The 10 Most Conservative Colleges in the United States

In 2024, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) found that while over 90% of students see free speech as essential, only 43% feel their rights are truly protected. For many, this makes picking the right college about finding a place that respects their beliefs and values. 

Whether faith, politics, or campus culture matters most to you, there are schools that prioritize conservative principles. Many of them also have a strong Christian foundation. If you're looking for a college that upholds tradition, defends individual freedom, and stays true to its faith-based roots, here are some of the most conservative colleges in the United States.

What is the most conservative college in the United States?

The most conservative college in the United States is Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. This is an arguable statement, but, to be fair, if you had to pick just one, this private school would probably take the crown.

Founded by Jerry Falwell in 1971, Liberty is one of the biggest Christian universities in the world. It’s got a massive online student body, strict rules that seem like pulled from a straight edge handout (no drinking, no drugs, no premarital sex), and a campus culture that’s unapologetically conservative.

Republican politicians—such as President Trump in 2017—often stop by to speak, and the school actively promotes Christian values in every aspect of student life. Nick Foles, the former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback who patented the “Philly Special” play and who’s been called—wait for it—an “authentic Christian” by one of his coaches, was a student at the School of Divinity. If you want a college that keeps faith and conservative ideals front and center, Liberty is hard to beat.

Are all conservative universities in the United States also Christian?

At first glance, yes, it seems that the most conservative colleges in the United States are either Catholic or Christian. But some very conservative institutions also belong to different religious groups. The bottom line is that the most conservative colleges are indeed religious.

List of the most conservative colleges in the United States

Some of these schools are strict, some are politically right-leaning, and some are just deeply committed to their faith. They’re not ranked in order, but each of them stands out as a top choice for conservative students.

Liberty University

Where: Lynchburg, Virginia
Acceptance rate: 99%

This evangelical Christian school is all about faith, discipline, and conservative values. It emphasizes faith in education and requires students to take Bible courses. Students follow “The Liberty Way,” a strict honor code, and the school has a strong Republican presence. It has over 700 grades, and one of the schools is called the Rawlings School of Divinity.

Brigham Young University

Where: Provo, Utah
Acceptance rate: 69%

Run by the LDS Church, BYU has a strict code of conduct—no drinking, smoking, or even coffee. It promotes traditional family values and requires students to follow Mormon teachings. Their most famous former student is relatively easy to guess. The 2012 Republican nominee, Mitt Romney, a Mormon or Latter-Day Saint, attended Brigham Young University in the early seventies.

Bob Jones University

Where: Greenville, South Carolina
Acceptance rate: 87%

Bob Jones University is one of the most conservative Christian schools in the country. It has historically upheld strict rules regarding dress, dating, and entertainment, and it remains committed to fundamentalist Christian teachings.

Cedarville University

Where: Cedarville, Ohio
Acceptance rate: 63%

This private Baptist university in Southwest Ohio requires all students to minor in Bible studies and follow a strict moral code. Cedarville’s curriculum is heavily influenced by Christian theology, and chapel attendance is mandatory.

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Where: Steubenville, Ohio
Acceptance rate: 72%

This deeply Catholic school takes faith seriously—daily Mass is a big part of student life, and it strongly upholds traditional Catholic teachings on issues like marriage and abortion. They teach under the premises laid out by Saint Francis of Assisi, to whom they owe their name. As quoted by a British PM: “Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. Where there is despair, may we bring hope.”

Biola University

Where: La Mirada, California
Acceptance rate: 61%

Short for “Bible Institute of Los Angeles,” Biola is a private evangelical university that requires all students to take theology courses. The campus culture is deeply faith-based and has a strong conservative culture.

Grove City College

Where: Grove City, Pennsylvania
Acceptance rate: 73%

Grove City in Pennsylvania is so committed to conservative values that it refuses federal funding to avoid government interference. It promotes free-market economics, limited government, and Christian ethics.

North Greenville University

Where: Tigerville, South Carolina
Acceptance rate: 63%

A small Christian university with Southern Baptist ties, North Greenville University integrates Christian teachings into all aspects of student life and promotes conservative principles.

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Where: West Palm Beach, Florida
Acceptance rate: 88%

This interdenominational Christian university requires students to attend chapel and complete community service hours as part of its curriculum. It emphasizes faith, leadership, and a commitment to conservative social values.

Oral Roberts University

Where: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Acceptance rate: 99%

A Pentecostal Christian university with a strong focus on faith and morality, Oral Roberts has strict lifestyle guidelines and promotes traditional Christian values.