Thе article analyzes the current «axiological maturity» of students studying at Russian Orthodox colleges. The empirical study is based on the hypothesis that students at non-secular universities have a strong civic position, a patriotic attitude, trust in government and reverence for family traditions. To test it, a survey was conducted among Bachelor’s and first-year Master’s students (n=124). From the proposed value list, priority is given to the importance of health (including mental), safety (including psychological), and family. The student thus manifests a focus on a narrow social environment and the importance of personal space. The tendency to ensure one’s own safety or the safety of one’s immediate environment demonstrates the limited area of personal responsibility. The political socialization of students at non-secular universities is primarily influenced by family, social networks, and friends, and the role of educational, partisan, and religious institutions in this process is secondary. Despite the secularization and technicalization of everyday life, 66% considered themselves Christian believers. Positive religious identification correlates with a positive attitude towards family values (72%) and patriotic attitude (58%). Considering that every third student failed to avoid the influence of liberal values, the hypothesis was partially confirmed. The resulting assessment of the student’s «axiological maturity» may call for closer monitoring and adjustment of educational policy provisions for Orthodox universities by the Ministry of Education and Science and the Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church, including more attention to the country’s potential spiritual leaders.
Orthodox universities; values; students; religiosity; patriotism; trust in government; family traditions; citizenship.