What Employers Think About a Christian College Degree

Nov 21, 2025 | Blog

When you think about going to college, one big question might be: Will my degree help me get a good job? If you choose a Christian college like Grace Christian University, you may wonder how employers see your education. Do they respect it? Do they value what you learned? The answer from alumni, research, and hiring managers should encourage students and families considering faith-based schools.

Christian college degrees represent more than time spent in a classroom. They show a commitment to learning with faith, character, and purpose. Employers today want workers who are skilled and bring strong values to their roles. They look for integrity, critical thinking, and people who treat others with respect. Christian colleges teach these qualities alongside academic subjects, helping graduates stand out in competitive job markets.

Employer Perspectives on Christian Education

Employers continue to affirm the value of higher education, with the 2023 NACE Recruiting Benchmarks Report revealing that nearly 70% of entry-level jobs require a bachelor’s degree. Despite ongoing discussions about the necessity of degrees, hiring organizations prioritize skills and curriculum rigor, with three-quarters of employers viewing college or university-based certificates as high quality. More than 91% of employers use direct on-campus recruiting as a primary channel to hire entry-level talent, reflecting confidence in academic institutions as sources of prepared graduates. Meanwhile, data from Faith on View demonstrate that many Christian colleges report job placement or graduate school success rates above 60%, with some schools reporting rates close to 95%. This alignment of employer trust in degrees and Christian colleges’ strong career outcomes highlights the continued relevance and respect for Christian higher education in preparing workforce-ready graduates who are equipped both professionally and ethically

What Christian Education Signals to Hiring Managers

A happy Grace student at a desk in a classroom.

You Practice Critical Thinking
Coursework invites students to wrestle with complex questions, look beyond surface answers, and find thoughtful solutions. Examining real-world and spiritual issues builds habits of analysis that help in any profession.

Ethics Guide Your Decisions
Students intentionally choose an education shaped by biblical and ethical teaching. Classes explore both practical and biblical ethics, helping students bring clarity to difficult decisions.

Compassion Shapes Your Interactions
Treating others with the love of Christ influences how graduates work with colleagues, clients, and communities. Respect, empathy, and a steady presence create healthier teams and stronger relationships.

You Lead by Serving Others
Christian education encourages servant leadership. Even in authority roles, graduates support their teams, help others develop their strengths, and build collaborative environments.

In Christian colleges accountability runs deep. Students learn to navigate challenges by combining practical insight with biblical conviction, ensuring that solutions remain consistent with their beliefs while meeting professional expectations.

Experience from Grace Alumni

At Grace Christian University, graduates often share how their education shaped who they are. Joe and Kaylee Johnson reflect that influence clearly. After graduating in 2013, they moved into full-time ministry in Holland, Michigan, where Joe serves as an associate pastor and Kaylee leads worship, both shaped by the support and spiritual growth they experienced at Grace.

The same can be seen in the journey of Dan Gowdy, a 1992 graduate who now serves as President and CEO of Wedgewood Christian Services. He often points to Grace as the place where mentors and lifelong friends helped him grow as a leader and follower of Christ.

Carlin Jordan, who earned his master’s degree in Organizational Leadership in 2019, echoes that story of transformation. Now serving in law enforcement and ministry, Carlin credits his time at Grace, especially courses like Servant Leadership, with shaping the way he leads and serves today.

The Whole-Person Approach Makes the Difference

A group of Grace On-Campus students sitting outside in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Christian colleges focus on the whole person. They help students learn how to think, respond to challenges, and live with purpose. Graduates lead with their values, remain steady in difficult situations, and make decisions that reflect both wisdom and conviction.

Employers also want people who can analyze information and solve problems creatively. The integration of faith and learning encourages students to approach challenges from multiple angles, considering practical outcomes and ethical implications.

Faith as a Foundation for Career Success

Many students choose Christian colleges because they want to grow closer to God while learning. This spiritual growth strengthens their sense of purpose and motivates them to care deeply about their work and the people around them. Grace Christian University prepares students not only with skills but also with the courage to live out their faith. Support services also play a role in student success. Grace offers strong career development resources, including resume help, interview practice, and internship guidance. Alumni often stay connected, mentor current students, and contribute to a community that supports one another long after graduation.

Making Your Decision

Choosing a Christian college degree matters to students, employers, and society. It offers excellent education while shaping graduates into people who lead with faith and integrity. Grace Christian University works to provide this kind of transformative experience.

For students planning their future, the stories from Grace alumni and the research make the message clear: Christian degrees open doors. Employers want graduates who have strong skills and strong values. Christian college education forms productive, ethical, and resilient workers who make a positive difference in their organizations and communities.

If you are thinking about college, consider how a Christian education like the one at Grace Christian University can prepare you for a career and life of purpose. It is more than learning; it’s becoming someone who can shape the world for good, one faithful decision at a time.

Apply to earn your degree at Grace.

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