collageVirginia, a state right in the middle of the ‘Bible Belt’, has a large number of Christian Bible Colleges and universities. Bible Colleges in Virginia, such as The Fredericksburg Bible Institute and Seminary, typically offer programs that prepare students for work in ministry. Many of the Virginia Christian Colleges offer degrees not only in theology but also in the liberal arts. Randolph-Macon College and Roanoke College both offer students an opportunity to earn an undergraduate degree in a wide variety of majors. Liberty University is one of the Virginia Bible Colleges that offer advanced degrees not only in Theology but also master’s degrees in Nursing and English. Marymount University offers a Master’s in Business Administration along with master’s degrees in Information Technology and Legal Administration. Regent University is a Virginia Christian College that offers master’s and doctoral programs in fields such as Education, Government, and Law. Online Christian Colleges in Virginia continue to flourish. Both Regent University and Liberty University offer extensive online degree programs, and Catholic Distance University is devoted exclusively to providing an online education. This allows members of the military or those who have unusual schedules to be able to attend a Christian College or University with greater ease.
Students at these and other faith-based schools have the opportunity to take religion courses, attend campus-based church services and devotionals, and enjoy the spiritual growth that comes with living and learning in a supportive community of faithful students. If you are looking to start your college career in an environment where you can strengthen your faith and deepen your spirituality, then finding the right institution is an important step. There is a level of comfort found in attending a college that supports your fundamental values, and surrounding yourself with other students who believe and live their beliefs only makes it easier for you to continue living and believing yours.
The integration of religious and secular education offers many benefits. Learning opportunities include study-abroad programs, service-based learning experiences, and faith-focused activities. Religion courses are required at many Christian schools as part of their general education requirements. These programs are proving to be top-notch, and Christian schools consistently rank among the top educational institutions in the country.
Dedicated Christians can attend any school they want, but for students whose priority is to continue being strengthened in their faith, there are fantastic opportunities all across America to attend Christian colleges and universities.
Pepperdine University
Located in the scenic foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu, California, Pepperdine University was established as a private, four-year Christian institution in 1937. The university code of ethics is grounded in New Testament principles and Church of Christ doctrines. Graduate studies are offered at several auxiliary campuses in the Los Angeles area. Enrollment totals around 7,500 students a year, and the student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 10 to 1. Tuition, fees, and room and board average at just over $70,000 per year. The Pepperdine Waves are part of the West Coast Conference and NCAA Division I. In all, the school ranks at #46 among national universities and #9 in Best Christian Colleges, according to US News.
First-year students and sophomores live on an alcohol-free campus in residential dorms with live-in spiritual advisors. Pepperdine graduates 85% of students in popular majors such as Psychology, Business, and Public Relations, and the average starting salary for many alumni is around $56,000 per year (and $65,000 six years post-graduation). Approximately 60% of all enrolled students take advantage of the school’s study abroad program. Pepperdine is recognized nationally for its high academic standards and praised globally for its international programs.
Samford University
Having survived two fires, two relocations, and even the Civil War, Samford ranks as the no. 1 university in Alabama. Initially founded in 1841 in Marion, the institution’s campus is now located in Homewood, Alabama. Samford is a private Christian institution with an average enrollment of 5,600 students from over 25 different countries and 40 states across the U.S. The student-to-faculty ratio is only 13 to 1. Art, divinity, and education are just a few of the undergraduate programs of study available to Samford students, but the most common degree choices include pharmacy, nursing, and journalism. U.S. News ranks Samford’s Cumberland School of Law as #10 in Trial Advocacy in the country. Samford’s tuition, fees, room, and board costs average at around $44,000 yearly, but 90% of undergraduates and 80% of graduate students receive financial aid. The Samford Bulldogs are also part of the NCAA Division 1 competing in the Southern Conference.
Samford graduates 76% of its students, 97% of whom feel confident they will find employment within six months of graduation, and of whom over 95% actually do. At six years post-grad, many alumni have yearly salaries averaging on $49,000. Among the over 50,000 alumni, there are several Nobel Peace and Pulitzer Prize winners, U.S. Supreme Court Justices, and numerous Grammy and Emmy award recipients.
Baylor University
Located in the central city of Waco, Texas, Baylor is a private Christian University situated within a hundred miles of both Austin and Dallas. Waco is known for its local hiking trails and other outdoor recreation opportunities. Founded in 1845, Baylor University prides itself on a campus community, bonded by faith and service, and grounded in Baptist principles. With a highly competitive 39% acceptance rate, the school’s average undergraduate enrollment totals around 15,000 students. However, the student-to-faculty ratio is only 1 to 14, meaning students are able to receive personalized feedback and work in direct collaboration with their professors. First-year students are required to live on campus and take two semesters of chapel – which involves attending church services every Monday and Wednesday – but each week, a campus-wide “Dr. Pepper Hour” provides free root-beer floats to students. The Baylor Bears are one of only a few private schools that play competitively in the NCAA Division 1 Big 12 Conference.
In the world of academia, Baylor is highly respected. A few of the school’s cutting edge research programs partner with local Waco businesses for ongoing projects. With a graduation rate of 77%, the university is both academically rigorous and highly competitive. According to Niche.com, it ranks #26 out of 790 colleges, making it one of the top Christian schools in the U.S. 98-percent of all undergraduates receive financial aid, with total costs averaging out around $38,000. Popular majors at Baylor include nursing and accounting. Six years post-graduation, alumni report yearly salaries of $51,000. At Baylor University, the mission is to educate men and women through service and faith, to help them develop leadership skills and enduring spirituality.
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