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Do I Have to Choose a Private College If My Faith Is Important to Me?

The college search is more complicated for students who factor in their faith. Here's some expert advice on exploring both public and private colleges.

CX experts generic imageJessee Sandlin
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Former Associate Director of Admission
If your faith is important to you as a student, you absolutely do not have to attend a private college. While many private religious institutions are very outgoing about the role a particular faith may play in the school's fundamental mission, you can also find incredibly rewarding, deeply committed faith environments at public schools. The appearance of religious doctrine in an institution’s mission statement (or core foundations) does not automatically translate into a faith-growing academic environment or mean that school is necessarily a better fit for you than another institution. Identifying an ideal environment for integrating your beliefs on campus can be tricky. It’s rarely as simple as looking for religious buzzwords in the “Quick Facts” section of the school’s website or checking to see if religiously centered clubs and organizations are offered through Student Life. However, many private, religiously affiliated colleges and universities are often more transparent about their commitment to creating a faith-based environment and establishing certain readily available resources to their students.

Start searching for secular and religious colleges to find the best place for you and your faith using our CX featured college lists.

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Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA


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