What are the Best Catholic College or University Degrees?
For those looking for the right Catholic education, we have compiled the College Choice ranking of the 75 Best Catholic Colleges and Universities in the United States. In compiling our list we used criteria that college freshman indicated were most important to them: college reputation, net cost, financial aid packages, and average graduate salary.
The Catholic Church takes education seriously. Some of the nation's oldest and most storied colleges and universities were founded by the Catholic Church. Most of these schools continue to educate their students within the Catholic tradition, providing an education that is both rigorous academically as well as geared toward the twin aims of service to the world and personal growth in faith.
Because the Catholic faith is so rich in culture and history, it is important for those who wish to be surrounded by such a religious tradition to find the right Catholic college or university.
What kind of Catholic College or University degree should you get?
Other than a shared religious foundation, no two schools are alike on this list. You will find schools that range from small liberal arts colleges in rural towns to large, world-renowned research universities.
Make no mistake, Catholic Colleges and Universities are not meant for Catholics alone. An education that focuses on the entire person is a valuable education whether you identify as religious or not. Further, many of American's top Catholic Colleges and Universities are recognized as premier academic institutions.
Accredited Online College Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
How much do people make with a Catholic College or University degree?
Catholic colleges and universities are some of the most respected and prestigious schools in the United States. Getting an acceptance letter to one of these schools means you'll not only receive an amazing education, but you'll also have the assurance of financial stability after college. Take, for example, the average salaries for the top three schools on this list:
University of Notre Dame: $133,800
Georgetown University: $140,300
Villanova University: $119,800
Clearly, your financial future looks optimistic any way you slice it. This figure, of course, can vary depending on your specific degree. Suffice it to say, your return on investment for all of the schools on this list make your Catholic education more than worth it.
What can you do with a degree from a Catholic College or University?
What can't you do with a degree from a Catholic college or university? Choosing a school with a strong religious background often means your curriculum—no matter the degree—will be steeped in both academic rigor and human value. You'll gain not only textbook smarts, but people skills and the value of community.
The alumni networks at these schools are vast. You'll reap the benefits of age-old communities that can connect you to internships, jobs, promotions, and more. Earning an undergraduate degree at one of these schools is just the beginning; you're in for a lifetime of valuable benefits.
Thus our ranking aims to find the nexus between the best of academic prestige and return on investment. In compiling our list we used publicly available sources like the websites of the schools themselves, the National Center for Educational Statistics, U.S. News and World Report, and Payscale.com.
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
