25 Most Conservative Colleges in the U.S. in 2025

According to the Harvard Youth Poll, 33% of college students are uncomfortable sharing political opinions on campus. That’s a 20-point increase from 2015. This survey not only speaks to the rising level of political tension experienced by both liberal and conservative students but also reiterates that the political and social climate of a college and university can influence a lot—from the types of conversations you have with other students to the activities and programs available on campus to how comfortable you feel voicing opinions in class. Thinking about attending a conservative college? In today’s blog, we’re covering the most conservative colleges in the United States. Let’s get started!

What is a conservative college?

Generally, a conservative school can be defined as one that openly promotes conservative values and/or largely enrolls a student body that leans to the political right. While there are different types of conservatism, we’re specifically focused on social and political conservatism for this article.

What is a “socially conservative” college?

Socially conservative colleges often openly embrace the nuclear family, traditional gender roles, and organized religion, and take a firm stance against issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. Your college’s beliefs and policies can impact your academic experience, so it’s important to consider them carefully. The following types of colleges tend to promote socially conservative values and/or contain larger populations of socially conservative students:

Religious Colleges & Universities

Religious colleges and universities vary in how socially conservative the general climate is, but Fundamentalist Christian colleges are generally considered the most conservative, both socially and politically. Most require strict adherence to a set of community standards that ban physical contact between men and women, restrict what you can listen to, watch, and do with your free time, and mandate frequent church attendance.

On the other hand, there are many schools with religious foundations that do not enforce a particular code of conduct for student lifestyles and generally have a more liberal atmosphere. Overall, though, you’ll find larger sectors of conservative-leaning students on the campuses of religious colleges & universities.

Military Academies & Colleges

Since a major objective of military academies and colleges is to instill military values and discipline, these schools often have strict rules about alcohol, drugs, and social media. Cadets typically have limited personal freedom and are not able to share political opinions while in uniform. While the military’s brand of social conservatism used to heavily discriminate against certain populations, recent years have seen the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” a reduction in sexual assaults and harassment, and a general reckoning with racism, sexism, and homophobia. However, it is unclear if and how these efforts will continue to progress under the current administration.

What is a “politically conservative” college?

Socially conservative student bodies tend to be politically conservative ones, and vice versa. This is because conservatism, as a political ideology, tends to only support individual freedoms that conform to conservative values. (For example, a woman’s right to choose conflicts with the conservative pro-life stance, so that is not an individual freedom that typically receives support.) Conservatism also values free markets, free trade, limited government spending, and limited government interference in the economy, but it’s rare to find an economics or business department that solely teaches this approach and would be defined as having a “conservative” educational ideology.

Accordingly, we define a college as “politically conservative” if its student body tends to lean to the political right due to location and demographics—not the administration’s views or agenda. In addition to the two types of schools mentioned above, there are several other types of schools where you might find a higher population of politically conservative students:

Large State Schools

Large state schools enroll tens of thousands of students. As such, there is a wider variety of viewpoints and student organizations, making it virtually guaranteed that you’ll find other students with similar values and beliefs. However, state schools are more reliant on federal funding, meaning that program and budget cuts—such as those to DEI offices—can significantly impact a school’s ability to identify, attract, and support a diverse range of applicants. This may lead to shifts in campus demographics over time.

Colleges Located in Conservative States

Colleges located in conservative states, and more specifically, the conservative areas of those states, tend to attract a student body that naturally aligns with the local political viewpoint. Notable exceptions are most colleges located within cities or thriving college towns. Even within red-leaning states, their campus climates usually lean liberal, even if not overwhelmingly so.

Should you attend a conservative college?

It depends. First, you’ll want to consider how a college’s values and beliefs will impact your academic and social experience. For example, the most conservative colleges (the top 10-15 on the list below) view the world through a specific lens and enforce strict rules to ensure that their perspective is upheld. Unless you are actively seeking such an environment, you may find it excessively restrictive, which can severely impact your ability to learn.

Secondly, you’ll want to consider your personal rights. Many of the most conservative colleges on our list have applied for and received partial religious exemptions from Title IX, meaning that students can (and have been) refused admission or legally expelled based on sex-based factors like pregnancy, sexual/gender identity, obtaining an abortion, etc. Other colleges may be fully exempt from Title IX because they do not accept federal funding, and all schools with a primary goal of training students for military service are also fully exempt.

Finally, it’s important to research whether a school has been nationally or regionally accredited. While national accreditation sounds like the better of the two, it isn’t. Instead, regional accreditation is viewed as more prestigious and a better indicator of academic quality. If your school only carries national accreditation, you may have difficulty transferring credits to another institution, getting into grad school, obtaining professional licensure, and sometimes even finding a job outside of certain sectors.

How We Chose the Most Conservative Colleges

Several studies, such as the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and College Pulse, analyze students’ self-reported political orientations on an annual basis. We’ve used their report to help identify campuses with a conservative-leaning student body. To measure how socially and/or politically conservative each college is, both in theory and in practice, we’ve also reviewed each college’s mission statement, code of conduct, student handbook, and available student clubs, along with public forums and news articles.

Colleges are ranked from most to least conservative. We’ve also included location, acceptance rate, free speech climate rating (if available), whether they are nationally or regionally accredited, and whether they have obtained any Title IX exemptions.

25 Most Conservative Colleges

1) Pensacola Christian College

• Location: Pensacola, FL
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: National
• Title IX Exemption? Yes (entirely exempt)

Located on Florida’s Panhandle, Pensacola Christian enrolls roughly 4,000 students who receive a classical Christian, liberal arts education that is heavily influenced by Fundamentalist Baptist doctrine and strictly adheres to the KJV Bible. PCC also produces the popular Abeka curriculum, used by many homeschooling families and private Christian schools.

Along with the typical moratoriums on drugs, alcohol, same-sex relationships, and gambling, PCC’s strict community standards are easily the most conservative on this list. Students are required to attend church three times per week, Bible study once per week, and chapel four times per week. Any physical contact between unmarried male and female students is strictly prohibited (men and women even have separate parking lots, stairways, and elevators), along with gatherings of mixed-gender groups of students without a chaperone, contemporary music, even if Christian, and attendance at movie theaters, concerts, bars, or anywhere that could “harm one’s personal testimonies.” Students may not leave campus without prior approval, and the school only started allowing women to wear pants last year (but only after 5 pm).

2) Liberty University

• Location: Lynchburg, VA
• Acceptance Rate: 99%
• Free Speech Climate: Warning
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? Yes

Affiliated with the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia, Liberty University was founded by Jerry Falwell, a fundamentalist televangelist who was involved in a laundry list of controversies. Every subject at Liberty is taught from a Christian perspective, and its honor code, “The Liberty Way,” requires strict adherence to the university’s interpretation of Biblical teachings. Violations include using or being in the presence of alcohol (even for students who are 21+), attending dances, missing curfew, wearing revealing clothing, engaging in solo visits with a member of the opposite sex, having a same-sex relationship, and promoting “anti-Christian” messaging. Given that the honor code also requires students to affirm that they will “personally confront” those who do not uphold Liberty’s moral and ethical standards, it’s no surprise that Liberty also received a “Warning” label in the College Free Speech Rankings.

3) Bob Jones University

• Location: Greenville, SC
• Acceptance Rate: 87%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional (as of 2017)
• Title IX Exemption? Yes

Located in Greenville, South Carolina, Bob Jones University is a highly conservative, Fundamentalist Christian college that integrates a biblical worldview into all courses. Like similar schools on this list, it promotes a literal translation of the Bible, maintaining that it is “infallible” and “historically reliable,” and clearly spells out its positions against substance use, abortion, same-sex marriage, and the ordainment of women pastors, among other issues.

BJU’s 2,500 undergraduates—35% of whom were homeschooled—also agree to adhere to the standard slate of rules that govern student life at many evangelical Christian colleges. These include no physical contact between unmarried men and women, restrictions on music, dance, movies, TV, and video games, and no alcohol, smoking, or drugs. Students must also agree to follow a strict dress code, obtain approval before leaving campus, and serve in a local church that aligns with BJU’s philosophy.

4) Maranatha Baptist University

• Location: Watertown, WI
• Acceptance Rate: 71%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? Yes

At Maranatha Baptist, a lengthy set of Fundamental Baptist principles and beliefs is integrated into the classroom, and all faculty consider themselves “conservative, independent Baptists.” To be considered for admission, students must submit a salvation testimony and character references, and regularly attend a Bible preaching church. (Do not bother applying if you have been divorced or are married to someone who has been divorced—you will not be allowed to attend.)

Daily chapel attendance is mandatory, as is attendance at a local partner church. Behavioral expectations are predictably strict—using alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, obtaining an abortion (or assisting someone else to do so), and engaging in “sexual immorality” (this includes being alone with a member of the opposite sex) will result in suspension or expulsion. Promoting any type of deviation from doctrine, defying any of Maranatha’s principles, or failing to report fellow students who have committed infractions will also earn you a one-way ticket to disciplinary action.

5) The Master’s University

• Location: Santa Clarita, CA
• Acceptance Rate: 76%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? Yes

The Master’s University, or TMU, has two main focuses: Christ and Scripture. All classes are taught from a biblical worldview, and the school maintains that the Bible is “absolutely free from error, infallible and God-breathed” (including the creation story). Chapel attendance is required, and students must adhere to Biblical principles and university policies at all times, both on- and off-campus, which include prohibitions on alcohol, gambling, pornography, and “provocative” dancing. Any type of sexual activity outside of marriage is not allowed.

Unlike some of the other conservative Christian colleges on this list, TMU does not even consider students for admission unless they submit a statement of faith in Jesus Christ as well as a pastor’s recommendation.

6) Cedarville University

• Location: Cedarville, OH
• Acceptance Rate: 63%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? No

Cedarville is a Midwestern Christian college that believes strongly in the Bible’s accuracy and authority. Accordingly, it is integrated into every course, and every student completes a Bible minor. Faculty members and employees must also sign a Doctrinal Statement every year that affirms their commitment to Cedarville’s theological position, so you will not find anyone challenging those ten stated beliefs. Students attend chapel daily, and are prohibited from engaging in pre-marital sex, same-sex relationships, advocacy for the LGBTQ or transgender community, alcohol/substance use, and provocative dancing. Moreover, any public demonstrations or protests that do not support “views that are consistent with Scripture and with the mission of Cedarville University” are not allowed on campus.

7) Hillsdale College

• Location: Hillsdale, MI
• Acceptance Rate: 21%
• Free Speech Climate: Warning
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? Yes (entirely exempt)

Well-known for its refusal to accept state or federal government funding, Hillsdale is a non-denominational Christian college that promotes a classical liberal arts education centering traditional American and Christian values. Faith-based ministries play a major role on campus, and Hillsdale students are known for having active spiritual lives. Although Hillsdale does welcome non-Christian and non-religious students to campus, they’re only tolerant of alternative viewpoints to the extent that they do not “undermine or disrupt” their religious and moral mission as an institution. Since that can be interpreted in any number of ways, Hillsdale earned itself a free speech “Warning” label, which was hotly contested by the college’s president in 2023. Hillsdale is politically aligned with the Trump administration and also serves on the advisory board for Project 2025.

8) Patrick Henry College

• Location: Purcellville, VA
• Acceptance Rate: 82%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional (received in 2022)
• Title IX Exemption? Yes (entirely exempt)

Patrick Henry College is a self-proclaimed “Conservative Christian College” with strong ties to the Christian homeschool community. Similar to other orthodox institutions on this list, it believes that the Bible is both inerrant and infallible; all classes are Christ-centered and taught from a biblical worldview. In addition, students undertake a 63-credit core curriculum that requires significant coursework in politics, law, American history, and economics. Compared to other conservative colleges, Patrick Henry places a stronger academic focus on studying the “Western tradition” and the importance of preserving American principles. Like Hillsdale, PHC is on the advisory board for Project 2025.

Student-life-wise, the rules are less prescriptive but still present, and the college takes a strong stance against pre-marital sex, alcohol, same-sex relationships, gambling, provocative dancing, etc.

9) College of the Ozarks

• Location: Point Lookout, MS
• Acceptance Rate: 15%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? Yes

At College of the Ozarks, students do not pay tuition—instead, they work for 15 hours a week in the on-campus work program throughout their undergraduate years. Along with this debt-free education also comes a commitment to the college’s conservative Christian values. All courses “reinforce a Christian worldview” and students must attend chapel five times per week, adhere to a curfew, submit to weekly room checks, and sign an Honor Code, agreeing to comply with the college’s Zero-Tolerance Alcohol & Drug Policy, Lifestyle/Sexuality Policy, and Appearance Policy, to name a few. Unmarried students must live on campus until they graduate.

10) Brigham Young University

• Location: Provo, UT
• Acceptance Rate: 69%
• Free Speech Climate: Warning
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? Yes

Well-known as one of the most conservative colleges, BYU promotes the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its student body is mostly Mormon (over 98% identify as such) and governed by a strict honor code, including an agreement to abstain from alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea, tobacco products, same-sex relationships, and profane language; adhere to a strict dress and grooming policy; and comply with rules about opposite-sex visitors.

Although socially conservative, LDS-aligned viewpoints will find a home here, BYU did receive a “Warning” label in the College Free Speech Rankings for “having policies that clearly and consistently state that it prioritizes other values over a commitment to freedom of speech.” For what it’s worth, some do report that the student body is becoming more politically diverse, with more students identifying as “moderate” than conservative or liberal.

11) Oral Roberts University

• Location: Tulsa, OK
• Acceptance Rate: 99%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? Yes

Founded by televangelist Oral Roberts, who pioneered the prosperity gospel movement, Oral Roberts University is an interdenominational Christian institution that focuses on creating “Holy Spirit-empowered leaders.” Biblical principles are deeply woven into the fabric of this school, from core requirements and course material to the twice-weekly chapel requirement and Honor Code Lifestyle Commitment, which all students must sign. By signing, students agree to refrain from alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gambling, profanity, “unscriptural sexual activity,” social dancing, and any other conduct that is in opposition to the university’s religious beliefs. Violations can result in dismissal.

12) Ohio Christian University

• Location: Circleville, OH
• Acceptance Rate: 40%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? Yes

A Wesleyan-affiliated institution, Ohio Christian’s top two values are that it is “Christ Centered” and “Biblically Based.” Like other conservative colleges that rank high on this list, OCU integrates a Christian worldview into all classes and majors, and aims to prepare its graduates for a life of continued ministry and service. Students are expected to attend chapel twice a week.

When applying, students agree to commit to the school’s lifestyle standards if admitted. These standards include the usual suspects: abstinence from alcohol & drugs, a commitment to sexual purity, etc. Once on campus, students are not allowed to form any club or organization that opposes the Christian faith and/or the school’s doctrine.

13) Faulkner University

• Location: Montgomery, AL (main campus)
• Acceptance Rate: 66%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? Yes

No matter what you choose to major in at Faulkner, you’ll receive an education that is firmly grounded in biblical principles. The core curriculum includes six courses in Christian literacy, including “Marriage and Family” and “Christian Cultural Heritage,” and three courses that focus on Western traditions and American culture. All other classes are taught from a Christian worldview. Faulkner makes it clear that students are expected to adhere to a high behavioral standard consistent with the university’s Christian beliefs. Daily chapel is required, and students can receive disciplinary action for violating the dress code or curfew, drinking alcohol, smoking, attending a bar or nightclub, violating the university’s stance on sexual purity, an even failing to report other students who violate university policies.

14) Grove City College

• Location: Grove City, PA
• Acceptance Rate: 73%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? Yes (entirely exempt)

Located in Pennsylvania, Grove City College is a liberal arts institution that, like Hillsdale and Patrick Henry, does not accept any federal funding, which it went to bat with the Supreme Court over in 1984. Their mission is to promote the Christian worldview as well as American ideals, and you can expect to find biblical principles woven into every class you take. In addition, all students undertake a seven-course journey through Western civilization, theology, and Christian ethics. Students attend chapel twice per week, are required to live on campus, and may face disciplinary action for failing to abide by GCC’s Community Standards, which do not allow alcohol on campus or sex outside of marriage. Campus is known for being very politically conservative; three of the four political clubs are conservative or Republican-leaning.

15) North Greenville University

• Location: Tigerville, SC
• Acceptance Rate: 63%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? Yes

Located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and partnered with the South Carolina Baptists. North Greenville University educates nearly 2,000 undergrads in a “biblically sound, Christ-centered environment.” Students attend chapel twice a week, and although 60% of students are involved in some type of ministry or small-group Bible study, nearly one-fifth of students do not identify as Christian. Undergraduate students are required to live on campus, but there are no co-ed residence halls and visiting residence halls of the opposite sex is not allowed. Community standards do not allow alcohol and prohibit students from “engaging in or supporting conduct or lifestyles inconsistent with Scripture,” including same-sex relationships or pre-marital sex.

16) Palm Beach Atlantic University

• Location: West Palm Beach, FL
• Acceptance Rate: 88%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? No

With a goal to develop students who actively serve God, Palm Beach Atlantic’s classes are “biblically informed” and its campus is “Christ-centered.” All undergraduates undertake the Faith, Roots, and Reason Program, a 43-credit liberal arts journey that includes courses and biblical and theological studies as well as a required class in either American society or American free enterprise. Faculty and staff must believe in, affirm, and teach according to Palm Beach Atlantic’s guiding principles. Students are required to attend chapel at least 12 times per semester. They also agree to live in accordance with PBA’s conduct policies, which prohibit consuming alcohol, smoking, premarital sex, and same-sex relationships.

17) Ave Maria University

• Location: Ave Maria, FL
• Acceptance Rate: 45%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? No

Founded by Tom Monaghan, the conservative billionaire who started Domino’s Pizza, Ave Maria University is a Catholic liberal arts institution located in Ave Maria, FL (also founded by Monaghan as an “ideal” community for Catholic families). Students are immersed in a Catholic environment, both academically and socially. The school offers daily devotions, mass, confession, and rosary walks; 95% of full-time faculty are practicing Catholics; and there are plenty of opportunities to join Catholic small groups and spiritual retreats. Of the forty student clubs, thirty are faith-based. Community standards expect students to conduct themselves in accordance with Catholic principles and beliefs, and make it clear that violating those principles can result in disciplinary action.

18) Wisconsin Lutheran College

• Location: Milwaukee, WI
• Acceptance Rate: 79%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? Yes

Affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, an extremely conservative Christian denomination, Wisconsin Lutheran College enrolls just under 1,100 undergraduate students. It is a Christ-centered liberal arts institution that aims to incorporate biblical values and principles into all aspects of academic and student life. All students must complete the 45-credit Christian Vocation and Service curriculum to graduate, which includes four classes in Lutheran theology. Outside of academics, students agree to abide by WLC’s code of conduct, which does not allow alcohol or smoking on campus and requires students to hold themselves to a high standard of sexual purity. While dissent is technically allowed, the college makes it clear that students whose beliefs and/or lifestyles conflict with those of WLU will likely be asked to leave. Worship services and prayer are central to campus culture, but not required.

19) Concordia University – Wisconsin

• Location: Mequon, WI
• Acceptance Rate: 68%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? No

With over 7,500 students, Concordia has the largest Lutheran undergraduate student body in the country. Affiliated with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, the university’s goal is to develop students for service to Christ. Worship services are offered daily but are not required. Community standards prohibit alcohol, any type of sexual behavior outside of marriage, same-sex relationships, smoking, or being alone with a member of the opposite sex in a residence hall outside of visiting hours, among others. The one available political club is centered on conservative values.

20) Harding University

• Location: Searcy, AR
• Acceptance Rate: 39%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? Yes

A Christian liberal arts institution located in Arkansas, Harding places a high value on community and service. In addition to the Christ-centered curriculum and required Bible classes, the school encourages students to become active stewards of their faith outside of class as well. Mandatory daily chapel services are a core element of student life. Alcohol and tobacco are prohibited, as are “inappropriate places of entertainment” (including social dances) and visiting a member of the opposite sex without permission. While the university acknowledges the importance of diversity, it also makes it clear that it expects students’ lifestyles to align with biblical principles, including strict standards for sexual behavior and gender identity. Of the five campus clubs focused on politics or social issues, four are geared toward conservative and/or Republican students.

21) Lee University

• Location: Cleveland, TN
• Acceptance Rate: 72%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? No

Serving slightly over 3,200 undergraduates, Lee University offers a Christ-centered environment with a distinct focus on service and citizenship. It strives to employ faculty who teach from a “distinctly Christian perspective” and who live out those ideals in their own lives.

Attendance at chapel is taken seriously; students must go to at least 70% of the services offered as well as at least three Convocation events per semester. The Community Covenant prohibits alcohol and tobacco, going to bars, and social dancing, and makes it clear that profanity, sexual immorality, and immodesty, among other violations, conflict with biblical teachings. Students who do not adhere to these community standards will be asked to take accountability and may face disciplinary action. Although Lee claims to support freedom of speech on campus, its stance on advocacy would suggest otherwise—students are only free to express themselves to the extent that their expression falls within “campus standards,” and are prohibited from speaking out against Scripture or the school’s beliefs and policies.

22) Samford University

• Location: Homewood, AL
• Acceptance Rate: 82%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? No

With a goal to provide a Christ-centered education and environment, Baptist-affiliated Samford University enrolls just over 4,200 undergrads. Students can expect a faith-based core curriculum as well as a 60-credit Convocation requirement, which can be fulfilled by attending regular worship services, small group Bible studies, and certain events. Campus culture is both socially and politically conservative—all clubs that focus on politics or social justice issues lean right. In addition, although there are few explicit lifestyle rules, students who deviate from Samford’s traditional Christian beliefs about gender and sexual identity may face social backlash. Samford itself has made headlines for rejecting the formation of LGBTQ student groups.

23) Wheaton College (IL)

• Location: Wheaton, IL
• Acceptance Rate: 96%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? No

Not to be confused with the Wheaton College in Massachusetts, Wheaton College in Illinois is an evangelical Christian liberal arts college. Their core curriculum, Christ at the Core, requires all students to complete seven classes that develop biblical and theological understanding as well as spiritual growth. Wheaton’s Statement of Faith is affirmed annually by all faculty and staff; students must sign a Community Covenant, adhere to the college’s “vision of holy living,” and uphold all university policies. This means attending chapel four times per week, and abstaining from the use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs; gambling; and non-biblically sanctioned sexual behavior, including premarital sex and same-sex relationships. Students of the opposite sex are allowed to visit one another in residence halls only at certain times. Two political clubs are available for students to join; both are conservative in nature.

24) Anderson University

• Location: Anderson, SC
• Acceptance Rate: 53%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? Yes

Affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, Anderson University is a Christ-centered, liberal arts institution that integrates a Christian worldview into every aspect of its community. Students must attend eight campus worship events per semester in order to graduate, All faculty and staff are practicing Christians who agree to respect, uphold, and adhere to Anderson’s Statement of Faith; several years ago, a professor was fired for not doing so. Students are not held to the same standard and do not need to identify as Christian, but do need to live in accordance with the school’s beliefs and policies about alcohol, premarital sex, and same-sex relationships. Roughly 40% of Anderson’s students commute from the surrounding area, which is known for being strongly conservative.

25) Biola University

• Location: La Mirada, CA
• Acceptance Rate: 60%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? No

Biola is one of the most conservative colleges on the West Coast. All faculty, staff, and students are practicing Christians, and all classes are biblically focused. The core curriculum is extensive and includes thirty required credits of Bible and theology courses. Although the university states that it values “diversity of thought,” and acknowledges that theological disagreements are normal and expected, it is unclear what level of thought diversity is tolerated. Chapel attendance is required, and alcohol, drugs, tobacco, sexual behavior outside of marriage, same-sex relationships, abortion, and gender-related medical transitions are not condoned. However, a university-sanctioned LGBTQ support club does exist, in addition to a pro-life club, conservative club, and “Bridging Biola,” a political debate club focused on promoting deeper understanding.

Most Conservative Public Schools

The eight public institutions below have strong conservative student populations and are located in politically conservative areas:

1) University of North Georgia

• Location: Dahlonega, GA
• Acceptance Rate: 72%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? No

2) The Citadel

• Location: Charleston, SC
• Acceptance Rate: 98%
• Free Speech Climate: N/A
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? No

3) Texas Tech University

• Location: Lubbock, TX
• Acceptance Rate: 71%
• Free Speech Climate: Average
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? No

4) Utah State University

• Location: Logan, UT
• Acceptance Rate: 94%
• Free Speech Climate: Average
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? No

5) Texas A&M University

• Location: College Station, TX
• Acceptance Rate: 63%
• Free Speech Climate: Average
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? No

6) University of Mississippi

• Location: University, MS
• Acceptance Rate: 98%
• Free Speech Climate: Above Average
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? No

7) Auburn University

• Location: Auburn, AL
• Acceptance Rate: 50%
• Free Speech Climate: Above Average
• Accreditation: Regional
• Title IX Exemption? No

Need more recommendations?

If you’re a conservative student looking to attend a religious college with a more relaxed atmosphere, you might check out the following:

• Gordon College
• Houghton University
• Messiah University
• Calvin University
• Hope College
• Campbell University
• George Fox University

Conservative student looking to attend a religious college where you’ll find a better balance of liberal and conservative perspectives? Do some research on these schools:

• Villanova University
• Pepperdine University
• Southern Methodist University
• Texas Christian University
• University of Notre Dame
• Baylor University

If you’re a politically conservative student looking to attend a religious college that leans socially liberal, you might find a great fit at:

• Boston College
• Georgetown University
• College of the Holy Cross
• Fairfield University
• Fordham University
• Gonzaga University
• Santa Clara University

Final Thoughts

Generally, the more homogeneous a student body, the less tolerance there will be for other viewpoints and genuinely intellectual conversations about divisive topics. (This goes for homogenously liberal and homogenously conservative campuses).

College is about learning how to think, not what to think, so no matter what your beliefs are, do your best to choose a college that will challenge and broaden your perspective while allowing you to safely be yourself.