Clearwater will gain a new university campus in January when Ohio-based Cedarville University launches classes at a facility near Calvary Church Clearwater.

The evangelical Christian university announced Friday, Oct. 2, that it will begin instruction at its first Florida location Jan. 4, 2027, according to a university press release. The campus will initially offer one degree: a bachelor's degree in biblical and theological studies, paired with a Bible minor. Courses will combine in-person and online learning.

University counts prominent alumni

Cedarville's alumni include former ABC News correspondent Paula Faris, evangelical pastor and author David Jeremiah, former NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith and two-time Paralympic gold medalist Grace Norman. The university also counts bestselling author Donna VanLiere, whose novel "The Christmas Shoes" became a television movie, among its graduates.

Cedarville enrolls 7,542 students at its main campus in southwestern Ohio, making it one of the state's largest private universities. The school ranks among the nation's top five evangelical universities in The Wall Street Journal's 2026 Best Colleges rankings.

The Clearwater site marks the university's first Florida location. Nearly 500 Florida high school students already take Cedarville courses through its dual-enrollment program.

Five-year partnership with Calvary Church

The Clearwater site is part of a five-year joint venture with Calvary Church Clearwater. The university has not disclosed a specific street address.

Cedarville will initially operate under a provisional license from the Florida Commission for Independent Education as it works to demonstrate the program's effectiveness and meet state requirements for annual licensure. The university is also seeking Higher Learning Commission approval for the Florida instructional site.

"We were approached by various church leaders about opening a location in Clearwater and prayerfully sought the Lord's direction," Cedarville President Thomas White said in the announcement.

White said university leaders believe the timing is right after extensive discussions with Florida stakeholders and state officials.

Bob Lutz, vice president for strategic initiatives, said the university heard demand from local churches, Christian schools and alumni for a campus committed to biblical authority.

Lutz said Cedarville plans to build on existing relationships with Christian schools, churches and alumni across the region.

Applications open for January classes

The university said additional academic offerings may follow as the Clearwater location develops.

The announcement did not specify an enrollment target or expected class size for the new location.

Applications opened Friday, Oct. 2, through the university's website.