Top Colleges for Homeschoolers in the United States

As parents and caregivers of homeschool students preparing for their child’s transition to college, we can help them find the right environment to nurture their academic and spiritual growth. While the following list of the top homeschool-friendly colleges isn’t exhaustive, it does showcase how many higher learning institutions care about providing quality education and support for homeschooled graduates. These are some of the best colleges; they are a private Christian college, and they love homeschoolers.

While a college may appear on a “best Christian colleges” list, that doesn’t mean it will be the best educational experience for a homeschool student. When looking at a college, make sure to talk with other homeschool parents and students who have attended. There are a lot of factors to consider when selecting the best Christian education for your child. For example, find out the pros and cons of each institution, what academic programs are offered, do they offer online courses, their financial aid packages, do they offer summer programs, the required test scores for admittance, and most importantly, whether its Biblical worldview matches up with yours.

Why a Christian College?

Why should your child attend a Christian college? There are more reasons to attend a Christian institution outside of want a degree in Biblical Studies. We all know homeschooled high school students who loved Jesus Christ and were committed to their faith. Then, they drifted away from their faith. While many homeschoolers have a deep faith, there are children who haven’t even begun to question what and why they believe before they go to college. How can you be sure that your child will remain a Christian through college? 

Grove City College in Pennsylvania

First on the list is Grove City College in Pennsylvania, recognized as one of the top Christian colleges for homeschoolers. This institution provides a rigorous academic environment rooted in Christian principles and values that will challenge home-schooled students to reach new heights. With a strong emphasis on nurturing a well-rounded character, Grove City College encourages intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth for all students, including those from homeschooled backgrounds.

According to Grove City College, “Academic excellence is the existential quality that draws students, attracts great faculty, and builds the College’s reputation as one of America’s best liberal arts and sciences colleges.”

Liberty University in Virginia

Christian students of all backgrounds renowned Liberty University in Virginia for its commitment to providing quality education from a Christian perspective. This commitment makes it an appealing choice for homeschooled graduates, especially ones who graduated from their online high school that bridged homeschool and traditional education.

The university’s dedication to cultivating a Christ-centered environment ensures incoming students from homeschool backgrounds will feel supported, nurtured, and empowered to engage with their new academic setting.

Biola University in California

Biola University in California offers a wide range of programs and has consistently shown its encouragement and support for homeschooled graduates. With a reputation for integrating faith in teaching and learning, this institution fosters an environment where homeschooled students can continue to explore and strengthen their faith while pursuing higher education. Pastoral students will face academic rigor while learning top tips for preparing their first sermon and more.

Patrick Henry College

Patrick Henry College is a private liberal arts college. This conservative Christian school is located in Purcellville, Virginia, which is one hour from Washington, D.C. It was incorporated in 1998 by Michael Farris who was also the founder of Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). The very friendly homeschool college

Bob Jones University in South Carolina

Bob Jones University in South Carolina is another institution that has clearly committed to supporting homeschooled graduates in their transition to college. As one of the first organizations to publish resources for home school families, they have long understood the unique needs of this community. They continue to provide the tools necessary for homeschooled students to thrive in their college setting. Homeschooled students accustomed to strict structure will feel particularly at home on the Bob Jones campus.

University of Dallas in Texas

Lastly, the University of Dallas in Texas is a Catholic university that welcomes homeschooled students with open arms. With a strong emphasis on the liberal arts education, this institution fosters intellectual and spiritual growth. Homeschooled students will love this university, whether Protestant, Christian, or Catholic. The school’s focus on comprehensive education of the whole person benefits students academically and encourages their Christian faith development and personal growth.

Pensacola Christian College

This college is located in Florida and is run by the same folks who created Abeka homeschool curriculum, which many in the homeschool community use and love. They are a (KJV) King James only institution.  

Helping your homeschooled student select the right college is an important decision, but there are so many options available. With these top homeschool-friendly Christian school, you can feel confident knowing there are institutions dedicated to providing a quality education that nurtures spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth. You can also look beyond this list to find great Christian schools close to your home that will foster your homeschooled student’s academic growth.

​Charismatic Schools

While most of the colleges above are traditional colleges, there are other options available to you and your child. 

Bethel College is a charismatic college in Redding, California that offers just a few degrees in arts, technology, and music. They are focused on “carrying the presence of God into work environments, creating a profound positive impact on the organizations that they serve. This online and in-person school is meant to raise up the best and brightest and train them to demonstrate the wisdom, character, and power of God’s kingdom.” 

Remember, you don’t have to wait until your child is ready for college. It may be worthwhile to look into Dual Enrollment programs while they are in high school. In Ohio, this program allows high schoolers to get college credit and a head start on their college degree.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the difference between private schools and public schools?

Private colleges are funded through alumni donations, endowments, and tuition. However, public schools or funded through government and tuition. 

Is it harder to get into a private school or a public school?

Private schools have more stringent admission policies and usually have lower student-to-faculty ratio. Therefore, they tend to be more expensive.

Are all private colleges faith-based?

No. However, many private colleges are Christian, and some are based on Christian denominations, such as Notre Dame, a Catholic college, or Baylor University in Texas, a Baptist college.

What questions should I ask before selecting a Christian college?

First, before even beginning to look at colleges, you need to prioritize a list of things that are important to you such as:

​Statement of Faith

​Degrees Offered

The culture of the school and the surrounding area

​What are the class sizes? Are small class sizes important to you?

What type of local churches are available?

The financial aid packages offered

​What is their dress code (if this is important to you)?

The code of conduct