Pensacola Christian College

Know what you're getting into before you go. Is PCC strict? Yes, but it is a learning atmosphere. it is not a party atmosphere in any sense of the word. At PCC you will be expected to act professional, which is learned within the first semester or two. The faculty is great and truly cares about you. They push you and expect perfection. If you want to be very well prepared for your career, come to PCC!

3rd Year Male -- Class 2014

Education Quality: A+, Extracurricular Activities: C+

PCC taught me in a round about way, how to lie, and decieve. They sell newspapers in the bookstore and its somebodys job to use a permanant marker and black out articles they deem inapropriate for the students, before they sell the paper! Internet is not allowed. I survived it. I learned to be my own person. I found a few friends who were the same as me. But I definately wouldnt send my children there because probably 5 out 100 people at pcc can think for themselves. I totally dont agree with the god that they portray. Im pretty sure God loves me. And hes not sitting up there waiting for me to screw up so he cna punish me.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

As a non-denom, ESV reading, contemporary Christian music listening, Christian rap listening, jeans and shorts wearing, born-again Christian, I always told myself I would NEVER attend PCC, but then, much to my shock and partial chagrin, God called me to study nursing there (it was a pretty "unmistakable" calling). As a military dependent, I had attended two non-denom Christian universities as well as two secular universities/colleges from moving around--so I have a decent understanding of what types of educational environments are available. However, when the Holy Spirit speaks, I have found it is always best to listen (and preferably sooner rather than later), so I obeyed and transferred to PCC. God rewarded that personal decision. I have met some great people and have been stretched in many ways, spiritually especially.

Yes, the college has some definite and sometimes legalistic beliefs. I don't hold the same convictions in many areas. After two years of attendance at PCC, I STILL read ESV, wear jeans, listen to CCM and my Lecrae(rap), and lean towards Calvanistic theology (pcc taboo). However, I found that attending a school differing in those aspects just strengthened my personal convictions all the more as I had to grapple with the reasoning behind what I believed, in areas I once took for granted, and that had been unquestioned. Questioning and philosophical challenge are experiences that God often uses to make us deeper and stronger in the faith (we are told to continually "work out our Salvation" in the Bible). If I'd continued to go to a more lax Christian college or secular university, I'd never, probably, have reasoned out and solidified my convictions as much as I have. I'm thankful for my PCC experience, in that respect. The Gospel, which is what really matters, is the same, and PCC is still a body of believers where God is working and moving.

I don't think PCC is for everyone. Not at all. And by saying that I am not saying that you must not be "spiritual enough", not a strong Christian, if you don't feel called to go. Gracious! That would be stupid. God has a plan for everyone?and each plan is different. Some people are called to be lights at secular universities, some to other fabulous Christian colleges. So, go where you are led, and if PCC is not a calling, don't waste your time.

However, if you DO feel like God might be calling/leading you to PCC, it would be best to realize that you are about to enter a whole different culture, with customs that may seem foreign to you. Just like when moving to a foreign country you would show respect by abiding with their customs and cultural values, so, too, is the interaction with the PCC community. Man... that almost makes PCC come across as an "exotic experience." Hmmnn... Well, It IS like you get to travel back in time to the American forties and fifties where all the girls wore skirts, chivalry was alive, promiscuity was frowned upon, marriage actually meant for life, families got along, and the world was more naive and innocent.

After two years at PCC, I find that I actually start to miss it. It's kind of refreshing not having to constantly keep watch over my mind and my activities. It is a TON easier keeping thoughts pure and wholesome when you are living in a culture that doesn't constantly bombard you with sin. It is four years. In all honesty, although I'd have never pictured myself here before, the mental purge of impurity for two thirds of the year is worth it. I like coming home from college and feeling uncomfortable with certain movies I used to be ok with. I like feeling uncomfortable with bad language, crude jokes, and lukewarm and worldly music. I like feeling uncomfortable about how immodest my old "favorite shorts" seem to me now. I like being so SENSITIZED to the world. Before coming to PCC, I didn't realize how "desensitized" I had become. Don't get me wrong. PCC doesn't have it all right, but when it comes to being salt and light, separate to Christ, and "in the world, but NOT OF IT", they are doing a much better job than most Christians. Ask anybody in Pensacola and they'd agree that there is definitely "something different about those Pensacola students." They (as in hundreds of students weekly) are out in the community--doing Bible clubs in parks, visiting nursing home residents, spending time with teens at juvenile detention facilities, puppet ministry, working local jobs and just shining Christ's love through service. Because of this, I like being associated with the school and its people.

PCC isn't a decision, or college, to take lightly. If you choose to come, get prepared to be stretched, challenged, and have your perspective morphed by God through those tests.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2014

Education Quality: A+, Innovation: B-