The United States has a long history with Christian universities. Let’s take a closer look at the history behind and the current state of private, Christian colleges in the U.S.
The Early Years
Though today these institutions reflect a more religiously diverse and in most cases secular worldview, many well-known colleges began as Christian universities.
1636
Harvard is the first university established in the United States. One of the founding rules is, “Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life, (John 17:3), and therefore to lay Christ in the bottom, as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning.”
1642
The Massachusetts Bay School Law passes, requiring that parents ensure their children know the principles of religion.
1655
The New Haven Code declares that all schoolchildren must be able to read the Scriptures, making the Bible the first textbook in the U.S.
1691
The College of William & Mary is founded in Virginia by the Rev. James Blair.
1701
Yale University is founded by Congregational ministers in the name of the Protestant religion.
1746
Princeton is founded by Presbyterians. The Rev. Jonathan Dickinson, the university’s first president, is quoting as saying, “cursed be all that learning that is contrary to the cross of Christ.”
1764
Brown is founded as a Baptist institution.
The Private Life
The number of private institutions has stayed fairly steady since the early 1990s, yet student enrollment continues to rise.
Christian University Enrollment 1990-2004
Year: Enrollment
- 1990: 129,375
- 1995: 157,118
- 1996: 163,232
- 1997: 170,312
- 1998: 177,079
- 1999: 183,570
- 2000: 190,640
- 2004: 229,649
Top 5 Christian Universities in U.S.
1. College of the Ozarks, Missouri
Why: Though only 13% of applicants are accepted, the lucky few will experience tuition-free courses.
Graduation rate: 65% (within six years)
2. Gordon College, Massachusetts
Why: With many local, national and global opportunities for students, Gordon provides a well-rounded education built on practicality.
Graduation rate: 71% (within six years)
3. Goshen College, Indiana
Why: Goshen teaches the principles of peace and productivity, offering students a top-tier academic program and a very active social scene.
Graduation rate: 70% (within six years)
4. Pepperdine University, California
Why: Pepperdine sports one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation, along with five different schools that offer students many degree options.
Graduation rate: 80% (within six years)
5. Baylor University, Texas
Why: BU, voted one of the nation’s best colleges, maintains its reputation for rigorous academics and competitive athletics.
Graduation rate: 75% (within six years)
Source: ChristianUniversitiesOnline.org/
