For students who love learning, value meaningful conversation, and desire in-depth study, the Honors Program provides an academic experience that is both challenging and formative. It invites students to engage ideas carefully and purse truth within a community guided by Scripture.

At its core, the Honors Program is about developing habits of thoughtful scholarship alongside a lifestyle of service. Central to this experience is the integration of all areas of students’ education, stretching them to think deeply while remaining grounded in a biblical understanding of truth.

A Distinctive Academic Experience

The Honors Program emphasizes the ongoing conversation between the Bible, great literature, and the ideas that have shaped the intellectual tradition. Through close reading and guided discussion, students develop the skills to analyze hard texts and engage in academic debate.

Rather than passive learning, students actively participate in discussion, analysis, and debate. This approach sharpens students’ reasoning skills and helps them develop strong oral and written arguments that serve them well in any major or career.Ěý

Dr. Adam Porcella, Director of the Honors Program and Provost at 91łÔąĎ, describes the vision behind the program:

“We must also commit to creating classroom environments that are both rigorous and relational—spaces where students can wrestle with hard questions, encounter new ideas, and receive encouragement andĚýdiscipleshipĚýfrom trusted mentors. When done well, this kind of education not only informs students but transforms them.”

In practice, this vision informs the Honors Program’s emphasis on learning in community.

Learning in the Honors Program Community

Community is a defining feature of the Honors experience. Students form close relationships with peers who share a love of learning and a desire to pursue truth. Invested faculty members play an active role in the program, mentoring students both inside and outside of the colloquium environment.

Throughout the year, students gather twice a month for shared meals and discussions. These gatherings, along with frequent cultural outings, create space for thoughtful dialogue and lasting friendships. The result is a learning environment where students can engage challenging ideas while growing personally and spiritually.

Mentorship and Integrated Scholarship

A hallmark of the Honors Program is the six-credit capstone project completed under the guidance of a faculty member. This project allows students from any major to pursue a topic that interests them and aligns with their academic and professional goals.

Through sustained research, writing, and mentorship, students learn how to integrate their studies and produce meaningful scholarly work. The project culminates in a formal presentation and critique, offering valuable preparation for graduate study, professional work, and lifelong learning. For many students, this experience becomes one of the most formative elements of their time at Cairn.

In support of this work, the Honors Program includes an annually renewable $2,000 scholarship for participating students. This support reflects Cairn’s commitment to making deep, academic study more accessible throughout a student’s undergraduate experience.

Get Started Today with the Honors Program

At 91łÔąĎ, the Honors Program is not about prestige alone. We seek to form students who pursue wisdom, love truth, and are prepared to walk a different path in their academic and professional lives. Our Honors students develop the ability to think deeply, communicate clearly, and live faithfully in a complex world. While the study is rigorous, the mentorship and community make for a worthwhile and rewarding experience.

Students interested in learning more about the 91łÔąĎ Honors Program can explore additional details and next steps here or contact honors@cairn.edu for more information. Interested in depositing by March 1? Students who do receive a one time $1,000 award! Take advantage of this offer here!

You want confidence in your decisions. You’re looking for a campus that feels like home. You want growth in the ways God is leading you. 91łÔąĎ offers flexibility, affordability and a Christian community. Year after year, these are the main reasons transfer students choose to continue their education at Cairn.

Flexibility (without compromise) 

Your path forward should make sense. You already have college credits, and you shouldn’t have to sacrifice staying on track for the environment you desire. You want a university that honors the work you’ve already done and helps you build on that foundation. That is why Cairn evaluates transfer credits carefully to make sure your progress counts. Transfer students can utilize our credit estimator tool to see how their credits will apply, so they can make decisions sooner with confidence!

Many schools look flexible on paper, but they are not always transfer friendly. The idea of flexibility is more than just a talking point for our transfer students; it’s a commitment from us to you. You can study on campus in Langhorne, PA, or online from home. You can build a schedule that respects your life, job, ministry, and next steps. But the flexibility of our programs doesn’t mean lowering academic expectations. When you transfer to Cairn, you are choosing an education that challenges you to think deeply, communicate clearly, and prepare for professional life after college.

Flexibility also saves you time, and paired with affordability, it can save you cost too. Ěý

Affordability 

Now more than ever, knowing the cost of college upfront is so important. The process of transferring doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Cairn is committed to making a private, biblically integrated education within reach through strong financial aid and scholarships designed specifically for both freshmen and transfer students.

Our Financial Aid team works closely with each student to create a plan that supports their pursuits towards graduation. This includes federal and state aid, academic scholarships, and need based assistance. In addition, many transfer students also benefit from our partnerships with community colleges and other institutions which can lead to additional savings and scholarship opportunities.

The goal is simple. You can pursue the degree you want while keeping your costs manageable and your future open. At Cairn, affordability is something we actively work toward with every student.

Community 

Cairn’s education stands out among others because of the community that shapes it. Transfer students often worry they will always feel new. But Cairn transfer students will tell you a different story. You are welcomed quickly and known by name. You are invited into a community that values encouragement, accountability, and genuine relationships.

Professors invest not only in your academic success but also in your spiritual growth. Fellow students include you in activities, clubs, worship, and service opportunities. Small class sizes help you connect deeply with faculty and peers. Our transfer students often say that 91łÔąĎ feels like home sooner than they expected.

Why transfer to Cairn?

You have a direction in mind and a calling to pursue. Cairn gives you room to follow that path with confidence. Transfer students choose Cairn because they find what they are looking for. You will discover flexibility that keeps your progress, affordability that honors your resources, and a Christian community that supports your faith. At 91łÔąĎ, your education matters and your story matters. If you are ready to take the next step, we are ready to walk with you.

1. The Pathway Center: Guiding You from College to Calling

The Pathway Center helps 91łÔąĎ students prepare for life after college through career development and leadership exploration. You can get help writing a resume, preparing for interviews, or finding internships that fit your goals. This is especially beneficial for first-generation students navigating post-college plans. Staff helps you think beyond a job title and towards what God’s actually calling you to do. 

Whether you’re preparing for a big interview, or planning next steps after graduation, the Pathway Center is here to walk with you. Meetings are available in person or online. Just visit the Pathway Center to get started.

2. Academic Advisors who Care and Resources that Work

Every Cairn student, whether studying in person or online, is paired with an academic advisor who provides personalized support throughout their college journey. Advisors will meet with you to register for courses and give thoughtful academic advice, keeping you on track until graduation. First-generation college students benefit greatly from this type of tailored guidance. They’re not just here to sign your forms. They’re mentors. 

In addition to academic advising, our Academic Resource Center (ARC) is equipped with support for students of all skill levels. The ARC resources include a writing lab, tutoring, mentoring, disability services, and special “how-to” workshops. First-generation college students like you bring strength and determination to their studies. At Cairn, you’ll have the right resources to turn that determination into success.

3. First Generation College Student Scholarship

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Ninety-seven percent of our undergraduate full-time students receive some form of financial assistance. Our Financial Aid team can help you explore grants, scholarships, and loans so you can focus less on the cost, and more on the calling God has placed before you. Plus, first-generation college students can apply for a $500 scholarship to help with things like books, equipment, or other first-semester essentials. If you’d like to apply for the First-Generation College Student Scholarship, notify your 91łÔąĎ admissions counselor and they can assist you.

4. The Center for Christian Counseling & Relationship Development

College can bring challenges that go beyond coursework. The Center for Christian Counseling & Relationship Development (CCCRD) offers Christ-centered care for your emotional and spiritual well-being.

It’s a safe and caring space where you can talk through stress, relationships, or personal growth. The staff includes licensed psychologists, therapists, and master’s-level interns trained in both biblical and human sciences. The CCCRD is an essential resource for students seeking emotional support. Learn more about CCCRD resources here.Ěý

5. Community that feels like Family

The most valuable part of college isn’t found simply in what you learn, but who you walk through it with. At 91łÔąĎ, professors, staff, and students share life together. Faculty pray with each other weekly. Resident Directors and Resident Assistants check in, encourage, and challenge you to grow. Between attending chapels, eating meals with friends, joining a club, or being a student athlete, you will surely experience a culture of connection, rooted in something bigger. 

Because college shouldn’t be just a place you get a degree, it should be a place for real transformation and growth. Being a first-generation college student isn’t always easy but it’s an accomplishment to be proud of! We pray at 91łÔąĎ you will find a community that is ready to help you on your journey.

What Does the FAFSA Do?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a governmental resource for college students seeking any form of student aid. These include grants, scholarships and forms of work study without repayment. This form is free to all students, making it easy to begin filling one out within a few clicks.
FAFSA is used by an average of 17 million students each year, all from different cultural and financial backgrounds. Upon completing the form, your information is shared with schools of your choice, allowing them to work with FAFSA’s information to create a potential offer of aid.

For the sake of preventing fraud and misuse of the form, the US Department of Education actively flags potentially dubious activity within FAFSA forms. This is a .gov website, meaning you don’t need to worry when submitting your personal information.

Most importantly, a completed FAFSA form is often required by many schools before you can receive school-granted scholarships. Schools use the information provided by FAFSA to determine an individual student’s financial eligibility.

What You Need to Have On Hand

You will need to submit several important personal documents, some of which you may need extra time to acquire. The official Student Financial Aid website provides this list of potentially necessary documents for the upcoming 2025-26 school year:

• Tax returns
• Records of child support received
• Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts
• Net worth of investments, businesses, and farms
• Your parent’s SSN (if you are a dependent student)

Whether or not some of these documents are needed for your form depends on various factors, so it helps to have them handy, either for the current form or for later years.

As shown in the list of resources above, dependent students will need to provide the personal information of their parents. Some of this can be completed by the parents themselves on their own accounts, so long as you provide them with access on your form.

Update Annually

Your family’s financial situation may change during your years of study. Because of this, your eligibility for aid is assessed annually, and you will need to fill out a new FAFSA each year. Without an updated FAFSA, you will not be able to receive any amount of financial aid.

While your first time filling out the FAFSA may be more time-consuming than you expect, the process will be streamlined for later years since you will be largely updating only information that has seen changes since the last submission. Even if you decide to transfer schools at a later point, you can simply change the school listed on your FAFSA and carry over existing information.

Be Proactive and Submit Early

While the FAFSA form is free to submit, there are crucial deadlines involved. There is a unique deadline for your school or schools of interest, your state of legal residency, and the federal government. While the federal deadline is typically later than the other two, it is beneficial to get on top of filling out the form as soon as possible.

And in case you’re waiting for there to be a catch, don’t worry! By submitting your FAFSA form, you are not committing to every loan, scholarship, or grant that you are potentially offered. You will be able to accept or refuse any of the grants, scholarships, or loans included in your letter.

Here we go . . .

Filling out the FAFSA is straightforward, but you will need to keep the following steps in mind:
1. Create a .
2. Gather all important documents (see list from before) and ensure they are up to date.
3. Determine your dependency status.
4. Fill out the FAFSA (and have your parent fill out their part, if applicable).

The FAFSA form for the 2026–27 year opens on October 1, 2025. Complete it with confidence at .

Whether you’ve had your dream school picked out for years or you’re just beginning your search, one of the most helpful steps in your decision-making process is taking a college campus visit. And when you do, knowing the right questions to ask will maximize the value of the visit.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 15 smart questions to ask on a college visit, including questions about academics, student life, and faith—so you can make an informed decision about where you’ll thrive.

Why College Visits Matter

A campus visit gives you more than a tour—it offers a first-hand look at what daily life is like at a college. You’ll see the facilities, sit in on classes, meet students and professors, and start to picture yourself as part of the community.

But to truly get the most out of your visit, it’s crucial to ask thoughtful questions that go beyond what’s listed in a brochure or website. 

Ask These Questions on Your Next College Visit

Here are the top questions to ask during your campus tour. These questions will help you understand what it’s really like to attend that school—and whether it’s the right fit for your goals.

Questions About the Student Experience

1. Why did you choose this college?
Learn what factors led other students to commit.

2. How would you describe the student community here?
Is it friendly, supportive, competitive, diverse? Consider whether this environment fits your personality.

3. What type of student fits in best at this school?
Understand the culture and whether you’ll feel at home.

4. What do students usually complain about?
Hear unfiltered feedback on dining, dorms, Wi-Fi, class availability, or anything else students mention.

5. Are there plenty of ways to get involved?
Learn about clubs, student government, sports, arts, and leadership opportunities.

6. What do students do for fun on weekends?
Whether it’s outdoor adventures, coffee shops, concerts, or campus events, you’ll want to know how students relax and connect.

Questions About the Academic Experience

7. What are the most popular majors?
This tells you where the college excels academically and may even introduce you to programs you hadn’t considered.

8. How would you describe the professors?
Are they engaging, accessible, and supportive? Professors make a huge impact on your education.

9. Do you feel you have a good balance between academic rigor and personal time?
You want a college that challenges you academically while still providing ample time to be in community; build relationships; and participate in extracurricular activities like athletics, music ensembles, or clubs.

10. Where can I go if I need academic support?
This is a question you want answered now—so you know where to go if you need it later. 

11. Does this school prepare you well for your future career?
Ask about internships, career counseling, and job placement after graduation.

Questions About Faith and Christian Community

12. What’s it like attending a Christian university?
Learn how faith is integrated into academics, student life, and personal growth.

13. How active is spiritual life on campus?
Ask about chapel services, discipleship groups, and how students grow in their faith.

14. Are there ministry or service opportunities?
Explore options for missions trips, outreach projects, and local church involvement.

15. How has studying at a Christian college encouraged your walk with God?
This spiritual transformation is at the heart of Christian education. Hearing how current students are encouraged in their faith will encourage you in yours.

Now That You’ve Asked the Questions, What’s Your Answer?

Every school has its own personality, strengths, and student culture. By asking intentional questions on your visit, you’ll learn what sets each college apart. And with the additional information you gather, you can make an informed decision about which school seems to fit you best. And remember: While you want to give due diligence to this important decision, you don’t have to do it in your own strength. 

Why Choose a Christian University?

Christian higher education goes beyond academics. At a Christian college, your mind, heart, and character are shaped through a biblical worldview. You’ll learn how to think critically, grow spiritually, and serve faithfully in whatever career you pursue.

At 91łÔąĎ, we’re committed to preparing students to think deeply, live faithfully, and serve Christ in every area of life. Through a rigorous, Christ-centered education, you’ll be equipped to make a meaningful difference in the world—whatever your calling may be.

Ready to Plan Your Visit?

Explore what life is really like at 91łÔąĎ. Meet our students. Ask your questions. See yourself here. Schedule your campus visit today at cairn.edu/visit.

1. A website isn’t enough!  

If you’re interested in Cairn, a virtual tour will only give you a taste of a full college tour experience. It’s the difference between seeing a picture of a Philly cheesesteak and eating one. Visiting in person will give you a holistic interaction with Cairn’s campus. 

2. You need to talk to students

On your visit, you’ll be able to ask a variety of students about their experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask your guides questions: 

• What is the best and worst part about being a student at Cairn? 
• How can students become part of the communities on campus? 
• What’s something you wish you knew before becoming a student?

It’s important to be able to ask many different students about their perspectives so you can consider whether you see yourself as a potential student. 

3. Ability to talk to professors

When I was considering Cairn, I had the opportunity to talk to a professor about the University. Even though this professor wasn’t in my intended area of study, he was willing to talk to me about why I should consider attending Cairn. He invited me to attend one of his classes when I visited campus, and I was struck by the depth of discussion and student engagement in his classroom. His zeal for education is one of the reasons I decided Cairn was my best choice. Upon attending classes as a student, I discovered a plethora of professors passionate about the subjects they teach. If I had never visited campus, I would not have been able to evaluate Cairn’s professors in the same way.  

4. A chance to walk the campus 

Students who come to visit will be able to walk around our beautiful campus and envision whether or not they can imagine themselves as students. The first time I visited Cairn, I remember loving the abundance of trees on campus; the colors are beautiful in the fall, and I firmly believe some trees were created to be climbed. Whatever path you take or trees you climb in your explorations, visiting the Heritage and Manor residence halls is also important. You’ll see what daily dorm life looks like and can see the possibility of your future as a resident.

5. Opportunity to visit the surrounding area

If you visit Cairn, you’ll also be able to scope out students’ favorite local areas. Scouting close coffee shops like Johnson Hall and exploring nearby towns like Newtown will help you picture your potential future homework haunts. My friends and I also take advantage of our nearby Dunkin, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Chick-Fil-A, and Wawa for any late-night necessities. It’s nice to drive around the area to see how students can spend their social lives outside of class! Moreover, with a train station within walking distance of campus, there’s also ample opportunities to head into Center City with friends for all sorts of fun.

As a current student who was once in your shoes, I highly recommend visiting campus. It will make your decision-making process easier, and give you a clearer vision of what Cairn has to offer students. If you’re able to, don’t hesitate to schedule a time to visit our campus. Visit cairn.edu/visit for more information and to sign up for a visit today! 

To Go or Not To Go?

Our argument went a little like this:
“I’m not going to college. I don’t need to go,” he said simply.
“No one’s going to hire you without a college degree,” I argued. “And college graduates make more money, you know.”
“That’s debatable. There are lots of good jobs out there that you don’t need a degree for,” he fought back.
“But college will help you become more well-rounded,” I argued relentlessly. “You’ll learn so much about yourself.”
“I’m smart. I’ll be fine. And college is so expensive. I can learn skills now and I can always go to college later.”
And in some ways, he was right. While I had never considered any other option other than going straight to college after my high school graduation, my younger brother, as well as his friends, found themselves wondering, “Is college worth the cost?”

Important Factors

The more research I do on the topic, the more I am convinced that it’s a question without a clear answer. There are many factors that go into making the decision to attend college:

• The high costs of college: Can I afford it? Will I be able to pay off my debt?
• Job security: Even with a college degree, will I be able to secure a job?
• Salary: Will I really earn a higher salary with a college degree than a high school diploma?
• Skills: Will I learn valuable skills in college? Can I just go to trade school?

These are questions I didn’t ask as a high school student. And while they are difficult and frustrating questions, they’re important ones, considering the amount of money and time that goes into a college education.

Resources

If you’re a high school student struggling to make a decision of whether you should attend college, you’re not alone. Here is a list of resources to help you make the decision that is right for you:

General Information/Overview

• (The Art of Manliness)
• (Forbes)
• Don’t Know If You Should Go to College? 5 Things You Need to Do Before Making a Decision (Life and Learning, 91łÔąĎ)

The Argument Against Higher Education

• (The Choice blog, The New York Times)
• (PBS)

The Benefits of Higher Education

• (Collegeboard)
• (Business Insider)
• 7 Reasons You Should Go to College (Life and Learning, 91łÔąĎ)

Alternatives to College

• (Forbes)
• (Art of Manliness)

Making the decision to go to college is a tough one. I hope these resources are helpful to you as you make the decision to attend college, take a gap year, or find an entry-level job. And for those of you wondering, my little brother ended up going to college.

While there are many factors to consider when making the decision to attend college, there are many benefits of earning a bachelor’s degree. If you’ve researched some schools which are affordable and seem like they could be a good fit, here are a few reasons why you should consider going to college even when you don’t know what you want to do with your life:

1. Expand your worldview

In college, you’ll meet people you’d never bump into in your hometown, take courses that you wouldn’t think you’d be interested in, and read books you’d never choose to read yourself.
College is one of the few opportunities you will have in your life to live and learn with people who are very different from you, gain a breadth of knowledge in a variety of subjects, and be exposed to different perspectives and opinions.
Depending on your major, you may also have the opportunity to travel abroad. Explore another country, meet people who don’t speak the same language as you, and discover how big this world really is.

2. Pursue your interests and passions

Interested in literature and biology? Business and art history? Music and political science? In college, you can explore your diverse interests by choosing two majors, a major and a minor, or one major and two minors. Some schools even allow you to have two majors and two minors! If you’re worried about wasting time and money, fear not. You’ll have to take general education requirements, so you can work towards your English degree while taking a biology class to fulfill your science requirement and vice versa. Some majors are less flexible, so talk to your advisor before registering for that underwater basket weaving class.
At most four-year colleges, the professors will hold doctorate degrees and are experts in the field. If you think you may be interesting in a topic, meet with a professor in that field to discuss your interests and future career goals. They may provide valuable insight and point you in the right direction.

3. Figure out what you believe

You will be challenged by the people you meet, the books you read, and the lectures you hear from your professors. In college, you’ll be in a place where people have different beliefs and values from you. By engaging in conversations, discussions, lectures, assignments, and personal reflection, you may find that your opinions start to change. Or you may find ways to defend your beliefs and grow more confident in what you believe. Either way, college is a great time to explore, shape, and affirm your core beliefs.

4. Form meaningful relationships

There is nothing quite like the relationships formed in college. You’ll become friends with like-minded individuals and people who share your passions. You’ll also become friends with people who have completely different interests and are from parts of the world you didn’t even know existed. Many people say that their college friendships are their strongest friendships and considering the amount of time and growth you experience in college, this makes sense.
In college, you’ll also have the opportunity to network and form connections which will help you land a job or internship. There’s a saying in business: It’s all about who you know. There’s some truth to the saying. In college, there are job fairs, professional fraternities, associations, societies, and more to help you network and develop professional relationships.
Some of the relationships you have with your professors may turn into mentorships or friendships. College is a wonderful to make lifelong friends and mentors.

5. Gain experience

While you don’t have to be a college student to apply for internships and jobs, some companies only hire college students for certain internships. For example, hires juniors and seniors in college as Associate Consultant Interns. Many of these hires go on to become full-time employees after their internship is over. In these cases, it’s a worthwhile investment to go to college and gain professional experience. After you graduate, you’ll have a degree and experience, which will make more you more marketable when it’s time to look for a job.

6. LearnĚýtransferableĚý˛ő°ěľ±±ô±ô˛ő

You’ll be required to take classes such as English composition, philosophy, speech, and American literature. Even if you don’t like the humanities, these classes will help you become a better critical thinker, writer, and public speaker. By taking general education requirements and core classes in your major and joining a club or organization, you’ll learn a number of transferable skills, such as how to…

• Adapt to situations
• Analyze and solve problems
• Cast your vision
• Communicate effectively with others
• Delegate tasks
• Make major decisions
• Manage your time
• Organize events
• Plan ahead
• Set goals
• Work with others

7. Earn a higher salary

Last but certainly not least, research shows that college graduates earn more money than high school graduates.Ěý states, “College graduates aged 25 to 32 who are working full time earn about $17,500 more annually than their peers who have only a high school diploma, according to the Pew Research Centre.”
College is an investment, and while the initial costs can be expensive, your degree will provide you with the skills to be qualified for more jobs, job promotions, and higher salaries.
With so many articles going around discussing the value of higher education vs. the cost, making the decision to attend college is not an easy one. Talk to your high school counselor, college admissions counselors, and your parents as you do your research and make your decision.
If you are considering attending a Christian university located in Pennsylvania, contact 91łÔąĎ admissions counselors for any questions you may have at 877.786.2728 or admissions@cairn.edu.
 

1. Figure out what you want to get out of college

If you were to go to college, what would you want to get out of your college experience? Really think about the reasons why you would want to go. Is it to make friends? To get away from your parents? To play college soccer? To study abroad? Because everyone else you know is going?
There are a ton of reasons why people go to college, but the main reason should be to develop the character and skills to serve God — no matter what you do or where you go. For some, this means they learn the knowledge and skills necessary to land a job in a specific field. For others, it means they learn more about God, the Bible, and the church.
Even if you don’t know what you want to do, you’ll take a bunch of required general education courses. These courses may help you determine what subjects you enjoy and what you’re passionate about. And while you may want to consider taking general education courses at a community college to save money, four-year colleges offer a broader range of courses in various subjects and are usually taught by experts in their field.

2. Ask around

Making the choice to attend college is a big one. Ask your family members for their opinion, but keep in mind that your parents and grandparents may have had very different experiences. If you know of any recent college graduates or young working professionals, ask them what their college experience was like. Here are a few questions to help you get started:

• What are the most valuable lessons you learned in college?
• Do you feel college prepared you for your career?
• Can I learn the same skills at a community college or in an entry-level job?
• Do you feel college was worth it, taking into account the high cost?

If you know of anyone who is in senior leadership or works in human resources, try getting their opinion as well. Keep in mind that there are different criteria for different fields, so try to ask people in a variety of vocations. Here a few questions to ask them:

• Did you go to college and did you feel that it was worth it?
• Are there certain skills I can only learn in college?
• Would you hire someone without a college degree?
• Is it harder for someone without a college degree to get a promotion?

While it’s important to ask around and hear different perspectives and opinions, don’t forget to pray about the decision. It can be easy to get swept away with advice from everyone else, but set aside time to communicate your wants, needs, and struggles with God.

3. Write a pros and cons list

 
This may be the most clichéd piece of advice a person can give, but it really can be helpful. Write it down all the reasons you should or shouldn’t go to college on paper or type it up in a Microsoft Word document. By having a physical list, you can think about your decision more objectively, rather than trying to recall all the reasons to go or not to go to college.

4. Do your research

Even if you’re not sure what you want to do for the rest of your life, research possible fields and jobs. There are some jobs in which you will need to get a formal education such as teaching in a public school, clinical counseling, or performing surgery (and rightly so!) So if you think you may want to go into teaching, know that you are going to have to go to college eventually.
Also, make sure to research the salary differences between college graduates and non-college grads. states, “College graduates aged 25 to 32 who are working full time earn about $17,500 more annually than their peers who have only a high school diploma, according to the Pew Research Centre, a think-tank. But not all degrees are equally useful.”
While you may not be interested in a field just because of its high salary ceiling, research different degrees to see which degree is useful and profitable for you.

5. Listen to your gut

Maybe you really want to go to college and see the value in it but you’re nervous about starting a new chapter in your life. Maybe you’re worried that the academics are going to be too rigorous and that you’ll fall behind. In both cases, it’s perfectly normal to be a little concerned. Going to college can be scary, but there are plenty of resources to help you get adjusted.
Maybe you feel it in your gut that college isn’t for you. That’s OK. If you feel like you just aren’t ready, there are other options out there for you. Join a gap year or first-year program, volunteer for an organization you’re interested in, try to land an entry-level job, or travel.
Making the decision to go to college can be daunting, especially if you don’t know what you want to do with your life. Just know that you’re not alone. Not everyone who goes to college knows what they want to major in or what career they’d like to have. In fact, many people choose to go to college hoping to discover their interests and passions. And while it may seem like a risk due to the rising cost of college tuition, many people have done their research and have concluded that higher education is an investment worth making.