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Austin Christian University Breaks Ground on $50M Texas Campus Expansion

Austin Christian University breaks ground on a $50 million campus in Texas while Highlands College expands its footprint in Alabama with new facilities funded by major private donors.

By Colin Percy · May 27, 2026

A growing trend of megachurch-affiliated colleges is shifting the landscape of higher education by prioritizing vocational job training and internal church culture over traditional liberal arts models. These institutions are scaling rapidly through franchise-style partnerships with established universities, such as Southeastern University in Florida, and are securing significant capital from high-profile private donors to expand their physical footprints.

Recent developments include the construction of a $50 million complex for Austin Christian University in Texas and the addition of two residence halls at Highlands College in Alabama, the latter of which was funded by a $20 million donation from the family behind Hobby Lobby. As these institutions grow, they are increasingly seeking access to public financial aid programs, with some states already adjusting policies to allow religious colleges to participate in state-funded tuition assistance and dual-enrollment initiatives.

Companies mentioned

owner

Highlands College

developer

Celebration Church

owner

Austin Christian University

developer

Church of the Highlands

other

Southeastern University

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