By Kristina Brandenburg, On-Campus Business Major
As a senior at Grace Christian University and someone who was homeschooled, I understand how homeschool students often approach learning differently. Many of us grow up in an environment that values curiosity, discussion, and faith as part of everyday education. Because of that background, I’ve seen firsthand how homeschool students can thrive at Grace and why this community is such a natural fit.
Finding Your Place in a New Community
When I arrived at Grace, I was searching for community, for purpose, for some sense of who I was and where I was headed. What I found was a campus culture that makes belonging feel almost inevitable. The diversity of people can feel overwhelming at first, but that same diversity means there is genuinely a place for everyone. Once you find your people, the campus starts feeling like home.
Grace has a community and curriculum that truly fosters growth. One of the most meaningful parts of my experience has been the relationships between staff, faculty, and students. As someone who could easily blend into the background, Grace made that nearly impossible.
One person who exemplifies this investment in students’ lives is business professor McMurray. Even though I’ve only had her for three classes, she recognized my interests right away. She intentionally shaped conversations to connect what we were learning in class to my goals in the business world.
If you’re looking for people who will point you toward Christ while also helping you see how your faith connects to your future, Grace creates space for that.
Growing in Confidence and Belief
Another big draw for me to Grace was the community. I was really shy when starting college and young. This meant I wasn’t really confident in who I was or what I believed. It is hard not to be in the community at Grace. Most of my friends graduated last year, and I know I have found a great community here because not only are those who graduated still my closest friends outside of school, but I am still building new friendships and community in my last semesters. Along with this, the professors and curriculum firmly stand in what they believe from the lens of scripture, while wholeheartedly preparing you to find what you believe by equipping you with all the tools you need to find answers.
Prepared for What Comes Next
Coming from homeschooling, it can be easy to feel unprepared for the professional world. That’s one area where Grace stands out. Every class is grounded in a biblical foundation while also helping students understand how that applies in real, practical ways. For example, as a business major, I’m learning how to do business well from a biblical worldview. That same approach carries into every field of study. Each course takes time to connect what you are learning to how it functions in the professional world, so students graduate equipped, confident, and ready for what comes next.
Grace does an excellent job preparing students for the professional world after college. One way this is evident is through the many on-campus job opportunities. I have experienced this firsthand through my role as a student ambassador in the enrollment office. In this position, I regularly speak with prospective students and their families, answering questions and helping guide them through the college decision process. Through this experience, I have developed strong communication skills and gained a clearer understanding of what students and parents are really looking for. For homeschool students in particular, opportunities like this provide a valuable bridge into professional environments while still in college.
Support Systems That Help You Succeed
Our campus has completely free tutoring for students in many different forms, whether students need someone to help them through concepts, or if you need someone to keep you accountable for getting the work done in the new structure, or simply sitting with you while you get homework done in case you have questions. One way tutoring helped me a lot was with my math homework. I was taught math in a very different style than I needed when I got to college, so I used that for quite a few weeks.
A homeschooler who is new to the classroom setting and is having a hard time adjusting to this style of learning may need more help figuring out how to function in this new way of learning. Another student might not know anything about the Bible but has found themselves at a Christian university, so they may need help in the Bible and theology core credits. Another great resource, along with our tutoring service, is our “Student Success Center.” This center provides a success coach for every student, whether they are failing every class or have a 4.0 grade average. These success coaches are there for whatever a student might need to adjust to life in college, especially if the college structure is not something that makes sense naturally to you as a student. Moving from being home to being alone is a big adjustment for anyone. They are there to help with time management, help in professional development, or anything you might need.
Why Homeschool Students Often Excel
Some students come from a public school structure with a strict, clearly mapped-out schedule. College, however, often requires students to manage their own time, rely on personal discipline, and build their own routines. For many homeschool students, this transition feels more natural. It certainly was for me, since I was already used to learning at my own pace and managing my time at home. At the same time, that independence can still feel intimidating. Adjusting to a new environment and taking full ownership of your schedule is not always easy, no matter your background. This is where Grace’s Student Success Center becomes an invaluable resource, offering support and guidance to help students stay on track and succeed.
Grace, while being a good fit for both public schoolers and homeschoolers. The part of Grace I am trying to highlight is the personal feel; it is a small community and is individual to every student because of it. Every professor knows your name, and you find your people. This allows for work and growth to be focused and fostered directly on the individual students in the way they personally need, gaining the life experience and focus to step into the real world after school as an ambassador for Christ rooted in the Word of God.
