The Grace Difference: Five Advantages You Won’t Find in Every Christian College

Every Christian college promises a unique experience. But what does “different” actually mean? At Grace College, the differences aren’t marketing slogans—they’re tangible advantages that impact students’ education, finances, career opportunities, and daily life.

1.Earn Your Degree in Three Years

Many students graduate with significant debt and spend four or more years earning a bachelor’s degree from a Christian college. Grace’s accelerated three-year program allows students to enter the workforce sooner while saving thousands on tuition, housing, and other college expenses. According to Georgetown University, only an estimated 2 percent of colleges offer a three-year degree option—and many of those only offer them for a few select majors. Many schools are only just starting to consider moving towards an accelerated degree program, while Grace has already been leading the way in this area for more than a decade. 

2. A Campus Parents Can Feel Good About

Safety remains one of the top concerns for families evaluating colleges. Grace College is located in Winona Lake, a community with an exceptional safety reputation and a quality of life that has earned statewide recognition. The town of Winona Lake received a safety score of 100 from Nextdoor, with an overall crime rate of only 8 percent. 

It’s the type of town where people leave their doors unlocked, and everyone is friendly. Students can focus on learning and growing in an environment where families have peace of mind. 

3. College Life on a Lakefront Resort Community

Most Christian colleges have a campus. Grace has a destination. Miles of mountain biking trails offer adventure with additional hiking opportunities, all within a close radius of the lake. There are lake activities, beach volleyball teams, festivals, farmers’ markets, and unique restaurants. Students in Winona Lake enjoy a lifestyle that’s difficult to find elsewhere. Within walking distance from the campus, students can enjoy the tranquil Winona Village, sit on a lake dock and watch the sunset, or study over a cup of freshly roasted joe. 

4. Big-Career Opportunities in a Small-Town Setting

While many small Christian colleges can boast about a small, safe town, few of them can simultaneously offer big career opportunities locally. Students often assume they need to attend school in a major city to find internships and career connections. Grace students have access to opportunities through hundreds of businesses in the county, including major employers in the medical technology industry. Companies like Zimmer Biomet, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, and the rapidly growing Slate operation provide valuable connections and career pathways.

Our county, specifically Winona Lake, won the Chamber of Commerce Community of the Year in 2025. The criteria to win: a community showing that it didn’t just have one good project. We have a proven pattern of business growth, public/private collaboration, job creation, investment, quality-of-life improvements, and a stronger community reputation.

5. Real Client Experience Before Graduation

Grace has a full-service marketing agency called Grace Solutions, that drives the success of real businesses. Through Grace Solutions, students don’t just complete classroom assignments—they work with real clients and real business challenges. Under the guidance of faculty and industry professionals, students gain experience that many graduates don’t receive until after entering the workforce. Their paid internship experiences include videography, photography, copywriting, email marketing, social media, graphic design, advertising, and client relationships. 

We also have opportunities for scientific internships through Lilly’s Center for Lakes and Streams, which offers Grace students the opportunity to manage scientific research, develop and execute K-12 programs, and manage collaborative projects.

Grace also provides opportunities for education majors through the Center for Literacy and Learning, which prepares students to be amazing teachers through hands-on experience. 

Our Center for Movement and Wellbeing offers athletic and health internships that give students the opportunity to work with clients to become the best version of themselves. 

The Gordon Center for Enterprise Development gives business students internship opportunities that include student-run businesses and other entrepreneurial developments. 

All of these opportunities create students who are fully prepared for a career after receiving their diplomas. 

Conclusion
The Grace difference isn’t one thing—it’s the combination of affordability, safety, lifestyle, career opportunities, and hands-on experience. Together, they create a Christian college experience that prepares students for life after graduation while helping them enjoy every step of the journey.