Choosing colleges and universities can be a very stressful time in our lives. Not only are we choosing which institution we would spend the next four years in. We are also choosing the place where we will continue to grow from our early teenage years to young adult lives. We take into consideration a lot of things. Do we want to study close to or far from home? Do we want to study in the best institutions for the sciences or arts? Do we want to study at our parents’ alma maters and continue to family legacy? But there’s one thing that many of us don’t ask when we think of colleges. And that is, do we want to study in a college or university that is dedicated to our faith?
It’s time to ask ourselves this question, too. There are many ways to stay true to our Christian faith. Since college can be a very pivotal and impactful time in our lives, staying dedicated to our faith can be a lifeline for us once things such as assignments, social lives, and homesickness get tough. These are the best Christian colleges and universities in the United States.
Wheaton College
Wheaton College, located in Wheaton, Illinois, is recognized as among the top colleges in the United States. It’s recognized as a Christian liberal arts college that offers 40 majors ranging from the likes of communication to chemistry. It’s also among the colleges in the country that offers a major specific to Christian studies. At Wheaton, it’s called Christian Formation and Ministry.
As a Christian college, it ensures that students will always have plenty of opportunities to affirm their faith. The college has over 50 chapel speakers that students can reach out to. It has 88 chapel services. We can even choose among seven worship bands to join to exhibit our talents in music.
Plus, Wheaton is among the Christian colleges that embrace inclusivity. As reported by publications specializing in Christian world news, Wheaton hired a gay celibate Christian as a counselor in 2014.
Pepperdine University
If we’re looking at a fun college experience while also holding onto our Christian faith, we can check out Pepperdine University. It’s located in the heart of Southern Los Angeles, specifically in Malibu. Here, you can attend church in the morning, attend classes, and go to the beach to do your homework or rest.
The university offers programs in the arts and sciences, law, business, and many others. It’s a great place for us to be surrounded by people who share the same faith as ours. We can attend their annual Bible Lecture series, where visitors from all over the world gather to affirm their Christian faith. If we want to make a difference in our communities, which is part of our calling as Christians, we can join Pepperdine’s Waves of Service. It’s a movement where students and other community members can gather to serve communities in need.
Baylor University
If we wish to settle down in the south for our college years, we can consider Baylor University. It’s located in Waco Texas. It’s among the oldest universities in the country, having been established in 1845. Much like the universities mentioned above, Baylor is well known for its diversity in college majors. If we plan to focus on faith-based studies, we can consider joining the university’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary.
At Baylor, we can reach out to the many chaplains in the university. Should we need guidance and, essentially, just someone to talk to, we can just ask for the chaplains’ time.
Luther College
If we want to go to college in the midwest, we can consider Luther College. It calls Decorah, Iowa home. As a private liberal arts college, we can choose among their majors ranging from Africana studies to museum studies. But we can also major in programs with a strong social orientation such as social welfare. And if we’re leaning towards science, we can also try out the college’s program in environmental science and global health.
At Luther, we can participate in worship opportunities such as the weekday chapel and the Sunday Night Worship. We can also join the church council as students to help further promote Christian life at Luther.
As we choose among the college that we want to attend, it would be good to know that there are strong candidates there for a Christian college experience. This way, as we explore what life is like as an independent young adult, we would have the guidance of the Christian community around us.
