Affordable Faith: Rethinking the Cost and Impact of Christian Higher Ed

The Higher Ed Marketer

Faith Leaders Mini-Series - Episode 208 (3 of 4)

In this special mini-series, Bart Caylor and Zach Coffin (VP of The Higher Ed Marketer and Pastor) explore the intersection of faith and higher education. Each week they engage in meaningful conversations with Christian higher ed leaders from across the country.

In this week's episode of The Higher Ed Marketer, Dr. David Hoag, President of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), joins us to unpack the real story behind Christian higher education in 2025. From rising enrollment to the power of mission clarity, Dr. Hoag discusses how faith-based institutions are thriving by boldly embracing their identity. He breaks down affordability myths by revealing the average tuition and surprising discount rates, and shares how CCCU is advocating on Capitol Hill for policies that protect religious liberty and financial accessibility. Through strategic collaboration, courageous leadership, and a renewed commitment to the whole student, Christian colleges are proving to be more essential and more accessible than many believe.

🎧 Listen to Learn:
✅ How mission boldness is fueling enrollment growth across Christian colleges.

✅ Why Christian higher education is often more affordable than families realize.

✅ The role CCCU plays in defending religious liberty through advocacy in Washington, D.C.

✅ What makes thriving Christian campuses different from those that are struggling.

✅ How strategic collaboration and bold leadership are shaping the future of faith-based institutions.

Join the Discussion:

03:21 - Current State of Christian Higher Education

07:32 - Defining Factors for Thriving Institutions

14:37 - Misconceptions About Christian Education

17:25 - Affordability of Christian Higher Education

18:08 - CCCU's Priorities and Support for Members

22:53 - Advocacy Work in Washington, D.C.

29:35 - Engaging with Local Representatives

32:03 - Hope for the Future of Christian Education

The Faith Leaders Mini-Series is sponsored by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, an organization serving over 158 faith-based institutions, 72,000 across North America. ABHE seeks to Advance Biblical Higher Education for Kingdom Impact. Learn more at ABHE.org.

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