I grew up in BJU and BJA circles, and yes I grew u...

I grew up in BJU and BJA circles, and yes I grew up in a conservative Christian home, but I wasn't "isolated" from the world...I spent a lot of time at the University, and enjoyed it greatly. Yes, much of it will be considered strict by most folks who didn't grow up in that type of environment...it's not all religious dogma, much of it, as stated in the student handbook, is to develop a sense of professionalism, some of it, in my opinion, is also just carrying over bits and pieces of culture from an era long ago, such as when the university was founded.

People also need to consider what they want from their college experience and education...if you're going into the ministry, this is most definitely a great school..even if you don't agree with all of the "rules", the knowledge and scriptural doctrine you learn will be thorough, and from a conservative, uncompromising viewpoint. If that's what you want, I think you should look into it, and see if the "rules" effect you, or if you're willing to "put up" with it until graduation, in order to receive that biblical background.

I can tell you that after spending so much time here, it is NOT as bad as some people say...but if you come from a non religious or religiously/socially liberal background, it's gonna be a culture shock to you....If you come from a strict fundamentalist background, it may even seem liberating to you. I'll be the first to admit, I don't agree with ALL of the rules, some of them I feel are just over the top...but it's really not that big of a deal...I enjoy SOME rock music and some secular movies..that's probably the only thing I really have to give up, as a student.

I'm not a graduate, but many of my friends are BJU graduates. Most are in the ministry, Some of them work in skilled trades, some are teachers, some in other professions, after obtaining liberal arts degrees. All are very effective, and they're all doing ok. Everyone I've ever met at BJU was very nice, very kind, for the most part, with rare exception. This is a university that puts Christ first, and that's something people must realize when choosing their college...I can tell you the high school and college academics I've taken from BJA and BJU were very rigorous, The high school courses were tougher than my first year courses at a secular college.

As far as accreditation, I know many BJU grads have gone on to earn their advanced degrees at many various private and public secular universities without too much of a hassle....many of those have graduated and have become very influential in their fields..I suppose it also depends upon what field you're going in to, and what college you attend for your advance degree. I certainly hope BJU gains regional accreditation soon, I think that would be greatly beneficial to the school and to it's graduates.

As for myself and most of my friends, we never sought to get into trouble, drink, party, or act wild and crazy, we had no issues at all with BJU, we enjoyed our time there, and most of us listened to secular music, AND Christian music, secular movies and TV, just lived normal lives as youngsters in the late 90's and early 2000's. We were all still serious about our faith and sound doctrine, we were all still committed to the cause of Christ, and we all considered BJU to be a major positive contributor in our lives.