Cedarville University to Open Clearwater, Florida, Campus for Classes Starting Jan. 4, 2027

Cedarville University will extend its Christ-centered educational mission to Florida with a location in Clearwater. The campus will bring the school’s biblical worldview education to students in the Tampa Bay region, with classes beginning Jan. 4, 2027.

Based in southwest Ohio, the evangelical Christian university enrolls more than 7,540 students. It ranks among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges.

The Clearwater school will initially offer a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies with a Bible minor, combining in-person and online learning. Applications opened Oct. 2, a degree centered on the study of Scripture and the passing of the faith to the next generation (Psalm 78:4).

Through a five-year joint venture with Calvary Church Clearwater, Cedarville will build relationships with Tampa Bay churches, families and prospective students. The location will operate under a provisional state license while it seeks approval from the Higher Learning Commission.

University President Thomas White said church leaders approached the university, and that the school believes “now is the time to bring Cedarville to Florida.”

Nearly 500 Florida high school students currently take Cedarville courses through dual enrollment. The Clearwater location will give them a path to continue their education closer to home.

Dr. Bob Lutz, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, said, “Florida is one of the nation’s fastest-growing states, with increasing numbers of high school graduates.” Florida’s rapid growth and demand for a faithful Christian university, the school’s announcement indicates, point to a need.

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