Liberty University Student Debt Essay

Liberty University has been training champions for Christ since its founding in 1971. The mission statement reads, “Liberty University develops Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact the world” (Educational Philosophy). Students that attend this institution are held to incredibly high standards, both in and outside of the classroom. One of these standards is the requirement of twenty hours of Christian service. According to Liberty University’s Office of Spiritual Development, the purpose of CSER (Christian Service) is “[t]o train students at Liberty University to apply a Biblical worldview as servant leaders, to transform their communities for the glory of Christ, and to use their academics

According to Harriet Stranahan, a professor at the University of North Florida, and two of her colleagues, “Students leaving college today [2019] are burdened with the highest levels of student debt in recorded history. The statistics are frightening: 44.2 million people in the US have student loan debt, total student loan debt is over $1.3 trillion, second only to housing debt in the US and over $32 billion of the debt balance is currently in default” (Beal, et. al, p. 219, 2019). As a result of these overwhelming numbers, students must work to pay off their student debt. According to Liberty University’s Student Financial Services, the average cost of tuition for undergraduate students is $23,800 per year, which averages $815 per credit hour (About Liberty). This does not include the additional student fees: including housing, meal plans, books, registration, and numerous others. Additionally, students may not have not be able to afford transportation or other expenses that are associated with the service requirement. Not only would this be an additional burden and financial strain on the student, but it could be deemed unfair and inequitable. [Statistics, Current Events,

It protects freedom of speech, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the Government for a redress of grievances (2021).” Therefore, requiring students to earn Christian service hours could be seen as coercive, especially for those who do not share the same faith. This may also create an environment where students feel compelled to participate, in order to fit in and avoid social or academic consequences, rather than a genuine desire to serve others. If Christian service is required, there will be a risk of organizations exploiting students by requiring them to participate in activities that contradict their values and beliefs. Likewise, this opens the door for the possibility of exploitation and exclusion. Students whose beliefs do not align or have prior obligations may be disproportionally impacted by this requirement, which has the potential to limit their ability to succeed at Liberty University. [Respected Authorities, History/Precedent, Guilt]
The concept of Christian Service centers positivity and servanthood. As Christians, it is important to put the teachings of Christ into practice. However, there are alternative ways to engage in service and contribute to society. These service opportunities could include volunteering for secular organizations, participating in campaigns, or advocating