Cedarville to Meet Florida Need With New Clearwater Location

Cedarville University will extend its Christ-centered educational mission to Florida with a new location in Clearwater, bringing its biblical worldview education to students in the Tampa Bay region. The university plans to begin offering classes Jan. 4, 2027.

With Florida’s growing population and families seeking higher education grounded in biblical truth, Cedarville’s Clearwater location will provide students with a new opportunity to pursue a Christian university education without leaving the state.

Cedarville will initially offer a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies at the Clearwater location, providing Florida students access to the biblically faithful, academically excellent education the university is known for. Florida students will complete a Bible minor and benefit from a flexible blend of in-person and online learning. The application for admission opened October 2.

Cedarville’s Clearwater location is expected to help meet that need. Through a five-year joint venture with Calvary Church Clearwater, the university will establish a presence in the Tampa Bay region and build relationships with churches, families and prospective students.

The university also plans to build on existing connections in the region, including relationships with Christian schools, local churches and alumni. Cedarville’s history with Florida students and families provides a foundation for its work in Clearwater.

Cedarville will initially operate under a provisional state license as it launches the biblical and theological studies program. The university will work to demonstrate the program’s effectiveness and meet state requirements as it pursues annual licensure. Additional academic offerings may be considered as the Florida location develops.

“We were approached by various church leaders about opening a location in Clearwater and prayerfully sought the Lord’s direction,” said Dr. Thomas White, president of Cedarville University. “After careful review and extensive discussion with Florida stakeholders and state officials, we believe now is the time to bring Cedarville to Florida.”

White emphasized that the expansion is rooted in the university’s mission.

“The reason for this step is our mission. We stand for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ. Our mission is to transform lives through excellent education and intentional discipleship in submission to biblical authority,” White said. “We are thrilled to expand that mission to students in the state of Florida. We want to serve the churches and support the expansion of God’s Kingdom in Florida.”

Cedarville’s connection with Florida students is already strong. Nearly 500 Florida high school students participate in the university’s dual-enrollment program, taking college courses while still in high school. A Clearwater location will create another pathway for students to continue their Cedarville education closer to home.

“Florida is one of the nation’s fastest-growing states, with increasing numbers of high school graduates,” said Dr. Bob Lutz, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives.  "At the same time, through our alumni and relationships with local churches and Christian schools in Florida, we have heard a strong desire for a faithful Christian university in the area—one committed to biblical authority and academic excellence. We seek to serve these churches, schools, families and students well as we establish Cedarville in the Clearwater area."

Learn more about the planned Florida location at cedarville.edu/Florida and Cedarville University in general at cedarville.edu.

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,542 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates.