There are dozens of bible colleges dotted across the great state of California. From the upper reaches of northern California to the southern tip of the state. California Bible Colleges are higher education institutions with a direct or indirect connection or affiliation with a religious organization. A bible college or Christian college may extend a number of degree programs from a certificate of completion to an Associate of Arts (AA) to a Bachelor of Science (BS) up through graduate degree programs. In addition to degree level, students may choose to earn a degree in a religious field of study or secular area of study. For example, students matriculating the in following will likely continue into a similar field of study or advance into a seminary:marriage and family counseling,theology,youth ministry, andministry. On the other hand, students looking for a more secular vocation may earn a degree innursing,economics,medical assisting,business,early childhood education,marketing,information systems,civil engineering, orcommunications. Although the degree conferred in a secular area of study may seem like a standard degree, the curriculum at a bible college will infuse their curriculum with faith-based classes to help students remain mindful of their mission and values in the workplace.
2025 Best Bible Christian Colleges in California
The Master's College and Seminary operates as an interdenominational Christian institution located in Santa Clarita, CA, which maintains a seminary for individuals seeking to become priests. The Master's College and Seminary has a yearly student enrollment of around 1,400. More than twenty different programs are offered at The Master's College and Seminary, with a Doctor's degree being the highest degree granted. The more popular enrolled programs among students are shown below:
- Ministry
- Liberal Arts
- Business Administration
- Christian Counseling
- Biblical Studies
- Biology
The admissions process would include the submission of an application, school records and any standardized tests, which are then reviewed by the admissions staff. Either the SAT or ACT exam can be taken to apply to this school. Scores within the range of 22 - 29 on the ACT or 970 - 1230 on the SAT are required to increase the chance of acceptance.
The Master's College and Seminary also offers services for students including career counseling for students that may require additional help, flexible courses for working or busy students, and help with employment opportunities for students.
Tuition is close to $30,000 per year for undergraduate programs and about $12,000 for graduate level programs, though it may change based on different types of circumstances. Students may visit the school's price of attendance calculator to to get a more personalized estimate of costs. Living quarters may be provided for those that would like to live on-campus for around a cost of $5,300 per year. Some students at The Master's College and Seminary may be eligible for financial assistance, which is generally offered in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
This school has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities since 1975. To read more and get consumer disclosures, please visit masters.edu.
Enrollment
2,057
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Shasta Bible College and Graduate School is an institution with a Baptist affiliation and is located in Redding, California. This school provides various educational opportunities for its individuals. This school enrolls around seventy students yearly, providing students an excellent learning atmosphere. Shasta Bible College and Graduate School offers several programs for students to choose from. The more popular programs among students are listed below:
- Biblical Studies
- Theology and Religious Vocations
- Education
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Students applying for admission are asked to submit an application, transcripts and records, as well as any requested application essays, which will then be reviewed by the school.
Shasta Bible College and Graduate School also provides career counseling assistance for students in need of help.
The cost of tuition is nearly $6,300 for graduate students and about $11,000 for undergraduate level students yearly. The prices may change for any number of reasons, and therefore students should visit the school's net price calculator to get a better idea of their cost of attendance. Living accommodations are available on-campus for students. The yearly cost of housing is estimated to be $2,600. This school may offer financial aid for potential students who are eligible by way of grants and loans.
Shasta Bible College and Graduate School has been accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission since 1997. To learn more and get consumer disclosures, you can visit shasta.edu.
Enrollment
52
Student to Faculty Ratio
5:1
William Jessup University is a faith-based institute located in Rocklin, California that offers several academic programs for its students. The school also maintains a Protestant affiliation. The school enrolls about 700 students yearly, providing a great atmosphere for learning. More than twenty different programs are offered at San Jose Christian College. Here are the programs with more popularity among individuals:
- Business Administration
- Psychology
- Counseling Psychology
- Biblical Studies
- Elementary Education
Enrollment
1,695
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Maple Springs Baptist Bible College and Seminary, located in Capitol Heights, Maryland, is a school dedicated to providing an education guided by faith. The school maintains a Baptist affiliation, and offers studies through its seminary. This school had an enrollment of 100 students in 2010-2011. Maple Springs Baptist Bible College and Seminary offers several programs to select from. Some of the more popular programs being offered for individuals are:
- Biblical Studies
- Ministry
- Christian Counseling
- Religious Education
This school maintains an open enrollment practice, accepting all applicants that meet the requirements for admission. Submission of transcripts and records, as well as any letters of recommendations may be requested for certain programs.
Maple Springs Baptist Bible College and Seminary also offers career counseling for students that may require additional help.
The cost of tuition is approximately $5,200 for graduate students and about $5,000 for undergraduates per year. Tuition prices may change for a variety of reasons, and that is why students should use the school's net price calculator to identify their individualized cost of attendance. Financial aid may be provided to potential students that meet the necessary requirements by way of scholarships, grants, and loans.
Maple Springs Baptist Bible College and Seminary has been accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission since 2000. For information and consumer disclosures, please visit school's website.
Enrollment
51
Student to Faculty Ratio
4:1
Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad West Coast Talmudical Seminary is a Jewish seminary located in Los Angeles, California that provides educational opportunities and rabbinical training for potential students. This school is known for offering individuals bachelor's degree in Talmudic Studies, with more than sixty individuals graduating over the last several years.
Students applying for admission are required to submit an application, transcripts and records, as well as any requested personal statements, which will then be reviewed by the school.
Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad West Coast Talmudical Seminary also provides career pathway counseling for students in need of help.
The tuition is approximately $13,000 per year, though it may change based on different types of circumstances. Students should check the school's price of attendance calculator to determine a more personalized cost estimate. Students at Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad West Coast Talmudical Seminary may be eligible for aid which is usually in the form of grants or loans.
This school has been accredited by the Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools, Accreditation Commission since 1983. Please visit the school's official website for information on programs & disclosures.
Enrollment
155
Student to Faculty Ratio
19:1
Grace College of Divinity is a Protestant (Other) affiliated school located in Fayetteville, NC, which has a seminary for students seeking to become priests. Grace College of Divinity offers several programs for students to choose from. Some of the more popular programs offered for students are:
- Youth Ministry
- Missions, Missionary Studies and Missiology
- Ministry
- Religious, Sacred Music
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
Grace College of Divinity maintains an open enrollment arrangement, allowing all individuals that meet the basic requirements for admission. Submission of school records, as well as any personal statements may be needed for certain programs.
Grace College of Divinity also provides academic guidance for students that may require additional help.
The cost of tuition is close to $2,700 annually. The prices may change for any number of reasons, and as such students should use the school's net price calculator to get a better idea of their costs. This school may provide financial aid for those who are eligible by way of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
Grace College of Divinity has been accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation since 2012. Get more information by clicking on the link to visit the school's official website, where you can see programs available, financial aid & tuition, and disclosures.
Enrollment
157
Student to Faculty Ratio
7:1
Life Pacific College is an institution located in San Dimas, California that has several academic programs for its students. Life Pacific College also maintains a Protestant (Other) affiliation. The school enrolls around 500 students per year, which can provide a great learning environment for students. Life Pacific College has several great programs to choose from. The more popular programs among individuals are listed below:
- Biblical Studies
- Christian Counseling
- Education
Students applying for admission are most often required to submit an application, school records, as well as any requested application essays, which will then be reviewed by the school. Students may submit either the SAT or ACT exam scores to be considered for admissions at this school. A score between 1197 to 1570 on the SAT, or 16 to 22 for the ACT is common among accepted students.
Life Pacific College also provides services for students such as flexible courses for working or busy students, academic guidance for students that may require additional help, and help with employment options for students.
The cost of tuition at this school is approximately $14,000 for undergraduate students and $8,400 for graduate programs, but may change yearly. Students are asked to use the school's price of attendance calculator to better understand their personal tuition costs. Students attending Life Pacific College may qualify for financial aid which is generally in the form of grants and loans.
Life Pacific College has been accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation since 1980. Get more information by clicking on the link to visit the school's official website, where you can see program details, financial aid & tuition, and disclosures.
Enrollment
619
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Horizon College San Diego is a place of learning located in San Diego, California. This school provides a variety of educational opportunities for its faith-filled students. This school had an enrollment of 100 students last year. The main program offered at this school is biblical studies at the associate's and bachelor's degree levels.
The school maintains an open enrollment policy, accepting any individuals that meet the minimum requirements for admission. Submission of school records, as well as any admissions essays may be requested for certain programs.
Horizon College San Diego also provides student services including flexible scheduling for working or busy students and career guidance for students that may require additional help.
Tuition is approximately $7,000 annually, though it may vary based on different types of circumstances. Students should check the school's price of attendance calculator to get a more personalized estimate of costs. Some students at this school may qualify for financial aid, which is generally offered as scholarships, grants, and loans.
To learn more and get consumer disclosures, you can visit horizoncollege.org.
Enrollment
69
Student to Faculty Ratio
6:1
Programs of Study
An Associate Degree in Biblical Studies (two years) is the degree program offered by RBC. Students may choose between nine different concentrations within the degree curriculum. For students staying only one year, the college offers a Certificate in Biblical Studies which shares many core requirements with the associate's degree. In addition, the Institute for Pastoral Studies is a distance education option designed especially for pastors and leaders. A special three-week wilderness training experience, Akwachink Leadership School, is offered each fall in association with Living Hope Native Ministries.
Accreditation
RBC is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education. ABHE is recognized as a national accrediting agency by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation (CORPA). It is also listed by the United States Department of Education as a recognized agency for biblical higher education. Internationally, ABHE is recognized by the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education. Rosedale is also authorized by the Ohio Board of Regents (the state's educational oversight body) to grant the associate degree in biblical studies.
Tuition
Tuition costs at Rosedale compare very favorably with other private colleges and universities. The total estimated annual cost for full-time students in the 2011-2012 academic year is just under $14,000. Tuition and boarding costs are kept low through the generous giving of alumni, friends, and the churches of Conservative Mennonite Conference.
Financial Aid
Study at Rosedale qualifies for public assistance through the federal and Ohio state governments. In addition, some private scholarships are available.
Enrollment
Average enrollment for the 2010-2011 academic year was 86 students. Enrollment for specific terms varied from 79 to 99. Typical class size is 15 to 20 students.
Location
Rosedale is situated in a small central Ohio community 31 miles west of downtown Columbus and 33 miles northeast of downtown Springfield. Its rural setting provides a peaceful, safe environment within easy driving distance of the cultural offerings of significant urban centers.
Affiliation
Rosedale is the educational institution of Conservative Mennonite Conference.
Athletics
Organized intramural sports include basketball, volleyball, soccer, and Ultimate. Student teams have played soccer in a community league in north Columbus. The disc golf course also sees frequent use during the fall and spring.
Enrollment
46
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Bethesda University of California is an educational institute located in Anaheim, CA. This school offers a variety of excellent programs for its faith-filled students. The school had an enrollment of 300 students in 2010-2011. Over ten different programs are offered at Bethesda University of California, including degrees as high as a Doctor's degree. The more popular programs among individuals are shown below:
- Ministry
- Biblical Studies
- Missions, Missionary Studies and Missiology
- Religious Education
Students applying for admission are generally asked to submit an application, transcripts, as well as any requested personal statements, which will then be reviewed by admissions staff.
Bethesda University of California also offers career counseling assistance for students in need of help.
The cost of tuition is nearly $9,200 for undergraduate programs and $8,400 for graduate students, but may change yearly. Students are asked to use the school's net price calculator to better estimate their cost of attending Bethesda University of California. This school may provide financial assistance for those that are eligible by way of scholarships, grants, and loans.
The Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation has accredited the instruction & training provided by Bethesda University of California for over thirteen years. For information and consumer disclosures, please visit school's website.
Enrollment
371
Student to Faculty Ratio
7:1
Epic Bible College is a place of learning located in Sacramento, California that has educational opportunities for its students. This school also maintains an Assemblies of God Church affiliation. Epic Bible College enrolls about 300 students annually, which can provide a great learning environment for students. Epic Bible College offers several programs for students to choose from. A list of the more popular programs being offered for individuals are:
- Pre-Theology, Pre-Ministerial Studies
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- General Studies
- Religious, Sacred Music
- Christian Counseling
The admissions process would include the submission of an application, transcripts and any standardized tests, which are then reviewed by the admissions office.
Epic Bible College also offers student services such as flexible courses for working or busy students and career guidance for students that may require additional help.
The cost of tuition at this school is close to $12,000, but may change per year. Students are asked to use the school's net price calculator to better understand their cost of attendance. Students at this school may qualify for financial aid which is generally in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
This school has been accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission since 2004. For information and consumer disclosures, please check out school's website.
Enrollment
155
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Top Ranked Bible Colleges in California

As the largest state by population, California is home to a large number of bible colleges. Bible colleges in the State of California have a variety of religious affiliations that include: Roman Catholic, Baptist, Nazarene, Lutheran, Mennonite, Episcopal, Seven Day Adventist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Protestant. Within each type of affiliation, schools can range from small to large in terms of enrollment and reach. Top ranked bible colleges in California include Pepperdine University, Saint Marys, Loyola Marymount, Santa Clara, Epic Bible College, Bethel Seminary, and Pacific Lutheran. For students interested in studying at a bible or Christian college but require a flexible schedule, you may consider enrolling in an online degree program. Many accredited bible colleges in California offer distance learning programs for students. Additionally, national bible colleges offer highly acclaimed online degree programs in bible studies that include Liberty, Ohio Christian, and Grand Canyon.
List of Catholic Colleges in California
The following colleges follow or incorporate Catholic practices and are further grouped by their specific religious affiliation.
Roman Catholic Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
St John's Seminary Popular Programs Offered:
| Chula Vista, CA |
Thomas Aquinas College Popular Programs Offered:
| Claremont, CA |
Ave Maria School of Law Popular Programs Offered:
| Costa Mesa, CA |
Holy Names University Popular Programs Offered:
| Daly City, CA |
Notre Dame de Namur University Popular Programs Offered:
| Fremont, CA |
Marymount California University Popular Programs Offered:
| Kentfield, CA |
Franciscan School of Theology Popular Programs Offered:
| Los Altos Hills, CA |
Loyola Marymount University Popular Programs Offered:
| Sacramento, CA |
University of San Francisco Popular Programs Offered:
| San Anselmo, CA |
Saint Marys College of California Popular Programs Offered:
| San Bernardino, CA |
University of San Diego Popular Programs Offered:
| San Diego, CA |
Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology Popular Programs Offered:
| San Rafael, CA |
Santa Clara University Popular Programs Offered:
| Santa Barbara, CA |
Mount St. Mary's College Popular Programs Offered:
| Walnut, CA |
List of Protestant Colleges in California
The following schools follow or incorporate Protestant practices and are further detailed by their specific religious affiliation.
American Baptist Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
American Baptist Seminary of the West Popular Programs Offered:
| Los Angeles, CA |
Assemblies of God Church Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
Popular Programs Offered:
| Long Beach, CA |
Vanguard University of Southern California Popular Programs Offered:
| Orange, CA |
Epic Bible College Popular Programs Offered:
| Santa Paula, CA |
Baptist Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
Popular Programs Offered:
| Los Angeles, CA |
Southern California Seminary Popular Programs Offered:
| Oakland, CA |
Maple Springs Baptist Bible College and Seminary Popular Programs Offered:
| Pasadena, CA |
Shasta Bible College and Graduate School Popular Programs Offered:
| Visalia, CA |
Christ and Missionary Alliance Church Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
Simpson University Popular Programs Offered:
| Santa Ana, CA |
Church of the Nazarene Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
Point Loma Nazarene University Popular Programs Offered:
| San Diego, CA |
Evangelical Lutheran Church Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
California Lutheran University Popular Programs Offered:
| Pasadena, CA |
Free Will Baptist Church Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
California Christian College Popular Programs Offered:
| Modesto, CA |
Interdenominational Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
Popular Programs Offered:
| Clovis, CA |
Popular Programs Offered:
| Clovis, CA |
Williamson Christian College Popular Programs Offered:
| North Hollywood, CA |
Popular Programs Offered:
| Santa Ana, CA |
The Master's College and Seminary Popular Programs Offered:
| Valley Glen, CA |
Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
Concordia University - Irvine Popular Programs Offered:
| Los Angeles, CA |
Mennonite Brethren Church Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
Fresno Pacific University Popular Programs Offered:
| Fresno, CA |
Mennonite Church Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
Rosedale Bible College Popular Programs Offered:
| Cerritos, CA |
Multiple Protestant Denomination Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
Fuller Theological Seminary in California Popular Programs Offered:
| Los Altos Hills, CA |
Pacific School of Religion Popular Programs Offered:
| Pasadena, CA |
Other Protestant Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
Popular Programs Offered:
| Los Angeles, CA |
Trinity Law School Popular Programs Offered:
| Merced, CA |
Life Pacific College Popular Programs Offered:
| Reedley, CA |
Grace College of Divinity Popular Programs Offered:
| Santa Ana, CA |
William Jessup University Popular Programs Offered:
| Visalia, CA |
Presbyterian Church Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
San Francisco Theological Seminary Popular Programs Offered:
| San Francisco, CA |
Protestant Episcopal Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
Church Divinity School of the Pacific Popular Programs Offered:
| Stockton, CA |
Seventh Day Adventists Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
La Sierra University Popular Programs Offered:
| El Cajon, CA |
Pacific Union College Popular Programs Offered:
| Los Angeles, CA |
Loma Linda University Popular Programs Offered:
| Riverside, CA |
Southern Baptist Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
California Baptist University Popular Programs Offered:
| Aptos, CA |
Undenominational Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
Biola University Popular Programs Offered:
| Anaheim, CA |
San Diego Christian College Popular Programs Offered:
| Irvine, CA |
Providence Christian College Popular Programs Offered:
| Sacramento, CA |
Azusa Pacific University Popular Programs Offered:
| San Diego, CA |
United Methodist Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
Claremont School of Theology Popular Programs Offered:
| Taft, CA |
List of Restoration Colleges in California
The following colleges follow or incorporate Restoration practices and are further grouped by their specific religious affiliation.
Christian Church (Disciples Of Christ) Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
Chapman University Popular Programs Offered:
| Rancho Cucamonga, CA |
Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
Hope International University Popular Programs Offered:
| Oxnard, CA |
Churches of Christ Affiliated Schools
Institution Name | |
---|---|
Pepperdine University Popular Programs Offered:
| Pasadena, CA |
The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.
Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.