Letters to the Editor
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The problem is not that you are an atheist
the problem is that you seem to think you are now a liar, both in your statement, and in the present through by the lie of silent assertion. You would be surprised at how many believers have the same thoughts as you. You do not have a clean conscience---a problem shared by atheists and so-called believers alike. You share values with religious people. Start telling the truth to yourself and others, and you would be surprised where that leads. At my older, traditional, catholic institution that I attended for college, we were taught both atheist and religious thinking and philosophy from around the world. One thing that I will never forget was how similar an atheist thinking such as Albert Camus, was to some of the general religious beliefs that I had. I step above or a step below, depending on your perspective. Perhaps, you might want to read some biographies of him, and other people who have been through this same journey. I wonder what Camus' journey would have eventually led to had he not died at 45. Anyway, he was dedicated to truth and love, as you seem to be. Thomas Jefferson was similar. Religion is supposed to be the same way, but it wallows in mistake and hypocrisy caused by institutions desire for self preservation. Continue that investigation and let the chips fall where they may.
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religion is a very personal matter
There are so many opinions flying around on both sides of this issue (come out or don't come out) and all have merit... but Cary got it most right. Essentially, religion or lack thereof is a very personal thing. There's no one "correct" answer here - what the LW needs is to do some soul searching. I've been through that process, and here's what worked for me (take what you like):
I grew up in a mixed religion family where I witnessed a good deal of fighting over the subject. I never believed in the Judeo-Christian God, and I got my share of hatred from one side of the family over it - and still do.
At the same time, I coexist quite comfortably (for the time being) in an Evangelical Christian aerobics class that I have attended for about two years now. During the prayer at the end of each class, I just bow my head and do meditation. I personally don't think that it's pandering or hypocritical - just respectful. However, occasionally someone tries to push their beliefs on me verbally, and then it gets uncomfortable. In those rare situations, I respectfully proclaim my lack of faith. I can deal with having a minor confrontation to defend my right to form my own beliefs when that right is challenged. So far, no one has asked me to leave the class over it. But, if they did, I would leave and find a different place to exercise. That's hardly as weighty a decision as changing Universities, granted.
I also want to give further recognition to a couple of the letters that I thought made good points. First, to Sandra M (10/24 at 11:39PM) for her points about morality and atheism. (Olaighaire recently posted something similar but with much hyperbole and contempt.) And, secondly, to Pastafarians Unite! (10/25 at 6:08AM), who was the only one I noticed to bring up Unitarian Universalism (sorry if I missed any other references to it). My husband and I, too, have found a friendly home at our local UU fellowship, and LW might want to look into that as a way to find some allies in the quest for truth, yes, even if your truth is that there is no God. If you take the route that may estrange you from your family and school, LW, you will need to find some new allies and friends. Best of luck.
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I was in the same boat
At 58 years old, being brought up an energetic believer, I am now quite comfortable in my atheism (which I came to after many years of seeking to reconcile the obvious self-contradictory beliefs contained in protestant, jewish, and far eastern religions. I wanted desperately to hold onto my faith in some form or other. I lost that battle).
People have emotional needs and most will find some sort of belief in the supernatural to fill them, with no desire to examine their own beliefs honestly. I've observed that this is also true of strongly held political views, or even those who preach for or against global warming.
At any rate, adults need to carefully weigh the costs against the benefits of taking actions that might cause life-changing results.
Take a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle. On the right side write down all the negatives of "coming out" (e.g. loss of semester, strain on relationships, etc.); on the left, write down all the positives (e.g. feel better about myself).
By the time you finish this exercise, you'll know what the right decision is for yourself.
Personally, I've always thought stories of religious martyrs (who were killed for refusing to deny their faith) somewhat stupid. You'd be committing the same mistake in reverse if you "came out". I'd opt for hiding my light under a bushel for the time being. Realize that the world has always had an abundance of believers; they won't go away. I just accept them as they are and hope they won't come to get me and do their Torqemada act someday.
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It's good to pretend, but transfer anyway
You'll find out as you get older that the ability to pretend to be something you're not is actually a useful skill. Consider this just practice, or if you want to be romantic, pretend you're a spy and your life depends on maintaining your cover story. I have worked for a Catholic organization and gave well-received lectures on the theology of social justice without anybody knowing I stopped believing in God when I grew up. It's not as if you've joined the mob and are now being told you need to kill someone.
For the situation you've described, your biggest problem is not the ethics, but the very practical issue that any college which requires a statement of faith (Bob Jones? Liberty?) is likely to have an abysmal reputation in the real world. I confess I would not hire anyone from the schools I mentioned, unless the applicant could overcome my assumption their education lacked rigor, and they themselves lack intellectual curiosity.