Why Choose a Christian College

More than 700 colleges call themselves Christian. The fact is, Harvard was founded as a focused Christian college in 1636. Like Harvard, however, many Christian campuses have drifted away from their original missions. Imagine a continuum from the most intentional Christ-centered college or university to the least intentional campus that has only a historical relationship with some faith-based purpose. Each campus which claims to be a Christian college can be founded across that continuum.

But I want to help you consider a campus that is unapologetically Christian in all that it is and does. It has been my privilege for the last ten years to head an association of 174 such campuses in 24 nations. Together, they offer over 350 different majors, and are located in 30 different states. Besides these campuses, there are a few dozen other campuses whose faith dimension is intentional. You have choices!

But why choose a college whose mission, board of trustees, administrators and faculty are all aligned in emphasizing how scholarship and faith go together? This question is critical for students who want to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ while they attend college. Having made close to 300 visits to our CCCU campuses, let me try to make the case for you in six specific points.

1. Choices.
As I suggested above, for most of your desired criteria – whether a state, major, athletic team, school size, service opportunity or study abroad option – you will be able to find a Christian college.

2. Academic Excellence.
The undergraduate education offered by Christian colleges is of high quality even though most of them are not considered as “prestigious” as an Ivy League campus. But if you compared SAT scores, high school class rank, qualifications of faculty, success of graduates getting into top graduate schools , etc., people are surprised by how high Christian colleges rank among their peers.

3. Personal Attention.
The culture of a Christian campus is usually more attentive to individual needs, interests and problems than secular campuses. We are interested in the whole person. Faculty, dorm advisors, coaches, counselors – all desire to reflect Christ’s love and concern for every student. You will appreciate people who make you feel accepted, respected and unique. Don’t allow yourself to be taken for granted or led to feel like you are only a number.

4. Financial Aid.
You’re probably learning that the sticker price is always higher than the actual price of college. Christian colleges not only help you qualify for any state or federal student aid, but invest considerable money of their own in making your education affordable. College financing seems to get more and more complicated. Let a financial aid counselor at one of your top Christian colleges help you make sense of it all. You will be surprised at how affordable most Christian colleges can be.

5. Service Learning.
Christian colleges are big on learning through serving others. Many campuses send multiple teams of faculty and students around the world in pursuit of this experiential learning. Formal study abroad is encouraged on most Christian campuses. Given the fast globalization of life, I would choose a campus that offers several options to travel and study abroad. Internships and practicums are other options that you should inquire about on your campus visits.

6. Graduate School.
A high percentage of college seniors go on to graduate school. You want a solid academic record and faculty who will help you choose the best graduate program for you. That’s the personal attention factor coming up again. There is a high placement rate in good medical, law and business schools at most Christian colleges.

You might use these six points as a check-list to guide you toward one of the most important decisions of your life. May God’s wisdom lead you to just the right fit … for you!

Editorial provided by Dr. Robert C. Andringa, President, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).