Choosing a College

I’m a junior in high school. I’ve decided to go to college, but I haven’t chosen where I might go. I’ve been looking at websites and catalogs, but there’s so much to consider. The decision feels overwhelming.

ANSWER:

Choosing a college or university is one of the most important life decisions you’ll ever make. However, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

The process can become easier when you understand your values and prioritize your goals. It comes down to figuring out who you are as a Christian, what you hope to do in life, and how you’ll pay for higher learning. Then you can identify which school is best qualified to meet your personal needs.

Is a Christian college or a secular college better?

Before you start weighing educational options, consider your faith:

• Do you think of yourself as a committed and knowledgeable Christian?

• Are biblical truths and moral values important to you?

• Do you stand firm in your beliefs, or do other people easily influence your opinions?

If your faith isn’t rock-solid, you might be wise to enroll in a Christian college or university that can build you up in this area rather than tear you down. Why? Because a secular university setting is often hostile to the biblical worldview.

Christian students should expect a certain amount of opposition at secular colleges. In addition, many professors at secular institutions often present material in a way that denies absolute truth and directly opposes biblical standards of behavior.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that Christians should abandon secular academia altogether. However, students who choose a secular college must approach studies and personal interactions with extra caution and wisdom.

What are your goals, strengths, and interests?

You’ve thought about how your choice of college might affect your faith. Now consider your career goals, strengths and abilities, and personal interests.

• What is God’s purpose for your life?

• Why is higher education important to you?

• What do you hope to do after you graduate from college?

Colleges and universities offer different programs and emphasize certain fields of study.

Some are strong in technology and the sciences. Others excel in art, music, and the humanities. Some provide rigorous preparation for graduate work in medicine or mathematics. Others have built their reputations on the strength of their law schools or theology departments. (You can find this information on a school’s website or in their printed catalog.)

Not sure how to narrow down the options? Consider Pastor John Piper’s five guidelines for choosing a college major as you aim to honor God and share His love with a broken world.

How will you pay for college?

The financial aspect of a college education is another important part of the picture. And it is possible to go to college without going into debt.

Talk with your parents about a workable plan to fund your degree, and get input from the financial aid offices of the institutions you’re considering. Then you’ll be ready to make a final choice from the schools that accepted your application and invited you to enroll.

Where to find more information

Pray for God’s wisdom about which school to attend, and ask for input from trusted adults. We are confident that the Lord will direct your path as you commit your future to Him and acknowledge His sovereignty in everything you do (Proverbs 3:5-6).

And if you’d like to talk more about the ideas we’ve shared, call us for a free consultation at 1-855-771-HELP (4357). Our professional and pastoral counselors would be glad to hear your story and offer prayerful suggestions for your next steps.

In the meantime, you might want to look into schools that are part of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities* (CCCU). CCCU members are “accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities whose missions are Christ-centered and rooted in the historic Christian faith. Most also have curricula rooted in the arts and sciences.”

You can also check out the resources and referrals listed below.

*Note: We offer this suggestion for informational purposes only. While many of CCCU’s institutions are conservative, others have varying degrees of alignment with Focus on the Family and our core constituents.