Why are you planning to go to college? For Christians, the answer shouldn’t just be about getting a degree or landing a good job—it should also be about honoring God with your gifts, preparing to serve others, and stewarding your time and resources wisely. Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

That includes your education.

As you think about where to apply or attend, it’s important to prayerfully consider your decision. Not all colleges are the right fit, and some may come with big price tags and small returns. Choosing a college for the wrong reasons can leave you not only with debt, but with missed opportunities to grow into the person God is calling you to be.

Before you commit, take time to reflect, seek wise counsel, and make sure your motivations line up with godly wisdom—not just the pressures or emotions of the moment.

Here are some of the common (and costly) bad reasons students choose a college:

1. “I Want the Experience of Going to That College.”

There's nothing wrong with wanting a great college experience. Campus life can be fun, and you'll make memories that last a lifetime. But make no mistake—you’re not paying thousands of dollars for fun. You’re paying for an education. Prioritizing events or football games over academics and affordability is a very expensive way to chase entertainment.

If you’re only choosing a school because it looks fun on social media or has a reputation for being “the place to be,” hit pause. Ask yourself: Will this school help me reach my goals, or just drain my wallet while distracting me from them?

2. “It’s a Prestigious, Expensive School.”

Prestige without purpose is pointless—especially if it puts you tens of thousands of dollars in debt.

Expensive doesn’t always mean better. Some schools have incredible reputations, but so do many affordable ones. Your success in life will be determined more by your character, effort, and persistence than by the name printed on your diploma. A lesser-known school may offer smaller classes, more individualized attention, and an equally strong program in your field—all for a fraction of the cost.

Before choosing a pricey school based on its name alone, ask: Is this cost justifiable based on the value I’ll actually receive?

3. “It’s Where My Girlfriend/Boyfriend is Going.”

Let’s be honest—this one happens all the time. It feels romantic and exciting. You imagine staying close, sharing the college experience, and maybe even building a future together. But here's the reality: most high school relationships don’t last. If you base your college decision on a relationship that ends, you could find yourself in the wrong place with the wrong major, a broken heart, and a pile of student loan debt.

4. “It’s Far Away from Home.”

Some students want to stay close to family, while others can’t wait to leave. If your main goal is to escape your hometown, be cautious. Out-of-state tuition is often significantly higher than in-state rates, and the added costs of travel, housing, and living away from home can pile up fast.

Distance for the sake of distance is not a smart financial move. Consider the total cost and ask: Is it worth going far away just to be somewhere different? Sometimes, a nearby school with a great program and lower tuition is the wiser path.

5. “It’s My Favorite Team.”

You love the team. You wear the colors. You know the chants. That’s awesome! But being a sports fan is not a good reason to choose a college.

The reality? You can be a die-hard fan without ever stepping foot on that campus. And let’s not forget—your favorite team can change. Mine did. I (Art Rainer) wasn’t even a Kentucky Wildcats fan until I started attending the school.

Don’t make a life-changing, expensive decision based on tailgates and touchdowns. Let your love for a team stay in the stands—not on your tuition bill.

6. “It’s Where Everyone Else is Going.”

Peer pressure doesn’t end after high school. Watching friends make decisions can influence your own more than you realize. But remember—college isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Your friends may have different goals, financial situations, or career paths. God has made you unique, and your college choice should reflect that. Don’t follow the crowd if it leads you somewhere that doesn’t make sense for your future. Ask: Does this school fit my needs, or am I just tagging along?

College is one of the most significant financial and personal decisions you’ll make. It’s easy to be swayed by emotion, peer pressure, or the image a school presents. Scripture encourages us to seek wisdom in every area of life. This includes the path you take after high school. Choosing a college isn't just about location, prestige, or popularity—it's about seeking the Lord's guidance and making decisions that honor Him and reflect good stewardship of your resources, time, and talents.

James 1:5 also reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” So, ask God for wisdom. Invite Him into the decision-making process. Research, plan, pray, and surround yourself with wise counsel. When you approach this decision with a heart surrendered to Him, you can walk forward with confidence—knowing you’ve chosen a path that’s not just smart, but spiritually grounded.

Don’t aim for what looks good on the outside. Aim for what leads you toward God’s purpose for your life.