There's more to the college experience than what is portrayed in film and on TV. Extreme depictions of hard partying jocks or nerdy tech geeks huddled over microscopes hardly tell the whole story. For students looking for a more meaningful college experience that fits in with their core beliefs and values, religiously affiliated institutions like Christian colleges often make the best fit.

"My experience at a Christian college helped bring my faith and my education together in a special way," attests James Puleo, a graduate of Wheaton College in Illinois. While over 900 schools consider themselves religiously affiliated, there are actually a little over 100 schools - among them, Wheaton -- that are members of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, an association that helps promote institutions focused on a Christ-centered education.

What You'll Learn at Christian Colleges
Christian colleges aren't all about reciting bible verses and recruiting clergy members. While it's true that most Christian colleges do include theological courses as part of the core curriculum, your education can prepare for any number of mainstream careers. You'll find the same type of majors you'd expect at most any college - from business and education to liberal arts and computer science, among other subjects - but just taught from a Christian perspective.

James says he'll never forget his first day in a classic physics class as a freshman. "After spending my entire life in New York City public schools and being given a steady diet of the prudence of faithless education, I was surprised and joyed when the professor opened class with a two-minute thought from Scripture, and asked us to pray. For those of us who believe in God as creator, what better way to begin an in-depth look at our physical world?"

A Supportive Environment
Beyond incorporating faith into academics, many students attend Christian colleges so that they may interact with fellow students who share their core values and faith. Heading off to college can be a tough transition for any student, but it can be especially difficult for those who aren't into the party atmosphere that exists at some colleges. In most cases, students can rest assured that Christian colleges are more about building lasting memories and friendships within a community of your peers.

"When I joined the swim team my freshman year at Wheaton, I had to undergo a week of initiation with all the other new recruits," shares Robyn Tellefsen, also a graduate of Wheaton. "But unlike the horror stories I've heard about rites of passage at other schools, my experience was amazing! We dressed up in silly themed costumes all week long, went for late-night swims and doughnut runs, and concluded the week with a night of songs and communion together. On the last night of initiation, the upperclassmen followed Jesus' example and knelt before all the newbies and washed our feet. It was a demonstration of love and humility I will never forget."

Bettering the World Around You
There are lots of opportunity to contribute to society via volunteer projects and charitable events at Christian colleges. Service is a key part of extracurricular campus life. From food drives and awareness campaigns to going out into the community to help in some way, students at Christian colleges learn valuable life lessons beyond the books.

"Going to a Christian college gave me an opportunity to learn from smart, strong men and women of faith, and to deepen my own faith," says Robyn. For students seeking a Christ-centered education, those are lessons worth more than credits.

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