Best College Degrees for Homeschoolers
As the parent of a homeschooled senior and a homeschooled graduate, I know that guiding our high schoolers on the path of college vs. workforce and helping them choose the right major can be a challenge. There are so many factors to consider. We may ask ourselves if our kids are ready for college. They may be asking themselves how to know what path God is calling them on and what college is the right choice. You may be asking yourself how to know which college is homeschool-friendly and which will align with your family’s values and beliefs.
There are so many things to consider regarding college and homeschooling. We are going to answer these questions and show you what college degrees are the best for homeschooled students, which college choices are homeschool-friendly, and why colleges are pursuing homeschoolers. Let’s dive in!
Colleges Are Pursuing Homeschoolers
One thing that really surprised me as my girls entered high school was the sheer number of college flyers, catalogs, and advertisements that began filling our mailbox. As senior year approached, the inbox became cluttered, and the phone calls began. I can attest, from experience, that colleges are increasingly interested in homeschooled students. Why is this? Studies have found time and time again that homeschooled students can be just as successful as those who attended traditional high schools, if not more. Homeschooled students possess many qualities that colleges value, including:
- Higher GPAs and ACT scores
- Creative and independent thinkers
- Self-starters.
- A love of learning
- Well-rounded applications with various extra-curriculars, such as volunteer experience, academic achievements, religious activities, and athletics.
What does this tell us? Homeschooling produces truly well-educated kids. These kids often become better educated than their public school peers, with a true eagerness to learn. Colleges love homeschooled students!
Best Majors & Careers for Homeschooled Students (with top earning potential!)
So, what career path and/or college degree should our homeschoolers pursue? The answer is whichever one God has called them to. Each of our kids has a set of specific skills and talents that the Lord has gifted them with. They may already be considering one of these career paths, or maybe looking into them will help you and your student recognize a possible career goal that aligns with their unique God-given abilities.
Engineering – $76,740
Engineers design and build products, structures, and technology systems. It’s the current highest-paying major, and projected earnings have increased by 3.1% since 2023.
Your child may make a good engineer if:
- He or she is curious about the world around them and wants to know more about how things work
- He or she lovs to problem-solve and come up with out-of-the-box solutions
- He or she is a spatial thinker and can visualize structures and figures in their mind, including how they can be combined, rotated, and changed in three dimensions.
Graduates with engineering degrees often become:
- Software Developers
- Industrial Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Civil Engineers
- Architectural or Engineering Managers
Computer Sciences – $74,780
Computer science deals with both software and hardware. Computer science majors learn to use algorithms and design computer architecture to solve complex computing problems.
Your child may consider a career in computer science if:
- He or she has shown a strong interest in technology.
- He or she enjoys solving complex problems logically and has creative problem-solving skills.
- He or she loves learning new coding languages and is fascinated by how computers work.
Graduates with a computer and information technology degree often become:
- Information Security Analysts
- Software Developers
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Computer Systems Analysts
Math and Sciences – $71,080
With a bachelor’s degree in math or science, your student will gain a strong foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical skills, and logical reasoning, which are highly valued regardless of which career path they choose.
Your child may consider a degree in math or science if:
- He or she finds advanced math concepts challenging and engaging
- He or she enjoys conducting science experiments and analyzing data
- He or she is fascinated by complex mathematical patterns and/or the workings of the natural world
- He or she prefers solving theoretical problems and/or exploring real-world applications through science
- He or she is intrigued by research questions and enjoys diving into scientific topics
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in the mathematics and science fields can become:
-
- Data Scientists
- Software Developers
- Actuaries
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Biologists
- Environmental Scientists
- Chemists
- Biomedical Engineers
- Petroleum Geologists
Small Business Owner /Entrepreneur (No Degree Needed!) – $49,000
By the time they are in high school, many homeschoolers, whether their parents are entrepreneurs or not, find themselves starting businesses. Whether it’s setting up at a local vendor fair, mowing lawns, or managing a childcare business, they find ways to bring in their own money. Homeschoolers make great entrepreneurs because they are self-starters and because homeschooling has provided them with the time needed to pursue their passion and hone skills in an area of interest that may have otherwise only been a hobby. If your student is interested in pursuing a small business idea or becoming an entrepreneur, encourage that while he or she is still in high school.
- Discuss his or her ideas, dreams, and passions
- Brainstorm and research together
- Help him or her create a business plan
- Teach financial literacy when it comes to running a business
- Assist with marketing and promoting his or her business
Careers requiring Non-Degree Training or Certificates
Additional careers that may require a certificate or training without a college degree include:
- Dental Assistants
- Registered Behavioral Technicians
- Realtors
- Animal Groomers
- Electricians
- Carpenters
- Plumbers
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Choreographers
There are many more ideas not listed here; really, the possibilities are endless. You may know that one of the above degrees or career possibilities is exactly where God has gifted your student. If so, great! But, for others, recognizing he or her gifts and talents may be a little harder. If you are not sure what path God is leading your students on, talk to them, pray with them, and ask God to guide you both. Then, consider having them take one of these career assessment tests.
Colleges Considered Great for Homeschoolers
We are all aware of the woke policies in many universities and that some schools may be more homeschooler- and Christian-friendly than others. Thankfully, there are a ton of colleges out there that are known for being homeschool-friendly. You may want to consider one of these universities when you begin your college search. Many will be at the Creation College Expo, where you can talk to admissions employees and learn what college may be the right fit for you.
- Abilene Christian University
- Academy of the Arts
- Ambassador Baptist College
- Appalachian Bible College
- Baptist College of Ministry
- Bob Jones University
- Brookes Bible College
- Bryan College
- Cedarville University
- Central Baptist College
- Clear Creek Baptist Bible College
- College of the Ozarks
- Columbia International University
- Commonwealth Baptist College
- The Crown College
- Dallas Baptist University
- Dayspring Bible College
- Emmaus Bible College
- Faith Baptist Bible College
- God’s Bible School & College
- Grace College
- Hannibal-LaGrange University
- Heartland Christian College
- Hillsdale College
- Jackson Hole Bible College
- Legacy Trade College
- Liberty University
- Maranatha Baptist University
- Master’s Baptist College
- The Master’s University
- Montana Bible College
- Northeastern Baptist College
- Ohio Christian University
- Patrick Henry College
- Pensacola Christian College
- Southland Bible Institute
- Trinity College of Florida
- Truett McConnell University
- Valor Christian College
- Veritas Baptist College
- Welch College
- West Coast Baptist College
- Word of Life Bible Institute
Check out this article for information about starting college as a homeschool graduate from a former homeschooler!