Catholic colleges and universities are universally renowned for their academic excellence.  Many are formidable intellectual centers where a full range of disciplinary majors, professions, and careers are supported and pursued.  To learn more about what sets Catholic colleges and universities apart, visit "The Top 10 Reasons For Attending a Catholic College or University."

Three "attitudes" are at the heart of a Catholic education:

• readiness to reflect on modern society from a values-oriented perspective
• desire to promote justice and opportunities for all people
• belief in academic freedom, including the freedom to communicate ethical principles that give fuller meaning to life.

Despite this similarity in attitude, the 230 Catholic colleges and universities in the United States are extemely diverse.  Each has distinctive strengths--academically, culturally, and spiritually.

Research has been done showing that attending a Catholic college or university can have positive effects on students.  Not just academically, but in all aspects of adult life.  Take a look at these two pieces of evidence.

Exploring your options

You have so many colleges to explore -- so many choices for your future. But perhaps you have made one firm decision -- you want to go to a college that understands the importance of values. A value-oriented education -- that is what distinguishes Catholic colleges and universities from many of the other options available to you. And that is what shapes today's students into tomorrow's leaders -- ethical decision makers, committed individuals, and fully prepared respondents to society's increasing challenges.

But don't just take our word for it.  Here are some resources that might help you:

1. Reputation

Catholic colleges and universities in the United States are among the world's most prestigious learning institutions. Many Catholic instituitions are cited again and again in colleges rankings featured in U.S. News & World Report, Barron's, Time and Money magazines.  Many of these Catholic schools Best Value, Best Regional Liberal Arts College, Excellent Buy, and finalists for College of the Year.

The John Templeton Foundation has nationally recognized many Catholic colleges by listing them on its Honor Roll for Character-Building Colleges.

2. A fit for you

Catholic colleges and universities are incredibly diverse.  You're bound to find one that fits your criteria.

1. They come in all sizes, with enrollments of fewer than 1,000 students to more than 20,000.
2. They are located in large cities and small towns from coast to coast. They are located in 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
3. They offer a variety of majors, academic programs, extracurriculars, and athletics.
4. Of the more than 200 Catholic colleges in the United States, some are women's colleges; some are major universities with law, medical, and other professional schools; and one is an historically black university. Seven of them grant pontifical degrees.

3. Diversity

Catholic colleges and universities are unique in that they bring together people of all backgrounds and all faiths. They actually attract overall a higher percentage of minority students than four-year publicly supported colleges or other independent institutions. A presentation made by the current National CCAA president, Jon Boeckenstedt, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management at DePaul University, showed evidence of this.

On these campuses, you will be offered unparalleled opportunities to build lifelong friendships with peers of both similar and diverse worldviews and with people who value worship, community, and service.

4. Supportive environment

Catholic colleges and universities provide an exceptionally supportive academic and social environment for the students they enroll. Professors are profoundly engaged with their students in fulfilling the college's mission and spirit. At the college you choose, you will be supported by faculty who genuinely care about you and your future. These professors celebrate the gift of life, and they cherish truth and virtue. They recognize that you are not just preparing for life, but living it.

5. Community service

Catholic colleges and universities have a special commitment to community. Some offer special service opportunities that you will want to explore. Community service is even a graduation requirement at certain colleges. This spirit of community adds an invaluable dimension to your education, whatever your choice of career.

A recent graduate who attended a Catholic college near our nation's capital said, "I was looking for a college program that would allow me to do more. -- When we went on the Washington D.C. March for the Homeless, it really struck me that college students are given power to make a change in the world."

6. A better future

Is it a coincidence that students are happier at Catholic colleges and have a better chance of graduating in six years or less than at other institutions? Is it good fortune that the institutions have graduated so many of the political, business, and artistic leaders in the United States today?

The answer, of course, is that it's no coincidence -- it has to do with the essence of a Catholic college. When you have professors, trustees, deans, and other university employees who are committed to nurturing not only the student's mind, but the whole student -- body, heart, and spirit -- you are going to achieve excellence as a learning institution.

A recent study done by educational consultants Hardwick Day showed that recent Catholic college and university graduates are extremely pleased with their overall college experience, especially in these areas of diversity, supportive environment, and community service.  You can read about the study here.