Impressive facts about Catholic colleges
Reputation
Catholic colleges and universities in the United States are among the world's most prestigious learning institutions. Many Catholic colleges are cited again and again in U.S. News & World Report, Barron's, Time and Money magazines as Best Value, Best Regional Liberal Arts College, Excellent Buy, and finalist 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.
Catholic universities also have some of the most impressive sports programs in the United States.
A fit for you
Catholic colleges and universities are incredibly diverse.
- 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 located in 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
- 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.
Supportive environment
A recent study showed that 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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
