OP, I'm not religious, but I was like your daughter when I went to a big state university. There are others like her. Usually people like her find friends in the Campus Crusade for Christ or ____ church student union. I can't believe she hasn't found a group of friends through the religious groups or service groups on campus. Big state universities have lots of organizations to fit every interest. Back at my big state U., I had several friends (in my sorority, no less) that were non-drinking, non-shacking girls. There are girls of all stripes at big state Univs.

OP here. Thanks for all the great feedback.

Yes, we are black and honestly I had never heard of Liberty until a friend mentioned it (her son goes to Regent U). I was initially excited about the idea of a large and diverse Christian college, but further research lets me know it wouldn't be a good choice. My daughter, while religious, is very liberal and accepting of others, so a school that leaned far-right would not be a good fit (we are Democrats).

The main consideration is finding a school that is within 4 hours of DC. And finding one that is diverse. Some of the schools mentioned look great (ex: Grove City, Messiah), but diversity is an issue. One school that looks like it might fit the bill is Eastern University (in St. Davids, PA), but again I'll need to research their reputation.

Just to note: My daughter plans to attend grad school (wants to become a physician assistant), so my main concern for undergrad is finding a school where she is comfortable and can grow. She is fairly reserved by nature and her experience at a state school (where there are parties, drinking, cursing, etc) is just not a good fit for her. I hate to admit it, but she's a bit too judgmental, so she's wary about making friends and when she does, if she learns they do any of the things she's not into, the friendship cools. I think having her in a Christian environment where she believes (whether rightly or wrongly) that the students are more "wholesome" would help her make and keep friends.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You all know this is a joke, right? No AA family would seriously consider Liberty, especially if they are "liberal-minded". At one point in recent history, Liberty did not allow inter-racial dating, and that may still be the case today. Don't feed the troll.

Did OP say they were AA?

Yes, she did.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You all know this is a joke, right? No AA family would seriously consider Liberty, especially if they are "liberal-minded". At one point in recent history, Liberty did not allow inter-racial dating, and that may still be the case today. Don't feed the troll.

Did OP say they were AA?

She said they're black.

Anonymous wrote:You all know this is a joke, right? No AA family would seriously consider Liberty, especially if they are "liberal-minded". At one point in recent history, Liberty did not allow inter-racial dating, and that may still be the case today. Don't feed the troll.

Did OP say they were AA?

Anonymous wrote:Can't say I've heard of Wheaton before.

Then you're not a good Christian!

Anonymous wrote:Before going all the way to Liberty or similar (I put Bob Jones and ORal Roberts in the same category) I would look around more at some of the conservative church-affiliated schools with less of a political reputation. The one I am familiar with that I would give as an example is Samford University in Alabama but I am sure there are other comparable schools. It is an avowedly Baptist school with strict rules (no drinking, no dancing, no opposite sex in dorms and so on) but at the same time was viewed as a "normal" college for people to go to and then move into jobs in the business world, etc. I do think Liberty carries a stigma, especially in this area.

I agree with this post. Based on my knowledge of Samford, it might be a great choice to consider--I don't know as much about Liberty, but Samford isn't nearly as conservative as Bob Jones and Oral Roberts.

There are a lot of very good Christian colleges in the U.S. I'm a happy graduate of a small one myself (Messiah College in PA), and went on to a top law school and an interesting, and satisfying, career. I'd try to think of this search as most any other college search - does the school have the major(s) your daughter is interested in? Do they offer interesting other programs (e.g. study abroad, internships, service opportunities, etc.)? Does she prefer small or medium-large both for classes and for overall student body? Looking for fits on those fronts might help with this decision, because I think there's really a huge variety of experiences available at Christian colleges these days. When you narrow on those criteria, then focus on some other important aspects of fit (student body diversity, theology, etc.), because I really do think she'll find a community at many of these schools.

For me, the best aspect of my college was finding a professor who mentored me the whole way through, helping me get my first job, and remaining a friend and trusted advisor well into adult-hood. I could have found that at lots of places, I'm sure, but I was glad to find it in a religious community that was meaningful for me, but also let me challenge my own faith and the teachings my professors presented in an intellectually honest way. Even though I'm sure the name of my alma mater has raised some eyebrows over the years (though no one I've ever met has been rude enough to say so), I have had fabulous opportunities at every stage (internships, jobs, grad school opportunities, etc.), and I've never viewed it as a bar to meeting my own professional goals.

Good luck to you and your daughter on your search!

If you are fairly liberal, I would check out Methodist colleges (with the exception of SMU).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You all know this is a joke, right? No AA family would seriously consider Liberty, especially if they are "liberal-minded". At one point in recent history, Liberty did not allow inter-racial dating, and that may still be the case today. Don't feed the troll.

The ban on inter-racial dating was actually at Bob Jones University, but it was an honest mistake. They're basically the same thing.

For a moment I thought you were saying that the ban on inter-racial dating was an honest mistake and I was about to look at you like this

I agree that the 2 schools are not that different.

Anonymous wrote:You all know this is a joke, right? No AA family would seriously consider Liberty, especially if they are "liberal-minded". At one point in recent history, Liberty did not allow inter-racial dating, and that may still be the case today. Don't feed the troll.

The ban on inter-racial dating was actually at Bob Jones University, but it was an honest mistake. They're basically the same thing.

You all know this is a joke, right? No AA family would seriously consider Liberty, especially if they are "liberal-minded". At one point in recent history, Liberty did not allow inter-racial dating, and that may still be the case today. Don't feed the troll.

A degree from Liberty will close some doors and open some doors. Probably many more doors closed than opened, but it only takes one open door and if Liberty is right for you that one open door may be more important to YOU than all the closed doors.

Anonymous wrote:I want to work for Jesus Freak Industries. Will they cover my contraceptives?

Depends, do you consider clenching a Bible between your thighs contraception?

I want to work for Jesus Freak Industries. Will they cover my contraceptives?