Cedarville Smart Start: Helping Students Discern God’s Lead With Confidence

"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

When kids are young, this question is fun — full of hope and imagination. As a parent, I love seeing my kids dreaming about the future, imagining possibilities, and exploring their developing interests.

But as high school students approach college, that same question can feel overwhelming. Choosing a major, and ultimately a career, often feels like the biggest decision of their lives. Add in the cost of higher education, and many students begin to fear “getting it wrong.”

Today, more and more families are strategically using AP courses, dual enrollment, or community college credits to save money on undergraduate tuition costs. While this is a wise financial move, this can also speed up the timeline, pressuring students to declare a major before they feel ready.

It’s not unusual for a 17- or 18-year-old to feel overwhelmed and wonder: What if I choose the wrong path? Will I waste time and money? Will I be trapped in a career I don't enjoy?

The truth is that students need time, space, and support to explore who God created them to be. They need a way to begin their college journey without locking themselves into a box. They need flexibility and guidance to discover their calling.

That’s exactly what Cedarville University offers through its innovative Smart Start program — a one-of-a-kind opportunity designed to give students clarity, confidence, and a Christ-centered foundation as they transition from high school to college.

What Is Smart Start?

Smart Start at Cedarville University is a flexible online program that allows students to begin taking college courses and earning valuable credits toward a degree while still giving them the time and space to prayerfully discern their major.

Instead of delaying college or accumulating “maybe” credits at multiple institutions, Smart Start provides a structured, supportive on-ramp to higher education.

Students can:

• Earn affordable, transferable credits
• Work at their own pace, with multiple start dates throughout the year
• Explore different fields of study while completing general education requirements
• Grow spiritually through Cedarville’s Bible-centered courses

It truly is a smart first step — one that allows students to move forward with confidence while keeping their options open.

Why It’s Different

Many universities offer online programs, but Smart Start stands apart because it combines three elements Christian families value most:

• Flexibility: With six different start dates each year and courses that are fully online and mostly asynchronous, students can create a schedule that fits around work, family, or ministry commitments.
• Affordability: Online undergraduate tuition is just $375 per credit hour for full-time students or $525 per credit hour for part-time — a fraction of the cost of traditional on-campus programs. Families save big, and students earn credits that transfer easily.
• Faith Integration: Every Smart Start course is taught from a biblical worldview. Students will begin their Bible minor, deepening their faith while preparing for academic success.

Beyond academics, they gain a spiritual foundation and discover how God’s Word applies to every field of study — one of the most valuable aspects of the program for parents who long to see their child’s faith deepen during this season of transition.

And, as part of their first term, students are introduced to Cedarville’s award-winning support offices — Career Services, Writing Center, and The Cove (academic enrichment and support) — and meet with an academic advisor.

Courses Offered

Courses offered through Smart Start aren't "filler" — they've each been carefully chosen to build a strong educational foundation. Students complete:

• General education classes in areas such as communication, English, history, and science that are required for nearly every degree.
• Bible minor courses like The Bible and the Gospel or Old Testament Literature, strengthening faith and encouraging thoughtful reflection on vocation and calling.
• Electives that spark curiosity and allow exploration of potential majors without the pressure of declaring right away.

This balance helps students make steady progress toward a degree while trying out areas of interest — from business to health sciences, ministry, or the arts.

Cost and Flexibility

For many students, Smart Start’s affordability and flexibility are clear advantages.

• The discounted tuition rate makes it a cost-effective way to earn credits, easing the financial burden of college.
• With six start dates available each year, students aren’t locked into the traditional fall or spring semester schedule, giving them the freedom to begin when it works best for their personal and academic plans.
• Because courses are fully online, students can study from home while still working, volunteering, traveling, or simply taking extra time to seek God’s leading in their life.

This format makes Smart Start not only a wise financial choice but also a stress-reducing option for both students and their families.

Who Is Smart Start For?

Smart Start is ideal for:

• Students unsure about their major who want time to explore
• Students leaning toward a field but eager to get ahead on general education courses before moving to campus
• Students needing flexibility due to work, family, or ministry commitments
• Students eager to grow spiritually while discerning God’s plan for their future

FAQs Parents Ask

• Do the credits count? Yes. Credits fully apply to a Cedarville degree and are designed to transfer easily to other accredited universities.
• Do students have to declare a major? No. They can remain in the program for up to four semesters, giving time to prayerfully discern God’s leading before committing to a degree path.
• Will my student be supported in an online format? Yes. Cedarville provides strong academic support, advisor access, and faculty interaction — creating a nurturing, Christ-centered learning environment — for its online students.

Moving Forward With Confidence

As parents, we all want to see our children walk with God in confidence rather than fear. The college years are a critical time for growth, but the pressure to choose a major doesn’t have to derail the joy of discovery.

Cedarville’s Smart Start program offers students time, support, and a biblically faithful foundation — while saving families money. Students can earn real, affordable credits, explore career options, and strengthen their faith before stepping onto campus full time.

If your student is wrestling with uncertainty, don’t see it as a setback — see it as an opportunity. With Smart Start at Cedarville University, they can begin their college journey in a way that’s wise, flexible, and faith-driven.

Instead of being paralyzed by the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, your son or daughter can step forward with excitement, trusting God to guide their steps.

Learn more and apply to Smart Start today.