Christian colleges offer their students classes and degree programs that are taught from a Christian perspective. Faith and fellowship are usually part of the unique college experience on these faith-based campuses. However, the rising price of higher education in the United States has also affected the tuition at Christian colleges. In an effort to keep Christian education as low as possible, an increasing number of Christian colleges now offer degree programs online at a fraction of the price. In addition, some Christian colleges have made their programs more affordable with grants, scholarships and tuition installment plans.
Pensacola Christian College
Located in Pensacola, Florida, just 20 minutes from the beach, Pensacola Christian College provides a liberal arts education that helps its students become more spiritual, moral, intellectual, and cultural. The four-year program at Pensacola Christian College prides itself for it affordability. According to 2010 figures, the cost of a four-year degree is $25,000-$50,000 less than other similar institutions. Each student enrolled at the college receives an automatic financial aid benefit that adds up to several thousand dollars. The college also offers financial aid through loans, scholarships and its Work Assistance Program.
Pensacola Christian College boasts that nearly 75 percent of the students from its bachelor's degree program graduate without any debt. The total cost for four years at Pensacola Christian College is roughly $22,500 as of 2010.
Ames Christian University
Located in Fort Myers, Florida, Ames Christian University is an accredited distance-learning program that trains students for ministry leadership positions. The school has accreditation from the World Wide Accreditation Commission of Christian Educational Institutions (WWAC). Ames Christian University offers bachelor's, master's, and eoctoral Degrees in several programs, including pastoral ministry, evangelism, music ministry, youth ministry and Christian counseling.
The tuition and fees for their programs are fairly inexpensive compared to similar institutions. A three-credit course for undergraduates costs $198; a three-credit course for graduate students is roughly $297; and a four-credit course for doctoral students is $408.
Moody Bible Institute
Founded in 1886 by an evangelist, Moody Bible Institute is one of the few Christian colleges that offers tuition-paid education for all of the undergraduate students. This Chicago-based Christian college offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as distance learning. The mission of the college is to prepare its students for a life of full-time Christian ministry.
Moody Bible Institute receives direct donations, living trust agreements, matching gifts and other financial gifts from its generous donors. These financial donations allow Moody Bible Institute to underwrite the undergraduate tuition for its students on the Chicago campus.
Grove City College
Grove City College is an affordable Christian college in Grove City, Pennsylvania, that offers a liberal arts education in a Christian-based environment. Degree programs at Grove City College include education, pre-health, pre-medication, chemistry, communication studies, physical education, religion, and other liberal arts and sciences. This Christian college is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, and it has accreditation from the Commission on Higher Education and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Grove City College considers itself "one of American's best values." They offer college savings plans, need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships to make their tuition more affordable. For the 2010-2011 academic year, tuition was $6,544 per semester. However, every student enrolled at Grove City College receives an automatic financial benefit of several thousand dollars to help pay for the cost of this Christian college.
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Writer Bio
DoanPhuong Nguyen has been a professional writer since 2007. Her articles have appeared in "Nashville City Paper," "Nashville Parent magazine" and numerous online publications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University. She is also member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.