Bob Jones University

Date: Dec 05 2004
Major: Computer Science (This Major's Salary over time)

If you're considering Bob Jones for an undergraduate degree, you must have a specific reason in mind for doing so…whatever that may be. You must also understand what you are getting yourself into, because the school will not tell you up front before you choose to deposit you, your brain, and your social life onto their campus as a new freshman.

BJU is undoubtedly a Christian school that considers this aspect of its character as paramount. Never forget this. If you wish to go for a high quality and (relatively) cheap education, but don't want to deal with "religion," you will NOT be happy for however long you last.

One critical problem with the school involving its focus on Christian beliefs and principles is it's close-minded approach to the opinions of others on areas that are hardly cut and dry. Citing specifics is not necessary, the general fact is that disagreeing can label you as unspiritual by some people. This brings up the next major problem…

The student body "political" structure is heavily based on who you are (whether your parents are BJ VIPs or admins) and what you appear to be. This means that if you were the daughter of the pastor of the biggest church in town and had gone to BJ throughout your entire life (they have schools for everything from the day you were born until the day you're sick of school), you'd move up in the ranks without doing much of anything. It also means that if you appear to be "spiritual" (even if it's horribly faked), you'll probably convince enough naive/stupid admins that you're the right guy/girl to be the next hall leader (I hear they're called RAs like every other place these days).

Another complication with this structure is that as student leadership positions have a build-in spiritual role, "fakers" successfully annoy and disgust truely good guys and girls. Those people who act "spiritual" and make it their daily joy to point out the faults of others as stated by the BJ rule books are lovingly refered to by the student campus population as Bojo's or any other number of similar phrased terms.

Living on campus had to be the most annoying thing in the world for someone who doesn't just simply accept what is thrown at him without some sort of explanation and/or opportunity for suggestion of improvements. In recent years, the admins have made the appearance…note that word…that the place is more modern and open to change. This is NOT the case from my observations. For every apparent change for the better, something else has been tightened up underneath the surface. Cries from certain ancient alumni of the impending liberalness of the school are as far from the truth as they were 10 years ago. If you plan to live on campus (which must be the case unless you already live in Greenville), you must accept the fact that you cannot expect anything to change for you and that you must just bear with much you do not agree with and/or see the point of. The bottom line: they know far more than you do…don't forget that. (please note the sarcasm)

There are many other aspects of the school that I could mention critically, but the point of this review is not to condemn the place, but rather to state the facts in as unbiased a form as I can. The bottom line is, BJU is seen by some as a haven, others as a reform school, some as an oppressive regime, still by some as a Bible college (although that's hardly the focus today), and by most everyone in the outside world as an odd little restrictive school. Each probably has merit.

Academically, many of the teachers could be making many thousands more at other schools…but they willing choose to give of their talents in a Christian service. I commend them for that. Although I didn't enjoy every single teacher I ever had, I appreciated them all and enjoyed many. In general, it's completely obvious that the school has a large base of good people who love God and believe themselves to be doing a work for him in teaching at the school. I cannot argue this, as I do believe the school has much to offer.

Simply put, the school has awesome potential, but it suffers from already stated problems that severely detract from its appeal. As I stated before, you must know what you're getting yourself into and you must have a well-thoughtout reason for going. And remember that the only way you'll be happy is if you go willingly and expect to encounter hypocrits and "spiritual" politics along with a completely censored campus.

In conclusion, I'd have to say that I'd hardly think of my days at the place as exciting or enjoyable, but I did learn much and came away with a good education without a 10-year debt. Just do some heavy research on other options and on BJU itself. Above all…think before you leap!