��Vlog: Christian Colleges & Universities Blog

5 Questions to Ask Your First Year at a Christian College

2026-04-25T03:38:36.740851-04:00

When it comes to college preparation, answering difficult questions is expected. “What extracurricular activities have you participated in? Please list activities beginning in kindergarten.” “What is your combined family income, and how much can your parents contribute to your education? Do not round your calculations; enter data to the exact cent.”

Okay, you probably won’t be asked to dig that deep. But the thing that I didn’t expect, after all the applications were submitted and I began my college career, was to be stumped by the simple questions that seemed to pop up on a regular basis. I faced five questions in particular that, as an incoming Christian college freshman, I expect you too will be asked. In writing it may seem a little unreasonable, but even the college atmosphere, and in particular the Christian college atmosphere, can be a test in unexpected ways. Like any other test, it’s always best to be prepared with answers in advance.

1. What do you want to do with your life?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with coming to college without a comprehensive plan for your future—in fact, I recommend it. However, “I don’t know” and “Anything but Burger King” are not only terrible for conversation, but they also limit your chances of connecting with likeminded people who can help you on your journey. Nobody expects a freshman (or even a grad student for that matter) to recite a detailed 10-year projective career plan, so be honest with people about where your future is going, even if it’s unclear.

If you do know what kind of career path you want to pursue, that’s great. Talk about your dream of curating at the Met. If you haven’t gotten that much figured out yet, discuss your major in art history instead. And if even that much is still foggy, don’t panic; you aren’t alone. Let it be known that, while you aren’t sure where it will take you yet, your love of art runs deep, and ultimately your future will reflect that passion in some form or fashion. The close-knit atmosphere of a private Christian school is a safe place to explore your calling in life instead of hiding it away and pretending as though you don’t have one.

2. What are you looking for in a significant other?

This is where Christian colleges begin to diverge from other institutions. The “ring by spring” culture that is stereotyped of Christian campuses is not exaggerated. At Dallas Baptist University, most returning alumni seem to be married to a fellow Patriot, and many seniors marry right after, or even before, graduation. At my freshman orientation, one mom even admitted to a room full of parents that her son only came to DBU to find a wife. Kind of intimidating for us singles, but that’s just the way it is.

Among all the wife seekers and ladies looking to earn their MRS degrees, you will also encounter, as on any college campus, guys and girls looking for nothing more than a casual hookup. Either extreme you encounter will demand a response on your part. Romantic interests may not directly ask about your long-term intentions, but it is unwise to ignore the question altogether. Freshmen who come in unclear about their expectations of dating relationships end up hurting themselves and their partners once they realize neither person is seeking the same thing. By all means, get out of your comfort zone now and then, but be honest about your ultimate intentions for your love life, both to yourself and to your significant other.

3. What is an interesting fact about yourself?

As opposed to attending a state-run university with a higher population than most towns in Nebraska, going to a smaller, private Christian college means you are bound to have at least one professor who will want to “get to know you.” If not a professor, then it will be an RA, an organizational leader, or an overly friendly upperclassmen trying to make you feel at home. Interesting facts rank near the top of common personal questions to be asked, along with favorite food and drink, of course. Anybody can answer “I like cheesecake and green tea” off the top of their head, but I noticed, both personally and as a bystander, that interesting facts are difficult to name on the spot.

Maybe I've just lived a really lame life, but I highly suggest that you go ahead and pinpoint that one defining talent, experience, or fact about yourself before you get to school. You never know when you’ll have to go first, and nothing screams “I’m boring” quite like a long pause before sheepishly answering: “There isn’t anything interesting about me. I mean, I can play ‘Thinking Out Loud’ on the guitar; does that count?” You are an interesting person—I know you are—so think of that one awesome thing about yourself now and get ready to impress your peers later.

4. What is your stance on Calvinism and Arminianism?

If this question draws a blank with you, don’t feel alone; it surprised me too, because I wasn’t very knowledgeable on what either of those theologies implied. Just as health care and immigration issues are a common battleground for liberal and conservative students to discuss, so is Calvinist and Arminian theology for evangelical students. Friends of mine, both in and out of college, told me it was a common debate topic for the guy dorms, and I personally encountered Calvinism and Arminianism discussions around campus. With time, and through the guidance of professors and older friends, I was able to follow discussions, but I would recommend researching the basic facts before someone brings it up. There are countless websites, books, and videos comparing and contrasting Calvinism and Arminianism, but as with anything else, be cautious of who you trust and what you believe. Issues of this nature are easy to blow out of proportion, so be careful not to let the thrill of argument blind you to all the other things that truly matter.

5. “Who do you say that I am?” — Jesus

I truly believe this is the most important question a college freshman at any Christian college needs to answer. Jesus asked his disciples this question directly, and Peter’s response is recorded in Mark chapter 8: “You are the Christ!” Author C.S. Lewis acknowledges in his book Mere Christianity that, because He claimed to be God, Jesus could only be one of three things; a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. Peter and Lewis openly called Jesus Christ Lord and Savior. Pursuing faith-based questions like this will help you more strongly root yourself in your own faith and beliefs as you grow personally and academically.

Attending a Christian college really isn’t that different from any other college—but you get the added benefit of attending a school that supports, encourages, and expands your faith and beliefs. However, no student should go off to college without doing some soul-searching first because understanding who you are, your goals, and morals are important to academic, social, and personal success. Ask yourself these questions, explore who you are, and get ready for an incredible four years of college.

Start searching for amazing schools with our featured Christian college lists, or connect with Dallas Baptist University directly using the button below!

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How to Explore Faith Opportunities in the College Search

2026-04-25T03:38:36.738057-04:00

As a Christian high school student, a majority of my life had been dedicated to attending the same church with the same people, singing the same worship songs, and hearing the same testimonies. But oftentimes I wondered what it’d be like to explore faith on my own. College is a great time to step out of that routine. It will provide amazing opportunities to confirm your faith, explore it, and embrace its role in your life. As you approach a time where you'll be confronted with the stresses of living on your own and learning new things, you may need God more than ever before. Here are a few faith-based aspects that I incorporated into my college search, and if living your faith on campus is important to you, you should keep them in mind as well.

Deciding between a Christian and secular college

While searching for colleges, you might consider Christian schools as opposed to secular schools. My calling was toward a major that more secular colleges offered top programs for, so I chose to apply to them over Christian campuses that provide more faith-based environments. This was the better option for me and my financial future, but I ensured I found ways to nurture my faith on campus. If you choose to go to a secular school, there are many ways you can too. Try picking a set of verses or chapters to work on before bed and then bookmark it to reflect on in the morning. By doing this, you’re working extra reading and studying into your daily routine, maximizing your education for the future.

If you aren’t sure what you want to study or you want to prioritize your religion over a specification in majors, you should look into Christian colleges to stay connected to your faith at school. This way more opportunities such as ministries, a campus chapel, Bible classes, religious clubs, and service learning will be available to you. Just make sure the school has a variety of academics you’d like to explore so you have choices when it comes time to declare a major.

Exploring off-campus faith activities

Regardless of the denomination of the school you choose, there are a lot of steps you can take to stay on the path of your faith in new environments. The first thing I did was find a new church. I went to a Protestant Christian establishment, a little one quaint in thought but significant in spiritual presence. To match that sense of spirituality and fellowship, I needed to tour my new college town before the semester started for various establishments to make sure I could make my weekly commute for the Sabbath. It was also important for me to volunteer with the church I chose because in living the faith, it’s always good to contribute to the church. So explore what opportunities are in the city beyond when you schedule a campus visit.

Learning about extracurricular activities

Clubs for different religions and beliefs are available on all college campuses, secular or not. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, you may be able to create your own student group. I joined Bible study clubs within my college. In addition to my regular classes, I set aside time in my schedule to meet with peers and talk about ways to apply God’s word to our lives. It’s always helpful to sit in fellowship with others who share the love and faith we have in Jesus as Christians. There are so many ways to get involved, it's just about looking for them and putting yourself out there when something feels right.

All in all, if you want to stay connected to your faith in college, you should be looking forward to worshipping with a new group, studying with new friends, and reflecting on your own in college. It’s the best way to give back and benefit your spiritual growth, all while living on campus. Whether you're at a Christian college or a public school with no affiliation, carry your faith with you into your college journey how you want to be seeking out opportunities to nurture it.

For more advice on faith and the transition to college, check out our Catholic Colleges and Universities section.

5 Great Reasons to Attend a Christian College

2026-04-25T03:38:36.735080-04:00

Choosing a college can be difficult with so many schools—both religious and secular—to pick from. Have you considered attending a Christian college? Maybe you have some assumptions about these schools, but many common myths are unfounded. A Christian college can provide a great learning environment, a close community, and high-quality faculty, among other benefits. Here are five reasons you should consider attending a Christian college.

1. There are high behavior standards for students

There’s nothing worse than being a serious student, trying to ace your classes, and getting paired with a roommate who would rather break the rules and keep you up late when you’re trying to sleep. Christian colleges require students to sign a code of conduct that explains all of their rules and expectations. This code of conduct instructs students on issues such as visitation hours, alcohol, PDA, and mandatory chapel. Basically, you’ll be in an environment that’s highly conducive to studying, learning, and getting the most—academically and socially—out of your college experience.

2. There’s a real sense of community

“At most colleges, you’ll be studying and living with people from a wide range of backgrounds who you may or may not have much in common with,” explains Joseph Dean, an educator at Write My X and 1 Day 2 Write. “At a Christian college, you’ll know from day one that you have something in common with each student and faculty member.” Because of this, you’ll experience a strong sense of community and togetherness that you might not find at other big colleges.

3. You could find the one

The phrase “get a ring by spring” is a popular one at any Christian college. That’s because many students at Christian colleges meet their future spouses on campus and get married quickly. According to a survey by Facebook, the more religious a college is, the higher the marriage rate among students. So if you’re looking to find a committed relationship and say you married your college sweetheart, a Christian college is a good place to be.

4. You’ll learn from high-quality faculty

Faculty are one of the most important factors for students deciding on a college. Faculty and staff at Christian colleges hold themselves to a biblical framework that forms their standards for teaching, research, publishing, and service to the community. This means they are extremely dedicated to providing a high standard of education to their students, and that’s good for your education. Christian colleges have high standards for hiring their faculty and ensure they share their beliefs and standards with the students they interact with.

5. You'll have a fun and fulfilling college experience

Christian colleges have an outdated reputation for being stuffy, boring, and not an authentic and fun college experience. But this reputation isn’t fair. While you might not be out partying, you can still enjoy a great nightlife. Look forward to attending rock concerts, sporting events, and speaking engagements, plus participating in academic societies, music groups, video and filmmaking clubs, movie and game nights, volunteer programs, and mission trips.

Christian colleges can be a great choice if you want to live and learn in a Christian environment. You’ll benefit from talented staff, a great learning environment, a sense of community, a vibrant social scene, and much more.

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3 Good Reasons You Should Choose a Christian College

2026-04-25T03:38:36.732226-04:00

In all the college talk you’ve heard, big state schools and prestigious, elite private institutions are probably what are mentioned the most. They have the premier athletics or the sheer number of students that put them at the top of the radar. However, if you’re someone who is deeply committed to his or her faith—or a student just looking for a close, caring college community—there’s a third category of schools you should look into: Christian colleges. I took a step into this universe almost accidentally, fell in love, and haven’t looked back. Here’s why I’m choosing to attend a Christian university in the fall and why you should consider it too.

1. A Christian learning atmosphere

At most Christian colleges or universities, the majority of professors are going to be people of faith, so you’ll share a common but broad background. Students I’ve talked to at various Christian universities have often brought up the benefit of spending your formative years as a young adult in an environment where you’ll be surrounded by solid values you believe in instead of being surrounded by people who question everything you stand for, which can be the case at some secular universities. It’s also important to note that many Christian colleges will allow you to learn things from a Christian perspective while welcoming contrasting views from others, offering multiple viewpoints to be experienced. Having grown up going to a public high school, I’m looking forward to this unique aspect of my college experience next year.

2. It can be more affordable

One of the top priorities for most students, including me, is finding an affordable college that will not conclude with you drowning in debt. While most colleges offer some need-based financial aid, especially loans, I found that Christian colleges offered me the most merit-based scholarships and increased gift aid compared to other schools. Also, even though Christian schools are, by nature, private entities, their tuition and yearly costs are often substantially lower than those for private secular schools.

3. An emphasis on good, clean fun

It obviously depends on the school, but college life has a reputation for being centered around partying, drinking, and everything else that goes with those activities. If those things don’t sound like you (welcome to the club!), Christian colleges might be something to look into. Many are focused on having wholesome but exciting alternatives to the typical college party weekends. For example, a school I visited had late-night grocery bingo—the winners of each round won a tote full of groceries for their dorm room! Of course, there are alternatives to risky activities at every college, but at a Christian college or university, they’ll usually be more well-known and loved.

In the end, I chose to commit to a Christian university because I loved the community aspect. It’s hard to explain exactly, but there was a greater sense of inclusion and friendship on the campus than anywhere else I’d visited. They say pure joy is contagious, and it certainly was to me, because the biggest thing I took away was the joyfulness and enthusiasm of the students I interacted with and observed. If any of these things sound attractive to you, start looking into Christian colleges! You can research schools to find at your next college fair or visit some near you to discover if one of them will be the match for you like it was for me.

Congrats to Laura for choosing her college! Start looking for your future school with our featured Christian college profiles.

3 Great College Search Resources for Christian Students

2026-04-25T03:38:36.729351-04:00

Thinking about attending a Christian college or university? You’re in luck—this article is here to help you find just that! As I’m about to enter my senior year of high school, the “college walk” is coming very soon. Maybe this process has already started or is close to ending for you. During my search, I’ve found some great resources that can help students find the perfect Christian college for them—one that has the same values, the right distance from home, the most affordable option, and the best fit academically as well. Here are three helpful tools to jump-start your own Christian college search.

1. The Idea of a Christian College by Arthur F. Holmes

The Idea of a Christian College is a great resource if you love fairly short reads—it’s only 106 pages but has been rated four and a half stars. The book explains the general standards and foundations of Christian colleges and why going to a Christian school may be a better idea than a public college or university. At the back, there are suggested books if you’re interested in reading about these topics further, making it a great tool for both students and teachers.

2. Focus on the Family

The website Focus on the Family has several resources for families and teens, including a particular article on Choosing a College. Using bible verses with Godly wisdom and advice, it covers a question that many students, including myself, have asked throughout their college search by showing the process of which you can and should think about college, plus how to make it less stressful and overwhelming. At the end of the article is a list of roughly 36 Christian colleges or universities. It also offers more resources at the bottom for those who are concerned about how your spiritual life will be affected while you’re at college and more.

3. Niche

Niche is like a dating app but for colleges and universities! The website shows a list from top to bottom of colleges, and you can add the schools to your “like” list by clicking on a heart. It also shows college ratings and reviews from real students at each school. You can view key stats like location, school type (two- or four-year), acceptance rate, net price, average SAT range, and overall grade point average, plus pictures of the college or university. Niche can also generate your chances of getting into that college when you click the “Will I get in?” link at the bottom left of the box. See—I told you it sounds a lot like a dating app!

If you want to find the best Christian college or university for you, these three valuable resources can help you start your search. The Idea of a Christian College is a great mind opener on why this type of college or university is a good choice. The two websites can help you choose your college and understand why that college is the right choice for you. As a student looking for a Christian college, these resources have helped me get an understanding of what I want and how to start this process. I hope they’re helpful to you as well!

CollegeXpress has a lot of great Christian colleges and universities to request information from with just a click! Check out our featured Christian school profiles now.

4 Great Scholarship Opportunities for Christian Students

2026-04-25T03:38:36.726063-04:00

If you’re a Christian student, adding your religion to your list of scholarship search criteria is a no-brainer. But searching for Christian-related scholarships may end with you being more discouraged than before you started. You’ll find that many scholarships require that you attend a specific high school or church, which isn’t helpful to most students. Not finding what you’re looking for can be frustrating, and no one should have to go through that! So here’s a list of four great Christian scholarship opportunities to help you start this scavenger hunt.

Young Christian Leaders Scholarships

YCL scholarships are offered to high school seniors and college undergrads from Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. Applications are due on the 15^th of every month but can only be submitted once per calendar year. YCL asks three other things of hopeful applicants: that they are active members in their church, that they maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average, and that they are currently enrolled (or plan to enroll) in an undergraduate program. Sounds attainable enough, doesn’t it? To apply, you’ll need three letters of endorsement: one from a family member, one from a friend, and the last from a spiritual leader. After mailing these letters to the address specified on the provider’s website, you’ll find out if you qualified for the $1,000 prize the month after your application was sent in.

Pepperdine’s Christian Leadership Award and PLP Helen Young Scholarship

Located in Malibu, California, Pepperdine University is a highly praised institution that prides itself in its involvement with the Churches of Christ. This, put simply, includes anyone who regards the New Testament of the Bible as divine truth. If that sounds like you, you may want to add this school to your college list! Pepperdine’s Seaver College offers two scholarships of $5,000 each that students can apply for. For both, you must have a letter of recommendation from a church leader—anyone from your minister to an elder at your church—and you can use the same recommendation for both scholarships. It’s up to you whether to mail the letter in or submit it through the link provided on their website. The deadlines fall on November 1 and February 15, which may seem pretty far away right now, but believe me—it’s always beneficial to plan ahead!

Request information from Pepperdine!

The Ruth Scholarship

The Bible dedicates an entire book to Ruth, in which she overcomes the misfortune of her husband’s death and is eventually used by God to be a source of encouragement to millions. Likewise, the Ruth Scholarship from The Red Perspective is built specifically for women between the ages of 16–25 who have looked adversity in the eye and managed to conquer it with the help of the Lord. Applicants must submit an essay detailing how they are similar to Ruth, have a minimum 2.0 grade point average, and include two letters of endorsement, one of which must come from a current or former teacher. The application period is from May 15–June 30, and the prize is $1,000. If you’ve always felt a personal connection to this particular Bible story, this scholarship is perfect for you!

The David Scholarship

Those familiar with the Bible story of King David know that he was appointed as ruler of Israel and tasked with slaying the nine-foot-tall Goliath at a very young age. Now that’s a story to tell the grandkids! Similar to the Ruth Scholarship, The Red Perspective’s David Scholarship was created for men between the ages of 16–25 and offers a grand prize of $1,000. To enter, you’ll need a minimum 2.0 grade point average and two recommendation letters, both of which must be turned in by the June 30 deadline. You’ll also be tasked with writing an essay that outlines how you are ideal for the scholarship based on their criteria. The Red Perspective is looking specifically for men who have gone through some form of adversity. Whether that happens to be your decision to follow Christ and the struggles it has presented or an experience you’ve gone through similar to David’s, they want to hear about it!

There you have it, four of the best Christian scholarships out there—now right at your fingertips! You might be planning on going into ministry as your primary career, or maybe you’re simply a life-long believer. Either way, there are always resources available to help further your educational and spiritual journeys. As the Bible says, the Lord will always provide for his followers in their time of need, and these scholarships could be his way of doing just that for you. Now, go forth and conquer!

Expand your search and find even more opportunities with our Scholarship Search tool.

The Impact of the Pandemic on College Mission Trips

2026-04-25T03:38:36.722865-04:00

Serving on a mission trip can be one of the most rewarding experiences as a college student—but the pandemic has introduced an unprecedented series of challenges to missionaries as countries around the world closed their borders. Restrictions were placed on travel, and social distancing made reaching out to the community harder than it already was. People have been living in fear and isolating themselves, not just from the gospel but from the missionaries who wants to share it with them. As the world begins to recover, here’s a look at specific changes to mission work due to the pandemic and what can be done to get students back in the field.

Travel limitations

One of the major challenges of the pandemic for missionaries around the world was the travel limitations. With so many countries closing their boarders, it became challenging to launch new missionaries into the field and return missionaries to the field who were home to itinerate or came back due to the virus. This resulted in fewer missionaries on the field in general during the pandemic and less work being done to help global communities.

Social distancing

Social distancing requirements were another challenging element of the pandemic for missionaries. Ministries were no longer able to meet in person and people were generally isolated from each other. Christians had to find other solutions, and it was difficult to minister to new people who were now isolating in their homes and wary of interacting with new people. In some cases, missionaries went home during the pandemic instead of staying in the field and social distanced that way. Missionary training institutions were also limited as they attempted to prepare people for the field. Not all communities have access to the same technology that helped much of the world go on, so even accessing resources proved to be a problem. While platforms like Zoom became the answer for some—and many churches were able to adapt to a streaming model—not every community could make this happen.

COVID-related fear

Fear was another major challenge of the pandemic, which made outreach and discipleship difficult. People were wary of interacting with others, which hindered missionaries from building new relationships and continuing to build on the relationships they had already started. Though it’s been difficult, God’s mission wasn’t stopped. The pandemic has caused many to think more seriously about life and perhaps caused them to doubt the places they looked to for hope. But it’s also helped prepare ground people’s hearts in what really matters, which ultimately can only make mission trips stronger as we find ways to make them work again.

So, what now?

As the world continues to return to some sense of normalcy, we each have a role to play. We encourage high school and college students to step up and be the next generation of missionaries and mobilizers to the unreached. There’s a harvest in the field; we need missionaries willing to go despite the challenges as well as mobilizers willing to send them. Some ways you can do this include prayer, financial support, and pursuing training yourself. Prayer for the missionaries on the field is crucial; communicate with missionaries at your church and other mission-sending agencies to see how you can pray in a way that’s meaningful to them. You can also connect with mission-sending agencies to provide financial support. But maybe you feel called to engage in cross-culture missions yourself. If this is you, I encourage you to seek out mentorship and get connected with a good missionary training program that’ll help you be prepared for this valuable work.

Although this year has brought on new challenges, it has also brought to light a lot of important things. While travel limitations and social distancing forced us to change how we approach missions, the work we do never stopped. As we move into a season of recovery, there are many opportunities to be a part of God’s mission in the world and aid communities in need.

Find colleges that will allow you to pursue meaningful missionary work with our featured Christian colleges lists.

Making Faith a Part of Learning at a Non-Religious College

2026-04-25T03:38:36.718480-04:00

When you select a university to attend, it may have most of the things you’re looking for but maybe not everything. For instance, there are many students who identify with and practice a particular religion, but many of them may not attend a university that’s affiliated with their faith. In the case of Christian students, this change may be different from the environment you’ve grown up in. If you’re a part of this group, you’re not alone! The good news is there are various steps you can take to connect your Christian faith with what you learn at a non-religious college.

Connect academic topics to scripture

For any Christian, the Bible is an important part of your faith. In fact, many individuals view it as a manual that contains the answers and guidance to your life questions. What better way to incorporate faith while learning than to tie academic material in with scripture? An initial connection may be made quickly, but the process of really exploring these connections requires some time and thought. First, choose a topic you’re learning that you’d like to have a deeper connection to. This could include a range of material, from the liberal arts to the sciences. Then observe which facts or patterns in the academic text can be compared to scripture.

For an English course, this could include topics such as poetry and elements such as writing styles, vocabulary, and literary techniques. These elements could be found within a book of the Bible like the Psalms, which contains beautifully written poetry that displays a range of emotions. Another example could be when learning about history or geography. There are important historical figures who’ve impacted the Christian faith, and many of them are discussed in scripture. Certain areas of the world as well as genealogies could also be connected to specific Biblical figures, one being Paul the Apostle. By connecting your college course material to biblical information, your academic experience will be enhanced and faith-based learning can occur at the same time.

Implement prayer

Another important aspect of faith is prayer. For Christians, prayer is a form of communication and an element that strengthens one’s relationship with God. Prayer can be incorporated throughout various areas in a student’s life. When there’s an upcoming exam or a difficult or time-consuming assignment, prayer is a good stress-relieving tool. Whenever you’re sitting in class, you can quietly communicate with God through prayer right at your desk about a certain point your professor may have mentioned. Overall, prayer is a beneficial implementation that can positively influence a student’s mental health, focus, and performance while in college.

Take a class in theology or philosophy

Even if a college’s profile isn’t associated with a particular faith, there may still be classes on theology or philosophy that are available. Students who are interested in these classes can gain insight into aspects of other religions as well as their own. Christian students should be on the lookout for classes that’ll prove to be beneficial for strengthening their faith, and if interested, you should consider taking at least one of them. These types of classes allow you to be more involved with your faith and focus on it alongside your other academic pursuits. Be careful, however, to avoid classes and professors that may be detrimental to your faith. Ask around and see what options you have, or try to do some research on your own. If you choose a class and decide it isn’t a good fit for you and your beliefs, you do have the option to drop it and switch to something else.

While it can be challenging at times to connect learning with your faith in college, with a little determination and seeking out the little things, you can find creative ways to make connections between the two. After all, faith is an important part of your life that makes up your identity as a Christian. Seek boldly to discover more about it in your educational journey!

Learn more about connecting with your religious identity on campus in our Christian Colleges and Universities section.

5 Important Questions to Ask on a Christian College Visit

2026-04-25T03:38:36.714164-04:00

You want to go to college—not just any college, but a Christian college. You want to continue walking out your faith with God and meet other students who are passionate about their faith. You believe this choice would be best for you. So what do you do next? You spend every waking moment researching different Christian colleges and universities, and you finally find one that seems like your dream school! But you won’t know for sure until you visit campus, see all it has to offer, and get answers to all your burning questions. In addition to asking about academics, facilities, and the other usual things, here are a few specific questions you should ask your guide during your Christian college visit, whether it’s in person or online.

1. What does it mean to attend this college?

As a student at a Christian college, you’ll be earning your degree while developing a biblical mindset as you continue on the path God has chosen for you. As a result, your college experience may be slightly different from others who don’t attend a Christian institution. Depending on the school, students may be required to take at least one class on either Christianity or another religion; schools like Texas Christian University do just that. When you’re on campus, ask students, admission officers, and other college reps about their experiences and what they think makes this Christian college unique.

2. Can I attend a Christian college if I’m not a Christian?

This answer depends on the school, but in many cases, students of any or no faith are welcome at Christian colleges. For example, students at Liberty University sign a commitment of faith, but that doesn’t mean other religions or non-religious students aren’t welcome. Other colleges like Abilene Christian University have a variety of students who practice different religions. Be sure to check with your tour guide for further information.

3. What denomination/church is affiliated with this college?

Most Christian colleges are affiliated with a religion, whether that’s Catholic like the University of Notre Dame or Baptist like Dallas Baptist University. This answer also depends on the college. Even though Duke University is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the University is officially non-denominational. You may also be able to find this information on the college’s website.

4. Will I have to follow a code of conduct?

There are several parts to this question. For example, you could ask about chapel and whether attendance is mandatory, or you could ask about curfew. You could also inquire about the dress code. It may seem silly, but the environment will be different because you’re attending a Christian institution. Be sure to be specific when it comes to this question. After all, a code of conduct has several different sections and rules that may or may not align with your values.

5. What’s the dorm situation like?

The majority of colleges have single-gender and all-gender (co-ed) halls in their dormitories. If the college has co-ed dorms, genders may vary by floor; for example, the first floor could be all female, while the second floor could be all male. If sharing a hall and communal bathroom with a different gender isn’t your thing, ask your tour guide about single-gender options.

Overall, attending a Christian college is an exciting and beneficial journey for those who choose this path. Whether you’re planning on growing your faith or trying something new, you’ll be sure of a very warm welcome.

Still looking for your best-fit Christian college? Explore our featured Christian schools, or request information from the featured colleges mentioned in this blog:

Connect with Texas Christian!

Connect with Abilene Christian!

Connect with Dallas Baptist!

Connect with Duke!

How to Build an Impressive Résumé for Christian College Admission

2026-04-25T03:38:36.710224-04:00

When it comes to applying to faith-based colleges, it can be hard to decide what to submit on your résumé. Personally, I’m Christian and have considered Christian colleges where faith is involved in teaching and day-to-day campus life. Through my research, I’ve found the admission process is a little different compared to secular colleges with different areas of focus. A Christian college admission committee may ask why you are considering a faith-based school compared to a traditional college. Your résumé and application will showcase a lot of your reasoning if you include the right things. Here’s a quick guide to give you suggestions on what to include—just fill in your specific information along the way!

Show your passion with extracurriculars

Extracurriculars show colleges who you are and what you love to do. Do any of your extracurricular activities involve faith? Do you play any sports? Have you taken on a leadership position in a club or organization? Show admission officers your passions through your résumé. Keep in mind that quality is preferred over quantity; if you’ve been dedicated to one club and are genuinely passionate about it, that's great! If it makes you happy, keep at it. Don’t worry about not having many extracurriculars on your résumé—just find something you like and keep doing it. If you do a lot of things, that's okay too. I used to play many sports and I have many hobbies—it doesn’t mean I sacrificed quality. If you do many things, show that you’re passionate about every single one and the quality is there—admission officers will be able to tell.

Faith-based activities

Now think about whether you do any activities that solely involve faith. For example, do you attend a Bible study, join in on a prayer group, or are part of a worship team? Try to show that you’re interested in learning more and enjoy a community of faith. If you don’t participate in any faith-based activities, consider incorporating your faith into your other hobbies or sports. If they are open to it, you could invite your friends or teammates to attend church, group activities, or church-related gatherings. You could also volunteer alongside them at a church or secular event as a way of team building. Additionally, you can connect Bible lessons and how they might apply to the sport or challenge you are currently facing. These are all great ways to integrate your beliefs into other aspects of your life.

Volunteering

Volunteering can show colleges how invested you are in helping other people. Do you try to spread the word of God when you volunteer? How often do you volunteer? What organization(s) do you volunteer with? Why do you volunteer? These are great questions to consider when you’re writing your résumé. Be sure to list all the times you’ve volunteered and what you did. And when you answer those questions, be truthful and honest. One of the most important is “why.” I get it—when asked about volunteering, a lot of my friends say stuff like, "It's required." But it's important to think about what you learn from each volunteer experience and how you can use it to help others. Reflection like this can help you honestly answer the “why” question and make your college applications stronger.

Where to find opportunities

If you're looking for extracurricular or volunteer opportunities, beyond your school, I suggest checking out your church or one that you've been curious about. Churches often have a lot of ways to volunteer and give back to the community. You could help out at your church's trunk-or-treat, volunteer at Vacation Bible School, or even hand out pamphlets and Bibles. You can also look for positions and activities at local nonprofit organizations, hospitals, animal shelters, or community centers. Websites such as VolunteerMatch, Idealist, and Points of Light (formally All for Good) are other good resources to help you find opportunities in your area. Don't be shy—reach out and see how you can make a difference!

Hopefully, these tips help you build a great résumé for college or spark an idea on how you can make yours stand out. Remember to stay faithful to your religion, participate in activities, and try volunteering—you won’t regret it!

Still looking for schools to apply to? Check out our featured Christian colleges in the North, South, East, and West—they’re looking to connect with impressive students like you!

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