Top 6 Reasons to Attend a Christian College

Investing in your education is a commendable achievement at any age. It’s an investment that offers a significant — and often immediate — return.

The more educated you are, the more you can earn, and the less likely you will be unemployed. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, college graduates with a bachelor’s degree have median weekly earnings of $435 more than those with just some college experience and $525 more than those who never attended college. 

College can unlock the door to success, but where you choose to attend college can determine how far the door opens. The right college supports you to graduate on time with as little stress as possible. If you’re a Christian, you may already know that a culture supportive of your path is invaluable. But non-Christians and skeptics may wonder what a Christian education can offer them. 

The value of each individual is central to the Christian worldview. At SNU, you’re more than just a student. You’re a whole person whose entire story matters. This is why we offer programs tailored to the unique needs of returning learners, adult students, veterans and anyone struggling to transition back to school. We care about you, and it shows.

Here are the top reasons to consider a Christian university:

Smaller Class Sizes

Smaller class sizes offer many benefits, including:

• A chance to get to know your professors. A closer relationship with professors can make it easier to ask for recommendations and seek help. 
• The opportunity to be more than just a student. In smaller classes, professors get to know their students as unique individuals, empowering them to tailor the curriculum to each student’s unique needs.
• More opportunities to engage and ask questions. You can test your knowledge and experiment with new ideas.
• Better peer relationships. It’s easier to get to know your classmates when there aren’t hundreds of them. At SNU, our innovative cohort model nurtures quality peer relationships.
• A less overwhelming academic setting. For people with anxiety, those who are easily distracted and those who struggle with a traditional classroom environment, the smaller and more personal Christian learning experience can be a source of calm in the storm.

Support For The Unique Circumstances Adult Learners Face

SNU nurtures every learner to help them realize their potential and make an impact on the world. Your success is a measure of our success, and we work to ensure you thrive.

Some of the many ways we support you include:  

• A VETS Center that caters to the unique needs of soldiers, veterans and their families as they integrate back into civilian life.
• A cohort model that helps you make and nurture professional networks well before you graduate.
• A financial aid office that understands the challenges students face and helps you find a financial aid package that works for your goals and needs.
• A range of learning options. Complete a degree in as little as one night a week, or complete your coursework online from the comfort of your home.

Support When You Want It

Academic success is about more than your ability to study. Family commitments can make juggling a challenging schedule feel impossible. Stress at work can bleed into school. And sometimes, it just all feels like too much. SNU views students as the complex people they are, and we believe in helping them thrive and grow. 

Our chaplain can counsel you through whatever life throws your way. Check out his inspirational videos to see how he brings a supportive, caring approach to each student he serves. 

We know what it means to serve. We also know that service poses significant challenges, and you may need additional support as you transition to civilian and academic life. That’s why we have a whole team ready to walk beside you during this transition.

At Southern Nazarene University, we are here for you and want you to bring your full self to school. We believe empathetic support is critical to your personal development and ability to graduate on time.

Preparation for the Real World 

A Christian education prepares you to understand Christian values and how they shape cultures and norms across the globe. At SNU, we focus not only on academics, but also communicating, cultivating empathy, appreciating diversity and changing the world for the better. We hold true to our core values: Refining Character, Creating Culture and Serving Christ. In an increasingly complex world, our holistic approach prepares students for whatever the next chapter holds.

All Are Welcome

A diverse learning environment allows all to thrive. Intercultural learning and engagement at SNU prepare our students for the real world and encourage them to treat everyone they encounter with dignity and respect.

Tips for Choosing a Christian College

You deserve a school that can meet you where you are and help you build your life into what you desire.

Here are some questions to ask as you compare schools:

• Does this school’s mission speak to my values?
• Does this school offer a welcoming, inclusive environment that fosters cross-cultural communication and learning?
• Does the school provide flexible learning options that honor the unique learning path of each student?
• What does the school do to support struggling and returning learners?
• What is the school’s graduation rate? Can it provide data on post-graduation employment?
• Does the school honor each person as a whole person, offering emotional and spiritual support? At SNU, our chaplain is always available to you.
• Does the school provide help to those returning to college? If you dropped out the first time, a good school will work with you to help you come back — whether it has been ten months or ten years.

Keen to learn more about what sets SNU apart? Check out our student resources center. If you want to get started, apply now. Take just five minutes to complete our application.