Patrick Henry is the Best Worst College in America
There are times in life when it’s good to be considered the “worst” on a list – especially when that list is the “Top Party Schools in America.”
According to “Niche,” a website that provides college, K-12, and even neighborhood rankings, that designation for 2027 belongs to Patrick Henry College, the private Christian college in Purcellville, Virginia.
Founded in 2000 by Michael Farris, a social conservative stalwart who also started the Home School Legal Defense Association, the school’s mission stands in stark contrast to the goals of Florida State University, which tops the list of party schools.
While Florida State claims to “preserve, expand, and disseminate knowledge in the sciences, technology, art, humanities, and professions,” Patrick Henry aims metaphorically higher.
Our friends in Virginia state their goal is to “Prepare Christian men and women who will lead our nation and shape our culture with timeless biblical values and fidelity to the spirit of the American founding.”
While the rankings are admittedly subjective, being listed 1,587 out of 1,587 says something – and the institution’s founder has some thoughts about it.
Writing Thursday on Facebook, Farris noted:
“Not that PHC isn’t fun. There are all kinds of genuinely fun and exciting things to do.”
He then gave an example.
“The student body erupted when the Chancellor joined the student rock band named CS Lewis & the News to play rhythm guitar for a ‘60s rock and roll segment at an annual music and comedy event.”
For those too young or otherwise disinterested in the genre, the band name is a spoof on the quintessential ‘80s band, “Huey Lewis & the News.”
Farris stresses, “If you are looking for drunken frat parties, look elsewhere. If you’re looking for the number one school in the nation in legal debate (moot court), then PHC. If you are looking for wholesome fun without a legalistic overlay, then PHC. If you are looking for a commitment to the Word of God and academic rigor, then PHC.”
It’s unfortunate that a “partying” reputation on college campuses has for so long been associated with the abuse of alcohol and the presence of sinful vices. Committed Christians have long known that intoxicating beverages aren’t necessary for gatherings to be enjoyable.
The abuse of alcohol isn’t a new development, of course. Warned King Solomon, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1). The apostle Paul also provided counsel and perspective to the partying culture of Corinth when he advised, “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful” (1 Cor. 10:23).
Patrick Henry College isn’t the only school known for its wholesome environment, of course. Other Christian schools on the Niche list include Appalachian Bible College (1,582), Baptist Health Sciences University (1,581), Wesleyan College (1,579), and Maranatha Baptist University (1,577).
For years, The Princeton Review ran its annual “Stone-Cold Sober” school list, and regularly included such beloved Christian institutions as Wheaton College, Grove City College, Thomas Aquinas College, College of the Ozarks and Calvin University. They stopped publishing it in 2022.
Farris concluded his reflections on Patrick Henry College’s “Dead Last” ranking with this hale and hearty endorsement of the school he helped start.
“If your priorities match ours, PHC is truly in a class by itself.”
