Most Conservative Colleges in America

Of the three South Carolina schools to rank on this list, Bob Jones University is the most conservative. It was established in 1927 and is named for its founder, an evangelist who was concerned that a traditional college education was shaking the faith of once-devout Christians. The school, located in the western South Carolina city of Greenville, offers a liberal arts education that teaches students “to view everything through the lens of a biblical worldview.”

The school’s notable alumni include Asa Hutchinson, a staunch conservative who helped conduct impeachment hearings against President Bill Clinton when he was a congressman. Hutchinson is currently serving as the governor of Arkansas.

Brigham Young University-Provo is one of the largest schools on this list with over 31,000 undergraduate students. Like most conservative schools, BYU has a religious affiliation, though it is the only school on this list — with the exception of the BYU campus in Idaho — affiliated with the Mormon Church. The school has a long list of notable alumni, including former Republican presidential nominee and current Utah Sen. Mitt Romney. Not especially diverse, BYU’s student body is 80% white and only 1% black.

Liberty University is a private, evangelical Christian school based in Lynchburg, Virginia. With over 45,000 undergraduate students, it is the largest school on this list and one of the largest in the country. Founded in 1971, it is also one of the youngest schools in the country. The third most conservative school nationwide, Liberty University’s commencement speaker for the class of 2020 will be Mike Pompeo, secretary of state under President Donald Trump.

Cedarville University is a private Baptist school located in western Ohio that was founded in 1887. The school’s alumni include Mark Keough, a Republican and former member of the Texas House of Representatives, as well as Joseph Stowell, who is currently serving as the president of Cornerstone University, another school on this list. Not an especially diverse school, Cedarville’s student body is nearly 90% white and less than 2% black.

Brigham Young University-Idaho, or BYUI, is located in Rexburg, Idaho, and is one of two schools, each bearing the Bringham Young name, owned and operated by the Mormon Church to rank on this list. Based on survey data from both current and former students, BYUI ranks as the most conservative college or university in the United States. The school’s stated mission is to “develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities.”

The school has a stringent honor code. Abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, or tea, as well as using clean language and remaining chaste, are among its stipulations.