A recent Fuller Youth Institute study found students in their second and third year of college feel closer to God since leaving high school. Students were asked “Since leaving high school, what’s changed about the way you view God?” Among the 14 different responses given, the top three were: 1) Feeling closer to God, 2) Believing that God is bigger than they once thought, and 3) Having a greater understanding that God is with them and for them. Previous research revealed that 40–50% of students struggle in their faith after high school graduation, but two to three years later, they are experiencing positive changes regarding their faith. More of them now see God as more active, involved, and important in their day-to-day reality. Many students also said they became closer to God through the adversity and challenges they faced since leaving high school.
