When you think about college, you probably imagine a place where you’ll study, hang out with friends, and prepare for your future career. At Grace Christian University, campus life is more than that. Grace is a place where you’re not just growing academically but also spiritually. It’s where your faith and education come together in a way that prepares you for life beyond the classroom.
I’m not just talking about classes, though they’re important. At Grace, the entire experience is designed to help you learn, grow, and serve. These three words take on a lot more meaning once you’re part of the community here.
A Compassionate Community
What stands out most about Grace is the sense of community. From the moment you set foot on campus, you’ll notice how welcoming it is. Everyone, from professors to staff and fellow students, is invested in your personal growth, both spiritually and academically. It’s common to walk through campus and be greeted by people who know you by name, which makes the environment feel like a family.
Every week, students gather for chapel services three times. It’s not just another item on your schedule; it’s a time to recharge spiritually, worship with friends, and reflect on how you’re growing in your faith. One student, Rachel T., shared, “Chapel is the highlight of my week. It’s where we get to pause and focus on God, together as a campus.” I couldn’t agree more.
Small groups, worship nights, and team devotionals are also a big part of campus life. These activities help deepen your faith and strengthen your relationships with others. There’s always a sense of support and encouragement, whether you’re tackling a difficult topic in class or wrestling with personal challenges.
Learn. Grow. Serve.
The motto at Grace, Learn. Grow. Serve. really captures what campus life is all about. First and foremost, Grace challenges you academically. You’ll take a deep dive into your chosen field of study through class projects and hands-on learning experiences. Every class integrates Biblical values and perspectives, no matter your program. You’ll take 30 credit hours of Bible and Theology courses, which not only ground you in your faith but also help you see how biblical principles apply to every area of your life.
Chris M, a senior at Grace, said, “The Bible classes at Grace don’t just teach you about the Bible; they teach you how to live it out.” Beyond the classroom, the emphasis on growth is evident. Grace is big on mentorship, which means you’ll have faculty and staff who care about your spiritual and personal development. These transformational relationships are a huge part of why Grace feels different from other universities. One of my professors once told me, “We’re here to walk alongside you, not just teach you.” And that’s exactly what they do.
Then there’s the serving part. Grace encourages every student to put their faith into action, whether it’s through local service projects, campus ministries, or global mission trips. The opportunities to serve are endless, and they’re all aimed at helping you learn how to live out your faith in practical ways.
A Typical Day at Grace
What’s a typical day like for a Grace student? It’s pretty dynamic! You’ll start with morning classes, allowing you to finish classes by 2:30 PM, leaving the afternoon open for work or your sports team practice. Chapel takes place mid-morning on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, offering a refreshing pause in your day. Throughout the day you can meet with your professors or classmates; with small class sizes, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for meaningful discussions and personalized attention from your professors, ensuring the academic support you need to thrive.
Emma W. mentioned, “My professors at Grace have had a huge impact on my life. They genuinely care about what’s going on with you, inside and outside the classroom.”
There are no classes on Fridays, giving you the perfect chance to catch up on homework, pick up a work shift, or spend time hanging out with friends around campus.
When you’re not in class, you’ll find plenty of ways to get involved. Grace offers a variety of student-led activities and organizations, from the worship team to student government and sports. Whether you’re into athletics or more interested in leadership and service, there’s something for everyone.
And then, of course, there are the fun activities. Grace puts on events throughout the year—movie nights, talent shows, themed parties, you name it. These events help you unwind from your studies and just enjoy time with friends. One thing you’ll hear from a lot of students is, “Grace is small, but there’s never a shortage of things to do.”
Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is woven into the culture at Grace. Besides chapel, there are so many ways to grow spiritually. One of the things I love most is the small groups. It’s a space where we can be real with each other, dive deeper into Scripture, and pray for one another. These groups are intimate and meaningful, definitely one of the highlights of campus life.
Chapel plays a big role in your spiritual growth at Grace. It’s a chance to pause in the middle of your week, reconnect with your faith, and reflect on God’s word. Whether it’s through worship, prayer, or listening to encouraging messages, chapel helps you grow spiritually and stay grounded. The shared experience also brings students together, building a strong sense of community and support. As you go through your week, chapel gives you that spiritual reset to keep your faith central to everything you do at Grace.
A Community Committed to Service
Service isn’t just an afterthought at Grace; it’s central to who we are. Every semester, students participate in service projects that are part of the curriculum, whether it’s volunteering at a local non-profit, serving in the community, or taking part in mission trips. Through these opportunities, students learn how to live out their faith in ways that make a real difference in the world.
Julia S., who went on a mission trip last year, said, “When I toured Israel in 2023, I loved being able to see the Bible come to life in a new way. Professor Long was very informative with his incredible knowledge of everything involving Israel and was able to answer all of our questions about the Bible. Now when I read the Bible, I can picture those places, and the truths of the Bible have taken root further in my heart. That is something I will always be grateful for.
A Balanced College Experience
Life at Grace is a great balance between faith, academics, and fun. We’re encouraged to enjoy our time here and build lasting friendships, but there’s always an underlying focus on how we’re growing in Christ and preparing for the future.
Whether we’re grabbing coffee at the student café, heading to the library to study, or going to a sports game, there’s a sense of purpose in everything we do. Grace isn’t just a place to get a degree; it’s a place where you’re equipped to become the person God has called you to be.
Conclusion: A Transformative Experience
Campus life at Grace Christian University is something you have to experience to truly understand. It’s more than just an education; it’s a community where the Bible is the foundation of everything. Grace offers you the chance to learn, grow, and serve in ways that will shape your future.
As Bella C. said, “Grace isn’t just preparing us for a career; it’s preparing us for life as a courageous ambassador for Christ.” Whether in the classroom, during worship, or while serving the community, Grace equips you to be an ambassador for Christ in every part of your life. And that’s something truly special.
