Methodist. Baptist. Church of Christ. If you are looking at private colleges, would seeing any of these names on the application make you wince, curse, or simple toss aside the admissions packet? Many potential college students balk at the idea of attending a school affiliated with a church or religious organization, but think twice. Just because a university accepts money from an organized religion does not mean they are controlled by it. Though some religious schools are oppressive or discriminatory, many simply are loosely affiliated with a church due to history, tradition, or original foundation.

Take the United Methodist Conference (UMC), for example. They contribute money to dozens of universities across the country, but do not force many regulations on those campuses. A Baptist school, however, could institute a curfew on all students and a moral code that even applies off-campus. That does not mean all colleges that boast connections to the organized churches require such restrictions, but it is important to research.

Rather than immediately throwing away an application to a school, look online for a copy of their student handbook. It should reveal any special conditions on dorm life or course requirements, such as a dry policy (no boozing on/off campus) or required chapel attendance. Many religious affiliated schools WILL require students to take a certain number of religious classes to graduate, but not attend service or be an active member of the church. Others bar certain students from attending, such as gays and lesbians. This is essential information to be aware of PRIOR to attending, since any of these caveats could make you decide not to attend. However, the lack of many or all of these could change your mind about a certain school.

Unlike exclusive, upper-crusty private institutions, religious-affiliated schools receive very large contributions from their chapels, allowing for much more scholarship money. If you are on a certain budget or tuition price cap, make sure to see if the school offers academic or sports scholarships pertaining to you. A large public school may offer similar awards, but remember, many more potential, equally qualified students are looking at the same information as you. Try to keep an open mind on the entire subject.

When choosing a college, do not simply pass off a religious school as an oppressive regime out to convert and control you. After all, many remain in the top 50 rated colleges in the country. Something good must be going on academically.

Learn more about this author, Andrew Rudder.
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