Being a college student is hard, and there’s a lot for them to figure out as they adjust to the college experience. Supporting them in meaningful ways can be challenging.
This collection of Bible verses for college students are helpful in praying for your student or a student you know. Parents, youth pastors, family friends, or whoever you are – you can be praying for them during this time of change!
You can also use these verses to encourage them directly. Don’t miss out on the free Bible verses for students printable at the end of this post! These favorite verses are helpful for students of any age.
Bible Verses for College Students
Pray through these Bible verses for college students to support them, putting their name in the verse if applicable.
Sharing a Bible verse or Bible passage with your college student can be helpful, but be thoughtful and discerning about it. Tossing a Bible verse at someone who is going through a problem, without listening to them carefully and considerately, can do more harm than good.
These encouraging, short Bible verses for college students can help them face challenging circumstances with God’s Word.
Isaiah 40:29
“He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might.”
A lot is being asked of our students today. They may have just a few things easier, but they face challenges that their parents and grandparents never had to face. Pray that they will look to God for the strength they need each day.
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Students face problems each day at school in their social life, academic life, and spiritual life. Some may not feel safe at school. May they know that God is their refuge! The Lord will help them in times of trouble.
Ephesians 6:10
“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.”
This verse precedes the passage about putting on the spiritual armor of God, in Ephesians 6:13-20. Pray that the students would be strengthened by God.
Pray that they would prepare to be strong in Him by reading His Word in the Holy Bible and spending time in prayer. Pray for college students struggling with finals week. Pray for college graduates to be strong as they navigate the next chapter of their life as young adults.
The next three Bible verses for college students specifically address the challenges of being a younger person.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.”
No one should look down on another because of their age. While wisdom and knowledge may increase with age, so can stubbornness and sinfulness. Young people have a lot to offer. Many have observed that Gen Z is more creative, compassionate, and empathetic than the generations before it. Don’t dismiss those younger than you.
This Bible verse also encourages young people to be an example of all the good traits of being a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray that your student would be taken seriously and would be a good witness.
2 Timothy 2:22 ERV
“Stay away from the evil things a young person like you typically wants to do. Do your best to live right and to have faith, love, and peace, together with others who trust in the Lord with pure hearts.”
This verse from the Easy-to-Read Version of the Bible puts this plainly. There are a lot of sins that today’s culture will just accept that college students do. Pray that your student would not just accept that, but would trust in the Lord and obey His Word.
Titus 2:6-8
“Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.”
This passage urges young people to set an example of good works and integrity. Pray that your college student will not just do as he or she pleases, but that they would be a good witness for the Lord.
College students typically have to manage a lot of tasks at once. These next few motivational Bible verses for college students are helpful as they work hard towards their goals.
Colossians 3:23
“And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men.”
New high school graduates become college freshmen overnight, and have to figure out a lot of things for the first time. Pray for your college student, that he or she would be able to honor God with the tasks they have at hand. Pray that they would seek God’s priorities and not their own.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
This is a reminder not only for college students, but for everyone, to glorify God in all you do. Pray for them to be strong, to stay away from that which does not glorify God. May they complete the tasks ahead of them for God’s glory.
Proverbs 12:14 NLT
“Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.”
Pray that college students will choose their words carefully. Pray that their hard work would be recognized and blessed. Pray that a study session would be rewarded with good grades.
The next few Bible verses for college students remind them to stay faithful to their Christian walk.
Psalm 111:10 NASB1995
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.”
Pray that this would motivate college students to prioritize spending time with God. Pray that they would not lose sight of the importance of their walk with God.
James 1:2-3 NIV
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
College students can face big problems with less tangible resources. Pray that they will turn to God for what they need and persevere faithfully through their problems.
These final two verses are Bible verses for college students going away to college or out into the world.
Colossians 2:8 NIV
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
College students can struggle with their faith while adjusting to a whole new college life. Many ideas can sound good but be based on a false and damaging premise.
Pray that your college student would know the truth and reject “hollow and deceptive” philosophies, especially during difficult times. Pray that they would trust Christ Jesus and cherish the Word of God. May they see their relationship with Jesus as the most important thing in their life.
2 Peter 3:17-18 NLT
“You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.”
Pray that your college student would be on guard as they navigate their way through student life or other new challenges. Pray that they would grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.
Free Printable PDF Bible Verses for Students
This free printable Bible Verses for Students is perfect for including with a note or a lunch. Attaching one to a mirror or a bulletin board is a great reminder to pray for your student throughout the school year. It includes 5 Bible Verses for students from this post. To download, please visit the Free Bible Verse Printables page.
The printable is not labeled as Bible verses for college students, so feel free to use it for praying for any student – elementary school, middle school, high school, or homeschool!
I hope you found these Bible Verses for College Students helpful, and that you will be encouraged by praying through them. Let’s pray for these students right now, from Ephesians 6:10.
O Lord, Thank You for loving these college students. We pray that they would be strong in You, and in the strength of Your might. May they look to You for their strength, and may they feel that strength today. Please be with them each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
If you are interested in praying Bible verses for college students, Moms in Prayer has a page dedicated to prayer points for college students here.
If you found Bible Verses for College Students helpful, you may also want to read Back to School Prayers and Bible Verses for Teacher Appreciation.
