26 SEPTEMBER 2025 Good News • South Florida Edition CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE 2025 Charting your course after high school graduation can be an exciting but daunting experience. Faced with an abundance of options, the journey begins with self-awareness. It’s a matter of individual choice based on each student’s gifts and talents, personality and calling that requires research and prayer. The first step is understanding who you are as an individual. The next step is finding the educational environment in which you can thrive. Consider how the academic offerings, campus community and opportunities available may steer students toward a future that will be shaped by these experiences. To help with that discovery process, we’ve compiled this 3rd Annual Christian College Guide, focusing on institutions that teach from a Christian worldview. In the pages that follow, you’ll find articles from colleges and universities that shed light on what makes them unique, followed by a listing of Christian schools across the country. But let’s begin by giving you several key factors to consider when choosing the right direction for you. Academic excellence Look for accreditation, the reputation of academic programs and faculty qualifications. Are the majors or fields of study that align with your career goals taught there? Spiritual life Ensure the institution’s beliefs and values align with your own, then evaluate the spiritual environment, including chapel services, discipleship opportunities, small groups and community service programs. Does the campus culture foster spiritual growth? Campus activities Evaluate the overall campus environment, including student organizations, extracurricular activities, sports and the social scene. Is the community engaging, and are there opportunities for leadership and personal development? Financial considerations Assess tuition costs, availability of scholarships, financial aid and the overall value of the education provided. Is the cost manageable, and does the investment align with your long-term goals? Location Consider the geographic location, climate, closeness to home and surrounding community. Would living there match your lifestyle and learning preferences? Post-graduation opportunities Investigate the school’s career services, job placement rates, internship opportunities and alumni network. Will the university help launch your career? Size and facilities Review the size and quality of campus facilities, including libraries, labs, technology, dormitories and recreational spaces. Do you prefer a large or small student body, as this can affect class sizes, faculty interaction and community dynamics? By carefully evaluating these factors, you can find a Christian college or university that aligns with your spiritual, academic and personal needs. We hope you find the following pages helpful in that process. Getting into your dream college is competitive. Donna Payner, College Fair Circuit Coordinator and Director of College Planning at Westminster Academy, offers these tips to help your application rise above the rest. Activities On the résumé or activities section, focus on your role in each club, not the club’s purpose. What did you personally contribute? Look for ways to highlight leadership. Not everyone will be president, but leadership shows through committee work and responsibility. Your activities should support a theme. Volunteer in areas you’re passionate about. A long-term commitment speaks louder than scattered experiences. Essays Christian colleges often want to hear your testimony and how you live out your faith. Secular colleges look for how you’ve faced challenges, grown through high school and why you’re ready for college. Show resiliency, maturity and problem-solving. Testing Prepare early for standardized tests. Take the SAT or ACT in spring of junior year or the summer before senior year, and finish by October or November of senior year. Florida public universities always require test scores, and many colleges have moved away from test-optional policies; however, some colleges across the U.S. remain test optional. Keep in mind that even when optional, test scores can still be the deciding factor. Apply early Payner’s top advice: apply early and file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) early. That puts you first in line for both acceptance and financial aid. Learn more at studentaid.gov. How to Choose the Best College for You Shelly Pond Good News Editor Attend a Christian College Fair The 50th Annual Florida Christian College Fair Circuit will be held in September at more than a dozen Christian high schools in Florida. Admission representatives from Christian colleges across the country will meet with junior and seniors at the following local high schools. Westminster Christian Academy, Fort Lauderdale; Monday, Sept. 8, 9 – 11 a.m. Atlantic Christian Academy, West Palm Beach; Tuesday, Sept. 9, 9 – 10:30 a.m. Calvary Christian Academy, Fort Lauderdale; Tuesday, Sept. 9, 5 – 6:30 p.m. Christian College Fairs are also being held at First Baptist Academy in Naples and Evangelical Christian School in Fort Myers on Sept. 10; Northside Christian School and Keswick Christian School in St. Petersburg on Sept. 11; Cambridge Christian School in Tampa and Calvary Christian School in Clearwater on Sept. 12; Seffner Christian Academy in Seffner on Sept. 15; The Master’s Academy and The First Academy in Orlando on Sept. 16; and First Coast Christian School in Jacksonville on Sept. 17. Colleges with representatives registered to participate in the Christian College Fairs are marked with an asterisk * in the Christian College Guide on pages 46 to 48. Homeschool students are welcome to attend; however, they need to contact the guidance counselor at the host school in advance to gain access. Expert Tips to Boost Your College Admissions Odds Westminster Academy high school students speak with college admissions advisors at a Florida Christian College Fair in September 2024.
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