Values That Matter

A study of Catholic college and university alumni

A 2006 and 2012 National CCAA study examined how Catholic college and university alumni viewed their college experiences in comparison to alumni from non-Catholic institutions. The study, conducted by higher education consultancy firm Hardwick-Day, demonstrates that attending a Catholic college or university can have positive effects on students — academically and in many other aspects of adult life.

Review highlights from the findings below, or learn more about the results of the Catholic college and university comparative alumni study by downloading the presentations:

Values That Matter: Comparative Alumni Research Project, 2006 (PDF)

Values That Matter: Comparative Alumni Research Project, 2012 (PDF)

 


Highlights

My college was effective in helping me develop moral principles that can guide my actions.

80%

of alumni from Catholic colleges and universities agree

35%

of alumni from national flagship public universities agree

My college was effective in helping me develop a sense of purpose in life.

73%

of alumni from Catholic colleges and universities agree

57%

of alumni from national flagship public universities agree

My college helped me integrate faith with other aspects of life.

57%

of alumni from Catholic colleges and universities agree

12%

of alumni from national flagship public universities agree

My college helped me learn more about faith during my college years.

49%

of alumni from Catholic colleges and universities agree

16%

of alumni from national flagship public universities agree

I personally benefited from my college offering opportunities for spiritual development.

52%

of alumni from Catholic colleges and universities agree

7%

of alumni from national flagship public universities agree

My college experience integrated values and ethics in classroom discussions.

75%

of alumni from Catholic colleges and universities agree

27%

of alumni from national flagship public universities agree

In my college experience, professors often challenged students, but personally helped them meet that challenge.

77%

of alumni from Catholic colleges and universities agree

47%

of alumni from national flagship public universities agree

I personally benefited from my college offering high quality, teaching-oriented faculty.

56%

of alumni from Catholic colleges and universities agree

27%

of alumni from national flagship public universities agree

I had many small classes with fewer than 20 students.

52%

of alumni from Catholic colleges and universities agree

17%

of alumni from national flagship public universities agree

I personally benefitted from my college offering a safe campus environment.

59%

of alumni from Catholic colleges and universities agree

31%

of alumni from national flagship public universities agree

There was a sense of community among students.

82%

of alumni from Catholic colleges and universities agree

53%

of alumni from national flagship public universities agree