Why Choose a Christian College or University?

It used to be so easy—deciding to get a blue bike or a red one, taking piano or saxophone lessons.  But then things got a little more complicated—do you take the risk of trying out for the school play or do the behind-the-scenes prompting?  Try to balance school and a part-time job or wait until summer and work full-time?

The road to making your college decision is also not easy. Why attend college in the first place?  Most would answer, “It’s the next stage of life.”  Others might sense it is preparation for a career.  Christian institutions offer a very different definition.  We attempt to prepare people for LIFE!

Life is full of choices, and the decisions do not get any easier.  With the countdown to graduation comes the overwhelming mountain of decisions—and choosing the right college is at the base of that mountain, with every other decision building upon which college you choose. There is one very important factor we would like you to consider—have you thought about attending a Christian university?

Consider the academic merit of Christian campuses.  Education does not stop with the classroom or the mind.  They offer an experience that seeks to nurture and challenge your heart, soul and body as well as your mind.  Their goals are similar—to educate men and women who will impact their world in a positive way for Christ.  Their locations, facilities, programs and opportunities are unique. We’re convinced that “seeing is believing.”

What is the best way to experience a campus environment? A personal visit is a great way to get a feel for location and setting.  In fact, a campus visit may well be the best means for making your final decision.  You should plan to visit every campus you are seriously considering.

Christian colleges and universities are eager to assist you in your selection process.  They will supply helpful information, and will put you in touch with admissions counselors, financial aid directors and faculty who are involved in your search process right from the start.

So what’s the big deal?  Why make such a fuss over whether you decide to go to a Christian campus or not? Isn’t attending college the next step?

Actually, there are a lot of reasons why a Christian college may be your best option, but we would like to focus your attention on one idea in particular.  The importance of becoming a Christian thinker is often overlooked by young people in the throes of deciding on a college. All of learning is conditioned by a worldview.

There really is value added at a Christian campus, and that value can be described in terms of the difference between becoming a Christian scholar or professional and being a Christian thinker.  A Christian campus is designed to equip you to do both.

During your college exploration process, you will be faced with a number of challenges.  The path is not always an easy one. You would be wise to search God’s word, seek advice from Christians you respect, and pray to seek His will.  This is a decision which should be given to the Lord for He knows you best.

There are a number of questions you will want to ask as you narrow down your search for the right campus. Are there opportunities for internships and independent study?  What about the availability of an honors program? How about career development support and graduate school placement?

Too many students begin to limit their possible choice of a college based on cost alone. We often use misinformation regarding the number of ways you can finance your education.  In reality, there are countless ways to finance your education. Don’t limit the possibilities of your search before exploring all the options.

Editorial content provided by Chant Thompson, Executive Director, North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP).