Top 5 U.S. Colleges & Universities for Conservative Christians

By Kwaku Boateng | TRINICY.org

Photo by Lia Castro

Ever asked yourself the question “How will this program of study affect my Christian values?” One significant factor that is often overlooked by many Christians in their application to colleges and universities is how hospitable the institution is towards their religious identity.
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Whatever you agree to study for four-plus years will influence your Christian values and beliefs. It might be self-deception to say that you will only adjust your beliefs for the time being just to graduate. The danger in  this approach is that, in your quest to do well academically, you may end up falling for man-made theories and philosophies that are contrary to God’s Word and the Christian faith. Falling into this trap has led many young people who once professed to be Christians to denounce their faith in Jesus Christ. This College Spotlight Series seeks to present a well-curated overview of Colleges and Universities in the U.S. that Conservative Christian students and their families may do well to consider.

TOP 5 U.S. COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES FOR CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIANS 

Every institution has its foundational spiritual blocks upon which it was established. Many times, these institutions run on the same beliefs. I remember during my High School education in Adisadel College in Ghana, there was not one instance our headmaster wouldn’t reiterate to us the foundational basis of the school whenever he addressed the student body. He would say, “Adisadel College was built on a solid Christian foundation.” This helped my stay in the college, knowing that I belonged to a school that was Conservative and alive. Again, remember that any college or University will pattern its activities and programs to project and sustain its foundation. 

Come along as we briefly explore (and later expand upon) five of the best Conservative Christian Schools in the United States:

1. Hillsdale College: Founded in 1844, the college sits on a four-hundred-acre campus and is located inside Michigan in the city that bears her name Hillsdale. It is a nonsectarian Christian college and as such provides a friendly atmosphere for Conservative Christians. The college is open to all persons regardless of any differences in race or religion. Available programs of study are primarily aimed towards undergraduate students, but the college does offer graduate programs in government and statesmanship. You may also explore their many off-campus study programs in Washington D.C, Germany, Scotland, Argentina, Spain and London among others. Sporting and other curricular activities have been well structured to cater for the different preferences of their student base.

 

1. College of the Ozarks: The college was founded in 1906. It is a Christian work college that does not demand tuition from its students. Instead, the college has a well-designed work-study program for students. As part of its laws, chapel and convocation participation are mandatory for every student. A unique character-based curriculum sets the college apart from other schools. College of the Ozarks focuses greatly on shaping the character of its students through a range of character education programs. Overall, College of the Ozarks is yet another Conservative Christian college worth considering. 
   
   
2. Liberty University: Liberty University in Virginia promotes conservative values by making campus rules that create avenues for spiritual growth. The university offers multiple worship services, holds Convocation three times a week, does Bible Studies and several other spiritual activities targeted at promoting a Christian worldview to help students appreciate the importance of free market and democratic processes.

 

1. Houston Baptist University: This university has ties to the Baptist Church. As a Christian Liberal Arts university, the Houston Baptist University seeks to “provide a learning experience that instills in students a passion for academic, spiritual, and professional excellence. The university offers a host of undergraduate programs, with a blend of Biblical wisdom in the Liberal Arts curriculum. Many of the student clubs on campus are faith-based. The university has been in existence since 1960 and is located in the Bellaire neighborhood of Houston, Texas.

 

1. Grove City College: This is undoubtedly one of the most esteemed Conservative Christian colleges in the United States. Like Hillsdale College, this institution enjoys free operations, void of any government imposition or interference, thanks to its bold decision not to accept federal aid. According to their website, the college “fosters intellectual, moral, spiritual and social development consistent with a commitment to Christian truth, morals and freedom. Rather than political, ideological, or philosophical agendas, objective truth continues as the goal of liberal learning.” It is a private Christian Liberal Arts school located in Pennsylvania.

We hope to expand this list and expand upon each school on this list. In the meantime, what other post-secondary institutions would you add here for conservative Christian students and families to consider? Which college or university did you end up attending or are attending? How did your educational experience bolster, challenge, or detract from your faith and growth as a disciple of Christ?