Choosing a Christian College

Choosing a college is a significant and weighty decision for anyone — your college years can prepare and equip you for your lifetime ahead. As a Christian, you may be wondering, does God care about what college I choose?

But how do you decide if a Christian college is the right fit for you? If you are walking with God, any college you attend will give you the place to grow and be transformed into the likeness of Christ. However, going to a Christian college does indeed uniquely equip you in your faith by intentionally integrating a biblical and theologically based worldview into your education. As the moral and cultural landscape constantly shifts toward religious skepticism and moral progressivism, a Christian college can prepare you to think biblically, engage culture with truth and humility, and be a redemptive voice in a broken world.

Here are a few reasons why you should choose a Christian college:

1. To Discover Your Purpose and Passions

   College is a great time to explore your identity, calling and faith. A Christian college environment offers you the opportunity to learn about God and his purposes for your life, a safe place to discover your unique gifts and abilities that you can use to serve him, and a supportive community to help guide you as you consider your future career path, ministry opportunities, relationships and life goals.

2. To Belong to a Strong Christian Community

   Go to a college where your faith is built up — not undermined. At a college where all faculty, staff and students are professing Christians, you will be surrounded by a community who share an understanding of what matters most. Opportunities for fellowship, worship and growth together will foster meaningful relationships and personal spiritual growth.

3. To Develop a Biblical Worldview

   With the declining rates of church attendance and religious affiliation, it is no surprise that Christians today tend to be biblically illiterate and lack training in essential doctrines of the Christian faith. Going to a Christian college, especially one with substantial requirements in Bible, theology and apologetics classes, will equip you to understand and study the Bible so that you can learn, love and live out the truths of Scripture in every aspect of your life.

4. To Integrate Your Faith with Your Education and Career

   In the midst of an overwhelmingly secular society, more Christians in this generation are being strongly influenced to frame their identity, values and worldview in the context of individualism and moral relativity. A Christian institution that teaches the integration of faith and learning will help you think biblically about everything, infusing theology and faith into your learning and your career.

5. To Grow Spiritually and Develop Spiritual Discipline and a Life of Faith

   Today’s culture is marked by ubiquitous technology use and digital content consumption that undoubtedly affects our view of God and our relationship with him. We fill our lives with distractions and amusements that occupy our thoughts and prevent us from quality time studying the Word and in prayer. Christian colleges intentionally offer spiritual development resources as well as a structure for rhythms of engaging with God through worship and chapel experiences and other avenues.

6. To Learn How to Engage with the Culture with Winsome Conviction

   The polarizing cultural environment we are surrounded by contributes significantly to the amount of anxiety, fear and confusion Christian students feel as they face conversations on politics, race, social issues and more. A Christian college will equip you to develop convictions and communicate about them in a loving, humble and compelling manner, even in the midst of disagreement with those of different background, experience or viewpoints. Dig deeper by listening to the Winsome Conviction podcast as an example of this approach to engaging culture. 

“We are neither a bubble to protect children nor a bootcamp to train activists. We are a greenhouse for growing students fully as thinking and living Christians who love with discernment. And that means our faculty are here to help you go deeper in formation of the moral and spiritual and intellectual disciples. This means we want you to become whole persons, prepared for the complexity of our world.”

— Barry Corey, President of Biola University

Many Christian colleges and universities provide a high-quality education for a variety of disciplines, but not all Christian institutions operationalize their Christian identity and mission into academics, campus life, spiritual development and leadership in the same way.

To make a decision on the best fit, you must understand those differences in approach and evaluate what personal priorities are most important to you in your Christian college experience.

Here are some key areas to evaluate as you research what you’re looking for in a Christian college:

Mission and Values

What do the mission, vision, values and beliefs of the school communicate about their approach to scholarship and training the Christian for impact in the world?

• Mission Statement — Is it theologically clear and missionally focused or is it more general, appealing to anyone seeking to do good for society?

• Values — What are the values that guide how the school carries out its mission and trains students in the Christian practice of faith and worship?

• Statement of Faith — What are the core doctrines that the school holds to? How are the Scriptures handled and applied in the approach to scholarship and training?

• Denomination — Is the school affiliated with a denomination? How close or loosely tied to the denomination is it?

Christian Community

How are relationships and community values characterized at this school?

• Profession of Belief — Would you rather be at a university where all students, staff and faculty are professing Christians, or where the majority identify as a Christian but there is no formal faith requirement, or where the majority of students are not Christians though the institution is affiliated with a Christian denomination?

• Community Values — What values does the Christian community embody? Do students feel welcomed in the community and do they strive to reflect the image of God toward one another? Does the community feel like a safe place to grow and become who God is calling them to be? Is the community rooted in faith and bear witness to Christ’s love? Does the Christian community celebrate cultural and ethnic diversity?

Academics

How does the school help students develop a distinctly Christian worldview and understanding of their course of study? How does the school train students for their vocation and life of service to Christ?

• Faith integration in Courses — How is the Christian worldview taught within this program of study? Does biblical thinking permeate the teaching, scholarship, educational practices and culture? Do the professors intentionally incorporate a Christian perspective on the subject matter in the course or does faith integration look like a prayer or devotion before class?

• Curricular Requirements — Does the institution require courses on the Bible or Christian theology in their curricular requirements? Some institutions require substantial units (30 units) which equates to a minor in biblical and theological studies, whereas others only require a few courses.

Leadership

Does the leadership practice faith-filled leadership in and outside of the classroom?

• Faith — Are the faculty and staff all professing Christians who fear God, know and abide in Christ and exemplify Christ-like character?

• Mentoring Opportunities — Do faculty and staff desire to shepherd the souls of students and provide opportunities for discipleship and mentoring? Five Questions to Help Build a Mentoring Relationship with Your Professor.

Spiritual Life

In what way does this college offer you opportunities to develop your faith, learn the Scriptures, live out your faith in college, and prepare you to bring the redemptive message of the gospel to the world for Christ?

• Curricular Requirements — As mentioned in the Academics section, are there required classes in Bible, ministry or Christian life topics?

• Chapels — What are the chapel services offered and expectations for attendance? How do students experience the chapels offered?

• Service and Ministry Opportunities — What types of service, missions and discipleship opportunities are available on campus and in the community or beyond?

• Churches — What churches are in the area?

• Soul Care — What does the college offer in relation to soul care — pastoral care, spiritual direction and prayer?

• Mentorship — How do students feel about approaching faculty and staff for mentorship and spiritual care?

• Quiet Places on Campus — Are there beautiful and quiet places on campus for reflection and time with God?

Student Life

In what ways does this college offer you opportunities to live out your faith and display Christ-like character amongst other students on campus and off-campus, as well as in the community?

• Campus Life — A college education is more than just time spent in the classroom. You’ll want to find a balance between academics, recreation and social activities. Are there first-year programs for residents? Is there a student association with programs? Are intramural sports offered and how popular are they? Does the school offer social clubs?

• Dorm Life — Dorm life is a unique experience and can be the place where you develop lifelong friendships. As you look into living options, ask a couple questions: What requirements are there for freshmen to live in dorms? Are there curfews and other standards of conduct that you should know about? What is the dorm culture and community like?

• Off-Campus Life — What is the surrounding area/city like and what does it offer for recreation and other services?

As you think about what kind of experience you are looking for in a Christian college, remember that education is an investment that contributes not only to your career in the long term, but also to your own personal and spiritual development and impact for God’s kingdom. It is worthwhile to invest in a college experience that will help you become the person that God has created you to be, preparing you for a lifetime of faith and Christ-honoring service.

While there are many factors to consider, knowing what your values are will guide your decision on how to choose a Christian college. Contact the colleges and universities you are interested in and meet with an admissions counselor to get answers on some of the questions.

Biola Ranks No. 1 Among Christian Universities

Biola is the most comprehensively Christian university in North America, a new study has found. Biola scores #1 overall — out of 562 Christian colleges and universities — for making faith central to its identity, curriculum, community and policies, according to the book Christian Higher Education: An Empirical Guide.

Check out Dr. Perry Glanzer’s new book, Christian Higher Education: An Impirical Guide and his article, “Choosing a Christian College: An In-Depth Guide” for more information. And learn about how Christ remains central to the Biola experience.

In addition to having the wonderful Southern California climate, the greater Los Angeles and Orange County area is an ideal place to study, serve and live out your faith. As you are confronted with diverse viewpoints and challenging questions facing our generation and culture, you will learn how to develop your convictions, engage with your neighbors and sacrificially serve a broken world in need of hope.

Questions that out-of-state students want to know about living in Southern California:

• Tuition and Financial Aid — Will it be financially feasible for non-residents of California to attend college in the Los Angeles area? As you research colleges, inquire about the cost of tuition, financial aid opportunities and scholarships available for non-residents. Oftentimes, college is more affordable than you think with the amount of aid that is given to students.

• Cultural and Recreational Experiences — What are fun things to do outside on campus? The greater LA/OC area is known for its vibrant culture and offers a wide range of arts, entertainment, recreational and cultural experiences. Check out our Explore Southern California page for a roundup of SoCal specific experiences and attractions.

• Safety — Safety concerns are important to students and their families. How does the college ensure safety on campus and in the surrounding neighborhoods? When you’re off-campus, practice common safety practices like not walking alone at night, being aware in crowded areas and locking your doors.

• Getting Around in Los Angeles — Though public transportation is getting better, most people drive cars to get around and experience the typical LA traffic. Familiarize yourself with your transportation options from your campus. Pay careful attention to parking signs and bring extra money for parking in case it is needed.

• Weather — Los Angeles is known for its sunny weather where you can participate in outdoor activities year-round. There are opportunities for hiking, surfing, skiing, etc. Make sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a reusable water bottle to stay protected and hydrated during hot days. However, there are occasional rains and days with cooler temperatures in the winter, so don’t forget a jacket and umbrella.

• Internships and Job Opportunities — The Greater Los Angeles area is home to many large companies and opportunities in all major industries — including entertainment, technology, healthcare, and more. Look into the college’s career resources for networking opportunities, potential internships, part-time jobs and career opportunities.

• Local Cuisine and Dining Options — Los Angeles is known for its rich culture, with various districts and museums representing the various cultures of the world. In addition to the international cuisine, the city’s food scene offers trendy food trucks and iconic foodie hot spots. Also, get familiar with the local food options and popular eateries on campus and in the surrounding area.

• Health and Wellness Services — Living in Los Angeles can be overwhelming, and today’s college students have expressed an increasing need for mental health support and services. Is there a focus on student wellness at the college you’re considering? Are there healthcare facilities on or near campus, counseling services and/or wellness programs?

As you explore all of these questions about living in Southern California, know that the decision-making process will take time so it’s important to be patient and open to exploring a variety of options.

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