Florida’s religious beliefs largely align with national averages — the state is 48% Protestant and 26% Catholic, compared to 51% and 24%, respectively, nationwide. Florida is home to slightly more people who are certain of God’s existence than the country as a whole, with 72% who absolutely believe in God compared to 71% nationwide. There is also a slightly greater percentage of people who consider religion “very important” in their lives — 57% to 56% — and slightly fewer who attend religious services at least once per week, 37% compared to 39%.

Education in Florida

Florida is one of the fastest-growing states in the country and is ranked fourth in overall state population. Its college population is also increasing, as it saw a higher-than-average increase in college enrollment from 2005 to 2010, at 29% compared to 20.2% nationally, placing it among the top 10 states for college enrollment growth. Florida is also home to nearly 5% of the nation’s colleges, including 43 public schools and 57 private not-for-profit schools.

Among the private colleges in Florida are several Christian colleges to help meet the educational needs of the state’s religious population, delivering high-quality education with a Christian worldview and opportunities for Christian leadership development. Florida Christian colleges largely follow the state’s religious trends. Christian colleges in Florida offer programs and environments to meet every student’s needs, from Saint Leo University, a Catholic university with more than 15,000 students, to Florida Southern College, a Methodist university in Lakeland with nearly 2,500 students.

The state’s Christian colleges offer not only the degrees one can earn at any university, such as business, education, or nursing, but also offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in theology, religion, and youth ministry. While most degrees are offered in a campus-based format, many colleges are expanding degree programs to fit the needs of students who’d like hybrid or online formats instead.

Working in Florida

Florida’s industries are diverse, and many are growing. According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, workers in fields across the board will see annual increases in employment opportunities between 2012 and 2020. Life scientists, such as marine biologists and ecologists, will see some of the biggest growth, 2.4% annually, undoubtedly due to the state’s wildlife and conservation resources.

Other career fields that are expected to see high annual growth include healthcare, legal professions, architecture, and business and finance. Clergy and other religious leaders will also see a boost in employment, of 1.83% annually. Overall, the state is expected to see 12.4% employment growth by 2020.

Regardless of the college they choose, Florida’s college students have the benefit of exposure to a wide variety of career options and degree options. For more information about Christian colleges in Florida, check out the list below.