its doors in 1950.
Now with a student body of 5,800 students, they aim to make God’s Kingdom comprised of people from every tribe, tongue, and nation worshiping Christ together on campus and in churches.
SEBTS is a private institution accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools.
Programs include:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Science
- Business Administration
- Teacher Education
Graduate programs include:
- Master of Divinity
- Master of Theology
- Doctor of Ministry
- Doctor of Philosophy
The hub of student activity is the Ledford Student Center built in 1935. Learn more about Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary here
What’s Next?
What is the next step in choosing a Christian college? It is always proper to seek wise counsel from mature Christians in your life. Consider your life calling and what positions of service you aspire to obtain. For further information, contact the admissions department of each institution. Be sure to pray and ask the Lord for his will and provisions!