Champion Christian College

Champion Christian College is a small, nonprofit Christian college in Hot Springs with two distinct academic directions: professional studies and church ministry. Students can begin with an Associate of Arts in Professional Studies or pursue bachelor’s degrees in Church Ministries and Professional Studies. This is a faith-centered environment, and several of its scholarships and ministry tracks specifically reflect that setting; applicants should decide whether the college’s religious mission and expectations fit their goals before paying the application fee.

Programs and career planning

The B.A. in Church Ministries offers emphases in Intercultural Studies, Pastoral Studies, Youth and Family, and Music. The B.S. in Professional Studies includes Business, Sports Management, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Criminal Justice; secondary education students select a subject area such as English, Spanish, mathematics, social studies, life sciences, or physical education. The college also offers basic and advanced certificates or micro-credentials in concentrations attached to its bachelor’s programs. Its published notice is explicit: a Champion degree does not itself grant professional licensure in Arkansas or another state. Anyone considering education or another regulated career should confirm state licensing requirements and whether the program fits them. Compare the current options in the degree directory.

Application steps and cost to apply

Champion provides separate forms for first-time, transfer, returning, international, online, dual-enrollment, certificate, and student-athlete applicants. The application page lists a $25 nonrefundable fee for each application. The admissions office asks most students to submit their materials about three months before the intended term; transfer applicants also need a transfer eligibility form. Once admitted, an assigned advisor helps select courses from a program map. Start with the appropriate form on the application page, and ask Admissions to confirm the current transcript, testing, and reference requirements for your student type.

Scholarships and financial aid

Champion accepts federal aid through FAFSA (school code 042761) and Arkansas Department of Higher Education scholarships. Its published academic discount ranges from $500 to $2,500 per semester for eligible students with a GPA of at least 3.0; the award depends on GPA tier, requires a complete admissions file by August 1, and can be reduced if the student’s cumulative GPA drops. Other named options include a $500-per-semester Church Ministries Scholarship for up to five eligible students, a church-support discount of up to $500 per semester, and work-study benefits of $500–$1,000 per semester based on need, schedule, academic progress, and available funds. Published institutional deadlines are July 31 for fall and December 31 for spring, with separate deadlines for some state and veteran programs. Awards are conditional and limited; use the college’s current aid and scholarship terms and request an individualized estimate before committing.

Hot Springs campus and student perspectives

The main campus is at 600 Garland Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71913; call (501) 623-2272 or email info@champion.edu. A full current general-office schedule was not available to verify, so confirm hours before making a trip. The college’s Francis Grubbs Library separately posts weekday hours of 9 a.m.–2 p.m.; those are library hours, not general campus office hours.

Public student comments are mixed and anecdotal. Recent Google listing comments praise instructors’ dedication, kindness, and the supportive spiritual atmosphere. Niche comments also include appreciation for professors, while other students raise concerns about limited course selection, activities, dining, and whether students outside major athletic programs receive equal attention. Ask to speak with students in your intended major, compare the planned course schedule with your graduation timeline, and request written clarification on transfer-credit acceptance and any conduct or student-life expectations.