Sarah Mitchell
There are many Catholic colleges across the United States, with some of the best including Boston College, Villanova University, Loyola Marymount University, and the University of Scranton. These colleges offer a strong sense of community and academic excellence, rooted in Catholic traditions and faith. Other notable mentions include the Franciscan University of Steubenville, the University of Dayton, and the Catholic University of America, which offer generous funding opportunities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Catholic students | 80% or more |
| Location | Alabama, California, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington D.C. |
| Student experience | Academically challenging, beautiful campus, strong sense of community, thriving community, welcoming campus atmosphere, enriching, supportive |
| Ranking | 3rd or 4th best Catholic college in America |
| Courses offered | Theology, philosophy, literature, history, art, science, law, business, economics, journalism, etc. |
| Student reviews | 3.7 or 3.8 out of 5 stars |
| Scholarships | Yes |
| Funding | Yes, super generous |
| Student residences | Single-sex |
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What You'll Learn
Boston College
> "Boston College has been everything I hoped for and more — academically challenging, personally enriching, and genuinely beautiful in both campus and spirit."
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Villanova
The university has a strong Catholic identity, which is reflected in its seal, an adaptation of the seal of the Order of St. Augustine. The seal features the university motto: Veritas, Unitas, Caritas (Truth, Unity, and Charity). As a Catholic Augustinian school, Villanova has an active Campus Ministry. The university also has a rich musical tradition with various musical groups, such as the Pastoral Musicians and the Villanova Singers, that showcase the diversity of style within the Catholic musical tradition.
Notable alumni of Villanova University include Pope Leo XIV, the first and only American-born pope; John Joseph O'Connor, Cardinal Archbishop of New York; and several notable figures in the entertainment industry, such as actress Maria Bello and news anchor Keith Jones.
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Loyola Marymount University
LMU has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,336 (as of Fall 2023), a campus size of 142 acres, and a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. The university accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. Tuition and fees for the 2023-2024 academic year amount to $61,862, with 44% of first-year students receiving need-based financial aid. The four-year graduation rate is 71%, and the median salary for graduates six years after graduation is $62,763.
LMU has been recognised for its commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and ethical leadership, as well as its diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has also received several awards and accolades, including:
- The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) Best Practice Award in Support of Multicultural Education and Diversity in 2016
- Six Fulbright grants for students for the 2016-2017 academic year
- The Harman Innovation Award for Active Learning Space at the UBTech conference in 2016
- The Los Angeles Business Council's "Excellence in Design of Educational Facilities" award for the Life Sciences Building
- The Columbia Scholastic Press Association's Gold Crown Awards for its newspaper and yearbook in 2016
- Ranked #8 among "Top 50 Green Colleges" by Princeton Review in 2023
- Ranked #1 in the annual RecycleMania competition among 350 universities nationally
Overall, LMU provides a well-rounded and academically rigorous education, with a focus on social justice and diversity, in a vibrant and diverse urban setting.
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Franciscan University of Steubenville
While I am unable to provide a definitive list of the best Catholic colleges, I can provide an overview of Franciscan University of Steubenville, which is ranked highly among Catholic colleges in the United States.
Tuition and fees for the university amount to $34,100, with 43% of first-year students receiving need-based financial aid. The average net price for federal loan recipients is $24,766.
Benefits of Catholic Education
Attending a Catholic college offers several advantages, including the ability to focus on both academic and spiritual development within a Catholic atmosphere. Catholic colleges can provide a sense of acceptance and community for Catholic students, fostering spiritual growth and respect for authority. However, the stricter rules and regulations of Catholic institutions may pose a challenge for those seeking a more secular lifestyle.
Other Notable Catholic Colleges
In addition to Franciscan University of Steubenville, there are several other highly regarded Catholic colleges in the United States. Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, is ranked #3 among the best Catholic colleges, offering a challenging academic environment and a beautiful campus. Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania, is ranked #4 and is known for its outstanding professors and thriving community. Other notable Catholic colleges include Spring Hill College in Alabama, Providence College in Rhode Island, and Saint Mary's College of California.
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The Newman Guide
Published annually by the Cardinal Newman Society, The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College is a college evaluation tool that helps students choose a Catholic college or university. The guide includes a list of Catholic institutions of higher education selected for their perceived strong Catholic identity and fidelity. The colleges listed in the guide are expected to uphold Catholic teaching and the principles of Ex Corde Ecclesiae.
The Cardinal Newman Society has earned a trusted reputation for rigorously vetting Catholic colleges and ensuring they have robust policies and standards that align with Catholic identity across various aspects, including academics, athletics, faculty hiring, and campus life. The guide also provides profiles for each institution, highlighting its unique characteristics, such as educational approach and campus culture.
The colleges listed in The Newman Guide are expected to meet specific criteria and standards. These include requirements such as offering at least 15 to 24 credits of study in Catholic theology and philosophy for undergraduates, mandating that all Catholic faculty and presidents make the Profession of Faith, and prohibiting honours and speaking invitations to those who publicly oppose Catholic moral teachings. Additionally, colleges should offer Mass regularly, provide opportunities for Confession and Adoration, maintain single-sex student residences, and ensure a high percentage of Catholic faculty and students.
- The Catholic University of America
- Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Walsh University
- University of St. Thomas
- Benedictine College
- University of Mary
- De Sales University
- Mount St. Mary's University
- University of Dallas
- Belmont Abbey College
- Ave Maria University
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Frequently asked questions
Here is a list of some of the best Catholic colleges in the United States:
- Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA
- Villanova University, PA
- Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA
- Franciscan University of Steubenville
- University of Dayton
- University of Dallas
- Ave Maria University
- St Thomas More College
- University of Mary
Some of the best Catholic colleges on the West Coast include:
- Saint Mary's College of California
- Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA
- Providence College, Rhode Island
Some of the oldest Catholic colleges in the United States include:
- Spring Hill College, Alabama
- University of Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Saint Mary's College of California
