When prospective students research colleges, they have a lot of options to weigh, including personal, spiritual, professional, social, athletic and academic preferences. Even schools that seem similar due to size, religious affiliation or location differ in more subtle ways, which is why it helps to visit the school in person, meet professors and current students, and learn about all of the extracurricular activities sponsored by the school.
One of the primary decisions that students make is to attend a private or public school. After making that decision, they will need to narrow down their choices even further. Private schools, for example, are incredibly different from one another. Just because a college was originally founded by a certain religious group doesn’t mean that it is still a particularly religious institution. If you are confused about the different appeal of Bible or strong Christian schools versus more lax private universities, it is important that you consider the fundamental and more subtle differences of each.
Bible colleges are steeped in their Christian ideology and theology, from their academic programs to social clubs to worship services to volunteer projects. Bible colleges usually offer several degrees within a seminary program or a theological department, including Christian ministry, youth ministry, Christian counseling, religious and theological studies, Bible studies and more. Besides these specific religious programs, regular liberal arts and sciences classes will also include some sort of religious or ethical direction. Even in more traditional academic classes, students are encouraged to become moral leaders who spread the word of God and set a responsible Christian example through their lifestyle and vocation. While traditional private colleges may offer a prayer at graduation, their religious affiliation is limited. Classes are not focused on developing religious leaders, and while religion, philosophy and sometimes even theological classes exist, there usually aren’t any seminary programs or degrees that prepare students for Christian ministry. Classes are open for discussion to express a range of beliefs and ideals, not just Christianity.
Socially, Bible colleges are generally more conservative than traditional schools. Larger Christian universities will usually offer a wide range of clubs and student organizations, including non-religious groups, but they may not compare to the religious and/or ethnic diversity of student groups at traditional universities. At more conservative Bible colleges, most students will be expected to join in service projects, mission trips, praise and worship groups, and chapel events. Some Bible colleges even restrict the times when male and female students can visit each other’s dorms and enforce dress codes. Traditional universities, even those loosely affiliated with a Christian church, rarely enforce dress codes and sometimes even support co-ed dorms. Official social clubs and organizations must be approved by the school, but all kinds of religious or even anti-religious groups can be found at traditional universities. Private schools often have a chapel on campus and sometimes sponsor nondenominational or denominational services and events, but students are not required to attend.
Just like traditional private universities, there are highly respected, distinguished Bible colleges and Christian colleges that do not meet high academic standards. Just because a student decides to attend a Bible college does not mean they will receive an inferior education than someone who chooses to attend a traditional school. In addition to considering spiritual support, the strength and presence of an on-campus Christian community, and Christian degree programs, prospective students also need to research factors like accreditation, enrollment, graduation rate and more.
