Grace Thompson
Catholic colleges and universities in the United States are private higher learning institutions run by the Catholic Church. They are known for their small class sizes, strong intellectual tradition, and supportive communities. These colleges offer a wide range of undergraduate majors and degree programs, including theology and religious studies, as well as secular liberal arts programs. There are over 200 Catholic colleges in the US, spread across 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. These institutions provide students with diverse academic and social experiences, emphasising knowledge, faith, critical reasoning, intercultural dialogue, and academic freedom.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Catholic colleges and universities | 221 |
| Number of students enrolled in Catholic colleges and universities | 720,000+ |
| Percentage of students enrolled in faith-based colleges and universities that are in Catholic institutions | 50% |
| Number of states with Catholic colleges and universities | 40 |
| Number of Catholic colleges and universities that are members of the ACCU | 181 |
| Number of Jesuit colleges and universities | 28 |
| Number of medical schools | 5 |
| Number of law schools | 28 |
| Number of schools of engineering | 25 |
| Number of schools of nursing | 128 |
| Number of schools of education | 163 |
| Number of women's colleges | 14 |
| Number of aviation programs | 2 |
| Average student body size | 3,650 |
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What You'll Learn
- Catholic colleges in the US vary in size, ranging from under 1,000 to over 20,000 students
- Catholic colleges are known for their small class sizes and strong intellectual tradition
- Catholic colleges are private institutions run by the Catholic Church, balancing secular education with spiritual community
- Catholic colleges offer a wide range of undergraduate majors and degree programs, including secular liberal arts programs
- Catholic colleges are committed to community, with many requiring or encouraging community service and social justice initiatives
Catholic colleges in the US vary in size, ranging from under 1,000 to over 20,000 students
Catholic colleges in the US vary significantly in size, with some institutions having fewer than 1,000 students and others boasting over 20,000. This diversity in scale offers a range of educational environments to choose from.
Smaller Catholic colleges, with under 1,000 students, provide a more intimate and tight-knit community feel. These colleges often emphasise the personal and spiritual growth of their students, alongside academic excellence. They may offer unique programmes or specialisations that cater to specific interests or faith-based pursuits. Examples of colleges in this category include the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and Saint Leo University in St. Leo, Florida, both of which have a strong Catholic tradition.
On the other hand, larger Catholic colleges with over 20,000 students present opportunities for a broader range of academic and extracurricular activities. They may have more extensive resources, renowned faculty members, and well-known athletic programmes. These larger institutions often attract students from diverse backgrounds and faiths, creating a vibrant and multicultural community. Notable examples include Notre Dame, Georgetown, and Villanova, which are highly regarded for their academic standards and extracurricular offerings.
The variation in size among Catholic colleges in the US allows students to find an institution that aligns with their personal preferences, academic goals, and spiritual journey. Whether a small, close-knit community or a large, diverse student body, Catholic colleges offer a range of educational experiences to suit different needs and aspirations.
The exact number of Catholic colleges in the US is difficult to pinpoint as the data varies. Some sources cite 181 US members of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) as of 2024, while others mention a total of 221 Catholic colleges and universities, attended by over 720,000 students. These institutions are spread across 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, showcasing the widespread presence of Catholic higher education in the country.
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Catholic colleges are known for their small class sizes and strong intellectual tradition
Catholic colleges and universities in the US make up half of all Catholic universities worldwide. They are spread across 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. There are 181 US members of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) as of 2024, though other sources cite 221 Catholic colleges and universities in the US.
Catholic colleges are known for their small class sizes, which encourage close student-professor interactions and individualized attention. They also have a strong intellectual tradition, with an emphasis on knowledge and learning steeped in the long tradition of the Catholic Church. The Catholic intellectual tradition encourages a balance between faith and reason, helping students to see various viewpoints and grow intellectually and spiritually. This is combined with a rich liberal arts education and service-oriented learning.
The identity of Catholic colleges rests on three key ideas: the Catholic intellectual tradition, a rich liberal arts education, and service-oriented learning. Theology courses at Catholic colleges explore a breadth of faith traditions and their historical context, and students are not required to take part in compulsory religious practice. The religious studies program is central, providing students with a strong grasp of Catholic teachings and how to address current issues with these insights.
Catholic colleges also foster strong campus communities, with a commitment to community service and service-learning. They offer a supportive atmosphere and a range of extracurricular activities that extend beyond religious involvement. They are inclusive and welcoming to people of all faiths and backgrounds, with about 65% of undergraduate students enrolled in Catholic schools identifying as Catholic.
Catholic colleges provide a unique pathway toward a career, with a long history of delivering academic excellence and preparing aspiring leaders and students. They offer a holistic education with a focus on ethics and social justice, developing graduates as faithful practitioners of the Catholic tradition.
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Catholic colleges are private institutions run by the Catholic Church, balancing secular education with spiritual community
Catholic colleges are private institutions run by the Catholic Church, balancing secular education with a spiritual community. There are over 200 Catholic colleges and universities in the US, accounting for half of all students enrolled in faith-based colleges and universities in the country. These schools are spread across 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. They include a diverse array of institutions, ranging from small colleges with fewer than 1,000 students to large universities with over 20,000 students.
Catholic colleges and universities offer a wide range of undergraduate majors and degree programs, including secular liberal arts programs in areas such as history, literature, and philosophy. They also provide excellent theology and religious studies programs, with some institutions requiring community service or religion and theology classes for graduation. These colleges are known for their strong academic reputation, welcoming communities, and commitment to personalized attention, with small class sizes and an average student body of around 3,650.
The experience of attending a Catholic college is shaped by its affiliation with the Catholic Church, fostering a shared value structure and a common language and ethical underpinning that can enhance a student's academic and social experience. Students have the opportunity to explore their faith while also engaging in a wide range of student organizations and activities. Catholic colleges often encourage action and service, educating students on social justice issues and preparing them to be change-makers who confront humanity's most urgent challenges.
Catholic colleges and universities have a strong intellectual tradition and are committed to the complementary values of faith, critical reasoning, intercultural dialogue, and academic freedom. Many institutions rank highly among national universities and are known for their groundbreaking research in various fields, including the life sciences and social sciences. They also offer generous financial aid packages, making them a best-buy option for students seeking a high-quality, affordable education.
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Catholic colleges offer a wide range of undergraduate majors and degree programs, including secular liberal arts programs
Catholic colleges in the United States offer a diverse range of undergraduate majors and degree programs, including secular liberal arts programs. With over 220 Catholic colleges and universities spread across 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, students have a wide array of educational options to choose from.
The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) boasts 181 member institutions in the US as of 2024, making up a significant portion of Catholic universities worldwide. These colleges and universities offer a comprehensive selection of academic disciplines, including medicine, law, engineering, nursing, education, and aviation.
While Catholic colleges have faced financial challenges and closures throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, they remain committed to providing affordable, high-quality education. They are frequently recognised as "Best Buy" schools by U.S. News & World Report and as "Character-Building Schools" by the Templeton Foundation.
Catholic higher education institutions emphasise the liberal arts, insisting on an education that goes beyond mere job training. They promote the dignity of all people, encourage community engagement, and foster ethical awareness. This commitment to a well-rounded education is reflected in the diverse range of undergraduate majors and degree programs they offer.
Students at Catholic colleges can pursue a variety of secular liberal arts programs alongside their religious studies. For example, Georgetown University, ranked among the best Catholic colleges, offers a diverse range of clubs and outlets for students to hone their professional skills, network, and have fun. Similarly, Saint Paul in Minnesota receives excellent reviews for its community and the opportunity to meet different people.
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Catholic colleges are committed to community, with many requiring or encouraging community service and social justice initiatives
Catholic colleges and universities are known for their commitment to community and social justice initiatives. They are well-regarded for offering high-quality, affordable education, with many institutions requiring or encouraging community service. In 2013, an ACCU analysis showed that Catholic institutions of higher learning have baccalaureate degree attainment rates higher than any other sector of higher education.
There are over 221 Catholic colleges and universities in the US, with approximately 720,000 students enrolled. These institutions are spread across 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, for example, offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in community service and social justice initiatives through its Campus Ministry. Students can teach children to read, serve the homeless, learn about the struggles of the urban poor, and participate in international service trips. The Princeton Review ranked Catholic University 8th for Students Most Engaged in Community Service in 2021.
The National Catholic School of Social Service (NCSSS) at Catholic University is another example of a Catholic institution committed to community service and social justice. The NCSSS has developed a plan to create a consortium of research centers that will utilize Catholic Social Teaching as a framework for teaching, research, and service. This consortium will be a significant part of Catholic University's response to the Catholic Tradition of charity and social justice.
Other Catholic colleges and universities across the country also prioritize community engagement and social justice. For instance, the University of San Diego offers students opportunities to promote social justice through prayer, study, and social action. Students can participate in Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, engage with national organizations making a difference, and utilize education guides to learn about specific populations they interact with during community service. Additionally, approximately 100 Catholic University students annually spend their spring break encountering marginalized or impoverished populations in the US and abroad, including in Ecuador, Camden, El Paso, and El Salvador.
Catholic colleges and universities provide a diverse array of educational choices for students seeking a values-based education that emphasizes community involvement and social justice. These institutions offer unique opportunities to make a positive impact on society while pursuing academic excellence.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 247 Catholic colleges in the US, according to the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities.
The average student body size is 3,650, which is smaller than the average undergraduate enrollment for all ranked four-year colleges.
Catholic colleges offer a balance between a secular education and a spiritual community. They emphasise knowledge and learning steeped in the Catholic tradition, with many requiring students to take religion or theology classes. Catholic colleges are known for their commitment to community, with some requiring community service as a graduation requirement.
