You can attend a Christian college online or in-person to get an education that not only rivals educations at public universities but also provides fellowship with people who share your values and beliefs. Most Christian schools teach classic academic subjects as taught in nondenominational schools and Christian interpretations of science and history that reconcile physical evidence and spiritual beliefs.
The curricula of most nondenominational schools often teach theories that conflict with religious beliefs. That’s why increasing numbers of families choose to homeschool their children, according to the U.S. Department of Education, because religious and moral instruction lead the list of why parents choose to homeschool. Attending Christian colleges allows students to continue pursuing faith-based, moral educations in postsecondary school.
The 30 Best Online Christian Colleges in the U.S. 2015
1. Lower Costs
Students often want to travel out-of-state for school, but attending even public universities is often cost-prohibitive for students attending colleges outside their home states. Private colleges are even more expensive depending on the school. Although some of the top Christian schools can also be expensive because they don’t get government subsidies, there are many Christian schools available where the tuitions are lower than those of other private colleges. Christian-based colleges apply their values to helping students afford their admission rates while offering the highest caliber educations. Some schools charge fees as little as $2,000 per semester.
2. More Opportunities to Give Back to Communities
Many students today actively pursue social careers, and these jobs are especially popular among active Christians who want to give back to others as Christ taught his followers. Jesus was quoted in 1 Peter 4:10, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” Christian colleges often work with community-based groups to feed, clothe and shelter the needy and provide fellowship to hurting people. Students can often pursue these ministering activities in social work after graduation where there is a big demand for caring people. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment prospects for social workers are the best of any industry between 2016 to 2024 and are expected to grow by 12 percent.
Employment of social workers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will be driven by increased demand for healthcare and social services, but will vary by specialty.
3. Greater Chances of Social and Spiritual Fellowship
In Christian schools, you meet people who share your beliefs and values. You don’t need to explain yourself or hide your religious beliefs. Developing a sense of community and spiritual fellowship is a prime objective of Christian-based colleges. You can find the same types of extracurricular activities that are available at public schools including intercollegiate and intramural sports, music-related activities, dorm events, theater productions, school publications, clubs and prayer groups. The people whom you meet are more likely to remain friends after graduation because Christians value their friends through good and bad times.
4. On-Campus Religious Services, Devotionals and Speeches from Religious Thought Leaders
Religious schools integrate spiritual and academic life with social events, religious services, prayer meetings, devotionals and other activities where you don’t need to leave campus to attend. Famous spiritual leaders often speak on campus where you have a strong chance of meeting and interacting with them. You can also learn a great deal from religious thought leaders about the Christian’s role in a society that’s often obsessed with keeping religion out of government policies and family life. As a Christian, you can find ways to minister to others in a world where keeping church and state separate often results in reverse discrimination against Christian ideals.
5. More Available Mentors
The teachers, administrators and people whom you meet in Christian colleges often play important mentor roles that last a lifetime. Harried nondenominational college professors seldom keep in touch with students after graduation, but Christian acquaintances often remain mentors and friends long after the university years have passed. Schools that have religious affiliations usually have chaplains available as well as the traditional complement of professors, deans and academic advisors. These advisors are more than just college staff — they often become mentors and friends for life.
Christian colleges and universities offer students places where they can share their values and practice their faith. These religious-based schools often provide nondenominational benefits as well as spiritual advantages for practicing Christians in a world that often disregards and disparages applying religious principles to life.