College and University Blog
Is A Christian College for You?
Choosing a college is one of the most important choices a person makes in life. Where you go to college can have a profound influence that lasts a lifetime. Characteristics such as academic excellence, internships, school size, location, career opportunities, quality of faculty, variety of programs, extra-curricular activities, etc. can be found in both secular and Christian schools. Why should you consider enrolling at a Christian college?
According to the US Department of Education, Christian colleges grew over 70% from 1990 to 2004. During that same period of time, all independent four year schools grew 28% and public four year institutions grew about 13%. The growth marks a turnaround from the 1960s and 1970s, when religious colleges struggled to attract students. About 120 religious colleges closed between 1960 and 1979. Four religious colleges, including the first Buddhist college, have opened in the United States since 2001. Why is there such growth at Christian colleges?
Observers cite multiple reasons. Money is one factor. Religious denominations help contain tuition increases through subsidies often ranging from $1 to $3 million a year.
A common reason is that students who practice a faith often want to study where their beliefs are respected. That can be hard to find on secular campuses. There is a sense that the people who dominate the faculties at secular universities have an antipathy toward traditional religion. Students want to go to a place where they don’t have to defend their beliefs. Secular educators dispute the notion of a climate inhospitable to religion.
Some think that Christian colleges merely offer a “safe haven”, a place that is separated from the real world. Generally speaking, everyone within a Christian college environment is concerned with seeing the student develop in all areas of life. They don