Trying to figure out where to go to college can be incredibly overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to choose the best baptist colleges in North Carolina (or any other state).
First of all, which institutions are even considered Christian or how do you find schools that align with your spiritual values?
Let’s take a look at these issues one at a time.
Here are some of the best Christian colleges in North Carolina (and in the U.S.).
What are baptist colleges?
A baptist college or university is an academic institution that offers excellent programs with a strong emphasis on spiritual growth and morals, with Jesus as the focal point.
The combination of these characteristics helps students build their faith and the skills to help the world.
List of the best baptist colleges in North Carolina
- Duke University
- Davidson College
- Queens University of Charlotte
- Campbell University
- Shaw University
- High Point University
- Barton College
- University of Mount Olive
- Gardner-Webb University
- Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Duke University
Duke is the first on our list of the best baptist colleges in North Carolina. It is a private school located in Durham.
The school has almost 13,000 students and it has regularly been ranked among the top universities in various national and international rankings.
It was founded by Methodists and Quakers but welcomes students of all faiths or none at all.
The university features student-run clubs for Christians (and other groups) as well as non-denominational chapels on campus.
If you’re looking for an active faith community that focuses on philanthropy, service learning, and mission trips abroad (to places like Tanzania), then Duke might be a good fit for you.
Davidson College
It’s difficult to talk about Baptist colleges without talking about Davidson College.
Davidson is a private liberal arts college that has consistently ranked as one of America’s best institutions of higher learning.
The academics are rigorous, but students also enjoy access to several study abroad programs, such as La Universidad Católica de Valparaiso in Chile.
And don’t forget about athletics; Davidson is a member of NCAA Division I and competes against other top schools like Duke University, University of Virginia, and Wake Forest University.
Queens University of Charlotte
For those looking for affiliated Baptist schools in North Carolina, Queens University of Charlotte is one of several options.
Known as Queens, it’s about 20 miles west of downtown Charlotte, making it an ideal location for students interested in being close to big-city amenities but still being able to avoid urban living.
With more than 3,600 undergraduate and graduate students, Queen’s offers multiple undergraduate degree programs with a heavy focus on leadership training; most of these are offered at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels.
Students can also choose from a variety of accelerated programs that include business administration, nursing, and education.
Campbell University
Founded as The Battle Creek Institute in 1887, Campbell University is one of the most conservative Christian colleges in North Carolina and was originally an all-male school.
Today, it’s still known for its religious conservatism and strict dorm policies.
As a result of these restrictive rules, Campbell is not a good fit for many students — but if you like it conservative, it’s hard to beat.
Campbell offers several graduate programs and a respected online program that started out as an extension of its main campus offerings.
Shaw University
Shaw University is a historically black liberal arts college located in Raleigh, N.C. that received its accreditation from SACS in 1969.
It was originally founded as a school for freed slaves by white Baptist ministers and was intended to provide freedmen with quality education and religious instruction during Reconstruction.
This prestigious university offers programs across many disciplines including:
- Dance
- Performing arts
- Science
- Engineering, and
- Computer technology to name a few.
Shaw University offers a diverse group of academic majors at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
High Point University
If you’re looking for an institution that embodies all that is good about Christian higher education, look no further than High Point University.
The private Baptist university, located in High Point, NC, was founded as a boys’ preparatory school back in 1892 and has since become one of the most academically respected institutions of its kind.
Barton College
Conveniently located off I-85, Barton College is a private Christian institution.
It’s one of just a few private, four-year Baptist colleges in North Carolina, and it’s about 30 minutes from Raleigh and 40 minutes from Greensboro.
The school has three major campuses, offering around 50 degrees and over 30 certificate programs.
As a student at Barton, you can choose from several extracurricular activities including sports, honor societies, and Greek life.
University of Mount Olive
The University of Mount Olive is the best Baptist college in North Carolina, according to U.S. News & World Report.
The school is known for its education and nursing programs. It’s located in Mount Olive (duh) and was founded by Methodists and Baptists.
As one of the best Christian colleges in North Carolina, they have a church on campus, and students are involved in diverse extra curriculum activities.
They might enjoy playing sports or taking part in various student organizations like Habitat for Humanity or Marching Band, which performs at various home football games during fall weekends.
Gardner-Webb University
Founded in 1837, Gardner-Webb University (Gardner-Webb) is a Baptist university based out of Boiling Springs, North Carolina.
It has an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and there are approximately 4,000 students currently enrolled.
At Gardner-Webb, you can earn you:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Master’s degree programs are also available.
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
This is one of the best Christian colleges in North Carolina, the school offers very interesting programs and is focused more on Jesus.
5 Most Conservative Christian Colleges in North Carolina
- Montreat College
- Pfeiffer University
- Methodist University
- Brevard College
- Lees-McRae College
Montreat College
The average acceptance rate for students at Montreat College is 93%, and it’s one of North Carolina’s top options for students who value religious studies.
This is one of the most conservative Christian colleges in North Carolina, it takes an interdenominational approach to Christianity, with student-led Bible studies and small-group discussions on faith.
The campus is fairly small, with undergraduate housing accommodating around 650 freshmen, juniors, and seniors.
Pfeiffer University
Nestled amongst picturesque woods and a scenic river, Pfeiffer University is a private, liberal arts university that prides itself on its intellectual rigor.
Its beautiful campus and great value make it one of the best Christian colleges in NC.
Rated among some of the top schools for financial aid, the school also offers dozens of majors for aspiring students.
Methodist University
The private liberal arts college is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The school offers a variety of programs, including:
- Business administration
- Creative writing and children’s studies.
It also has an excellent online program for those looking to earn their degree from afar.
Methodist University is also known for its location; it is located less than one mile from downtown Winston-Salem and has more than 100 undergraduate students who live on campus.
Brevard College
Brevard College is a private, four-year liberal arts college located in Brevard, NC. It was founded in 1853 as The Brevard Normal and Collegiate Institute.
Today, it enrolls more than 1,500 students each year and is ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Regional College (North).
Lees-McRae College
According to The Princeton Review, Lees-McRae College is one of the best Christian colleges in NC.
The college has more than 120 programs for undergraduate students and more than 20 graduate-level degrees available.
Students can get a world-class education from professors who care about their success.