The college years are a special time in a student’s life. This fall, after learning under the care of their parents and local church, young men and women across the country will begin a new chapter of life, often in a new city. Over the next four years, a series of experiences both in and out of the classroom will shape their development. That’s why many families are asking not just where to apply, but how to pick a college that will support both academic success and spiritual growth.
But will that development continue the trajectory that was set during the previous eighteen years?
This question is one I hear most often from parents beginning the Christian college search:
How can I find a college that will prepare my son or daughter for productive adulthood while deepening their faith in Christ?
If you’re wondering how to start the college search process and want to include spiritual formation in that search, here is a helpful two-step strategy.
Step 1: Begin the College Search Process with Objective Comparisons
For families just starting the college search process, the first step is to compare colleges based on institutional features that matter most to your family. This initial comparison helps narrow the vast number of options to a manageable list of colleges worth further exploring.
To simplify this process, the organization I lead—the Center for Academic Faithfulness & Flourishing (CAFF)—has created a resource specifically for Christian families: the CAFF College Guide.
This free online directory includes over 250 colleges and universities that belong to at least one of three major evangelical Christian higher education associations:
- The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU)
- The International Alliance for Christian Education (IACE)
- The Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
In addition to the standard data you’ll find in most college directories—such as acceptance rates, tuition, and academic majors—the CAFF College Guide also provides insight into each school’s:
- Faith tradition
- Campus policies
- Spiritual life programs
Users can even save their favorite schools for further review. This tool offers a reliable starting point for families committed to a Christian college search and helps answer the question: What are the best Christian colleges that align with our family’s values?
Step 2: Visit Campuses to Evaluate Fit and Faith
While resources like the CAFF College Guide provide helpful data, no third-party publication can fully capture a college’s environment and culture. That’s why the next crucial step is visiting campuses in person.
As you consider how to pick a college for your student, focus on three key aspects of the campus environment: academic experience, campus culture, and spiritual climate.
Academic Experience
The guide can tell you which courses are required and what majors are offered, but nothing compares to seeing a class in session.
Ask the admissions office to schedule a day of class visits that include both general education and major-specific courses. As you attend classes, consider:
- Does the professor seem to know the students personally?
- Are students engaged and asking questions?
- How do class sizes and student interactions differ between core classes and major courses?
After class, ask the professor what graduates typically do after college. Do they go straight into the workforce, or do many pursue graduate study? What employers or universities are the top destinations?
Finally, consider this question: Would this professor be a good academic and professional mentor for my student?
Campus Culture
The CAFF College Guide provides an overview of a college’s expectations for student behavior, but culture is best understood in person.
Begin by simply walking the campus and observing:
- How are students dressed?
- Where do they gather?
- What types of activities are happening outside the classroom?
Next, engage with students directly. Eat in the dining hall and strike up conversations at your table. Ask:
- What are the most popular clubs on campus?
- Which local churches do students attend?
- Are there any can’t-miss annual events?
- What types of behaviors or choices are frowned upon here?
If possible, have your student spend a night in the residence halls. Have them pay attention to how rooms are decorated, what conversations take place in the lounges, and how students spend their time outside of class.
Spiritual Climate
A Christian college should do more than include faith—it should integrate it. The CAFF College Guide can tell you how often chapel is required and which ministries are active, but visiting will give you a deeper perspective.
Try to attend a chapel service and take note of the worship style. Ask if outside speakers are invited, and if so, request a list of recent guests. Then, attend a weekly meeting of a campus ministry.
Ask students:
How has your faith grown since coming here?
Their answers may be the clearest indicator of the spiritual atmosphere your child will experience over the next four years.
How to Pick a College That Aligns with Faith and Future
Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions your family will make. The right college will not only challenge your child intellectually, but also encourage them spiritually and socially.
By consulting trustworthy resources like the CAFF College Guide, making thoughtful comparisons, and investing time in campus visits, your family can make an informed, faith-driven decision. An intentional Christian college search sets the stage for four years of personal discovery, academic growth, and deepened faith—helping your student step confidently into both adulthood and the calling God has placed on their life.
Looking for ways to prepare your student for college? Check out these resources:
- How Classical Conversations Prepares Students for Bigger Challenges
- Latin from High School to College: How Challenge Prepares Students for the Next Level
- Homeschoolers and College
Written by:
