Crossroads College

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Mid-size city location with balance of urban amenities
• Strong focus on undergraduate education
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Life at Crossroads College reflects its small size and faith-based mission in every aspect. With fewer than 100 students, everyone knows everyone else, creating a family-like atmosphere that some students find comforting while others might occasionally feel constrained. Chapel services gather the entire community multiple times weekly for worship, teaching, and prayer. Small group Bible studies and prayer groups supplement these larger gatherings with more intimate spiritual formation experiences. Social events bring students together for fellowship, from game nights and potlucks to outdoor activities that take advantage of Minnesota's natural beauty. Residential life places students in community with one another, with residence halls that maintain single-gender floors and enforce policies reflecting the college's lifestyle standards. These standards typically prohibit alcohol, tobacco, and sexual activity outside marriage, expectations that students agree to when enrolling. Student government provides leadership opportunities and a voice in campus decision-making. Service projects connect students with needs in the Rochester community and sometimes beyond, providing practical ministry experience while making genuine contributions to those being served. Athletic programs are limited given the small enrollment, though intramural sports and outdoor recreation offer physical activity options. The close-knit environment means that students genuinely care for one another through difficult times, praying together and providing practical support when illness, family emergencies, or personal struggles arise.

Location & Surroundings

Rochester, Minnesota offers an unusual setting for a small Bible college, as the city's identity centers primarily on the Mayo Clinic, one of the world's most renowned medical institutions. This means that Rochester punches well above its weight class in terms of cultural amenities, dining options, and overall community resources, as the city has developed to serve the thousands of patients, family members, and medical professionals who cycle through the Mayo system. For Crossroads students, this translates into a livable city with more going on than most communities of 120,000 people could offer. Restaurants range from fast food to fine dining, shopping options extend beyond basics, and cultural events happen regularly at venues downtown. The urban campus setting provides convenience and accessibility, with students able to walk or take short drives to churches, service sites, and employment opportunities throughout the city. Minnesota weather demands adjustment for students from warmer climates, with cold, snowy winters that last from November through March. However, the state also offers beautiful summers with long days, abundant lakes for recreation, and genuine Midwestern friendliness that many find welcoming. The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul lie about 80 miles north, offering big-city attractions including professional sports, major concerts, museums, and neighborhoods representing cultures from around the world. For students preparing for ministry, Rochester provides ample opportunities for church involvement, community service, and real-world experience that complements classroom learning.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Financial planning is an important part of the educational journey at Crossroads College. The institution offers various forms of financial assistance including merit scholarships, need-based aid, and payment plans. Career services support students in connecting their education to professional opportunities, with graduates finding success across many industries.

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