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10 Reasons Why Students Are Happy They Chose a Faith-Based College

10 Reasons Why Students Are Happy They Chose a Faith-Based College

When applying to college, cultural pressures often drive people to look at the metrics of the seemingly highest rated and “most prestigious” schools. Truth be told, choosing a college or university based solely on ratings may not necessarily work out well in the long run. On the other hand, a faith-based college  may be the best school to attend in terms of feeling comfortable enough to grow academically and as a whole person. Many Christians are discovering the following reasons for a faith-based education.

1: Nurturing a Supportive Community

Students who attend a religious college are immersed in a holistic educational environment. You will be taking classes and interacting with like-minded peers. Members of the active student body also come from diverse backgrounds. As fellow Christians, there’s a clear sense of support that furthers intellectual and spiritual growth.

Building Lifelong Friendships

The people you bond with at a faith-based college are part of your fellowship. The friendships you establish while earning a degree often last a lifetime.

Mentorship Programs

The best religious colleges offer mentorship programs that allow seasoned professionals to pass on their unique knowledge to the next generation. With your faith in common, students and mentors already enjoy a shared foundation.

Sense of Belonging

When people feel marginalized, stress and anxiety replace joy and intellectual growth. At a Christian college, you are among friends with a shared experience of knowing Christ..

2: A Purpose-Driven Education

Attending a biblical-based college integrates what you know about God with the practical knowledge needed to build a prosperous career. Unlike secular education, faith nourishes your education and gives post-graduation endeavors greater purpose. The best religious schools empower students in the following ways.

Integrate Faith and Learning

A faith-based college acknowledges that spirituality and knowledge are not mutually exclusive. Bringing both into the classroom teaches students to walk with their commitment to God within their profession.

Exploring Passions and Purpose

A secular college or university typically places academic limits on religious passions and their place in coursework. Not only are faith-based colleges open to students exploring their deeply held Christian values, but they are inclined to bring others into enlightening discussions.

Making a Positive Impact

The goal of earning a degree at a secular institution differs from a religious college. The faculty at faith-based colleges want more for their graduates than just high marks and fact memorization. They want to help enable fellow Christians to make a positive impact throughout their lives.

3: Exceptional Faculty and Staff

Christianity has a long and storied tradition of producing some of the world’s greatest scholars. As a global community,  love and admiration of wisdom are part of a Christian’s very DNA. You’ll learn from some of the brightest minds and enjoy the following benefits.

Expertise in Respective Fields

The faculty leading your classrooms possess vast experience and niche expertise in their fields. Many have worked in their industry or achieved academic standing while maintaining their commitment to God.

Commitment to Student Growth

Teaching at a religious college is more than just a job for faculty members. Many could take positions at so-called “prestige” schools that offer exorbitant salaries. But the smaller class sizes at mostChristian institution sallow them to more significantly impact their students’ growth.

Inspiring Students to Achieve Excellence

At a religious-based college, graduation is an expectation. The goal for religious-based educators is to inspire young adults and older college students to maximize their potential.

4: Extensive Academic Programs

In a Christian learning environment, students have the unique opportunity to explore how faith influences work, education, and personal development. As your knowledge expands, your faith grows and evolves as you discover how Christian values inform your scholarship.

Wide Range of Comprehensive Programs

It’s important to understand that studying at a Christian university does not limit your opportunities. A faith-based higher education institution offers wide-reaching programs that help foster rewarding careers.

Well-Rounded Education

The importance of a well-rounded college education cannot be understated. The best religious schools offer excellent liberal arts, science, and business degrees all founded on the Word of God.

Adapting to Industry Trends

Leading Christian colleges are keenly aware of industry changes. The intimate and open environment supports integrating trends into practical classroom applications.

5: Spiritual Growth and Exploration

Part of your higher education adventure will be investigating your intuitive feelings about the teachings of Christ. The best Christian Colleges firmly believe that honing Bible-based knowledge buoys our understanding of the arts, sciences, and business. That’s why the following opportunities are available at religious colleges.

Deepening Spirituality

While attending a religious college, you can expect spiritual encouragement. Personal and spiritual growth are part of the curriculum.

Opportunities for Worship and Prayer

Prayer and worship are an essential part of the higher educational experience. Time will be allotted for these purposes.

Developing a Strong Foundation of Values

Possessing strong core values is critical for living a healthy and impactful life. Building that foundation is part of the shared learning experience at a Christian school.

6: Engaging Campus Life

Campus life for Christian students is a rewarding experience. You will always be able to be your authentic self while absorbing campus life. These are things you can expect during your academic and spiritual journey.

Extracurricular Activities and Events

Joining groups or  clubs and participating in one-off events teaches students to work cooperatively toward goals. These extracurricular activities add value to the campus life experience.

Leadership Development

Good Christians learn how to provide material support for a cause as well as when it’s time to lead. These inclinations are encouraged while studying at a faith-based college.

Creating Lasting Memories

Many Christian college graduates reflect fondly back on their days on campus. You may discover you replay those times and the memories bring you lasting joy. Don’t be surprised if you reflect on moments and people to help guide you later in life.

7: Internship and Career Opportunities

One of the stumbling blocks college graduates face is not gaining the hands-on experience needed to jump into a good-paying occupation. The best Christian colleges have long recognized the gap in classroom knowledge and practical application. That’s why the following are essential to fast-track your career.

Practical Experience for the Professional World

Few things can replicate the hands-on training students gain through faith-based college relationships. As Christians, we support each other spiritually, emotionally, and professionally.

Partnerships With Local Businesses and Organizations

There are both for-profit and nonprofit organizations with deep Christian roots. The best faith-based universities build partnerships that prepare students for life after college.

Building Networks and Employability

The relationships between industries and academic majors are crucial for post-college employment. After spending a portion of your student life learning the ropes, so to speak, you will enjoy a professional network that includes like-minded colleagues.

8: State-of-the-Art Facilities

The best religious schools offer state-of-the-art facilities, access to advanced technologies, and small class sizes. Students can expect the following from a forward-thinking Christian university.

Modern Classrooms and Laboratories

Both advanced technologies and devices are integrated into classrooms and labs. These assets streamline and enhance the learning process.

Resources for Academic Success

Success requires full access to educational, religious, and support resources. At a faith-based school, you can anticipate that everything is in place to help you thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.

Conducive Learning Environment

Bringing students together with shared core beliefs promotes open-mindedness. What typically happens at a Christian college is that students and educators move in the same direction as they share different experiences and perspectives.

9: Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

A great deal has been made about diversity in private universities and state schools. But the notion of accepting people based on ethnicity or social standing runs contrary to the true meaning of inclusion taught by Jesus Christ. At a faith-based university, we are all God’s children, and you can expect the following.

Valuing and Respecting Every Individual

We are all equal in the eyes of the Lord, and those teachings resonate at a faith-based college. You can anticipate being valued and expected to respect others.

Inclusive Campus Community

A religious campus is truly inclusive because students are seen as image bearers of God. Such qualities run deep among Christians from all walks of life.

Engagement With Local Communities

Engagement is something of a two-way street because the active student body becomes involved in neighboring communities and organizations. These experiences help grow and shape students’ worldviews and help them become more compassionate members of society.

10: Transformative Learning Experience

For an educational experience to take people of faith to another level, it must be holistic. When attending a faith-based college, the influences and relationships you are exposed to help develop the mind, body, and spirit. These are ways Carson-Newman furthers knowledge and personal growth.

Educating the Whole Person

We ensure students have the resources to nourish their spiritual journey and develop their core Christian values while pursuing their educational goals.

Compassionate Leaders and Critical Thinkers

Our faculty and staff serve as role models regarding Christian compassion and critical thinking. Challenging the status quo in a kind and respectful fashion helps us grow together.

Making a Positive Difference in the World

The best religious schools want to help students make a difference after they earn their bachelor’s or master’s degree. Although we all have our own calling, our alumni continue to make a difference as industry professionals, civic leaders, parents, and valued community members.

Carson-Newman University Offers a Rewarding Faith-Based College Education

As a Christian liberal arts university, we are on a mission to help students reach their fullest potential as educated citizens and worldwide servant leaders, no matter what industry or field they choose to pursue. At Carson-Newman, you’ll develop and expand the skills needed to stand out in the job market. If you’re interested in learning more, connect with Carson-Newman. We’ll help you prepare for a rewarding and dynamic career.

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