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How to Find a Faith-Based College

For students who seek an education with an emphasis on values, a faith-based college may have much to offer. But there is much research to do.

There are many lists of the best catholic schools in America or the best Christian universities, but what about the research students interested in a Buddhist faith-based college or an Islamic school might need to do?

Fortunately, there are options for these degree seekers, though in some cases, they may be fewer in number. Picking the right college is challenging, but there are ways to narrow your search, refine your goals, and create a shortlist of faith-based schools to consider using your GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon, or other military education benefits.

 

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Goal Setting

It pays to write out and define your education goals, personal goals, and priorities when considering a faith-based college. Consider the following:

• Spiritual Growth: How important is it to you to be in an educational environment that actively supports your spiritual development?
• Academic Aspirations: What are your academic interests and career goals? Does the college offer strong programs in your chosen field? How many other schools offer what you seek?
• Community and Values: What kind of community do you need? A close-knit environment with shared values? A more diverse and inclusive setting?
• Lifestyle Preferences: Do you prefer a small, rural campus or a larger, metropolitan area?

Researching Faith-Based Colleges

Setting some basic goals based on the above is a good start, but here are some key factors to consider as you move forward with the school search:

• Religious Affiliation: Explore colleges run by or adjacent to your denomination or faith tradition. Consider the role of faith in the college’s mission and curriculum.
• Academic Reputation: Investigate the college’s academic standing, faculty qualifications, and student-to-faculty ratio. Does the school offer research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs? Check the VA official site, which has a comparison tool you can use to review schools. Information in this tool includes data on those with VA caution flags. Does your chosen school have any?
• Campus Culture: Consider the college’s values, traditions, and extracurricular activities.
• Financial Aid and Affordability: Examine the college’s tuition fees, financial aid options, and scholarship opportunities. Determine the overall cost of attendance.

 

>Find a faith-based college today.<<

 

In-Person Research

Campus visits help you learn more about the college firsthand. Christian colleges may have different student life experiences than secular schools, but how different may not be something you can determine from afar. How does student life at a Buddhist school differ from a Catholic university? Visiting the college will help. During your visit, consider the following options:

• Attend a Class: Sit in on a class in your area of interest to learn how day-to-day studies work at that college.
• Talk to Current Students: Get their perspectives on campus life, academic experiences, and the college community.
• Explore Campus Facilities: Tour the campus libraries, laboratories, residence halls, and student centers.
• Attend a Chapel Service or Religious Event: Participate in one of theses events to experience the college’s spiritual community.

Factors in Your Faith-Based College Decision

Does the college offer strong programs in your field of study? Are there opportunities for research, internships, and career development? Is there a supportive environment for your spiritual growth? Are there opportunities for worship, fellowship, and service?

It pays to determine how closely the college’s community aligns with your values and lifestyle. Ask yourself if you feel comfortable about the prospect of spending four years there.

Depending on your faith, there may be additional considerations to consider. While not all faiths are represented by our list below, consider how these issues may translate for you in your school search:

• Denominational Affiliation: Consider the college’s denominational affiliation and theological stance.
• Integration of Faith and Learning: Assess how the college integrates faith into academics and campus life.
• Spiritual Programs: Explore the college’s programs for discipleship and service.
• Theological Emphasis: Consider the college’s theological emphasis and approach to integrating faith and reason.
• Observance of Traditions: Assess the college’s commitment to observing spiritial traditions and providing a supportive environment.
• Community Engagement: Explore opportunities for community engagement and social justice initiatives.

 

>Find a faith-based college today.<<

Faith-Based Schools In America

There are many faith-based schools in America, and while some may believe that the majority of them are Christian (evangelical, Baptist, etc.) Catholic, or Jewish schools, not all of them fit neatly into those categories. The following is a list of non-christian faith-based schools which have operated in the United States outside of what some call “the big three” of American belief systems.

Muslim Colleges and Muslim-Affiliated Schools

• Zaytuna College, Berkeley, California
• Universal School Bridgeview, Illinois
• Islamic School of Irving, Irving, Texas
• Al-Ghazali Academy, Jersey City, New Jersey
• Noor-Ul-Iman School, South Brunswick, New Jersey

Buddhist

• University of the West, Rosemead, California
• Institute of Buddhist Studies, Berkeley, California
• Naropa University, Boulder, Colorado

Hindu

• Hindu University of America, Orlando, Florida

 

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Faith-Based Partner Schools

The following is a list of College Recon partner schools which are faith-based:

• American Jewish University
• Arizona Christian University
• Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing
• Hebrew Union College Los Angeles
• Indiana Wesleyan
• Abilene Christian
• Houston Christian
• California Baptist
• Concordia University – Wisconsin
• Concordia University – Ann Arbor
• Dominican University of California
• Marist College
• Sacred Heart University
• University of the Incarnate Word
• Whitworth University
• Xavier University