President Kris R. Palmer
While many factors go into what college you choose to attend, I would like to share my top three “C’s” of things every high schooler should consider when making this important decision.
1. Campus Culture
I choose campus culture first because college will become your new home away from home. You will eat, sleep, make new friends, study, and enjoy leisure activities there. It’s important to find a campus culture that is inviting and safe, one that allows you to spread your wings while providing genuine relational support. At HCC, we strive to create a family atmosphere on campus. Our students live in large home settings where everyone knows one another, our smaller classes facilitate personal interaction with instructors, and you are paired with a leader who meets with you regularly to help navigate the new experiences you encounter as you take your first steps into adulthood.
2. Curriculum
Of course, it is important to know what kinds of classes and degrees are available at the colleges you consider, but it is just as crucial to understand the worldview from which those classes will be taught. Will your foundational Christian beliefs be embraced and accepted, or will the teaching aim to convince you that those beliefs are outdated and unimportant? Will your faith be questioned or ridiculed? As a Bible college, HCC’s curriculum is centered on a biblical worldview. Every class emphasizes biblical truths at its core, whether it is a math class, speech class, or a class on the New Testament. You will be among like-minded peers as your instructors teach from a curriculum that is unapologetically rooted in a biblical worldview.
3. Cost
Cost is a significant factor in higher education. Students often find themselves in considerable debt after a few years of college, with the necessity to repay loans that can be so large it may take years to escape that debt. This situation can severely impact what you can do after graduation. This is an area that you must investigate thoroughly at every college you consider, and you should get a clear understanding of the actual costs for a year of study. HCC strives to make our education accessible to anyone without incurring substantial debt. Residential housing and tuition costs are quite affordable, some needs-based scholarships are available, and college bills can be arranged on monthly payment plans. We recognize the significance of this area and will work with you to graduate successfully without any college-related debt.
