bluefield christian college

Is a Christian College Right for Me?

by | Jun 14, 2021

In an increasingly tumultuous world, you may need a place of respite when it comes time to attend college. Especially if you are committed to faith, service, family, community, and country, a secular college may not provide you with the type of education you crave. But what will it be like to attend a Christian college when most institutions of higher education seem to leave faith off the table?

If your Christian values are an important part of who you are, you probably don’t want to abandon them when you head off to college. A Christian college surrounds you with reminders of your faith, whether in the classroom, at bible study, during chapel, or anywhere on campus. Whether you want to remain steadfast to your beliefs or pursue a more religious path for your future, a Christian college can help you grow and nurture your faith. Choosing where you go to college is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make and finding a place that aligns with your values could be critical to a lifetime of fulfillment.

What Makes a Christian College Different than a Traditional College?

Many religious institutions of higher education offer all the pros of a traditional college experience, while removing the less desirable aspects that can get in the way of your education and your ability to pursue a path of compassionate service.

  1. Smaller Class Sizes: Most Christian colleges are small, private institutions. Unlike their public school counterparts, there are more professors for fewer students and you are more likely to find a more personal and fulfilling experience.
  2. Safe Campuses and Respectful Classrooms: When students are mutually grounded in faith and compassion and come from a morally sound background, they treat one another with respect. And when your focus is your faith and your education, you’re less likely to participate in destructive behaviors such as partying, drinking, and drug use, some of which can disrupt campus harmony and lead to violence.
  3. Affordability: Many faith-based colleges strive to make affordability among their goals. They may offer competitive tuition, room, and board or may provide reduced tuition to students who live locally. Christian schools might also provide significant grant or scholarship aid to most of their students.
  4. Academic Support: A Christian college still offers ample program selection and rigorous coursework, but also support from professors and tutors. Free online and on-campus tutoring services and labs led by peers for small groups or individual sessions can help you find and build academic success.
  5. Service Opportunities: Balancing a rigorous course load can make it a challenge to stay on a path of service. But at a Christian college, service will central to everything you do. It’s a component that’s built into campus life, with many opportunities to give back to others on campus, in the community, and the world at large.
  6. Opportunity to Worship: Unlike secular schools where you may find it challenging to practice your faith, Christian schools place worship as a top priority. You will have access to chapels or places of worship right on campus. Bible studies, classroom prayer, and courses on religion are all common. You’ll be able to easily integrate your faith into your learning and your living, so you can continue down a path of service and devotion.
  7. Well Rounded: Just like secular schools, Christian colleges have many ways for you to get involved in activities outside the classroom. Whether that’s through varsity or intramural athletics, clubs and organizations, or on-campus jobs, you will get the full college experience on a Christian campus. Additionally, faith-based schools have a strong alumni and business partner network. This means you will be able to tap into networking resources when you graduate and are ready to enter the workforce.

 

Bluefield University was established nearly 100 years ago near the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. We have majors in more than 40 academic programs offered either on campus or online at undergraduate and graduate levels. Consider Bluefield to continue your life in faith and to nurture your dedication to compassionate service. Learn more about the Bluefield experience now.

Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

Meet our core Counseling faculty

Dr. Challen Mabry

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Jenna Fitzgerald

Assistant Professor of Counseling

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Assistant Professor of Counseling

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