Have you ever asked any of these Christian college Frequently Asked Questions?
For many students, choosing where to go to college can feel like a daunting task. Often, one of the first decisions to make is whether or not to go to a Christian college. We’ve put together a list of common Christian college FAQs so you have all the information you need to make a confident decision.
Financial Questions
How does Christian college tuition compare to other colleges?
Christian colleges often have a higher tuition cost than public colleges. This is because most are private institutions, which means they do not receive government funding. As a result, private Christian colleges gather funds primarily through tuition costs and donations. The good news is, lots of Christian colleges offer scholarship opportunities and financial aid to ease the burden for students.
Do Christian colleges have financial aid?
Even though Christian schools don’t receive government funding, many still accept federal student aid. If you’d like to learn more about what federal student aid is available to you, visit studentaid.gov.
Some Christian colleges also offer private financial aid and scholarship options. You can talk to the financial office of the school you’re looking at to find out what financial aid opportunities they have.
At Grace Christian University, we accept federal financial aid. Feel free to contact our business office for more information about financial aid or the scholarships and grants available to you.
Ministry Questions
Can I be ordained through a Christian college?
In most cases, a bachelor’s degree is required for ordination. However, getting a bachelor’s degree from a Christian college and getting ordained are two separate processes. The ordination process is usually completed through your church or denomination rather than through a college. If you’re interested in becoming ordained for ministry, talk to your church leadership about the path forward.
Do Christian colleges require that you be the same denomination as them?
No. Almost all Christian colleges are very open when it comes to denominational requirements for their students. However, you can certainly expect a college’s curriculum and student body to reflect their faith background, so keep the denomination in mind as you look at Christian colleges.
For example, Grace does not have an official denominational affiliation, but we are associated with Grace Gospel Fellowship, and our Bible programs are taught from a dispensational framework.
Academics Questions
Are Christian colleges accredited?
Most Christian colleges are accredited. Not all are, though, so if accreditation is important to you be sure to check the specific colleges you’re looking at.
Some of the most common Christian college FAQs are about accreditation. Why? Accreditation means that a college’s academics meet a certain standard. Many students also look for accreditation because it can add prestige to your degree down the road with future employers.
Grace is dually accredited, so you can be confident that you’ll receive a top-quality education!
Can my credits from another college be transferred to a Christian college?
It depends. If your Christian college is accredited, your credits will most likely transfer without issue.
Are there online Christian colleges?
Yes! There are Christian colleges all over the globe with great online programs for students looking for remote learning.
If you’re looking for an online Christian college experience that is flexible and high-quality, check out Grace Christian University’s online undergraduate and online master’s programs.
Other Christian College FAQs
What’s the difference between a Christian college and a seminary?
Typically, seminaries are focused on graduate-level academics and require a four-year degree for admission. Seminary programs are also geared toward students who are seeking to enter the ministry formally as pastors or teachers, while most Christian colleges have programs for non-ministry vocations as well.
Interestingly, some seminaries are beginning to offer bachelor’s degrees for the first time. This article has more information about current trends in the world of seminary.
Will I be too “sheltered” at a Christian college?
This may seem like one of the sillier Christian college FAQs, but it’s a real concern for many prospective students. No one wants to be “sheltered” so much that they aren’t prepared for the real world.
College is a fantastic time to grow in your ability to share and defend your faith, but can you do that at a Christian college? Yes, you can! A good Christian college will provide opportunities for students to gain these skills and more while being sharpened in the faith by peers and faculty.
Student life at Grace is full of occasions for students to gain real-life experience both in the classroom and on campus.
Are you looking for a Christian college where you will be challenged and equipped to serve wherever the Lord calls you? Request more info about Grace Christian University today!
