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2021 CHRISTIAN EDUCATIONAND COLLEGE GUIDE
2 2021 –– metrovoicenews.com ��–––––––––– Metro VoiceC O L L E G EG U I D EConsidering a Christian or secular college?5 benefits of a Christian CollegeBy Terry MorrowMore than ever attending a secularcollege can be difficult for a person offaith. The Covid pandemic saw asharp rise in students enrolling inChristian colleges across the nation asclasses began in the fall. It’s a trendthat doesn’t show any signs of stopping.Although secular institutions offersolid instruction and many opportunities for growth, the atmosphere canput a strain on your spiritual life.Christian colleges offer all the benefitsof other schools with a faith-basedfocus to support you throughout youracademic journey.5 Benefits of Attending aChristian CollegeYou’ll Get a Great EducationSome people think that Christianuniversities are inferior to the “bignames” in state or private schools butthis is a misconception. When youchoose a Christian college, you learnfrom a group of intelligent, knowledgeable professors interested in giving you the best possible experience.As you study your chosen major,you’ll learn more about how eachsubject aligns with your Christian values. The administrative staff providesadditional support and guidance.Meeting other believers from diversebackgrounds expands your worldviewand opens your mind to fresh possibilities when it comes to what Godcan do in your life.You’ll Participate in MeaningfulActivitiesChristian schools host social eventssimilar to those at secular universities,but the faith-based focus makes eachactivity more enriching. These colleges also offer many opportunitiesfor you to serve on campus and in thesurrounding area. Look into community outreach or volunteer programsto find out how to get involved. Youmay also be able to support or participate in the school’s missions efforts.You’ll Enjoy a Strong CommunityThe campus and class sizes atChristian universities tend to besmaller and intimate, which is another benefit. This gives you the chanceto get to know a greater percentage ofyour classmates than you could at ahuge school. Christian students showthe love of Christ by helping eachother and lifting each other up academically, emotionally and spiritually.Staff members are also active withinthe student community. The faithbased atmosphere of the schoolmeans that you’ll meet many peerswho are active in their spiritual practices, and you’ll have many opportunities for fellowship.You’ll Grow in Your FaithClasses go beyond the basics toincorporate a Christian worldviewthat demonstrates how God’s workand the principles of scripture alignto the subjects you’re studying. Bytying the two together, these schoolsprepare you not only for success inyour desired field but also toapproach your career with a strongfoundation in Biblical truth.It might be cheaperFor many students, cost is a big factor in determining where they’llattend school. Christian colleges maycost less than their secular counterparts and provide more extensivescholarship and grant opportunities.This is in no way a reflection of thequality of the education these institutions offer. Instead, it’s an effort ton See COLLEGE on page 3ATTENDING A CHRISTIAN COLLEGE CAN BE AFFORDABLEMany schools offer aidBy Frank RamosMany families in the challengingposition of having college-age childrenduring the coronavirus pandemicaren't just facing the prospect of continued virtual courses in the new year.Prospective and current students arealso making what's often one of thelargest financial investments of theirlives at a time of high national unemployment and individual financialhardship.College is typically one of the largestfinancial investments in a person’s life.With careful planning and dedicationto overturning the financial aid stones,you can uncover aid that often goesmissed.Families who struggled in 2020 andbeyond can continue to find the reliefbegun under the Trump administration and continued under Biden.More Support for FamiliesExperiencing Financial HardshipsCollege students in 2021 can continue to rely on federal loans and othertypes of financial aid, which can beaccessed through the Free Applicationfor Federal Student Aid, called theFAFSA. This year, however, it will beparticularly important for students touse the opportunity to appeal for morefinancial aid if their family's financialsituation changed in 2020 due toevents such as a job layoff or new medical expenses.By providing documentation to acollege's financial aid office showing achange in circumstances, such as a payrecord demonstrating loss of income,students may be deemed eligible formore financial aid. The number of aidappeals is expected to double, if nottriple, in 2021 compared with previousyears, predicts Mark Kantrowitz, afinancial aid expert and author of"How to Appeal for More CollegeFinancial Aid."On top of existing grants and programs, students this year may also beeligible for emergency grants providedas part of a coronavirus relief package.Similar to federal emergency grantsdistributed to students last year, theConsolidated Appropriations Act of2021, signed into law by PresidentTrump on Dec. 27, 2020, allocates anadditional 22.7 billion to the HigherEducation Emergency Relief Fund,some of which must be used in directaid to students and will not be considered student income.This legislation also increased federal funding for several programs,including a 150 increase to the maximum 2021-2022 Pell Grant, a form offederal financial aid awarded to thelowest-income students.Additionally, though in the past twodecades college tuition has typi-cally increased each year, families maysee colleges holding tuition steady forthe 2021-2022 school year, Kantrowitzsays.COVID-19's Effect on Financial AidAvailabilityColleges are struggling with theirown budgetary issues after an unpren See FINANCIAL AIDE on page 3
Metro Voice ��–––––––––––––––– metrovoicenews.com ��–––––––––––– 2021 3Colorado ChristianUniversityAt Colorado Christian Universityyou’ll find nationally ranked academics, NCAA Division-II athletics, a dedication tospiritual formation, andintentionalcommunityliving - all atthe base ofthe RockyMountains!CCU is afour-year,fully accredited, liberalarts university that willchallenge you to think critically andcreatively, lead with high ethical andprofessional standards, and embodythe character and compassion of JesusChrist - forming you into someoneprepared to impact the world. AtCCU, our faith in Jesus Christ is thevery core of who we are. We are abody of believers committed to helping students grow deeper in their faiththrough the integration of faith andlearning and through intentional spiritual formation. We are known for ourauthentic Christian community ofbelievers - faculty, staff and studentsalike - who invest deeply and inten-tionally into each other’s lives. CCUstudents dig deeper into their faith andthey have fun doing it - through dailyinteractions, small groups, discipleship, sincere fellowship, and enduringtraditions. All of our on-campus housing is apartment-style and we combineexceptional living with one of the lowest Resident Assistant-to-student ratiosin the country, creating our one-of-akind community.Want to learn more? Visitwww.ccu.edu today.Central Methodist UniversityFINANCIAL AIDcontinued from page 2Central Methodist University hasprovided high-quality education toMissouri and beyond since 1854.Located in Fayette, Missouri, the university welcomes students of all backgrounds of faith and has plenty of oncampus options for those who wish toexpress or celebrate their beliefs.For students of the Methodist faith,CMU offers an extraordinary scholarship opportunity – a 50 percent tuitiondiscount for all four years, the UnitedMethodist Half-Tuition Scholarship. Toqualify, students must be an activeUnited Methodist Church member,have a 2.5 cumulative GPA to be eligible, and maintain a 2.0 while a CMUstudent.Central has a wide variety ofundergraduate programs of study,including a Religion and ChurchLeadership major.This major prepares students for avariety of leadership roles in thechurch. Between biblical studies, a variety of electives in religion, and classesfrom other disciplines, students receivea well-rounded experience that prepares them for success.Linn Memorial Church, near theheart of CMU’s main campus, is frequently visited by students, faculty, andstaff for a variety of events. Led by students, Chapel is held there everyTuesday and is open to all. It is a celebration of faith with uplifting messagesand live music by CMU’s WorshipBand, made up entirely of students,that often draws large crowds.Ensuring students have the highestlevel of technology at their fingertips,Central’s “Digital U” gives each undergraduate student at CMU’s main campus their own personal Apple iPad,loaded with apps and other features toenhance the academic experience andbuild connections.Central Methodist University continues to evolve and enhance its way ofteaching to stay ahead of professionalexpectations.See ad onback page.dictable year in which the pandemicsent campuses into chaos in March2020. While the same federal financialaid options still exist, the availability ofinstitutional aid for students will varyacross colleges."I know schools are trying hard toprioritize aid for students during thishard time," says Megan Coval, vicepresident of policy and federal relations at the National Association ofStudent Financial Aid Administrators."That coupled with the fact thatthere are more stimulus dollars comingCOLLEGEcontinued from page 2help the greatest possible number ofstudents gain access to accredited faithbased programs. Prices vary betweenschools, but don’t let a higher tuitionkeep you from applying. There isalways tons of financial aid available.down the pike is a positive sign for students."Christian colleges, typically havesubstantial grants and scholarships tooffer students caught in a financialbind.Student loans can fill the gapIf borrowing is part of a family'splan to pay for college, the year's historically low interest rates are also goodnews. The interest rate on new undergraduate federal direct subsidized andunsubsidized student loans disbursedon or after July 1, 2020, and before July1, 2021, is 2.75%, down from 4.53%the prior year.As with any school, you have to bediscerning about the Christian collegethat you choose. Look at the programsoffered, read statements of faith andvisit as many campuses as you canbefore making a decision aboutwhether the benefits of attending aChristian college make it a right choicefor you.
4 2021 –– metrovoicenews.com ��–––––––––– Metro VoiceJohn Brown UniversityPut Christ over allAt JBU, you'll be encouraged to follow Jesus and serve others in all areasof life. And while there are manyChristian colleges, our interdenominational culture is unique. Your timehere will expose you to a beautifulvariety of Christian traditions that willbroaden your understanding of what itmeans to follow Christ.Connect with othersOur community of good friendsand caring mentors will help youthrive and enjoy life. Through chapel,campus events, small groups andmore, you'll connect with others anddevelop lasting friendships. And yourprofessors? They’ll know your nameand personally invest in your success –academically, spiritually and professionally.Prepare for a successful career and alife of purposeOur rigorous and Christ-centerededucation will equip you to impressemployers and make a difference. Overfour years, you’ll grow to better understand yourself, your relationships andyour goals in light of God’s call onyour life. 96% of 2019 graduates landed a job or started graduate schoolwithin 6 months of graduation. (94%survey response rate. Includes volunteers.)Get help paying for JBUIt can seem impossible to pay forcollege, but we can help. Request afinancial aid brochure atwww.jbu.edu/aidCalvary UniversityAre you ready to grow? CalvaryUniversity has been in Kansas Citysince 1932 helping people do exactlythat!We are an accredited Christian college, graduate school, and seminary,offering degree programs on campusand online in Bible and theology, ministry studies, biblical counseling, intercultural studies, education, theatrearts, music, business administration,and professional directed studies.Calvary is an independent, nondenominational institution, providingundergraduate, graduate and postgraduate education which preparesChristians to live and serve in thechurch and the world according to thebiblical worldview.We do this by providing appropriate educational curricula and a climatethat fosters the development of intel-lectual and spiritual maturity, leadership potential, servanthood, and asense of mission.Calvary is affordable. We’re rankedin the top 30 out of 1,300 colleges anduniversities in the United States forlowest student debt upon graduation.Calvary is biblical. We offer morethan 60 accredited degrees in manydifferent disciplines, and the Bible isthe core of every single one.Calvary offers community—aplace for you to grow. Our campusprovides a rich environment for developing lifelong friendships and relationships. Plus, our students don’t juststudy, they gain real world experiencethrough our Christian MinistriesProgram and Study Work Program.For more information, visit calvary.edu, Facebook, Twitter andInstagram today.
Metro Voice ��–––––––––––––––– metrovoicenews.com ��–––––––––––– 2021 5Dordt UniversityLife happens in the real world. Andlife happens here, at Dordt University.Let’s make sure you have what youneed to make the most of it.REAL COMMUNITY 90.2% ofstudents live on campus. At Dordt,you’ll experience a Christian campuscommunity that builds you up andpushes you to grow every day.REAL ENGAGEMENT The WallStreet Journal and Times HigherEducation has ranked Dordt #1 in thenation in student engagement fiveyears in a row! Students aren’t just hereto earn a degree – they’re here to bechallenged in every part of their lives.REAL DISCIPLESHIP With acomprehensive curriculum that prepares students to live as his disciples inhis world, Dordt equips students towork effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of life.Did you know? 98% of Dordt students receive financial aid. That’s right– the average out-of-pocket cost for astudent is 16,120 per year. Plus,95.7% of Dordt grads complete theirdegree in four years – better than thenational average – and 99% of 2019grads found a job or went to gradschool within six months of graduation.We offer more than 40 programsof study, including agriculture, education, business, nursing, engineering,social work, criminal justice, communication, Pro-Tech (a two-year technical degree), and more!Concordia UniversityOriginally founded as the AddisonTeachers Seminary in 1864, ConcordiaUniversity Chicago (CUC) celebrates156 years of innovation, leadership andexcellence in education. The Universityoffers more than 70 undergraduatedegree programs in the arts, sciences,business, education and church professions.As a comprehensive liberal artsbased Christian university founded inthe Lutheran faith, Concordia-Chicagoequips men and women to serve andlead with integrity, creativity, competence and compassion in a diverse,interconnected and increasingly urbanized church and world. Graduates arewell prepared to serve in whatevercareer or vocation they are called to.CUC students explore a variety ofacademic disciplines, grow in theirfaith, and gain 21st-century knowledgeand skills. They learn by doing throughservice activities, internships, appliedresearch, leadership experiences andopportunities throughout the world.At Concordia-Chicago, 100 percentof full-time undergraduate studentsreceive financial assistance throughgenerous aid and merit scholarships. In2019, the University was named one ofthe nation’s Christian Colleges ofDistinction for the 10th year in a row.Learn why Concordia-Chicago isthe right choice by scheduling a campus visit today. For more informationvisit CUChicago.edu/admission, call877-CUChicago or emailAdmission@CUChicago.edu. FindCUC on Facebook atFacebook.com/ConcordiaUniversityChicago or Twitter @CUChicago.
6 2021 –– metrovoicenews.com ��–––––––––– Metro VoiceHeartland ChristianCollegeOne of the toughest questions people face is, “What should I do with mylife?”The answer to that is more thanjust where you go to school and whatyour career might be. And this can behard to figure out. Our desire atHeartland Christian College is to helpyou develop a firm foundation in character and relationship with God as Heleads you in that discovery.Setting aside a concentrated timeto deepen your personal relationshipwith Jesus and to study His Word is thebest way to do that. As a two-year BibleCollege accredited through theAssociation of Biblical HigherEducation, HCC offers an AssociateDegree in Biblical Studies with a con-centration in Worship, Education,Missions, or Interdisciplinary Studies.Two short years spent at HCCfocusing on God and allowing yourselfto be challenged and encouragedthrough the personal discipleshipavailable will be time well invested. Hehas a plan for you, and we want tohelp you prepare for it.Located in the beautiful countryside of northeast Missouri, HCC offersan opportunity to focus on God andbecome the person He created you toBE, so you can DO what He has calledyou to do.As a college that is committed toproviding cost-effective education andpersonal growth, HCC just makessense.Southwest BaptistUniversitySouthwest BaptistUniversity is a leaderamong private universities in theMidwest in integrating Christ-centeredacademic pursuitswith comprehensiveprofessional programs at an affordable price. Facultyand staff create a caring, academic community to preparestudents as servantleaders in a global society.SBU’s southwest Missouri campusin Bolivar, Mo., is home to about 1,400undergraduate students with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 — and faculty who care about their students.SBU students have achieved success inregional, state and national academiccompetitions, and graduates are serving in all levels of government andhave had successful careers with majorcorporations.Additionally, SBU has been namedone of America’s 100 Best College Buyssince 1996 and America’s BestChristian Colleges since 1997.While providing a quality education in the classroom is the University’stop priority, SBU expands educationbeyond academics, with more than 45student organizations that span abroad range of interests and passions.SBU also provides opportunitiesfor spiritual growth. The University’sCenter for Global Connectionsencourages students to strengthentheir faith through chapel services,small groups, mission team participation and community service. Morethan 300 students participate annuallyin mission projects around the world.Many SBU graduates have been chosento pastor churches, lead worship andserve as missionaries.For more information,visit www.SBUniv.edu.
Metro Voice ��–––––––––––––––– metrovoicenews.com ��–––––––––––– 2021 7Oklahoma Christian UniversityThree small words with one bigmeaning. It's more than an expression.It's more than a hashtag.* It's our wayof life. It means family. It means OC isa university with heart and drive. Andwe'd love for you to consider being apart of our community!Oklahoma Christian University isdefined by the collective impact of ourmany incredible individuals. We are apassionate group of Christ-followersmade up of educators, learners, seekers, and creators.We are driven by missions - notjust majors, and believe everyone hasan important significance to thisworld.Rankings? We hate to brag butOC’s got ‘em! For best college, highestvalue, lowest debt, best programs, andmost affordable from groups likeColleges of Distinction, U.S. News andWorld Report Best Colleges, ThePrinceton Review, Study.com, CollegeFactual, Affordable Schools, and more.With over 80 fields of study we’reunflinchingly Christian and undeniably top tier.Here you’ll learn alongside masterful teachers and world-class experts.They are Oxford trained theologians,NASA scientists, best-selling authors,and black-suit government types. (Wecan’t even tell you what they do.)We’d love for you to join our community! The world awaits your story and you’re only just getting started.Let’s write the next chapter together.*OK, but it's also a hashtag. See#OCisHome on your favorite socialmedia channel.
8 2021 –– metrovoicenews.com ��–––––––––––– Metro VoiceOklahoma BaptistUniverisityLocated just outside of OklahomaCity, OBU is the perfect balance ofsmall-town charm and big-city opportunity.Small class sizes, relationship-driven faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities help OBU to equip students toimpact the world for God by discovering and developing their talents. Ourstudents are challenged to think,speak, create, and engage in new ways.Upon graduation they demonstrateboth competency for the tasks at handand creative problem solving to castvision for the future. Our reputation istrue--OBU alumni change the world.While at OBU, our students experience some of the most exciting, challenging, rewarding, and transformational years of their lives. They discover new passions and develop their Godgiven abilities. They grow deeper inrelationship with Christ, meet andengage with people from all over theworld, and develop life-long relationship with peers and mentors. Theyjoin a thriving community in attending athletic competitions, fine arts performances, and numerous other oncampus activities, as well as exploringall of God’s creation—beginning withthe great state of Oklahoma.College of the OzarksLocated in Point Lookout,Missouri, C of O is a four-year collegethat provides an academic, Christian,cultural, vocational, and patriotic education, giving its students a trulyunique and debt-free learning opportunity.Our nickname is Hard Work U.because our students work acrosscampus and earn a scholarship tocover their education cost, savingthem over 78,000 after four years!Also, most of our work areas alignwith our academic programs, so ourstudents gain years of work experience, setting them apart in their futurepursuits.In addition to a strong work ethic,our 1,500 students receive a soundeducation based in the liberal arts. Weoffer over 40 majors and over 40minors, as well as six pre-professionalprograms.With more than one hundredcampus activities and travel opportunities each semester, and over fiftyclubs, teams, and fine arts opportunities, every student has ways to connectand enrich their college experience.We are a community that seeks tohonor God by working hard, growingin knowledge, developing high standards, and demonstrating the greatestform of love by putting others beforeourselves.Finally, we love our country, so westrive to be well-informed citizens andrecognize those who put everythingon the line daily to keep us safe,healthy, and free.For more information, please visitwww.cofo.edu.
Metro Voice ��–––––––––––––––– metrovoicenews.com ��–––––––––––– 2021 9Liberty UniversityYou are anything but a typical student — and Liberty is anything but atypical university.Located in the heart of Virginia,Liberty offers over 300 programs ofstudy both online and residentially. Wehave over 15,000 students on campusthat come from all 50 states, and over60 different countries. Our campusspans over 7,000 acres, and our athletescompete in the FBS, ASUN, and BigEast conferences through 20 NCAADivision 1 sports. Since 1971, LibertyUniversity has been made up of peoplewho embody the mission of TrainingChampions for Christ.Here you’ll meet students whoknow they can be and do anything.They celebrate uniqueness. They standup for others. They put faith into practice and apply what they learn to realworld situations, all while preparing tothrive in a career. They are empowered— not just academically, but also personally — to drive change, and theyinspire one another to be extraordinary.At Liberty, we believe everyoneshould have an equal opportunity topursue higher education, and it’s ourjob to keep that education affordablefor you. That’s why more than 96% ofLiberty students receive some form offinancial aid. And it’s why we’re developing innovative financial solutions tohelp you out, like refusing to raisetuition costs for the 2021-22 schoolyear, the third year in a row we havefrozen tuition rates.Come see what it means to train asa Champion for Christ. Experience theLiberty difference for yourself and findendless possibilities — all in one place.Check out our website today www.liberty.edu/residential
10 2021 ��–––––––––––––––– metrovoicenews.com ��–––––––––– Metro VoiceEvangel UniversityACADEMICS:Affiliated with theAssemblies of God,Evangel is a comprehensive universitywith a seminary.Students have theopportunity to earndegrees from bachelor’s to doctorates inone convenient location and online. Ourfaculty members areequipped with pristine facilities and the latest resources toensure students are prepared to fulfilltheir vocational callings.SPIRITUAL VITALITY: Evangelprovides a Christ-centered environment for faith and life. Students worship and grow with others in a diversebut united community. The culture atEvangel helps strengthen our students,faculty and staff, and solidifies Evangelas a premier Christian university fullof people who strive for educationrooted in a biblical worldview.VALUE: Prepare for your future ata university that is committed to providing an affordable pathway to degreecompletion. As one of the most affordable Christian universities in thenation, Evangel awards more than 34million in financial aid annually.ATHLETICS: Our athletic pro-grams help drive excitement andschool spirit. We offer 16 men’s andwomen’s sports, including soccer andgolf. EU competes in the Heart ofAmerica Athletic Conference.SPRINGFIELD, MO: Located inSpringfield, Missouri, Evangel combines the accessibility of a larger citywith the natural beauty of the Ozarks.Springfield has been named one of thenation’s “100 Best Communities forYoung People,” and EU is just minutesfrom its vibrant downtown area.Beyond the city, Springfield is home toample hiking and biking trails, caves,lakes and many other outdoor activities.DUAL-ENROLLMENT: As a highschool student, you have the opportunity to start taking college courses! Weoffer in-person and online courses forstudentsKansas Christian CollegeKansasChristian Collegeis a Christ-centered and studentdriven schoollocated at 74th St.and Metcalf Ave. inOverland Park,Kansas - a thrivingKansas City suburb filled withbusinesses andcharming residential communities.Our campus offers several studentlounges, dorm rooms, apartments,superb dining, and recreational space.Our location offers easy access to offcampus activities as well – within theimmediate area, students can findrestaurants, coffee shops, grocerystores, pharmacies, parks, and a varietyof job opportunities.Kansas Christian provides severaldegree programs: Pastoral Ministry,Youth Ministry, Teacher Education,Worship Leadership, PerformanceMusic, Business Leadership, andGeneral Studies.Our area is known for sports andthe outdoors – and Kansas Christiandelivers exciting sports programs withmen’s basketball and soccer teams; andwomen’s basketball, soccer and volleyball programs.Kansas Christian provides a cre-ative outlet for students interested intheatre and music with our dramateam and praise band. We strive toprovide a place where students canfind their place, with Christ at the center of all we do.Kansas Christian staff and facultyconnect with students in meaningfulways – allowing students to developspiritually, academically, and socially.Our low faculty to student ratio provides opportunities for more engagedand beneficial learning, and mostimportantly, a campus atmosphere fullof fellowship.Whether you know your calling orare still finding your purpose; you planon living on-campus, commuting ortaking classes online, there’s a place foryou at Kansas Christian College.Visit KCC today – you belong here!www.kansaschristian.edu 913-7220272
Metro Voice ��–––––––––––––––– metrovoicenews.com ��–––––––––– 2021 11Midland UniversityWhen students choose MidlandUniversity, they become a part ofsomething bigger than themselves.T
fully accredit- ed, liberal arts universi- ty that will challenge you to think critically and creatively, lead with high ethical and professional standards, and embody the character and compassion of Jesus Christ - forming you into someone prepared to impact the world. At CCU, our faith in Jesus Christ is the very core of who we are.
