Catholic Colleges and Universities

Mission-driven

A Catholic college or university is an exciting, creative community of faculty and students who think deeply about modern society from a values-oriented perspective. Catholic colleges prepare students for rewarding careers while also courageously promoting justice, freedom, peace, ethical behavior, and spiritual growth. Catholic colleges and universities strive to make students "more intelligent, capable, active members of society," in the words of the famous educator, John Henry Cardinal Newman.

Impressive Facts about Catholic Colleges

• More than 685,000 students attend 215 accredited Catholic colleges and universities in the United States.

• Catholic colleges and universities account for half of all students enrolled in faith-based institutions of higher education in the United States.

• An average of 65% of students at Catholic colleges and universities are Catholic. The proportion varies from one campus to another, with some small Catholic colleges serving exclusively Catholic students.

• In a recent national study of college alumni, those from Catholic colleges reported experiencing a noticeably stronger sense of campus community, a higher degree of preparedness for their first job, and greater integration of values and ethics in classroom discussions.

Linked Globally

Linked to a global church and often to sponsoring religious congregations with international connections, most Catholic colleges and universities facilitate study abroad opportunities for students. Faculty conduct international research, teach courses of a global nature, and participate in international conferences. Most Catholic colleges welcome international students and offer American students opportunities for volunteer work in culturally diverse contexts.

A Fit for You

Catholic colleges and universities are admirably diverse and welcoming.

• They come in all sizes, with enrollments of fewer than 1,000 students to more than 20,000.

• They are located in large cities and small towns from coast to coast. They are in 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

• Many are major research universities with law, medical, and other professional schools; a great many are liberal arts colleges with selected professional programs; some are women's colleges; a few are two-year institutions; and one is an historically black university. Seven grant pontifical degrees in theology or philosophy.

Supportive Environment

A recent survey showed that Catholic colleges and universities provide an 18 exceptionally supportive academic and social environment for students. At a Catholic colllege, you will be supported by faculty who genuinely care about you and your future. They recognize that you are not just preparing for life, but living it. A wide range of highly skilled staff assist students with career planning, spiritual growth, and special interests.

Affordability

You can afford to pursue your dreams at a Catholic college or university. All provide need-based financial aid and almost all also offer additional financial support to students with special talents and exemplary academic records. Most students receive substantial financial assistance at Catholic institutions. Ask and you may be amazed at how affordable a Catholic college can be.

Diversity

Most Catholic colleges and universities intentionally bring together people of varied backgrounds and faiths. In fact, they attract a more diverse student body than many public universities and secular private institutions. On Catholic campuses you will be offered unparalleled opportunities to build lifelong friendships with peers of both similar and diverse worldviews - people who value knowledge, faith, community, and service.

Community Service

Catholic colleges and universities have a mission-driven commitment to serving the broader human community. Most offer special service opportunities for students who want to serve others, whether in the campus neighborhood, across the nation, or abroad. This spirit of community service adds an invaluable dimension to your education, whatever your choice of career.

A Better Future

It is no coincidence that students at Catholic colleges report being happier and more likely to graduate compared to students at most other institutions. It also is no coincidence that Catholic institutions have graduated so many of the nation's political, business, and artistic leaders. Such success reflects the commitment of professors, deans, coaches, counselors, campus ministers and other staff at Catholic colleges to nurture each student's mind, heart, and soul.

Consider a Catholic college or university your path to a promising and fulfilling life.

Editorial provided by the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities.