Dr. Arlin Horton formed this Independent Baptist college in Pensacola, Florida in 1974. He wanted to provide a bible-centered approach to higher education with the aim of creating graduates who were academically accomplished and able to evangelize or at least live through Christ in their daily lives. In 1998, Dr. Horton created an addition to the College: Pensacola Theological Seminary, which is designed to train students specifically for ministry (a life dedicated to spreading the word of the bible).

Since 1974, Pensacola College has grown from one building and 100 students to a large and impressive campus, containing around 6,000 students (the Seminary has over 100). These students come from all 50 states in the US, as well as around 60 foreign countries. Highlights of the campus include the Crowne Center: a new 6,000+ seat multipurpose auditorium. There is also a planetarium, a large indoor sports arena, an outdoor sports field, swimming pool, several large dining halls, laboratory facilities, a well-stocked library and a walk-in health clinic. There is also a Campus Church, run from the Crowne Center. A weekly national telecast, "Rejoice In The Lord", is broadcast from this location.

The intellectual foundations of Pensacola College are its Articles Of Faith. A set of beliefs that underpin all courses taught there, the Articles Of Faith state the college's belief in the absolute authority of the King James Version Bible as an accurate translation, from the Greek and Hebrew, of the permanent Word of God. The Articles also state many other tenants of Independent Baptist faith: a belief in the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, a belief that God created the World in seven days, a belief in salvation by grace through faith, and so on.

With such underpinnings, the college offers a number of academic courses in the following subject areas: the Bible, business, education, communicative arts, arts and sciences, history and languages, science and engineering, and nursing. In communicative arts, for example, majors are offered in everything from graphic design and advertising/public relations to church music. An advertising/public relations major includes training in visual, written and oral communication, as well as other various aspects of the business. However, it is important to note that Pensacola Christian College is not accredited. This might make it difficult to get a job using a degree from the college, especially if an accredited degree is required.

Student Life

Apart from academic activities, Pensacola College students have three main outlets of activity. One is sports. The college places great weight on the importance of keeping fit, and provides a number of facilities where students can get exercise, through solo activity or competitive/team sports. Secondly, college social life consists of outings (to Pensacola Beech, state parks and camps) and cultural events (fine arts concerts with a particular focus on music). Thirdly, there is, of course, of a heavy focus on spiritual life, including private prayer and Church services. Monthly Vespers services provide a special program of music and readings, intended to be spiritual but also fun.

However, be warned: Penascola Christian College has very strict moral guidelines for students. Some may find them too draconian and should think carefully about the behavioral self-discipline required before applying. A number of listed actions and activities are prohibited and could result in demerits. Any student acquiring more than 150 demerits in a semester will be expelled. Minor residence hall violations, such as failing a room inspection or keeping a light on after lights-out, will earn you 1 to 3 demerits. The same goes for chewing gum inside or wearing inappropriate dress. Possessing questionable magazines or swearing results in 10 demerits. At the other end of the scale, attending a movie theatre, viewing DVDs, or using tobacco can result in 75 to 100 demerits. Possession or use of alcohol can lead to expulsion, as will the holding of a séance!

What Does It Cost?

An application to Pensacola Christian College will cost $40. During the application process, a $110 reservation fee is required to reserve a place in the requested semester. Tuition for the standard 17 semester hours is $1,325 per semester. For students living on campus in the residence halls, room and board is $1,464 per semester. In addition to these costs, there are fees for telephone usage, health services, information technology access, and student activities (from fine arts to athletic events).

The nearby town of Pensacola is a place of moderate historical, cultural attraction. For most of the year, it's warm and features a wealth of natural attractions (not least the beach). A number of students live off campus and travel to the College on a daily or part-time basis.