The Christian College Difference

Three advantages of a Christian college experience

Choosing a college can be one of life’s biggest decisions. Although things like cost and academic majors influence the decision, there are many other factors that make a Christian college unique.

First, their mission is different.

They focus not only on scholarship, but also on character, teaching students that it’s not only what they learn, but who they are.

Author Luci Shaw, a Wheaton College graduate says, “Not only did my years at Wheaton clarify for me what my life work was to be —writing and teaching — but the faculty were such fabulous role models of Christian scholarship and service that their examples still inspire me…. They set my feet on the path that I’ve followed ever since.”

Second, Christian college values are different.

They strive to help students become more like Christ, while preparing them to make an impact in the world.

Haley, a student at Calvin College, originally wanted to be an event planner. But on a trip to Swaziland, she found a different calling. Haley was assigned to work at a school with young students and share the love of Christ with them. This led Haley to a social work major and a desire to impact women and children in her field.

Because Christian colleges help students gain the value of Christlikeness, while teaching them how to incorporate those values into their personal and professional lives, their priorities include more than educating a student. They want to equip them with a strong foundation for life.

Another distinction of Christian colleges is their community.

Close connections and a community grounded in Christ create a supportive environment for students.

Jana, a senior at Indiana Wesleyan University, says “When I first came here to college it was a hard transition for me, because I had come from a really small town and a very close-knit community. Now, in the last semester of my senior year, I’ve seen how I’ve gotten that [community]…so much more here than what I had growing up in school. ”

Maggie, a social work major from Huntington University, noticed how a small school allows for more connections with professors.

“It’s small enough that professors know your name, take the time to know you individually, and are able to help you succeed.”

It’s these distinctions that make Christian colleges and universities a valuable asset. Their mission, values, and community are part of the reason why students are shaped by a transformative experience impacting them for a lifetime.

Sara Ward has a master’s degree in educational psychology and currently writes articles for businesses, educational groups and nonprofits across the web. She also writes a personal blog on faith, adoption and loss at poetsandsaints.com

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