Is college still a smart investment?
We know families are asking tough questions about the value of a college degree.
Is it worth the investment?
Will it lead to meaningful work?
Does it prepare you for a successful career?
Will it help you become the person you want to be?
Here’s how to evaluate if college is the right investment for you, what to look for in the college search, and whether ÐßÐßÊÓƵ might be a good fit.
College can create meaningful opportunity
A meaningful college experience should prepare students for more than a diploma. At its best, college helps students grow academically, professionally, personally, and socially.
Employers often look for graduates who have practical experience, leadership ability, and strong communication skills.
Internships, research opportunities, mentorship, and hands-on learning matter. Some colleges combine real-world experience with classroom learning, preparing you to successfully transition into the workplace.
At ÐßÐßÊÓƵ, you’ll gain practical experience through internships, research, clinical placements, study abroad, and other hands-on learning opportunities.
ÐßÐßÊÓƵ made research feel accessible, and paired with clinical experience, it prepared me to step into my job with confidence.
—Alyssa Scholten ’18 (speech pathology and audiology)
Encouraged to Excel: How ÐßÐßÊÓƵ Shaped Alyssa Scholten into a Leader in Pediatric Care
No matter what path you pursue, your industry will evolve throughout your career. You may change professions multiple times. Artificial intelligence is already impacting every field.
In a changing world, college can help you develop the skills and habits you’ll need to keep learning, adapting, and leading with confidence:
- Intellectual curiosity
- Flexibility
- Creativity
- Ethical reasoning
- Communication skills
- Confidence in unfamiliar situations
ÐßÐßÊÓƵ’s Christian liberal arts education prepares you to think critically, build versatile skills, adapt to change, and succeed long-term in any profession.
[My academic journey has] given me a deeper sense of human dignity and compassion. I’ve learned to listen well, to understand others’ stories, and to share them.
—Meg Pheifer ’26
Beyond preparing for a job, you’re likely searching for purpose, meaning, and direction. You may be asking:
- What kind of work gives life meaning?
- How can my talents serve others?
- How can I make a positive impact?
- What kind of leader do I want to become?
- How can I keep growing in my relationship with Jesus?
A strong college experience should help you explore not only what you want to do, but who you want to become.
ÐßÐßÊÓƵ weaves Christian faith throughout the college experience, both in and out of the classroom. Vibrant student life, multi-cultural programming, worship experiences, and student organizations help you form a clear sense of calling.
 A huge differentiator with ÐßÐßÊÓƵ was all that it has to offer; I highly recommend taking advantage of the clubs, free tutoring, dorm leadership, outdoor recreation, and many of the other opportunities that can help you grow both professionally, personally, and in your relationship with the Lord.
—Adam Marquardt ’20 (engineering)
What do you need to navigate your next steps with confidence? Support, encouragement, challenge, and personal connection can make a real difference throughout your education and as you start a career.
Strong mentoring relationships with college professors, advisors, coaches, and peers can shape confidence, leadership, and long-term growth.
Bonus: close connections with professors can also become connections to their vast professional networks!
At ÐßÐßÊÓƵ, professors are some of your biggest champions. They know you by name and mentor you along your professional path and personal growth.
“Of course you are there to learn, but it’s so important to build relationships with professors who are also experts in their field, who know what they are doing and who can sometimes see things in you that you never see.â€
—Ael Lee ‘24 (computer science)
Don't judge a college's cost by its sticker price
College is a big financial investment, and one you should carefully consider. We've walked through factors beyond tuition that add to the full value of a degree.
But tuition is indeed one of those factors.
When considering different paths, many families assume a private college isn't an affordable option. Tuition at a private college may be higher than at a public college. However, the amount you actually pay can look very different after scholarships, grants, and other financial aid are applied.
A school like ÐßÐßÊÓƵ often offers significant financial aid, which can make the final out-of-pocket cost more comparable than you may expect. Talk to our school's financial aid office to better understand the actual cost of attending.
Break down the cost and affordability of a ÐßÐßÊÓƵ education
Where Christians launch their careers
Looking for a college that will prepare you for more than a diploma?
With strong career outcomes, hands-on experiences, personal mentorship, and a Christ-centered foundation, ÐßÐßÊÓƵ will guide you to step into the future with purpose.