Published on September 29, 2024, 12:45 am

Image source: Fox News

With burgeoning interest in faith-based and Biblically principled education, Calvin University, a renowned Christian institution in Grand Rapids, Michigan, celebrated the arrival of its biggest class in ten years. The private Christian establishment credits this notable improvement to its multi-year growth initiatives combined with its commitment to integrating Christian values and biblical teachings into their educational framework.

Named after renowned Christian reformer John Calvin, the institution had humble beginnings as a school for ministry training established in 1876. Currently, the university offers an impressive array of over 100 majors and programs to approximately 3,600 students. At the heart of its mission is providing its students an education underpinned by service to Christ in all spheres of life.

“Our mission permeates everything we do,” explains Lauren Jensen, vice president for Enrollment Strategy at Calvin University. “We’re transparent about our identity which draws young individuals who are pleased to be part of a community where learning extends beyond academic pursuits to incorporate faith.”

Recent data highlight that the incoming class is 12% larger compared to last year’s figures. Furthermore, there’s an increase of 20% more first-year students than registered for the previous academic year. These encouraging trends trace back to specific strategies initiated over recent years which include expanding recruitment teams and launching novel ways to reach potential students.

Two years ago, Calvin implemented a $2,000 visitation grant for interested candidates. By visiting and subsequently enrolling at the university, these students can apply this grant towards their financial aid package.

“We couldn’t be happier,” Jensen shares excitedly. “After witnessing our community firsthand—interacting with our faculty members and experiencing our beautiful campus—they grow fond of us and use this grant towards offsetting their tuition fees.”

As part of extending its academic offerings further, Calvin plans on introducing an aerospace concentration by fall 2025 within its prestigious engineering program. Additionally, there are enhanced opportunities available in music or community building with the launch of their first marching band program this year.

“In terms of academics, it’s all about extending and building on our existing strengths,” notes Jensen. Calvin University prides itself on being capable of providing a genuine Christian experience to its students— something other apparently Christian institutions may not be as successful in delivering.

Both prospect students and parents are often lured by publicly funded universities due to financial constraints or perceived value of secular education over faith-based learning. However, Jensen defends the merits of Christian institutions like Calvin, describing them as places where one can robustly explore academic pursuits without compromising faith-based values and personal growth.

“It’s not just about analyzing the sticker price,” she imparts. “Investigate deeper; apply and foresee the financial aid options available. The sense of community, faith development, and the valuable connections you make with faculty members at a Christian university significantly shape your adult life.”

Undeniably, trusted news regarding Christian Worldview education is dominating real news headlines with stories like that from Calvin University demonstrating measurable growth in enrollment numbers. As people navigate an increasingly interconnected world, institutions integrating faith with learning seem to hold a unique appeal for many —an important trend worth observing in academic circles.