Searching for a good Christian college in Minnesota doesn’t have to be difficult if you know what you’re looking for. Though an abundance of options exist and the choices can be overwhelming, in this article we list a few things you can keep in mind as you search that will help you decide.
Christian in name and practice
A Christian college should be rooted in truth, humbly seeking to honor the Lord in all things and not simply paying homage to a religious heritage. Reading a school’s statement of faith can be helpful in gaining a better sense of their worldview, and whether or not it aligns to your own values. You want a school that has built its mission and vision on the solid, unshakeable ground of Jesus Christ and the Word of God.
There might be no better way to measure the spiritual health of a school than by checking out the chapel services they offer. God calls his people to gather together to sing and praise His name, hear from His word, and encourage one another through prayer and fellowship. A school that makes this a priority for both its students and staff will stand out.
Gain meaningful ministry experience
You don’t want to waste your college years. You know that Jesus came to serve, and that He called all of us to do the same. College is an ideal time to listen for God’s calling on your life, to grow in your faith as a Christian, and discover how you will use your talents and skills in the service of others. Look for a school that has a heart for outreach and ministry, somewhere that challenges you, helps you develop as a leader, and prepares you for what lies ahead.
Experience excellence in academics
You want a school that offers the degree programs that match your interests and goals, and you also want to consider the quality of the education you might receive. You want to learn from professors that know their stuff and are passionate about what they do. Look around for things like accreditations any other recognitions the school might have received for academic achievement.
Check to see if a school offers the right resources to ensure their student’s academic success. Look around for stats on student outcomes, or find out more about what life looks like for graduates once they’ve got their diploma in hand. Obviously, your success after graduation also depends on how hard you work during your college years, but you want a school that will go above and beyond to help prepare you for the world ahead.
Pay attention to location, location, location
The location of a school matters, but everyone’s preferences are different. Maybe you are still figuring yours out, or you’re looking to try something new. If you’re looking for a more lively, populated experience, you should know that many of Minnesota’s best schools are located right in the heart of the Twin Cities.
If you want your college experience to be full of the arts, diverse neighborhoods, a thriving food scene, and a great bike share program to explore it all, the Twin Cities are hard to beat. Getting a feel for the campus location is just one reason to clear your schedule for a few days and schedule a college tour.
Learn about affording your education
Private schools have a reputation for being really expensive, and debt is the four-letter word that most people try to avoid these days. So when it comes to choosing a Christian college that is right for you, you need to consider whether or not the tuition is affordable. Do a little bit of research and find out if a school that you’re interested in offers financial aid or scholarships. Also, remember that college is a long-term investment in your career. Don’t let cost be a barrier for your future.
A good Christian college really isn’t hard to find
These are just a few things to consider as you continue your search for the school that is right for you. Asking the right questions can help you get a better sense of what you want from your college experience. If you would like to learn more about us, don’t hesitate to reach out or download our free viewbook below.
