Why Choose a Christian College
 
There are a variety of reasons for choosing a Christian college. The most obvious reason for some would be the conservative moral values. It is refreshing to be in an environment where Christian principles are honored. Christian colleges provide an atmosphere where students can enjoy an education with a Christian worldview perspective. Professors are concerned with the spiritual as well as the academic welfare of the student. They choose to teach at a Christian college in order to share with students their faith and experience in addition to their scholarships. The focus of Christian colleges is to provide a holistic approach to education. Bible and theology courses are included in the curriculum, which assists students in their spiritual growth and church leadership. Chapel services enhance community on campus and further encourage students in their Christian walk.

When choosing a Christian college, students should look at:

1) Academics:the background of the faculty, the course offerings, and the student/faculty ratio. Questions to ask concerning academics would include: Does the faculty have both the academic and experiential background in their field of study? Will the courses offered provide a well-rounded education for the student's field of study? Will the student receive as much personalized attention as possible?

2) Experience:the ability to put academic learning into practice. It does not always seem fair, but when the student has graduated and is seeking employment, employers want to know how much experience the student has had. A good college will be able to help provide the student with positive practical experience in the student's chosen field throughout the college years. Christian colleges often have contacts with not only community businesses that prefer students with strong values, but also churches and faith-based organizations.

3) Financial Aid:the scholarship possibilities, the availability of jobs on campus, and the response of the financial aid office. Christian colleges often have scholarships and grants available through not only government and institutional monies, but individual churches or denominations as well. Christian leadership and service are often criteria for scholarships. Many Christian colleges offer privately funded and institutionally funded scholarships. The student should look for a college that is aggressively seeking good students, which usually translates into excellent scholarship opportunities. The financial aid office can be of tremendous help to the student in order to find all the funding possible. The response and the availability of the financial aid office are vital in choosing a Christian college.

Most Christian colleges are smaller than their secular counterparts, and small size can translate into more individual attention academically, more opportunities for financial assistance, and a wider range of job possibilities.

Christian colleges do differ from secular ones in their basic approach to education. It is not just the obvious issue of the difference in moral values. It is the difference of worldview, of educational perspectives, and of concern about the complete person. It is an approach that places primary focus on the student's spiritual development. Christian colleges lay not only the foundation for a career, they help lay the foundation for life.

Provided by Mark C. Worley,
VP for Student Development at Dallas Christian College.