These are the most conservative colleges in America
The most conservative colleges in America are Brigham Young University, Liberty University, and Bob Jones University – but are they worth it?
Not all conservative colleges are a good deal – so don’t choose a school based only on ideology.
The best value conservative colleges are Missouri University of Science and Technology, Brigham Young University, and Utah Valley University.
www.degreechoices.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Are conservative colleges worth it financially?
As a conservative, going to a college where most people think like you has its appeal. While some may claim that intellectual diversity is an essential part of your college experience, you might not be so thrilled when your Marxist English professor docks you points for disagreeing with him in class.
But picking a school based on your ideological preferences alone leaves out 1 crucial variable from the college choice equation.
Money.
Frugality is a core conservative value, and the Republican Party prides itself on being friendly to business. So, as a savvy individual who understands the value of a hard-earned dollar, why not think like an investor about your college education?
To help you make the most out of your college investment – and avoid excessive student debt – we analyzed whether the nation’s most conservative colleges (as per Niche) are really worth it, using our own methodology, and then ranked them by value for money.
The 30 most conservative colleges in America
According to Niche, which publishes student reviews of schools, the most conservative colleges in America are Brigham Young University (Provo), Liberty University, and Bob Jones University.
To make the list, Niche surveyed real students and asked them to rate how conservative their college is based on their own political leanings (80%) and the perceived political leanings of their peers (20%).
The most conservative colleges are predominately private religious institutions, although there are several notable state universities thrown into the mix as well. Unsurprisingly, they are mostly located in red states:
- Brigham Young University
- Liberty University
- Bob Jones University
- Cedarville University
- Brigham Young University – Idaho
- Grove City College
- Southern Methodist University
- Colorado Christian University
- North Greenville University
- Utah State University
- Maranatha Baptist University
- Biola University
- Texas A&M University
- Dallas Baptist University
- Harding University
- Samford University
- Abilene Christian University
- Lee University
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- The University of Alabama
- Auburn University
- Texas Christian University
- University of Wyoming
- Ouachita Baptist University
- Wayne State College
- George Fox University
- Southeastern University
- University of Tennessee at Martin
- University of Arkansas
- Troy University
How do conservative schools perform compared to other colleges?
So, are these super-conservative colleges worth the tuition? Or are students paying a premium for ideology that doesn’t pay off later?
To find out, we turned to our signature methodology for ranking degrees. Our unique formula uses government data on average net (school) costs and average earnings 10 years after enrollment (whether or not the student graduated) to generate an Economic Score (the lower the better). Data is sourced from IPEDS and College Scorecard.
Our methodology rewards colleges that combine affordability with high salaries down the line.
» Also read: The states with the most student debt could surprise you.
Economically speaking, we found that the 50 most conservative colleges perform a bit worse than the national average. They have a mean Economic Score of 4.07, compared to 3.78 nationwide. In total, 21 of Niche’s 50 most conservative colleges – a little less than half – performed better than the U.S. average in terms of value for money.
One reason for this is that many of the more conservative colleges are private religious institutions and more expensive than public universities. Even though most private colleges offer scholarships and financial aid, this doesn’t normally offset higher tuition prices.
In general, public universities are typically a much better deal than private ones, regardless of how conservative or liberal they are.
Liberal vs conservative colleges
Interestingly, the 50 most liberal colleges (also according to Niche) have an average economic score of 4.01, which is practically identical to the average for the most conservative colleges.
However, the most liberal colleges in the U.S. are more of a mixed bag. They include slightly more excellent as well as terrible schools (the worst offenders are art schools) in terms of value.
There was less extreme variation among the most conservative colleges.
» Also read: The truth about the most expensive colleges in the U.S.
The 25 best conservative colleges – by value for money
Not all conservative colleges are a rip-off. Far from it — plenty of right-leaning institutions provide a pretty solid return on educational investment.
Below, you’ll find a list of the conservative colleges that are the “best deal”. We took the 50 most conservative colleges, according to Niche, and ordered them by value for money, using our ranking methodology.
By this metric, the best conservative colleges are Missouri University of Science and Technology, Brigham Young University Provo (immediately followed by BYU Idaho), and Utah Valley University.
2 colleges on Niche’s list – Moody Bible Institute and Grove City College – do not disclose enough information on graduate earnings for us to rank them properly.
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Rolla, Missouri
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
Topping our list, Missouri S&T is a public research university located in the small town of Rolla, MO. It is the 19th most conservative college on Niche’s list. The school is known primarily as an engineering school. Its focus on STEM explains it’s high educational investment value: STEM students earn reliably high salaries after graduation compared to their peers in the humanities. The college operates a nuclear reactor on campus for educational and research purposes.
Brigham Young University
Provo, Utah
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
The flagship campus of Brigham Young University, which is located in Provo, Utah, is the lodestar educational establishment for adherants of the Church of Latter Day Saints. It is also the most conservative college in the country. Almost all students are members of the LDS Church, and they must agree to follow an honor code in order to attend. The private research university offers robust scholarships to students with need.
Texas A & M University, College Station
College Station, Texas
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
The College Station campus of Texas A&M University, also known as TAMU or simply Texas A&M, is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M university system. It is the 13th most conservative college in the U.S. It also has the largest student body in the country. The university’s main campus is home to the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Texas A&M students are known as “Aggies.”
Brigham Young University, Idaho
Rexburg, Idaho
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
A sister college to the main BYU campus, BYU Idaho is located in the town of Rexburg. It was founded in 1888 and was once a junior college, but it now it offers 88 bachelor’s degrees, as well as 26 certificates and 20 associate programs. Like at the main BYU campus, students here must follow a strict honor code. It is the 5th most conservative college in the country.
Utah Valley University
Orem, Utah
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
The 36th most conservative college, UVU is a large public university in Orem, Utah, located between Provo and Salt Lake City. It has a 100% acceptance rate, making it an open-admissions university. Its school mascot is the wolverines, and its colors are green and white.
University of Wyoming
Laramie, Wyoming
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
The 23rd most conservative college, UW is a is a public university located in Laramie, Wyoming, and it is that state’s main institution of higher learning. There are several museums on campus, including the American Heritage Center, the University of Wyoming Art Museum, the Geological Museum, the Anthropology Museum, and the Insect Museum. One notable alum is Dick Cheney, former Vice President of the U.S. under George W. Bush.
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
Oklahoma State, also known as OK State and OSU, is a public research university in the town of Stillwater. It is the flagship of the Oklahoma State university system. The university is famous for its sports teams, represented by the Cowboys and Cowgirls, who have won 52 national championships. It is the 35th most conservative college in the country.
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
U of A is a public research university in Fayetteville, AR; it is the 29th most conservative college in the country. It is the flagship public university of the state of Arkansas, and it is especially famous for its history program. It is represented by the Arkansas Razorbacks. Famous alumni include James O. McKinsey, founder of the McKinsey management company, and J. William Fulbright, who initiated the Fulbright Fellowship program.
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, Texas
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
The 7th most conservative college on Niche’s list, SMU is a private research university in University Park Texas. It also has a satellite campus in New Mexico. While the college is officially affiliated with the United Methodist Church, its teachings are non-denominational Christian.
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Rapid City, South Dakota
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
A public university in Rapid City, South Dakota, SD Mines was founded in 1885. It focuses on enginineering and science fields, with the most popular majors being mechanical engineering, computer and information sciences, civil engineering, and industrial engineering. There is a Museum of Geology on campus. SD Mines is the 40th most conservative college in the country.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott
Prescott, Arizona
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
This private university in Arizona focuses on aviation and aeronautical programs, although it also offers majors in business, engineering, security & intelligence, and other subjects. It is the 46th most conservative college in the U.S.
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
Another public university in the state of Alabama, Auburn is located in the eponymous town of Auburn. It is the second largest university in Alabama, and the country’s 21st most conservative.
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
The University of Alabama, sometimes affectionately referred to as Bama, is a public research university in Tuscaloosa, in the west-central part of the state. It is the oldest and largest public university in the state. UA is the 20th most conservative college in the country.
Utah State University
Logan, Utah
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
A public land-grant university in Logan, Utah, USU was founded in 1888. Once famous for its military science program, USU used to be known as the “West Point of the West.” It is the 10th most conservative college in the country according to Niche.
Carroll College
Helena, Montana
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
This private, not-for-profit college in Helena, Montana is affiliated with the Catholic Church. Its athletic team is known as the Fighting Saints. Carroll College is notable because 85% of its applicants to medical school are accepted. It is the 43rd most conservative college in the U.S.
Susquehanna University
Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
Susquehanna is a private liberal arts college in central Pennsylvania. Originally a missionary institute, is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It is the only college in the U.S. to offer a bachelor’s degree in luxury brand marketing and management. Susquehanna is the 32nd most conservative college in the U.S.
Angelo State University
San Angelo, Texas
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
This public university in Central Texas was founded in 1928. It is part of the Texas Tech system of universities. Angelo State is the 42nd most conservative college in the country.
LeTourneau University
Longview, Texas
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
This private, interdenominational evangelical Christian university in Longview, Texas is the 37th most conservative college in the U.S. Popular programs include Education and Air Transportation.
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, Utah
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
This public university in Cedar City, Utah, is the nation’s 47th most conservative. Founded in 1897, SUU has more than 10,000 students. It is represented by the Thunderbirds.
Harding University
Searcy, Arkansas
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
This private, not-for-profit university in Searcy, Arkansas is the 15th most conservative college in the country. It is also the largest private college in the state. It is officially affiliated with the Church of Christ.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Weatherford, Oklahoma
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
SWOSU is a public university in Weatherford and Sayre. It is the 49th most conservative college in the country. Top programs include Allied Health, Medical Lab Science/Research, and Liberal Arts and Sciences.
West Texas A & M University
Canyon, Texas
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
West Texas A&M, also known as WTAMU or WT, is a public university in Canyon, Texas. The buffaloes are the mascot. WT is also the 41st most conservative college in the U.S. Famed artist Georgia O’Keefe was the head of the Art Department here for 2 years.
Northwest University
Kirkland, Washington
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
This small Christian college is located in Kirkland, Washington. There is also a satellite campus in Salem, Oregon. It is affiliated with the Assembly of God church. It is the 38th most conservative college according to Niche.
The University of Tennessee, Martin
Martin, Tennessee
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
UTM is a public university in Martin, Tennessee. It is one of UT’s 5 campuses. The 28th most conservative college, UT Martin has a large experiential farm on its territory. Its teams’ nickname is the Skyhawks.
Wayne State College
Wayne, Nebraska
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not displayed.
Wayne State College is a public college in Nebraska. Tucked away in a rural location, it is represented by the wildcats. It is the 25th most conservative college in the country.
What are the worst conservative colleges by value for money?
According to our methodology, the worst conservative colleges by value for money are:
- Southeastern University (ES 8.96)
- Liberty University (ES 8.08)
- DeVry University, Illinois (ES 6.36)
- Biola University (ES 6.26)
- Colorado Christian College (ES 6.06)
These conservative colleges offer terrible value for money, meaning students pay steep tuition prices, resulting in a heavy student loan burden, and don’t earn enough after graduation to pay them back quickly — putting borrowers at risk of default.
» Also read: The worst colleges in the U.S.
Advantages of studying at a conservative college
Whether or not they’re a good deal economically, there are several advantages of studying at a conservative college.
- Shared values. Many conservative students feel more comfortable in an environment where the student body shares traditional values and ethics.
- A sense of community. A shared worldview can foster a sense of community, especially at smaller private schools.
- Emphasis on tradition. Conservative colleges may place a high value on academic traditions and classical education.
- Clear more and ethical framework. Many conservative colleges have an honor code students must follow. This can contribute to a sense of structure and purpose for students who appreciate such guidelines.
Final thoughts
If you want to go to a conservative college without graduating with toxic debt you can’t pay off, your best bet is a public research university in a red state like Utah, Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri.
Remember that education is an investment. At the end of the day, your degree should unlock earnings high enough to pay back the loans you’ve taken out to cover tuition.
www.degreechoices.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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