2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ

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Christian Churches and Churches of Christ

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Pepperdine University	88	62.86	1,310 – 1,450	52216	64934	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Pepperdine University Malibu, CA Pepperdine University has campuses found all over the world, from Washington D.C., to Florence, Italy, to Buenos Aires, Argentina. 89% of students receive institutional grant aid, averaging $30,613 each. The most commonly sought degree is in Business Administration and Management, General. First Year Retention Rate 88 % Acceptance Rate 62.9% SAT Score 1,310 – 1,450 Avg. Net Price $52,216 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $64,934
2	Freed-Hardeman University	84.86	90.61	1,080 – 1,280	18267	40086	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, TN Found in Henderson, Freed-Hardeman University accepts 91% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 99% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 84% and 58% of students will earn......Read more First Year Retention Rate 85 % Acceptance Rate 90.6% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $18,267 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,086
3	Harding University	84.4	39.42	1,080 – 1,310	21069	43555	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Harding University Searcy, AR In the last admissions cycle, Harding University 93% of accepted students decided to attend the following fall. In addition, 98% of students attending Harding receive institutional grant aid to help them afford tuition. Student athletes are known as the Bisons, and they wear black and gold....Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % Acceptance Rate 39.4% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $21,069 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,555
4	Lipscomb University	83	67.74	1,090 – 1,350	27386	50454	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Lipscomb University Nashville, TN Lipscomb University is a fairly selective school and during the last admissions cycle, 25% of accepted students enrolled. A NCAA Division I without football member, 265 Bisons compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference....Read more First Year Retention Rate 83 % Acceptance Rate 67.7% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $27,386 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,454
5	Milligan University	81	70.27	1,080 – 1,340	21463	43168	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Milligan University Milligan, TN Milligan University is a Christ-centered liberal arts school with a 355-acre campus. 100% of students receive grant aid, about $28,521 each. A NAIA Division II university, students can also receive athletic scholarships. Many opt to study Business Administration and Management, General. First Year Retention Rate 81 % Acceptance Rate 70.3% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $21,463 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,168
6	Ozark Christian College	81	98.19	1,040 – 1,280	17968	32528	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Ozark Christian College Joplin, MO Located in Joplin, Ozark Christian College’s acceptance rate is 98%. They require $30 for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending Ozark Christian College will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 81% and around 26% of students will graduate within four years. Three......Read more First Year Retention Rate 81 % Acceptance Rate 98.2% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $17,968 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,528
7	Oklahoma Christian University	77.96	97.07	1,040 – 1,280	21810	43281	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Oklahoma Christian University Edmond, OK Known as the Bald Eagles, there are 392 athletes at Oklahoma Christian University. You’ll also find a Bald Eagle on their seal and sideline, where Eagle cheers them on. 98% receive grant aid, and OC also provides its full-time students with laptops, iPhones, and iPads. First Year Retention Rate 78 % Acceptance Rate 97.1% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $21,810 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,281
8	Manhattan Christian College	75	100	1,040 – 1,180	23523	40023	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Manhattan Christian College Manhattan, KS Based in Manhattan, Manhattan Christian College accepts 100% of applicants and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. About 93% of students attending Manhattan Christian College currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $23,523 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,023
9	Lubbock Christian University	74	75.89	950 – 1,190	25351	46464	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Lubbock Christian University Lubbock, TX Based in Lubbock, Lubbock Christian University accepted 76% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications. About 99% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % Acceptance Rate 75.9% SAT Score 950 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $25,351 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,464
10	Kentucky Christian University	73	62.38	950 – 1,090	22209	39921	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Kentucky Christian University Grayson, KY Based in Grayson, Kentucky Christian University accepted 62% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention rate is 73% and its four year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % Acceptance Rate 62.4% SAT Score 950 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $22,209 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,921
11	Johnson University	68.21	53.77	1,010 – 1,180	20713	35649	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Johnson University Knoxville, TN Found in Knoxville, Johnson University accepted 54% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $35 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 89% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 68 % Acceptance Rate 53.8% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $20,713 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,649
12	Hope International University	63	32.98	900 – 1,250	30514	36030	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Hope International University Fullerton, CA Located in Fullerton, Hope International University accepted 33% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending Hope International University currently receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is......Read more First Year Retention Rate 63 % 7.4% Acceptance Rate 33.0% SAT Score 900 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $30,514 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,030
13	Faulkner University	58	66.13	950 – 1,130	19908	37313	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Faulkner University Montgomery, AL Found in Montgomery, Faulkner University accepts 66% of applicants. They request $25 for undergraduate applications and $75 for graduate applications. About 93% of students at Faulkner University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 58 % Acceptance Rate 66.1% SAT Score 950 – 1,130 Avg. Net Price $19,908 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,313
14	York University	58	47.63	850 – 1,170	20163	36447	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ York University York, NE Found in York, York University accepted 48% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $20 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 97% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 58 % Acceptance Rate 47.6% SAT Score 850 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $20,163 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,447
15	Central Christian College of the Bible	57	70.91	930 – 1,080	13695	30223	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Central Christian College of the Bible Moberly, MO Based in Moberly, Central Christian College of the Bible accepted 71% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $100 for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of students at Central Christian College of the Bible will receive institutional grant aid. 57% of students decide to......Read more First Year Retention Rate 57 % Acceptance Rate 70.9% SAT Score 930 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $13,695 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,223
16	Rochester Christian University	57	65.3	850 – 1,110	19660	40813	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Rochester Christian University Rochester Hills, MI Located in Rochester Hills, Rochester Christian University accepts 65% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending Rochester Christian University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 57 % Acceptance Rate 65.3% SAT Score 850 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $19,660 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,813
17	Point University	54	67.51	850 – 1,100	22622	36410	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Point University West Point, GA Based in West Point, Point University accepted 68% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 93% of students at Point University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 54 % Acceptance Rate 67.5% SAT Score 850 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $22,622 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,410
18	Great Lakes Christian College	53	94.69	--	19390	28240	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Great Lakes Christian College Lansing, MI Found in Lansing, Great Lakes Christian College accepts 95% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. About 79% of students at Great Lakes Christian College currently receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 53% and around 11% of students will graduate within four......Read more First Year Retention Rate 53 % Acceptance Rate 94.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $19,390 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $28,240
19	Mid-Atlantic Christian University	53	76.21	890 – 1,010	26793	29887	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Mid-Atlantic Christian University Elizabeth City, NC Found in Elizabeth City, Mid-Atlantic Christian University accepts 76% of applicants. They request $50 for undergraduate applications. About 93% of students at Mid-Atlantic Christian University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 53 % Acceptance Rate 76.2% SAT Score 890 – 1,010 Avg. Net Price $26,793 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,887
20	Dallas Christian College	50	84.03	800 – 1,080	22463	39868	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Dallas Christian College Dallas, TX Found in Dallas, Dallas Christian College accepts 84% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 96% of students attending Dallas Christian College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 50 % Acceptance Rate 84.0% SAT Score 800 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $22,463 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,868
21	Abilene Christian University	0	66.04	1,010 – 1,250	28311	46727	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Abilene Christian University Abilene, TX First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 66.0% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $28,311 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,727
22	Amridge University	0	88.42	--	0	30377	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Amridge University Montgomery, AL First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 88.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,377
23	Crowley's Ridge College	0	46.36	--	17266	33362	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Crowley's Ridge College Paragould, AR First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 46.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $17,266 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,362
24	NationsUniversity	0	0	--	0	53468	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ NationsUniversity New Orleans, LA First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,468
25	Southwestern Christian College	0	55.52	--	15275	50472	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate – Christian Churches and Churches of Christ Southwestern Christian College Terrell, TX First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 55.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $15,275 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,472