Students choose between Christian, public education

As the school year makes its way towards the final months, many questions arise. The majority of these questions surround the senior class, urging them to make decisions regarding the future of their education.

At FC, students have the advantage of being exposed to be a Christian education before making their decision on where to attend college. The education gives them a perspective that other students attending public schools do not have. According to FC academic advisor Michelle Warkentin, over the past two years, FC has seen 93 students attend college somewhere after graduation. Of those 93 students, only 15 went on to pursue an education at a Christian institution.

One reason for students not attending a Christian college is because of the price. The average yearly price of a Christian college is around $30,090. The alternative public colleges are typically about $8,893. Justin Houts, ’16, is currently attending Fresno State on a national ROTC scholarship.

“I didn’t really care whether the college I went to was run by Christians or not,” Houts said. “For me, it was just about the quality of the education for the price. Since Fresno State is a good State school, that’s also very inexpensive; it seemed like a great option for me.”

I decided to go to a city college rather than a Christian college because I’m not completely sure what I want to do yet,” Belmont said. “I feel like attending FC hasn’t had a huge effect on my decision. I just wanted to find what school best fits my needs and where God would want me to go. — senior Sydney Belmont

For some students, attending a Christian institution is an important factor when deciding where to continue their education. Olivia Quebe, ’16, currently attends California Baptist University in Riverside, California. Quebe knew that she wanted to attend a Christian college for a while. She chose to go to a college outside of Fresno because she wanted to live the true college experience. 

“I knew I wanted to grow in my faith during my time at college,” Quebe said. “By going to a Christian university, I knew I would be able to integrate it into my studies. I chose to go to school out of town and that was always my plan. It’s harder to get the full college experience by staying in town. I got out of my comfort zone and attended a school five hours from home. It has forced me to live on my own and tackle all the responsibilities that come with that.

Scholarships are an opportunity for some students to be able to attend these expensive Christian colleges. Daniel Walker, ’17, will be attending a Christian college in Portland, Oregon, on academic and athletic scholarships. He is grateful for having a chance to attend FC before going to college.

“I am going to a Christian college because of the type of people I want to surround myself with,” Walker said. “I want to surround myself in an environment with other Christians and believers so I can continue to grow in my walk of faith. Going to Fresno Christian has been a great experience for me because of the openness to pray and the implementation of the Bible in its curriculum.”

While Walker is excited to attend a Christian institution, he chose not to stay in Fresno and attend the local Christian college, Fresno Pacific University. Walker chose to attend Multnomah because of the environment and his opportunity to play basketball.

“I chose Multnomah over Fresno Pacific because I felt like it gave me the best opportunity to play basketball,” Walker said. “I also get to continue my education in a Christian environment that is far away from the city I’ve lived in my entire life.”

Senior Sydney Belmont chose to not attend a Christian college. Her biggest reason for not attending a Christian college was because she is not sure what she wants to do yet. She will be attending Fresno City College next year.

“I decided to go to a city college rather than a Christian college because I’m not completely sure what I want to do yet,” Belmont said. “I feel like attending FC hasn’t had a huge effect on my decision. I just wanted to find what school best fits my needs and where God would want me to go.”

In America, there are 4,140 colleges that students can attend. Of those institutions, there are around 600 that are Christian institutions. Every year the senior class has to decide for themselves what type of institution will best fit their needs and circumstances.

For another college article check out: College Corner: Opening up college options.

To get in contact with FC academic advisor email Michelle Warkentin.

This writer can be reached via email: Phillip Christopher.