The Catholic Church has been seen to take education seriously and this is easily traceable to its educational institutions. Catholic colleges and universities uphold an international standard for academic quality and rigorous educational training.
So, if you are looking to get a quality higher education, then you should consider attending one of these 13 Best Catholic Colleges In the World.
According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 66 percent of college graduates are Christians and 20% of them are Catholics. Many of these students may attend a secular college without realizing the benefits that come through Catholic colleges and similar higher learning institutions.
What they don’t know is that some of the world’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, as well as, provide an education that is both rigorous academically and also geared toward the twin aims of service to the world and personal growth in faith.
Therefore, if you are interested in attending a school rooted in Roman Catholic traditions, this article is for you.
Table of contents
- What Is A Catholic College?
- Why Attend A Catholic College?
- Which Catholic Colleges Are The Best For Online Programs?
- Which School is the Best Catholic College In The USA?
- What Are The Best Catholic Colleges In The World?
- Research Areas
- #1 University of Notre Dame
- #2 Georgetown University
- #3 Boston College
- #4 Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
- #5 Villanova University
- #6 College of the Holy Cross
- #7 Santa Clara University
- #8 Saint Louis University
- #9 Université Catholique de Louvain
- #10 Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen
- #11 University of San Diego
- #12 Loyola Marymount University
- #13 Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro
- Conclusion
- References
- AUTHOR’S RECOMMENDATION
What Is A Catholic College?
A Catholic college is simply a form of Catholic higher education. According to Wikipedia, Catholic higher education includes universities, colleges, and other institutions of higher education privately run by the Catholic Church, typically by religious institutes.
On the other hand, Catholic canon law states that “A Catholic school is understood to be one which is under control of the competent ecclesiastical authority or of a public ecclesiastical juridical person. That is, in a written document, the college is acknowledged as Catholic by the ecclesiastical authority” (Can. 803).
Why Attend A Catholic College?
Whether or not you were raised as a Catholic, Catholic colleges and universities offer unique benefits beyond their special brand of theology. Basically, Catholic colleges help students properly prepare for their careers in a world of secularism by teaching them spiritual tools, values, and knowledge.
Also, although founded in the Catholic faith, Catholic schools are very welcoming to students of all religions and backgrounds, as well as those with no religious affiliation.
Here are some reasons you should choose or attend a Catholic college.
- Catholic Values
- Rooted in Catholic Intellectual Tradition
- High Educational Values
- Expanded World View
- Support and Guidance
- Exemplary Lives
Naturally, if you were raised in a Catholic home, a Catholic college or university will provide a place that is familiar and welcoming. So, for those who want to attend Mass, or go to Bible study, a Catholic campus offers a place for young Catholics to feel at home.
In addition, a Christian or Catholic college will surround students with students, staff, and faculty who share positive values. This is beneficial for young adults who are becoming independent and self-reliant.
Catholic Intellectual Tradition
The curriculum and courses offered in most Catholic universities or colleges are often rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition. For instance, at Seton Hall University in New Jersey, the core curriculum encourages students to become thinking, caring, communicative, and ethically responsible leaders with a commitment to service.
Also, at Providence College in Rhode Island, part of the core curricula is in the Development of Western Civilization. This is an interdisciplinary course that reflects the unique nature of Dominican education, with its focus on the compatibility of faith and reason and an understanding of the complexities in the world.
It is basically, a four-semester team-taught course that explores the ideas, events, and people who have shaped Western Civilization from ancient to contemporary times.
Just like other Christian universities, Catholic colleges are often labeled as offering degrees that are heavy in indoctrination and light in academic quality.
However, this is not true because they must maintain the same academic caliber and educational merit of similarly accredited schools.
For instance, Georgetown University, Boston College and the University of Notre Dame offer exceptional and quality education although this comes with a high cost of attendance. This cost is understandable as they are some of the best institutions of learning in the world, so they consequently come with steeper price tags.
Contrarily to the belief of most religious critics that Catholic universities and Christian colleges will narrow perspectives and stifle diversity, the Catholic Church is extremely diverse.
The Catholic Church clearly includes very diverse beliefs and world views. Therefore, getting a Catholic higher education will expand one’s world view, introduce different lifestyles and maintain a fundamental spiritual view.
Although secular colleges offer student and academic guidance, Catholic and Christian universities are identically tasked with promoting the student’s development, personal growth, and academic success.
Support & Guidance
Basically, the Bible teaches values like honesty, integrity, hard work and communal responsibility. Therefore, the staff and administration of Catholic universities will most likely embrace a mission that demands accountability to both God and contractual commitments.
This, in turn, means that faculty are motivated to help students stay on an academic track, keep a God-based attitude, as well as, successfully overcome the challenges of learning and college.
In simpler terms, in Catholic colleges, students will receive both spiritual and educational guidance.
Over the years, there have been several cases of robberies, assaults, rapes, and sexual harassment in public universities. From the reports of the US Department of Education, in 2017, the number of reported criminal offenses was 38,100. This report is based on 6,339 institutions with 11,210 campuses.
This is so because most of these colleges are physically large with massive student populations and limited security resources. Therefore, they are havens for malicious and harmful behaviors of only a few students. (Alprazolam online)
On the contrary, Catholic universities minimize these statistics through hosting and sponsoring safe activities and fun social events. These enjoyable activities affect students’ lives positively and are open and welcoming to students of all faiths.
As a Catholic student, do you know that you can study without a financial burden? See these 51+ Scholarships for Catholic Students.
Which Catholic Colleges Are The Best For Online Programs?
The best Catholic college for online programs is the St. Leo University. Founded in 1890 by the Order of Saint Benedict, St. Leo University is a Catholic, liberal arts-based university in Saint Leo, Florida. While offering many degrees in business and other career-oriented fields, St. Leo University also offers online degrees in sociology, psychology, liberal studies, and religion. It also offers an online Catholic theology master’s degree.
Other Catholic universities that are best for online programs according to best colleges include:
- Regis University
- Benedictine University
- Saint Joseph’s University
- Duquesne University
- Assumption College
- Lewis University
Which School is the Best Catholic College In The USA?
The best Catholic college in the United States is the University of Notre Dame. It is one of America’s leading undergraduate teaching institutions and has also been at the forefront of research and scholarship. The University of Notre Dame currently ranks #15 in the US News Best National University Ranking.
With 8 research areas, this Catholic College boasts of an 18 acceptance rate and a graduate rate record of 91%.
Other top Catholic Colleges in the USA include:
- University of Notre Dame
- Georgetown University
- Boston College
- Villanova University
- College of the Holy Cross
- Santa Clara University
- Saint Louis University
- University of San Diego
- Loyola Marymount University
You may also like to read more on The Catholic Relief Services
What Are The Best Catholic Colleges In The World?
We used the following factors to rank the best Catholic colleges in the world effectively.
For your degree to count, it’s of the essence you attend an accredited college or university. In line with this, the accreditation of each Catholic college counts in making it one of the best or top schools you should attend.
This is the rate or percentage at which the school accepts or admits students. Most top universities are known for having low acceptance rates.
Research Areas
This specifically means the number of schools, faculties or colleges in the school. The research areas consist of the various departments and programs offered in the school.
Basically, this looks at how many students each academic staff can take if the total students are shared among the total academic staff.
This takes cognizance of the recognition given to the school by various ranking bodies.
Here is a list of the best Catholic colleges and universities in the world:
- University of Notre Dame
- Georgetown University
- Boston College
- Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
- Villanova University
- College of the Holy Cross
- Santa Clara University
- Université Catholique de Louvain
- Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen
- Saint Louis University
- University of San Diego
- Loyola Marymount University
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro
#1 University of Notre Dame
Acceptance Rate: 18%
Students to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Research Areas: 8
Reputation/Ranking: #15 (US News Best National Universities)
Founded in 1842 by Rev. Edward Sorin, the University of Notre Dame du Lac tops the list for the world’s best Catholic colleges. The school is a private Catholic research university in Notre Dame, Indiana, outside South Bend.
The University of Notre Dame is one of America’s leading undergraduate teaching institutions and has also been at the forefront of research and scholarship. Enriched by Catholic intellectual and cultural traditions, this school is a place that, throughout its history has sought to bring knowledge into service of justice.
Basically, Notre Dame offers undergraduate, professional, and graduate students a chance to pursue their academic endeavors in a unique scholarly community.
Furthermore, this Catholic university offers 75 undergraduate majors and is currently ranked among the top 25 institutions of higher learning by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, Niche, and others.
In addition, the University of Notre Dame has a graduate rate record of 91%. It also ranks #210 in the QS Global World Ranking.
The Higher Learning Commission accredits the University of Notre Dame.
Other special and program accreditation include:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business AACSB International
- American Bar Association ABA-Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology ABET
The schools in the University of Notre Dame include:
- School of Architecture
- College of Arts and Letters
- Mendoza College of Business
- College of Engineering
- Keough School of Global Affairs
- The Graduate School
- The Law School
- College of Science
The most popular majors at the University of Notre Dame include Finance, General; Economics, General; Accounting; Mechanical Engineering; and Political Science and Government.
Know more about the University of Notre Dame. Read University of Notre Dame: Admission Requirements, Courses, Tuition Fee, Ranking.
#2 Georgetown University
Acceptance Rate: 15%
Students to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Research Areas: 9
Reputation/Ranking: #24 (US News Best National Universities)
Established in 1789, Georgetown University is the nation’s oldest Catholic university in the District of Columbia. It offers its students a dynamic combination of accessible and prominent faculty, an extensive curriculum, and an exciting and culturally appealing location. Also, students get opportunities to complement the on-campus experience through internships, study abroad programs, and community service abound.
Georgetown University comprises several undergraduate, graduate and professional schools, including the highly ranked Robert Emmett McDonough School of Business, Law Center, School of Medicine, School of Nursing and Health Studies and McCourt School of Public Policy. Also, Georgetown’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service offers well-regarded graduate programs.
In total, this Catholic school offers 48 undergraduate program majors in the four undergraduate schools and the opportunity for students to design their courses of study.
Furthermore, the graduation rate at Georgetown University is 95%.
The Middle States Commission accredits Georgetown University on Higher Education.
Other special and program accreditation are:
- American Bar Association ABA
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business AACSB International
- Liaison Committee on Medical Education LCME
- Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education ACME
Research areas and schools within Georgetown University are:
- Georgetown College
- Robert E. McDonough School of Business
- Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service
- Georgetown Law
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
- School of Medicine
- The School of Nursing and Health Studies
- School of Continuing Studies
- McCourt School of Public Policy
The most popular majors at Georgetown University include: Social Sciences; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Foreign Languages, Literature, and Linguistics; and Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
Know more about Georgetown University. Read Study at Georgetown University: Admission, Courses, Tuition Fee, Ranking
#3 Boston College
Acceptance Rate: 28%
Students to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Research Areas: 8
Reputation/Ranking: #37 (US News Best National Universities)
Founded in 1863, Boston College is one of the best Catholic universities in the world. It is a private Jesuit research university in the Chestnut Hill and Brighton neighborhoods of Boston, Massachusetts and Newton, Massachusetts.
Boston College is the first institution of higher education to operate in the city of Boston. Today, Boston College is among the nation’s foremost universities, a leader in the liberal arts, scientific inquiry, and student formation.
Basically, Boston College draws inspiration for its academic and societal mission from its distinctive religious tradition. As a Catholic and Jesuit university, it is rooted in a worldview that encounters God in all creation and through all human activity, especially in the search for truth in every discipline, in the desire to learn, and in the call to live justly together.
The school awards degrees in more than 50 fields of study, through eight schools and colleges.
The Commission accredits Boston College on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Other special and program accreditation include:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education CCNE
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business AACSB International
- Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs AANA
- American Bar Association ABA
- Association of Theological Schools ATS
- American Psychological Association APA
- Council on Social Work Education
- Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
- Teacher Education Accrediting Council TEAC
The schools in Boston College include:
- Robert J. Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences
- Boston College Law School
- James A. Woods, S.J. College of Advancing Studies
- School of Social Work
- Carroll School of Management
- William F. Connell School of Nursing
- Carolyn A. and Peter S. Lynch School of Education and Human Development
- School of Theology and Ministry
As a prospective student at Boston College, you will certainly like to know more on Boston College Scholarships| International & State
#4 Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Students to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Research Areas: 15
Reputation/Ranking: #1 (UniRank Best Belgium Universities)
The Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) is a research university with an international appeal in the Dutch-speaking town of Leuven in Flanders, Belgium. It was founded in 1834 in Mechelen as the Catholic University of Belgium before moving to the town of Leuven in 1835 where it changed its name to the Catholic University of Leuven.
KU Leuven offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
Basically, education and research take place at almost all disciplines at KU Leuven. The research is carried out in departments and research groups. Faculties and departments are organized into 3 groups: Human Sciences, Science & Technology and Biomedical Sciences.
Furthermore, the KU Leuven is ranked #80 in QS Global World University Ranking. It has over 46000 students and boasts of an academic strength of 2,606. Also, KU Leuven has 14 campuses, spread over 10 cities in Flanders.
The Katholieke Universiteit Leuven is accredited by Vlaams Ministerie van Onderwijs en Vorming, België. Other Special and Program Accreditation include:
- Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatieorganisatie NVAO
The schools include the faculties:
- Theology & Religious Studies
- Higher Institute of Philosophy
- Special Faculty of Ecclesiastical Law
- Faculty of Law
- Economics & Business Administration
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Arts
- Psychology & Educational Sciences
- Sciences
- Engineering
- Bioscience Engineering
- Engineering Technology
- Architecture
- Medicine
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences
Know more about the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. Read Study at KU Leuven University: Tuition Fees, Courses Offered, Scholarship, Admission Requirements.
#5 Villanova University
Acceptance Rate: 27.7%
Students to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Research Areas: 6
Reputation/Ranking: #46 (US News Best National Universities)
Villanova University is a Catholic university founded in 1842 by order of Saint Augustine. It is the oldest and largest Catholic university in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. At Villanova, the educational experience is rooted in passionate liberal arts; a shared commitment to the Augustinian ideals of truth, unity, and love; and a community dedicated to service to others.
Villanova provides exceptional opportunities for various academic experiences, hands-on research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and experiential learning.
In addition, the school has a total enrollment that surpasses 10,000 students offering various undergraduate, and graduate degrees and professional programs in the University’s six colleges.
Also, the school boasts of a 90% graduation rate and a 96.9% career outcome rate.
The Middle States Commission accredits Villanova University on Higher Education.
Other Special and Program Accreditation include:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education CCNE
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business AACSB International
- Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs AANA
The schools include:
- College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences
- College Of Engineering
- Villanova School Of Business
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College Of Nursing
- Charles Widger School Of Law
- College Of Professional Studies
The most popular majors at Villanova University include:
- Business
- Management
- Marketing, and Related Support Services
- Law
- Engineering
- Health Professions and Related Programs
- Social Sciences
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs.
The most conservative colleges in the world are mostly small, Christian-affiliated schools. As a conservative person, you will most likely feel comfortable in these schools. See the 10 Most Conservative Christian Colleges in the World.
#6 College of the Holy Cross
Acceptance Rate: 38%
Students to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Research Areas:
Reputation/Ranking: #27 (US News Best National Liberal Arts Colleges )
Established in 1843, the College of the Holy Cross is a non-profit private higher education institution in the urban setting of Worcester, Massachusetts. The school is one of more than a dozen institutions in the area, so students have a variety of dining, nightlife, and outdoor options.
Among the US’s top liberal arts colleges, Holy Cross is the only one that embraces a Catholic, Jesuit identity. Also, of the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States, Holy Cross stands alone in its exclusive commitment to undergraduate education.
From familiar liberal arts programs like chemistry and history to student-designed majors such as international studies and architectural studies, Holy Cross offers majors, minors and also, interdisciplinary concentrations to suit every interest.
In addition, the College of the Holy Cross boasts of a 90% graduation rate and has a 93% first-year retention rate.
The Commission accredits the College of the Holy Cross on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Other Special and Program Accreditation include:
- American Chemical Society ACS
- National Association of Schools of Theatre NAST
The schools include:
- Arts
- Humanities
- Sciences
- Social sciences
The most popular majors at College of the Holy Cross include:
- Economics
- Psychology
- Political Science and Government
- English Language and Literature, General
- History
#7 Santa Clara University
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Students to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Research Areas: 6
Reputation/Ranking: #54 (US News Best National Universities)
Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University (SCU) is one of the top private Catholic institutions in the USA. Located in the Silicon Valley town of Santa Clara, California, Santa Clara University blends high-tech innovation with a social consciousness grounded in the Jesuit educational tradition.
Basically, a Santa Clara education gives you more than a degree; it transforms how you see the world and your place in it. Grounded in ethics and social justice, it empowers you to help find solutions to global problems and also, effect change in your own community.
SCU offers more than 50 majors, minors, and special programs for law, medicine, and teaching. Also, SCU graduate programs span business, engineering, education, counseling psychology, law, theology, and pastoral ministries.
Furthermore, Santa Clara University boasts of an 85% graduation rate and a 95% first-year retention rate.
WASC Senior College and University Commission accredit Santa Clara University.
Other Special and Program Accreditation include:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business AACSB International
- American Bar Association ABA-Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology ABET
The schools include:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Leavey School of Business
- School of Engineering
- School of Education and Counseling Psychology
- The School of Law
- Jesuit School of Theology
The most popular majors at Santa Clara University include Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Engineering; Social Sciences; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; and Psychology.
#8 Saint Louis University
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Students to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Research Areas: 12
Reputation/Ranking: #97 (US News Best National Universities)
Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of St. Louis, Missouri. SLU is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic, Jesuit schools that is open to students of any faith.
With a campus in Madrid, Spain, SLU is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.
Basically, Saint Louis University students learn through contact, not just concepts: firsthand experience, service learning, and outreach.
SLU offers nearly 90 undergraduate programs and more than 100 graduate degrees that are challenging and relevant in today’s changing world. Also, many programs have concentrations, minors, and certificates allowing you a truly personalized college experience.
Furthermore, Saint Louis University boasts of a 72 graduation rate.
Saint Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Other Special and Program Accreditation include:
- Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology ABET
- Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education ACCME
- The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics ACEND
- Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education ACGME
- Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education ACOTE
- The Accreditation Review Committee on Education for the Physician Assistant ARC-PA
- American Bar Association ABA
- American Chemical Society ACS
- The American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation ADA
- American Psychological Association APA
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International AACSB International
- Aviation Accreditation Board International AABI
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education CAHIIM
- Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education COAMFTE
- The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education CAPTE
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs CAAHEP
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education CAATE
- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education CCNE
- Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education CAHME
- Council for the Accreditation Educator Preparation CAEP
- Council for Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology CAA
- The Council on Education for Public Health CEPH
- Council on Social Work Education CSWE
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology JRCERT
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Nuclear Medicine Technology JRCNMT
- Liaison Committee on Medical Education LCME
- Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE
- National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences NAACLS
- The National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships NACEP
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design NASAD
The schools include:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- The College of Philosophy and Letters
- College for Public Health and Social Justice
- Doisy College of Health Sciences
- Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business
- Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, and Technology
- School of Education
- School of Law
- The School of Medicine
- School for Professional Studies
- SLU Madrid
- Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing
The most popular majors at Saint Louis University include Health Professions and Related Programs; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies; Engineering; and Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
#9 Université Catholique de Louvain
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Students to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Research Areas: 13
Reputation/Ranking: #4 (UniRank Best Belgium Universities)
Founded in 1425, Université Catholique de Louvain (Catholic University of Louvain) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium-sized town of Louvain-la-Neuve, Walloon Brabant. It is Belgium’s largest French-speaking university. It also has various campuses in Brussels Woluwe, Mons, Tournai, Brussels Saint-Gilles, Charleroi.
Basically, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
The Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL) is institutionally accredited by Direction générale de l’Enseignement non obligatoire et de la Recherche Scientifique, Belgique.
Other Special and Program Accreditation include:
- European Foundation for Management Development EFMD-EQUIS
The faculties include:
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
- Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
- Public Health
- Motor Sciences
- Polytechnic School of Leuven
- Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Town Planning
- Faculty of bioengineers
- Sciences
- Faculty of Law and Criminology
- Philosophy, Arts and Letters
- Psychology and Educational Sciences
- Theology faculty
- Faculty of Economic, Social, Political and Communication Sciences
#10 Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Students to Faculty Ratio: N/A
Research Areas: 7
Reputation/Ranking: #10 (UniRank Best Netherlands Universities)
Established in 1923, Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen (Radboud University) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of Nijmegen, Gelderland.
Radboud University has seven faculties and enrolls over 19.900 students in 112 study programs (37 bachelor’s and 75 master’s programs). The university also features many student associations that encourage participation in extracurricular activities.
In addition, Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen has been placed in the top 150 universities in the world by various ranking bodies. It also boasts of a 72% graduation rate.
Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen is officially accredited by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands).
Other Special and Program Accreditation include:
- Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland
The faculties include:
- Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies
- Faculty of Arts
- The Faculty of Management Sciences
- Faculty of Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science
- The Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Social Sciences
At Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen, the following 9 bachelor’s programs are taught fully in English:
- American Studies
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computing Science
- International Economics & Business
- International Business Administration
- English Language and Culture,
- Molecular Life Sciences. International Business Communication, Psychology and Arts and Culture Studies
Also, International Business Communication, Psychology and Arts and Culture Studies offer English-language tracks. Aside from them, all other bachelors are in Dutch, although most of the required literature is in English.
#11 University of San Diego
Acceptance Rate: 53%
Students to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Research Areas: 8
Reputation/Ranking: #91 (US News Best National Universities)
Founded in 1949, the University of San Diego (USD) is a private Roman Catholic research university in San Diego, California. As a Roman Catholic institution, USD promotes a dialogue between faith and reason. It also pursues cultivating knowledge in a community that values intellectual freedom, holistic personal development, and mutual respect.
Basically, USD’s renowned professors and innovative students are committed to extending the educational experience beyond the confines of the classroom and into the world at large.
Therefore, in addition to receiving an outstanding education from one of the nation’s premier universities, USD students are immersed in an environment dedicated to creating global change.
In addition, the University of San Diego has a 78% graduation rate.
The University of San Diego is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Other Special and Program Accreditation include:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education CCNE
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business AACSB International
- American Bar Association ABA-Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar
The schools include:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- School of Business
- Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering
- Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science
- Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies
- School of Law
- School of Leadership and Education Sciences
- Division of Professional and Continuing Education
The most popular majors at the University of San Diego include Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Engineering; Social Sciences; and Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs.
#12 Loyola Marymount University
Acceptance Rate: 47%
Students to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Research Areas: 7
Reputation/Ranking: #64% (US News Best National Universities)
Founded in 1911, Loyola Marymount University is a non-profit private Jesuit and Marymount research university located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Los Angeles, California. It is the largest Catholic university on the West Coast.
Basically, LMU offers 60 major and 55 minor undergraduate degrees and programs. For graduate students, the school has 51 master’s degree programs, two research doctorates, one professional doctorate, and 12 credential programs.
In addition, Loyola Marymount University boasts of a 78% graduation rate.
The WASC Senior College and University Commission officially accredit Loyola Marymount University.
Other Special and Program Accreditation include:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business AACSB International
- American Bar Association ABA-Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology ABET
The schools include:
- LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
- LMU College of Business Administration
- College of Communication and Fine Arts
- LMU Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering
- LMU Loyola Law School
- The LMU School of Education
- LMU School of Film and Television
The most popular majors at Loyola Marymount University include Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Visual and Performing Arts; Social Sciences; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; and Psychology.
#13 Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro
Acceptance Rate: 12%
Students to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Research Areas: 4
Reputation/Ranking: #11 (UniRank Best Brazil Universities)
Founded in 1941, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Rio de Janeiro.
Basically, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-RIO) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
With approximately 1500 faculty members and researchers, this Catholic College has 24 Departments organized in four Academic Centers.
Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro is accredited by the Ministério da Educação, Brazil.
The schools include:
- Center for Social Sciences (CCS)
- Science and Technology Center (CTC)
- Center of Theology and Human Sciences (CTCH)
- Center of Biomedical Sciences
PUC-Rio has highly accredited programs in Law, Engineering, Computer science, Psychology, Economics, Business, and International Relations.
Conclusion
Catholicism is one of the most popular sects of Christianity, and it has been that way for over a millennium. As part of their corporate social responsibility, Catholic churches worldwide have established colleges and universities to provide quality higher education to students.
If you are a high school student who happens to be Catholic or a non-Catholic, you may consider attending a Catholic university. In line with this, we compiled a list of the top Catholic colleges in the world with vital information.
Conclusively, I hope the information above helps you in your decision-making process.
Good Luck And Success!!!
References
- Wikipedia – Catholic higher education
- Niche – Best Catholic Colleges in America
- USNews – See Which Catholic University Is Highest Ranked
- CollegeChoice – Best Catholic Colleges And Universities
- CollegeConsensus – Best Catholic Colleges & Universities
- GreatValueColleges – 5 Reasons to Attend a Catholic College
- CollegeOfDistinction – Why Should I Choose a Catholic University or College?
- UniRank – Top Catholic Universities in the world
- Best Theology Schools in the World
- Catholic Foundation Artists Contest
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Africa Scholars Program
- Mercy Scholarship at Australian Catholic University, Australia
- Catholic Relief Services International Development Fellows Program
Does this article meet your immediate needs? If yes, leave us a 5-star rating in the Review Box below. However, if no, leave us an opinion in the comment box to express your concern, or ask a question and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.
Comments are closed.