<p>Yeah, what exactly are you looking for? As has been mentioned, Wheaton and Grove City are the two that combine the highest level of academic challenge and Christian influence. After those two there are others, including Gordon, Messiah, Azusa Pacific, ORU, Evangel, BIOLA, etc. Most state school and some liberal arts colleges have strong Christian groups. Contact them through InterVarsity Fellowship or Campus Crusade for Christ to find out. Here's one list: <a href="http://www.ccconsortium.org%5B/url%5D">www.ccconsortium.org</a></p>
<p>Biola University sent more people to Oxford Grad programs last year than any other school in the country (so I hear, anyways). </p>
<p>I know people just this year who got accepted to Harvard, MIT, Yale, Oxford, Notre Dame, USC, UCLA, Pepperdine, UCSD, UCSB, University of Washington, U Penn, and Dartmouth and those are just the people that I know. Biola University is the only Christian School that is considered to be a "National University" and although for some reason (that which I do not know) it is 4th tier if you look at GPA, Endowment, and SAT scores there is no reason why it shouldn't be middle third tier on the way to becoming a top 120 in the next 25 years. The money is really starting to come in to the school and now and acceptance standards are tightening up. </p>
<p>I have to say strongly again that Biola and Wheaton are the top two evangelical schools and while Wheaton has Biola beaten through it's small class sizes (and thus more selective admissions) Biola has Wheaton outclassed in terms of type of institution. In that regard, it's currently a wash but Biola is growing astronomically. I would give the edge to Biola.</p>
<p>Oh my gosh. My curiousity got the best of me and I went to the Bob Jones website...oh my gosh. Did you know they can't work off campus unless a member of their prayer group does? And that girls can't wear pants except for exercise or in their dorms? And that they can't go to the movie theater? And that they can't even listen to Contemporary Christian music?? Who in their right mind would go to college there?!</p>
<p>Oh, but they <em>can</em> bring their gun to school.</p>
<p>Notre Dame and Georgetown</p>
<p>Although I personally do not have any intention of going to a religious school, both of my parents (and a fleet of other relatives) went to Calvin. My dad had no trouble getting in to U Mich Ann Arbour business with his degree from Calvin, and has since persued a successful career in international business. </p>
<p>The school's reputation is definitly increasing, and if you want a Christian education, I'd say consider it. </p>
<p>However, as with ANY school - college is what you make of it. If you go to Harvard, but waste the opportunity - then, are you really any better off than if you'd gone to your local state u? The same can be said for many of these Christian colleges. The resources are there for you to get a great education - you just have to be willing to go out and find them.</p>
<p>gadad -
that was a great post. Almost anywhere you go I am sure you will be able to find like minded people - and if not start you own group.</p>
<p>I wouldn't list Notre Dame, Georgetown, Santa Clara, etc as Christian schools just because they are affiliated with a denomination. In terms of the student body and the amount of Christian influence on life and learning at the school, they're really no different from the typical college in the U.S. I mean, c'mon, the typical Georgetown student is not gonna be religious. </p>
<p>I second the Biola and Wheaton recommendations</p>
<p>BJU, PCC, Liberty</p>
<p>man u can never have a thread with the word christian without bob jones showing up, can u? give it a rest.</p>
<p>Jesuit: Georgetown.</p>
<p>Grove City College</p>
<p>Holy Cross, Notre Dame, Georgetown-all Catholic. Davidson-Presbyterian.</p>
<p>haha, mormon does not equal christian...so BYU not really christian school...its...a Mormon school...</p>
<p>Hmm...</p>
<p>Patrick Henry College in northern virginia. Very new college (maybe 5 years old), so it has a limited choice of majors. But for the majors it does have, PHC really prides itself on a demanding cirriculum. In fact, it had to reduce the courseload after the first year because too many students had to quit (they were neglecting their health for their studies... had to drop out). I believe, too, their average SAT was in the 1300s (last time I checked). I actually spent two weeks there... <em>EXCELLENT</em>dorms. The cafeteria food left a little to be desired. Students constantly joked around about it ("didn't we eat this yesterday?"). On another plus side, though, it's located in a nice suburban city 45 minutes away from DC. </p>
<p>If it had my major, I really would've wanted to go there. The location, the academics, the christian-conservative atmosphere all blended in well to make me feel at home. too bad. (btw, if money's a concern, it would probably wouldn't be the best choice. the college does not accept federal aid, and it might be picky about where other aid comes from too)</p>
<p>Pensacola Christian College. Very Christ-centered. My friend is going there next year. Not trying to be derogatory towards her, but I'm actually afraid it might be too christian for her. The college is compared to a military college for strictness. lol. If I remember correctly, besides no porn, alchohol, and drugs, students can't dance, girls must wear long skirts, men can only enter the ministry, and, I think, they are strongly discouraged from seeing secular movies. But don't quote me on the last one... my brain got stuck on the skirt rule, and I wouldn't know how they'd enforce it anyway. Although I admire the students for being so devoted, it's definitely not for everyone.</p>
<p>^additional plus about PCC is that it only costs 5-6k per year, everything included. </p>
<p>Those are the only two I have personal experience with. Good luck!</p>
<p>PCC is not an accredited college. They try to hide this fact, but it's true and makes transferring very difficult.</p>
<p>Cedarville University in Ohio sounds interesting to me. (Baptist affiliated).</p>
<p>Calvin College</p>
<p>Messiah College is a good Christian college that would be a safety for many.</p>
<p>Grove City College is a good school, a little tougher to get into than Messiah.</p>
<p>Eastern Mennonite University hasn't been mentioned yet, but has a great reputation for getting people abroad and opening peoples minds.</p>
<p>My D is looking at schools that are affiliated with a Christian denomination. For her, tolerance is the key and there can't be "off limit" topics. If a college is filled with zealots (from either the right or left) it kills the ability to pursue knowledge and understanding.</p>
<p>You need to define the atmosphere you are looking for. We hadn't considered some factors before our visits that in retrospect seem important in defining the character of the school: </p>
<p>Are there mandatory chapels?<br>
Having a daily service available is cool for my D. Being forced to attend is not cool (for her).</p>
<p>Are all teachers from the same denomination (particularly in the Theology department)?
Seems like this might limit the perspectives presented.</p>
<p>After visiting, she feels these are a good fit:
Hope College, Holland, MI
Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN
Gustavus Adolphus, St. Peter, MN</p>
<p>Good fit religiously but not her cup of tea (I thought it was the most beautiful campus):
St. Olaf, Northfield, MN</p>
<p>Excellent schools but a bit to conservative:
Wheaton College, Wheaton, Il
Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI</p>
<p>She will be applying to the first 3 this fall.</p>
<p>As a baptist, you would not be alone at Vanderbilt.</p>