Corban University
Salem, OR, USA

Reviews

Corban University

Casey from Post Falls, ID

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There are a variety of classes here--I feel like a kid in a candy store! Luckily, you have a personal advisor in the department of your major who is dedicated to making sure you take the right classes at the right time. That way, you can take that archery class and study into Daniel and Revelation along with your required courses. Another note: every student graduates with a minor in Biblical Studies.
Am enjoying being here
I can't imagine myself at any other campus! It's big enough that you feel all-growed-up-and-on-your-own, but small enough to get to know people. The best part about the friendly Corban atmosphere is the hand print of God wherever you look!
Bang for the buck
Don't let that price tag drive you away! It IS possible to get through here on grants and scholarships alone (I'm evidence)! Corban holds itself to entirely different standards than other schools--professors included. The quality of education, personal feel, opportunities in the area and room for spiritual growth are truly priceless. If you want to mature in your faith and knowledge, dedicating both completely to God, Corban is the place for you.
Tips for prospective students
Visit! If you organize a visit through the college on the right day of the week (Mon, Wed or Fri), you qualify for a $500 scholarship your first year here! Plus, you could stay in the rad dorms. :D Also, get your FAFSA done as early as possible (Corban's reservoir for financial assistance depletes significantly by the summer... the earlier you're in the system, the better chance you'll have for getting every penny you can). Check into the scholarships Corban offers and apply for whatever you qualify for! Also, take that SAT or ACT more than once in hopes of qualifying for a higher academic scholarship--one point on the ACT got me another $8,000.
Great for these types of students
I've encountered an entire array of personalities here, and the fun of living in a dorm is unparalleled! There's a healthy balance of everything from MLIA readers and reenactors to normal sports participants, book worms and video game enthusiasts. There truly is a niche for every person who desires to seek after God and the plan He has for him or her.

Gina from Polson, MT

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors here are extremely accessible. They are willing to help their students make the grade! Each class period is kept lively and interesting, so I learn something new every day.
Am enjoying being here
The people are all extremely welcoming. Everyone works together to avoid leaving anybody out of an event. The campus is beautiful, the dorms are comfortable, and the food is not too bad either!
Bang for the buck
Corban is rather expensive, but I find it to be well worth the money. Each student graduates with a bachelor degree in his or her chosen field, as well as with a minor in Bible. Not only that, Corban lets students begin their observations as freshman so they can go directly out into the field.
Tips for prospective students
If you are a student here, I would suggest that you bring a car to campus. It is not an absolute necessity, but the bus stop is a thirty minute walk from campus, and the campus is a five minute drive out of town.
Great for these types of students
Corban College is great for a student who loves God and wants to get connected with other believers. If you are a hard worker and willing to seek God's will in your life, Corban is the place for you.

M.

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Corban has a beautiful campus located on a hill. It has a focus and a drive for building community both on the campus and on the city, enabling students to study and share the truth about God. The faculty is devoted to shaping and encouraging students to grow and mature into capable men and women for f this generation.
Tips for prospective students
When checking out schools, be aware that many schools use gimmicks to entice you; and therefore, do not always provide an accurate image of college life at that particular school.
However, if you decide to attend Corban University, be ready for a packed orientation weekend, full of meeting new people, moving onto campus and entering dorm life. A great way to prepare for all this is to take advantage of the CorbanConnect, which is an online forum available to incoming freshmen to meet other new freshmen.
Academic Rigor
The classes aren't exceptionally hard. However, they are constantly shaping your worldview as you ponder how you feel about modern issues. The courses are designed to make you understand what it means to be a Christian today and how to build your future around your faith, in addition to teaching you the subject material
Dorm Life
Personally, I am an introvert which made transistioning into college more difficult for me than it was for many of my peers. However, Corban has such a community-based and loving atmosphere, even I found it easy to call my dorm home. Corban has 5 residence halls - Prewitt (girls)/Van Gilder (boys), commonly known as PVG, is the only co-ed dorm and is situated near the top of the hill. Balyo (girls) and Davidson (boys) is one of the Brother-Sister dorms, also located near the top of the campus. The other two dorms Aagard (girls) and Farrar (boys) is located at the bottom of the hill, and closest to the dining hall. Each dorm has it's own individual feel and amenities, which can make choosing a dorm to live in difficult. If you plan on attending the university, I strongly encourage you to visit each dorm personally. Mandatory Dorm Meetings and Sectionals (Halls) build and strengthen relationships, in addition to all the other exciting dorm events, such as: Mr. VG, Balyo Battles, Prewitt Prom, the Lumberjack Games, Roomies and Color Wars.
Food and Dining
Corban serves food through Aramark Food Industries, and offers a buffet for each meal of the day. While the hot food line is only open for 2-3 hours per meal, students are always welcome in the dining hall and can eat cereals, salads, sandwichs, desserts or soups between meals. During meals, the grill and pizza bar is always available. Corban Dining is aware of the frequency of health issues, and makes sure to offer a vegetarian dish and a gluten free dish at each meal as well.
What to do for fun
In addition to all the dorm events, Corban ASB hosts a number of exciting events that the student body can attend for free, including: the Beach Party, the Barn Party, a Sadies Hawkins dance, the Winter Formal, Limelight, Battle of the Bands and the end-of-the-year party. Corban ASB also loves to give out free T-shirts, and so many of these events include free shirts. Twice year students are offered a Midnight Pancake Breakfast which always draws a crowd. This year, in particular, both Phil Wickham and Above the Golden State even came to the school and did a concerts. Going to on campus games are immensely fun as well, although Corban offers a limited amount of sports. Of course there are lots of activities to do off campus as well. Salem is home to a variety of coffeeshops that are unique and sell the best roasts. Salem's cute downtown offers a variety of oddly-shaped bike racks, two malls and many opportunities to meet and reach out to the community through dances, the Elsinore theater and fitness centers.
Bang for the buck
It is an expensive school, but that should not deter you from attending. The education is impressive and the friendships are for life. The maturing - physically, emotionally and spiritually - that you will be doing is encouraging and should you ever need to speak to someone, faculty is always available.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
On campus we have a prayer chapel which offers space for our TrueNorth (missions) group to meet, and students can come and go there all they want to spend time with God. We have a prayer wall where students can write there prayers down and other students can write them encouraging words and support.
Great for these types of students
Corban is a great school for students who want an education that will build off of their faith and will help shape their worldview. Corban advocates community, both on campus and in the city, and so helps students grow in their faith so they can be a mature Christian and witness in all that they do.
Clubs and Activities
Corban offers a large number of clubs and activities covering a wide range of choices, including: Intramurals (from Dodgeball to Board Game Olympics, these events occur throughout the year), ASB sponsored events, missions-focused organizations, music groups, and New Christian groups. If you can think of it, Corban has it!
Greek Life
Corban doesn't have sororities or fraternities.
Campus Safety
Corban is located on a hill outside of the heart of the city and is surrounded by 5 prisons/correctional facilities. While this may not sound good, it means that Corban is safer than most campuses. The school is always notified first of anything potentially threatening occurring at the prisons, although this is an rarity. Corban maintains lighted pathways and offers free whistles to those who want to take extra precautions. Additionally, the school has 24/7 security patrol which also makes students feel safer.

Sarah from Albany, OR

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am learning so much at Corban. All students here will graduate with a minor in Biblical Studies. I'm in my first semester here, and I'm already taking two Bible classes. I have grown up going to church and reading my Bible as far back as I can remember. Since starting at Corban, though, I've learned so much that I didn't know from all those years before. Somehow, the professors here seem to know how to give you the information you need and make it stick in your brain. For example, I've never done well in history, not matter how much I try to learn the same information. But here, I remember it so much better. The professors are amazing, and they make sure to get to know their students and care about them. There's also a great variety of classes.
Am enjoying being here
I absolutely love it here. At the beginning of this summer, I wasn't sure I would be able to afford to live on campus, or even attend at all. I'm so blessed to say that God provided everything down to the last penny. I love living in my dorm (go Aagard!) and all of the people I have met in the process. My RA is amazing, and so are my roommate and everyone else I've gotten to know in and out of my dorm. I can't even imagine what it would be like to be at another school (like OSU, where I almost had to go). I have made friendships here that I know will last for years to come, even after we graduate.
The campus is beautiful and peaceful, and I can feel God's presence on a daily basis. The size is perfect. It's big enough that you don't feel stuck in a small space all the time, but small enough that you can get to know most of the students.
Bang for the buck
The cost here is expensive, but so is the cost at basically every other school in the country. The financial aid here is great. I managed to get nearly two-thirds of my costs covered by scholarships and grants. If I remember correctly, I think Corban is a bit cheaper than most other private schools in Oregon. The value of education, spiritual growth, and relationships here is totally worth the money, though. Also, know that your tuition cost covers the cost of pretty much every major activity here, so make it worth your money and get involved! We have so many fun intramural sports - from volleyball and ultimate frisbee, to capture the flag and paint balling.
Tips for prospective students
Visit! There are two weekend overnight visits each year (one in November and one in February or March), and there are individual campus tours almost daily. I would highly encourage you to come visit and see what our campus is like.
Great for these types of students
The most popular majors here are music, education, and ministry. We have a huge, amazing music program, so if you're interested in that, I would definitely recommend checking Corban out.
Our education and ministry programs are great too, and I know tons of people majoring in these.
Even the smaller programs are great too. I'm a journalism major, and I only know three other people on campus who are in the same program. But it's still a great, quality education.
Check out our list of majors and programs.

Rachel from Auburn, WA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Corban has a great Christian community, which bleeds through into every aspect of life. Professors are interested, not only in our academic success, but in seeing us grow as believers and as people. The community is welcoming and friendly, and no one is a stranger here.
Tips for prospective students
1. Keep your door open, and poke your head into other people's doors. It's a good way to get to know people quickly.
2. Take advantage of extracurricular activities, whether you are interested in drama, music, or self-defense.
3. Get into shape. We have a lot of stairs here on campus!
Academic Rigor
I'm still a freshman and had a pretty rigorous high school curriculum, so I didn't feel too challenged my first semester. Professors challenge you to do your best, and you really do need to pay attention and keep on top of your homework.
Dorm Life
Some of the dorms (Aagard and Farrar) are on the older side, but we still love them. Aagard, where I live, is pretty awesome. It's right below the dining hall, which is pretty handy when you crave a snack. We have hang-out spaces on all three floors, including a large movie room. It's pretty easy to find a good place to study or watch a movie. Sectionals are fun, and we had a great Christmas party with our brother hall that was one of the best evenings I've had all semester. I love getting to know the girls in my hall and spend time with them during hall group every week (those who come regularly).
Food and Dining
Our dining plan gives us unlimited access to the dining hall during its open hours (7:30-7:00 or so). Hot food is available during actual meal times, and has pretty good variety. The rest of the time, there is always sandwich fixings, the salad bar (well-stocked and varied), and a rotating selection of cereal, as well as fruit. We have someone working the grill at every meal, so we can get eggs at breakfast, and grilled sandwiches or burgers at lunch and dinner. There is also always pizza at lunch and dinner.
The coffee shop is open in the morning from around seven-thirty until three in the afternoon, and then opens again at eight. They have a good variety of drinks, as well as snacks. You can also get your lunch there, using your meal plan.
There is also another little snack shop in the library, called Provisions on Demand. I think it has the same hours as the library. Limited selection, but convenient hours.
What to do for fun
We have a good number of extracurriculars on campus. I participate in Women's Self Defense on Wednesday evenings and SALT, a homeless outreach ministry, on Fridays, but there are a lot of others, too. We have dance clubs, intermurals, Cineclub, an art club, a poetry club, ultimate frisbee club...
We also have ASB and SAB planned activities on a pretty regular basis, like Humans versus Zombies (an entire week of tag with nerf guns and night-time missions).
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Every dorm has its own event that it puts on some time during the year. My favorite is Farrar's Pumpkin Smash, which is a bunch of boys wrestling on a tarp covered in smashed pumpkins. It sounds pretty gross (it is), but it's also really fun to watch and cheer the guys on.
Campus Safety
The campus feels very safe. Campus safety officers are very present, and I have never felt concerned about walking around campus at night, even at times when I probably should have (like the night I walked the nature trails in the dark during Humans versus Zombies.)

Rebecca

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
College is hard work. Lots of reading, and studying and more reading. But Corban's professors are amazing because, with the small class size, they actually get to know you, your name, and pray for you. They are concerned with their students doing well not only academically, but in life as well. Every Professor has an open door policy, meaning if they are in their office, come on in! I have found my professors to be easily accessible through email, meetings before and after class and personal meetings. Having your Professor care and make themselves available makes all the difference when it comes to academic success.
Am enjoying being here
I chose Corban because the people and atmosphere were so friendly and because these people actually want to live out their faith! The smallness of the campus only increases how many people you know and faces you recognize which means there always is someone to say hi to. My favorite part of Corban is dorm life. Living in community with other fun, spontaneous Christians who love me and keep me accountable is more than i ever though i could ask for from college life.
Bang for the buck
Yes, it's a little spendy. You're paying for what taxes cover at state schools and more, the more that makes a private Christian education worth the extra buck. Professors pray before class starts and our education is based on preparing us to make a difference in the world, which means a good thorough education backed by integrity and a Biblical base. There are plenty of scholarships available, most students get financial aid from the school.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the campus if at all possible. It's a beautiful campus with wonderful people. You can only get a feel for the campus atmosphere and if it is right for you if you come and visit. Plus you can only get the $500 visit scholarship if you visit. The Corban Experience, one in the fall and one in the spring, are the best times to come.
Great for these types of students
Those wanting to grow and stretch themselves as students, people, and Christians.

Isaac from Lebanon, OR

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Corban University is the best. The community is great, the classes are great, and life is just great. The only downside is that it is very expensive.
Tips for prospective students
Corban University is hard to get into - you will need to really sell yourself to Admissions! Also, you will have to write a little testimony on how you came to faith in Christ, how you have grown in your spiritual walk, and so on.

Also, be sure to look into Corban's scholarships. Many majors have their own special scholarships - Political Science, for example, has 10 $16,000 scholarships that they give to outstanding applicants who have prior political experience.

Also, look at my comment on Dorm life if you want to know what dorm building is right for you - each has its own personality!
Academic Rigor
The classes here are great. They aren't overly easy, but they aren't a stupid kind of hard either. All of the professors are simply awesome, and rather than being condescending, cold people who find students a nuisance to be dealt with, they actually enjoy talking with you after class, helping you find opportunities, and unlocking your full potential.
Dorm Life
There are three sets of dorms on campus, and each has its own personality. They are as follows: Prewitt/Van Gilder (normally abbreviated to PVG), Balyo/Davidson, and Farrar/Aagard (often smashed together and called Fraagard.) Each has its own personality and its own special event each year.

In PVG, the building is the newest and very nice. There is a pool table and a ping pong table in the lounge, and a lot of couches and tables to study at or just hang out at. But life is dangerous here! Pranks abound in PVG, and often I hear of everything from stink bombs to freezing people's wallets. If you love pranks and you want to live in a nice building, PVG is your place! PVG's event each year is Mr VG, which is something like a mix of a pageant and a talent show.

Balyo and Davidson are also newer buildings, although they are not quite as nice as PVG. The community is also a little better here than in PVG; pranks aren't as wild or rampant, and overall these dorms offer a middle ground or 'best of both worlds' experience. If you are just wanting something 'normal,' then you want to live here! Balyo and Davidson's event each year is the Lumberjack games, which includes things like log rolling, wall climbing, etc.

Next is Fraagard. The buildings are very old and are heated by radiators, but the community is simply the best. Nowhere else on campus are people as close as here. While in PVG people keep their doors shut most of the time, in Farrar almost everybody just lets their doors stay open most of the day. People just come into each other's rooms at will and hang out. If you are looking to make lasting friendships and you don't care that heating is iffy and that there is no air conditioning at all, then consider staying in Aagard or Farrar.
Food and Dining
Dining here is run by Aramark. It is run buffet style, and the food is okay, although not stunning. One thing I appreciate is that about half of the menu options rotate and are something new every day, while the essentials are always there (ice cream, pizza, burgers and fries!)
What to do for fun
Corban doesn't have much of a party culture (especially since alcohol is not allowed on campus) but there is still a lot of fun things to do. There are a variety of intramural sports to join, as well as varsity sports if you are really good. Our men's soccer and women's volleyball especially are very good teams that place nationally a lot. Our campus also has several dozen clubs, ranging from pro-life groups to fine dining and poetry!
Bang for the buck
This place is very very expensive. But it's so great, I think it is worth it.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Farrar each year holds the Pumpkin Smash, which is when all of the Farrarians toss pumpkins out the windows of the third floor onto a mat, smash them with baseball bats, and then add a whole bunch of dish soap to the mixture. Then they take off their shirts and wrestle in it! Very gross, but a tradition that is older than I am.

There are also some strange locations on campus. The Clock Tower is a tall tower with a clock on it (how did you know?) and is often used as a grouping place. "Meet me at the clock tower!" Also, we have the 'push bush' which is a bush that has a huge dent in it because of all the people that have been pushed into it from behind.
Great for these types of students
Conservative Christian students will do great here, although a lot of more liberal Christians do just fine as well.
Clubs and Activities
Lots of clubs - several dozen! And we have intramural sports and varsity sports.
Greek Life
Ummm, there is none! The closest thing you'll get to a sorority or a fraternity is Fraagard.
Campus Safety
Simply the best. Campus officers are always there when you need them, and you never feel unsafe walking at night, or around certain groups. This is one of the greatest blessings that Corban has.

Danielle from Salem, OR

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Learning is so easy here at Corban. Professors usually have an open door policy and are willing to help you with a smile! Most class sizes are about 20 students and one on one is easy to find. Theres always study groups going on for almost any class because everyone is willing to help and study with whomever!
Am enjoying being here
I love it here at Corban University! With its natural tranquility its hard not to be joyful on campus. Corban has so many opportunities for those who want more then just a typical college experience! Being here it makes you feel apart of a loving community filled with wonderful administration, loving professors and a huge pool of people willing to be your life-long friend. Corban University doesn't make you feel like a number, it makes you feel belonged. If your not sure about it, just go out on a limb and go to Corban Experience and you will see why people like me love being here at Corban so much!
Bang for the buck
Corban is a private school so, yes the price is high but definatly worth it when you add in all of the opportunities it provides and the services as well! From a coffee shop to access to a music house Corban provides the most for its students in achedemics and in their grow as young adults!

Cory from Jefferson, OR

a past student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Did learn a lot
Excellent learning atmosphere. All professors are deeply involved in your learning. The small class sizes allow students to interact more completely in the classroom and the professors are very flexible and available to meet with students outside of class.
Did enjoy being here
Because it is a Christian school, not all people will find it as refreshing as I did. I enjoyed the various guests we had visit the campus, the weekly chapel services, and just the overall experience.
Bang for the buck
The price is a bit steep, however there are scholarship opportunities. Due to using a semester schedule instead of a trimester schedule, transferring into or out of the college is very problematic. As I was a Health Science Major, I also felt like the courses were not quite up to par.
Tips for prospective students
If you want to attend Corban, ensure you will go there all four years. Transferring into or out of the school is a major headache, and I would not advise any student to undertake it.
Great for these types of students
Students who want to enter the ministry (preaching, music, missionary, etc.), or who want to grow in their spiritual walk would be best served by Corban. The university also offers excellent business and psychology degrees if that is an interest.

Bryan from Springfield, OR

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Corban is a small school with incredible programs and professors. Some of these professors could be Ivy League level professors but instead choose to serve us here. If you come, every student graduates with a free minor in Biblical Studies as a part of the normal required curriculum.
Am enjoying being here
Corban has a wonderful, supportive, and close knit Christian community that is welcoming and encouraging. There is a plethora of on-campus activities, school promoted functions, and off-campus attractions to enjoy. This Christ-centered school is the best place for Christians seeking Liberal Arts education.
Bang for the buck
Don't let the price scare you away!! It is entirely possible to get most if not all of the financial aid to cover what you need to get here. The school is extremely helpful as well and will do whatever they can to get you here.
Tips for prospective students
Get on the scholarships early!
Great for these types of students
Christians, Those seeking to be ministers, Ed. majors, almost any major offered.