If you’re interested in earning your degree at a Catholic college or university, you have great options all across the country. This time we’re focusing on the Northeastern and Southern United States. To help simplify your search, we’ve made it easy to quickly connect with all the schools on this list. Just click the “Connect me” button underneath each featured school, then they'll reach out to you with more information to aid in your college search. Let’s get started!
Caldwell University
Caldwell University is a church-affiliated liberal arts institution with a 70-acre campus in Caldwell, New Jersey—20 miles from New York City. The University enrolls approximately 2,300 full-time, part-time, and graduate students while offering small class sizes and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. On the annual Service Day, classes are canceled as students, faculty, and staff provide assistance at various locations in New Jersey, from helping local food banks to painting classrooms in local Catholic schools to providing companionship to the elderly.
Carlow University
Carlow University is a church-affiliated liberal arts college on a 14-acre campus located in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—just 10 minutes from the downtown area. The University is composed of two colleges and is primarily concerned with the education of women, though a small number of men are also admitted. Carlow reflects its Sisters of Mercy heritage with a strong commitment to social justice and instills in its students and alumni a commitment to becoming ethical and responsible leaders committed to a just and merciful world.
The Catholic University of America
The Catholic University of America is the national university of the Catholic Church, located on a 184-acre campus just north of Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The University welcomes undergraduate and graduate students of all religious traditions from around the globe to join a faith-filled community inspired by the pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to social justice. In 2020, CatholicU was recognized as one of the top schools for service by the Catholic Volunteer Network.
Fordham University
Fordham University, the Jesuit University of New York, has two residential campuses in New York City: Rose Hill in the Bronx and Lincoln Center in Manhattan. Students can choose from more than 60 majors in the liberal arts, sciences, and business while completing a core curriculum that spans literature, history, science, theology, philosophy, and the arts—all grounded in key Jesuit principles. The University also offers honors programs, research symposia, study abroad, dual-degree programs with Fordham’s graduate schools, and pre-professional programs in law and medicine.
Georgian Court University
Georgian Court University is a church-affiliated, coeducational liberal arts university with a 156-acre campus in Lakewood, New Jersey—60 miles from both Philadelphia and New York City. The University provides a comprehensive liberal arts education in the Roman Catholic tradition while maintaining its special, historic focus on the education of women. The Office of Campus Ministry supports the spiritual growth of all members of the GCU community and offers a wide range of programs and events to nurture spirituality, deepen a sense of vocation, and embody mercy.
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Iona University
Iona University is a coeducational Roman Catholic liberal arts institution with a 45-acre campus located on the Long Island Sound in New Rochelle, New York—just 16 miles from New York City. The University enrolls approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds and 43 countries while offering more than 60 combined programs of study in the School of Arts & Science and the School of Business. Iona’s Office of Mission & Ministry fosters a caring community through campus events, mission trips, and thousands of hours of volunteer service each year.
Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University Maryland is a comprehensive Catholic, Jesuit institution located in Baltimore, Maryland. With just under 4,000 undergraduates from 40 states, six continents, and more than 40 countries, Loyola is big enough to inspire and challenge you yet small enough to be welcoming, personal, and accessible. The University offers a distinctly taught Jesuit approach to education that allows students to master the skills and develop the knowledge and traits they need to learn, lead, and serve in a diverse and ever-changing world.
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Saint Francis University
Saint Francis University is a church-affiliated college of liberal arts and sciences with a 600-acre campus in Loretto, Pennsylvania—90 miles east of Pittsburgh. Founded in 1847, SFU is one of the oldest Catholic universities in the country and the oldest one dedicated to Franciscan values. The University was also named the safest college campus in Pennsylvania by Niche for its safe and healthy environment with little or no campus crime, drugs, or alcohol usage.
Saint Joseph’s University
Saint Joseph’s University is a private four-year coeducational institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1851 by the Society of Jesus, Saint Joseph’s is the only Jesuit university in Philadelphia and provides a welcoming atmosphere for students from all backgrounds. Students make strong efforts to strengthen the local community and influence how the world around them works by spending semester breaks volunteering in places like Belgium, El Salvador, El Paso, Appalachia, and Guatemala.
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Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University is a private, comprehensive church-affiliated university with a 58-acre campus in South Orange, New Jersey—14 miles from New York City. Over 6,000 undergraduates benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, an average class size of 21 students, and over 90 majors and programs to choose from. Seton Hall values integrity, compassion, and a commitment to helping others, embracing students of all faiths and inspiring them to become servant leaders who make a difference in the world.
St. John’s University
St. John’s University is a private Roman Catholic university with a 102-acre main campus located in the Jamaica section of Queens in New York City, New York. The University offers more than 100 programs of study built on an “options-oriented” core curriculum that prepares students for success in a challenging academic environment. Nearly 40% of St. John’s students study abroad at some point during their undergraduate careers, and countless others see the world through St. John’s–sponsored service plunges.
University of Dallas
The University of Dallas is a church-affiliated liberal arts institution with a 215-acre campus in Irving, Texas—on the northwest boundary of Dallas. The University provides an encouraging atmosphere for students looking to grow and deepen their faith with twice-daily Mass at the Church of the Incarnation, a chapel that’s accessible 24/7, an active campus ministry, and myriad service opportunities. While nearly 80% of the student body is Catholic, UD supports academic and religious freedom, and all faiths are welcome and heard on campus.
University of the Incarnate Word
University of the Incarnate Word is a private, religious-affiliated liberal arts university with a 200-acre main campus near the center of San Antonio, Texas. Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, UIW is the largest Catholic university in Texas and the only Catholic university in the Southwest with NCAA Division I athletics. With the Class of 2020 performing 45,151 hours of service alone, the University is committed to social justice and community service through transformative education.
University of Scranton
The University of Scranton is a private Catholic, Jesuit university on a 58-acre campus in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The University is devoted to the Jesuit maxim of cura personalis: individual attention to students and respect for the uniqueness of each member of the University community. Students can extend their academic experience by participating in internships, faculty-student research, study abroad, and unique honors opportunities such as the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, the Business Honors Program, the Magis Honors Program in STEM, and more.
Villanova University
Villanova University is a private coeducational institution on a 254-acre campus in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1842 by the Order of Saint Augustine, Villanova is the nation’s only Augustinian Catholic university. As part of their education, students are encouraged to enrich their lives by working for those in need, using their knowledge, skills, and compassion to better the world around them through academic and service programs.
Looking for colleges a little further up the map? Check out our list of Great Catholic Colleges and Universities in New England.
