What can you expect at a religiously affiliated college?

“The first thing that they should be finding when they come to a Christian university is that there are people who are more like-minded,” says Dwayne Carson, vice president for spiritual developmentat Liberty University (liberty.edu). “They should be able to find people who are striving for a more single purpose.” 

What else can you expect from a religiously affiliated college? 

Expect: Prayer 

Carson says Liberty students can expect all classes to start with prayer. At Liberty, there are three convocations a week. Every Wednesday, the entire campus gathers to attend a mandatory service that includes worship, campus-wide announcements and speakers. 

Attendance at a weekly Wednesday chapel service is also required at Bryn Athyn College (brynathyn.edu) in Bryn Athyn, Pa. Brief devotional services are offered Mondays and Fridays. 

“Most students only attend chapel on Wednesdays, but I like to attend devotional services as well whenever I can,” says Annalisa Synnestvedt, a psychology/history interdisciplinary major at Bryn Athyn College. 

On your campus tour, ask about attendance requirements for religious services.

Expect: Your faith to be expanded

Just because you attend a college that’s affiliated with your religion doesn’t mean your faith won’t be challenged. “For someone who wants to learn how to defend their faith, a Christian college is a great place to be,” Carson says. 

And though most students at Bryn Athyn share Synnestvedt’s religious beliefs, differences do still arise. 

“I think it is healthy for me to question my principles and clarify why I believe the things I do, and to form a rational basis for my faith,” she says. “I think it is also useful to learn how to respect the ideas of others and to become not only aware of, but sensitive to the beliefs of others.” 

Some of the rules you’ll find at religiously affiliated colleges are the same you’ll find at many others, such as no alcohol or drugs allowed. You also might find that there aren’t co-ed dorms, or that there are restrictions on co-ed visiting in residence halls, or that there’s a curfew. 

Some religiously affiliated colleges also maintain a dress code that teaches both professionalism and modesty. 

Expect: To evaluate a religiously affiliated college just like any other college 

You’ll find a wide variety of religious expression among affiliated colleges. Ask questions about the school’s mission, teachings and religious requirements. Will a religiously affiliated college be a good fit for you? 

Annalisa Synnestvedt suggests asking yourself these questions to decide if you’re a fit for a religiously affiliated college: 

• How are my beliefs similar to or different from the core beliefs of this institution? 

• How will religion show up in my everyday interactions with peers and professors? 

• Am I open to sharing my values and learning about the beliefs of others? 

• Do I want to attend a school in which students share my values?