A new commission formed by the American Council on Education is working to resolve the many issues faith-based and secular institutions are facing. Not the least of which is affordability.
Christian Colleges and Universities President Shirley Hoogstra is co-chairing the commission.
She said religious institutions “can leverage their networks to have affordable education.” She detailed how Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, a school affiliated with the Assemblies of God, is “leveraging all their large church networks, and is offering a limited degree for under $10,000.”
She identified this arrangement as ideal for students “interested in staying closer to home” and embracing a “hybrid and in-person model.”
Another consideration is collaboration between religious and secular institutions as a way to “raise the dialogue of the importance of pluralism in America.” Hoogstra said collaborations between secular and faith-based universities have helped students appreciate the concept of pluralism.
Several schools are experimenting with that vision including Oberlin College, Spring Arbor University, Biola University and Pomona.
Hoogstra added, “What we have found and what we think this ACE Commission is going to be able to undergird is this eagerness to understand each other as …people and institutions.”