Common Questions

What are the Liberal Arts?

The Liberal Arts are separated into two parts: the Trivium and the Quadrivium. The Trivium consists of Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric: the linguistic approach to knowledge. The Quadrivium consists of Arithmetic, Geometry, Music (Harmonia), and Astronomy (Cosmology): the numerical approach to knowledge. Traditionally, the seven liberal arts were understood to be the essential buildings blocks of all education, for they equipped the mind to understand the Word and the World. As Scripture says, “it is the glory of God to conceal a matter” (Prov. 25:2). The liberal arts equip students to search out the hidden truths of God’s Word and God’s World in order to better know, love, and serve the Lord.

What are the Classics?

God speaks directly to us through his infallible Word; but His wisdom can also be discerned in the writings and traditions of the past. The classical approach to education is founded on the conviction that the treasures of God’s wisdom are contained in books that have been written and preserved throughout time. While most modern education assumes that newer is better, we believe that time is the great sifter: separating timeless wisdom from fleeting fads and passing fancy. This does not mean that an older text is necessarily better or wiser than a newer text simply because of its age—but in humility we recognize that if many people from different times and cultures have recognized the wisdom of a work as to ensure its survival, then it is more likely to speak to truths that are both timely and timeless. We are committed to letting the great texts of the past speak to us in the present so that we might gain the wisdom of our forebears and press on toward greater knowledge and insight.

What kind of students come to New College Franklin?

Almost every New College student enjoys reading. Students like to consider and share challenging ideas and work hard to dig deep into difficult questions and texts. They are willing to read broadly and deeply. They tend to be musical and enjoy creative endeavors as well as active service in the church. They’re willing to work hard and have an adventurous spirit. The average CLT score of our student body is an 87, which is in the 90th percentile nationally.

What are classes like?

Since our model focuses on discipleship and mentoring, classes are usually smaller than fifteen students. Most instruction is conversational and discussion centers on great texts and great questions.

What are the demographics of the student body?

The student body is fairly evenly divided between male and female. Many of our students graduated from a formal school setting while the majority come from homeschool settings. Our students hail from all over the United States and Canada. Students come from many different theological traditions and denominations, including Presbyterian, Anglican, Greek Orthodox, Baptist, Non-Denominational, and many others. We welcome any Christian student who adheres to the historic creeds of the Christian faith.

Is New College Franklin accredited?

Yes, we are accredited. New College Franklin is a member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).

Can I go to graduate school after New College Franklin?

Absolutely! Our students have been accepted at the University of Aberdeen, the University of Dallas, and many seminaries, pursuing master’s and doctoral studies in many disciplines. Some of our students have gone on to law school and medical school as well. We are committed to ensuring our students have a path to further their education in whatever field they desire, and many of our students have received recognition for scholarly excellence in their graduate studies.

Does New College Franklin accept Federal Student Aid and other scholarships?

New College Franklin offers need-based scholarships to its students, paid for by generous donations by friends of the institution. We are also eager to consider accepting scholarships from external private funds including, but certainly not limited to the Classic Learning Test, church scholarships, and other private and secular sources.

We are committed to our mission and will not knowingly accept funds that would jeopardize our ability to fulfill what God has called us to do. Therefore, NCF does not and has no plans to accept Federal Student Aid, the GI Bill, or any other federal or state funding that would come with potential requirements for the institution.

Where do students live?

New College Franklin does not currently offer traditional dormitories and has no plans to until or unless we possess the resources to pursue creative ways to live in Christian community while avoiding an impersonal dorm culture. Our concern with this dorm culture is that students are disconnected from healthy community and the Godly leadership of faculty and the wider parish. We believe in the possibility and the advantages of covenantal academic communities in the form of residential colleges, but these mixed-use, integrated residences would be familial and less wooden than the hotel environment of most modern dorms.

New College Franklin is glad to recommend local families that may board out-of-town students. Also, Franklin has a number of affordable apartments within close proximity to the college, and most students opt to share apartments. Please contact the office for a list of local apartments or for more information onboarding with a family.

Given the academic rigor of NCF, are students able to have a job?

Many of our students work throughout their time at New College. In addition to meeting the financial needs of the student, employment during college provides the opportunity to develop a work history prior to graduation. We typically create the class schedule with uninterrupted blocks of time for students to use for employment. However, when possible, we encourage first-year students to think carefully before adding employment to their New College schedule.

What career does a Liberal Arts prepare me for? Will I be able to get a REAL job?

This question strikes at the heart of true education. The short answer is that the Christian liberal arts will prepare students not simply for a job, but for life: every day from the time they wake up to the time they go to bed. This includes helping students prepare for working in the world, in the church, and in the home. Our students have never failed to find meaningful work after graduation, but we aren’t primarily concerned with students entering a specific field, as much as ensuring that they are prepared throughout life to engage in any field to the glory of God and service of all people. For a more detailed discussion of our philosophy of vocation, click here.

How does New College Franklin keep tuition and fees low?

Unlike the majority of U.S. colleges, we believe that students' money should be going toward their education, rather than to support an oversized administration. Because of that, we keep our operational and administrative costs to a minimum and direct the majority of student tuition into the classroom. Additionally, we rely on our generous donors to cover the rest of our operational costs so that we can keep tuition affordable for every student. Our tuition is about a third of the average private college tuition. In addition to being one of the most affordable private colleges in the nation, we offer generous merit and need-based scholarships.