Megachurches Embrace Higher Education: A New Model for Faith-Based Learning
Megachurches are increasingly launching their own colleges, prioritizing job training and church culture over traditional liberal arts education.
Associated Press
As traditional Christian liberal arts colleges face mounting financial pressures and declining enrollment, a new educational model is gaining traction: the megachurch-affiliated university. These institutions are emerging as formidable players in higher education, shifting the focus from a broad liberal arts foundation to practical, career-oriented training deeply rooted in church culture.
The Shifting Landscape of Christian Higher Education
The challenges confronting established religiously affiliated colleges are stark. Birmingham-Southern College, a nearly 170-year-old Methodist institution, recently closed its doors, a victim of sustained financial losses. This mirrors a broader trend affecting liberal arts colleges nationwide, both secular and religious, which grapple with shrinking student populations, escalating operational expenses, and a growing parental skepticism about the value and ideological direction of higher education.
In contrast, institutions like Highlands College in Birmingham, Alabama, are experiencing rapid growth. Launched by the nondenominational Church of the Highlands—one of the state’s largest congregations with a weekly attendance exceeding 60,000 across multiple campuses—Highlands College is a testament to this burgeoning trend. Having recently gained state approval to award bachelor’s degrees, it represents a new wave of Christian higher education.
A Franchise Model for Faith-Based Learning
The expansion of megachurch colleges is facilitated by a replicable, franchise-style model pioneered by institutions like Southeastern University in Florida. This approach allows large churches to establish their own degree-granting programs more efficiently, leveraging existing infrastructure and a built-in community of potential students and donors.
These new schools are not only attracting significant financial backing, often from prominent figures within the faith community, but are also actively seeking to tap into public funding streams. States such as Florida, Georgia, and Minnesota have recently expanded their financial aid programs to include religious colleges, mirroring a similar movement in K-12 education where public funds are increasingly directed towards religious schools.
Accreditation and Financial Aid: A Complex Picture
A notable characteristic of some of these newer institutions is their departure from traditional regional accreditation. Instead, many opt for alternative accreditation from religious nonprofit organizations, some of which may not be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This can have significant implications for students, potentially limiting the transferability of credits to other institutions or for graduate studies. Furthermore, coursework from non-accredited programs is typically ineligible for federal financial aid through the FAFSA.
Supporters argue that these schools offer valuable, hands-on training for specific careers, particularly in ministry and business, and provide students with a strong connection to their faith communities. However, critics raise concerns about the potential limitations imposed by a lack of traditional accreditation and the outsized influence a single church might wield over an institution’s accountability and transparency.
“Public funding is something that everybody should be concerned about, no matter your politics, no matter your religion,” stated Adam Laats, a professor of education and history at Binghamton University. “And I think it’s everyone’s business if there are schools that are restricting the chances of students in a way that students aren’t aware of what they’re getting into.”
Financial Backing and Political Alignment
Significant financial contributions are fueling the growth of these institutions. For instance, a $20 million donation from the Green family, founders of Hobby Lobby, supported the construction of residence halls at Highlands College. Similarly, Austin Christian University, an initiative of Texas-based Celebration Church, secured a $50 million donation for its new complex.
The educational philosophy of these megachurch schools often aligns with the priorities of conservative political movements seeking to increase the presence of Christianity in education. Legislative efforts at the state level have aimed to reduce barriers for religious institutions seeking public funding and to challenge existing accreditation regulations.
The Southeastern University Model
Southeastern University in Florida plays a pivotal role in the expansion of church-based colleges. As an accredited Assemblies of God institution, it partners with over 200 churches nationwide, enabling them to offer accredited Southeastern degrees through local campuses. This model provides churches with a method to cultivate future staff members deeply ingrained in their specific culture, while students gain practical experience and academic credentials.
“We make sure that their courses are up to accreditation standards,” explained Patrick Fitzgerald, chief of staff for Southeastern’s president. “We make sure that the faculty they have are well-qualified, and we’re able to provide a stamp of approval on pretty much what they’re already doing, and so it’s a match made in heaven, if you will.”
This collaborative approach allows churches to develop their own talent pipelines, offering a cost-effective solution for staffing various church operations. While tuition costs can vary significantly, with some institutions offering programs at a more accessible price point than traditional private colleges, the trend suggests a growing demand for educational models that integrate faith, practical training, and community engagement.
The Future of Faith-Based Higher Education
As the higher education landscape continues to evolve, megachurch-affiliated colleges are carving out a distinct niche. Their focus on vocational training, strong community ties, and alignment with specific faith traditions presents an alternative for students seeking an education that directly prepares them for ministry or faith-based careers. The success of models like Highlands College and the expansion facilitated by Southeastern University indicate that this trend is likely to continue, reshaping the future of Christian higher education in America.
