I am interested in applying to the following schools: Elon, HPU, UNCG, Liberty, and CofC. My parents lean more to the conservative side and are worried about sending their politically-independent Christian daughter to college. They fear that I will lose my faith and/or “common sense” at a more liberal school, especially since I am planning on majoring in Dance and Business (or Arts Administration if offered), which are typically not offered on Christian campuses. I feel that I am rooted in my faith, and don’t want to limit my options based on a schools political standing or religious affiliation.
What is the political climate like at these schools? Are they welcoming to everyone, regardless of political or religious beliefs? What has been your personal experience at the school? Would you recommend it to a Business or Dance major? Are there any other schools that I should consider in the states of VA, NC, or SC? And most importantly, how can I best ease my parents fears about letting me attend a “more liberal” school?
I would say that most liberal-leaning college campuses are very inclusive places to be for conservative and religious students. Generally speaking, people will only take issue if you impose upon or shame anyone else, but as to your own personal views, you will find most people tolerant and will also find many like-minded students.
With that said, the schools you mention all lean conservative, which you say is a good fit for yourself and your family. The only one I would dissuade you from is Liberty – I’ve heard horror stories of them weaponising faith to humiliate students and foster a culture of bigotry. If a conservative-learning yet diverse and tolerant environment is what you seek, that’s not Liberty. All the rest are great schools, especially CofC (most beautiful campus ever IMO).
In terms of recommending other schools, I have a friend at the University of Richmond who absolutely loves it! Smallish environment, extremely friendly and politically moderate/independent. Personally sounds like it would be a great fit for you.
Finally, to ease your parents minds, I would try to get them to stop viewing things as a conservative vs. liberal showdown. Nobody is going to shame you for your views at any reputable school, so long as you don’t use them to put others down. My sister went to Columbia (obviously very liberal) and had plenty of conservative, Christian classmates who were treated based on their characters and not their views.
Good luck and please reach out if you have any other questions!
@strongmindedgirl No, not every persuasion and creed is welcome on every campus by every person. That being said, there is no reason that you should not attend where you like. You can likely find people who are open-minded to others on every campus.
Some people will demand that everyone adheres to their line of thinking. That’s sadly a new thing. Politics is pervasive now. Where it was once limited to the ballot box and once every four years, it is now found in Ice cream flavors, on front lawns and in every facet of life. It’s 7/24, fills social media, the news and people are fully engaged in debate all the time.
When I was younger I had no idea ( at all) how my neighbors and parents of my friends voted. Today, I could likely figure it out by their signs and social media and it’s hard to escape.
I think if you are rooted in your faith, you should have no problem. Even if you attended a religious school, once you get a job it’s likely you would be subject to the same comments and behaviors found on most college campuses. Learning to live with people who think differently than you do is a great experience. I wish everyone could respect other people’s opinions. You won’t lose faith or common sense from attending a non religious school.
My approach to this was to talk with my daughters while they were growing up, and then assume that they have the intelligence and common sense to make their own decisions and come to their own conclusions.
One of my daughters attended a very liberal leaning university. It did not distort her view of the world. Immediately after graduating from a liberal leaning university in a solid blue state she went off to a job in a solid red state. The next time that I talked to her I realized that she had a far better overall view of reality and the problems on both (or all) sides than the large majority of American adults.
As parents, we need to let our kids grow up and be their own adults.
Thank you so much! I’ll definitely be looking into Richmond!
Yes! Thank you!
Definitely! Thank you very much!
I’m proud of you for asking these questions. I’m a a very liberal leaning, blue state living very strong Christian who would love to say that just because you are “liberal” doesn’t mean, or have anything to do with your belief in God. Your faith will be tested and changed in college but it will be tested and changed over your entire life. I came to college (UNC Chapel Hill) with a very strong faith and came out with one. Lived in San Francisco for many years and my faith has followed me everywhere. Be yourself, question your beliefs, pray for strength and angels to come in your path and most of all trust in God and trust yourself!! You can do this!! God bless.
Thank you! I hate that those with more liberal beliefs are written off as “not Christian” today by some conservatives. Thank you for your encouragement!
Since you are interested in dance, you may want to look at Southern Baptist. It leans conservative, and it has an excellent dance program, as does Oklahoma State University
Thanks! I’m looking a little closer to home but those are good options!
One way I tell kids to assess the religious acceptance of a campus is to contact some people in clubs that appeal to you and see what they say.
One of mine went to a Christian College. Two chose secular schools. One of those went to a super liberal school. All three have strong faiths still. None buy into politics are part of faith. We fail to see how that took off TBH. For us, the Bible is the backbone to our faith - not how some (many?) interpret the Bible.
As adults now my guys are all well respected both inside and outside the church.
You might like Hillsdale College in Michigan. They have an excellent faculty and curriculum. Plus, the school has many opportunities for internships and study overseas (hopefully again).
CNU might fit what you are looking for. Beautiful performing arts center, “dry” campus, and kids have to live on campus for several years. That might make your parents happy.
Big fan of Elon and CofC and UNCG is a great choice if you are from NC.
Make sure to check out faith based clubs and a local church that you can join. Being proactive in showing your parents that faith is a part of your college search may help to put them at ease.
Have you considered VCU?
I don’t know what the culture/climate is like, but they offer a BFA in Dance and also have a Business major. The Dance website mentions arts administration as a career path of their alums.
Not sure what style of Dance you are interested in, but VCU has a program with Richard Ballet in addition to modern styles.
Thank you!
Thanks for the option! I am looking a little closer to home though
Thank you! Will do!
Thanks! I’ll be looking into it!
My neighbor’s daughter graduated from UNCG three years ago and was a dance major. The family, including her, are extremely religious. They had no problems with the atmosphere there and the young woman graduated without losing her religion. She’s now taking graduate classes at UNCG.
BTW, she loved the dance program and UNCG in general.