Most faithful Catholic colleges are also the most affordable, reports study
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Manassas, Va., Feb 18, 2009 / 06:15 am (CNA).- In an effort to assist parents and students who are weighing various college options, the Center for the Study of Catholic Higher Education has commissioned a study to find the “best buys” at Catholic colleges and universities. The study found that the most faithful colleges are also some of the most affordable for students.

The Center for the Study of Catholic Higher Education, the research division of the Cardinal Newman Society recently conducted the study which compares the faithful Catholic colleges recommended in “The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College: What to Look for and Where to Find” with other Catholic and private colleges on issues such as tuition, institutional aid, student debt and overall affordability.

According to a press release from the Cardinal Newman Society, the study found that colleges that were the most faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church, also offered students the most cost savings. 

The research, led by Andrew Gillen, PhD, a leading expert on college affordability issues found that average tuition for students at the recommended faithful Catholic colleges is nearly $3,000 less than at other Catholic colleges and about $1,000 less than the average private college.  In addition, the Newman Guide colleges provide a larger percentage of financial aid (39%) than the average private college (29%).

Gillen and his team also found that students at the recommended Catholic colleges graduate with fewer loans and less debt, about $2,000 less than at private colleges and $1,400 less than other Catholic colleges.

"This study is welcome news to families sacrificing to find ways to pay for a meaningful Catholic college education for their sons and daughters," said Patrick J. Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society.

"The Catholic colleges profiled in The Newman Guide were chosen for their quality education and for the priority that they place on Catholic identity in all aspects of campus life. In that sense we have always believed that the recommended colleges were 'best buys' for families based on fidelity to Catholic teachings, but with the publication of this affordability study we now know that they are also truly economic 'best buys' too," noted Joseph A. Esposito, editor of The Newman Guide and director of the Center.

"The combination of faithful Catholic education and lower costs should put Newman Guide colleges at the top of any family's list as they begin to make decisions on which college to attend in the fall," he added.

The recommended Newman Guide colleges are Ave Maria University, Aquinas College (Tenn.), Belmont Abbey College, Benedictine College, The Catholic University of America, Christendom College, The College of Saint Thomas More (Texas), DeSales University, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Holy Apostles College & Seminary, John Paul the Great Catholic University, Magdalen College, Mount St. Mary's University, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy, St. Gregory's University, Southern Catholic College, Thomas Aquinas College, The Thomas More College of Liberal Arts (N.H.), University of Dallas, University of St. Thomas (Texas), and Wyoming Catholic College.

The study can be accessed online at: www.TheNewmanGuide.com.

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Subscriber comments:
Published by: Liz
Ohio, USA 02/22/2009 12:40 PM EST
Actually, Franciscan University of Steubenville's students have some of the highest rates of debt after graduation in the country. One of the most popular majors at the school, Education, doesn't even have one scholarship offered. Almost all of the scholarships are for Theology students. While I love Franciscan University and wouldn't change schools, I don't think their financial aid is that great. (Unless you are majoring in Theology.)
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Published by: Mike
Edgewater,MD 02/19/2009 05:19 PM EST
John Paul the Great????

What is that. JP II is not and should not be called "the Great" but Pope St. Pius XII the Great is considered for canonization. It would be the right thing to officially declare Pope Pius XII the Great, but that would be too difficult for the Church to do, with such liberals running It.
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Published by: Rev. Roger Boucher
Gilmanton IW, NH 02/19/2009 01:03 PM EST
After 4 years of part- time chaplaincy at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts (NH)and knowing founder Peter Sampo, all old and new staff I am impressed with the exceptional quality of wisdom and critical thinking given at TM. As a retired Navy Commander and priest I recommend you take a serious look at the opportunity you have in Merrimack, NH. You should expect to come out a joyful human being!
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Published by: Kevin T. McGing
LaGrange, IL USA 02/19/2009 10:04 AM EST
"...and for the priority that they place on Catholic identity in all aspects of campus life. For those Catholic parents who are reassured and comforted by that claim, note well how those words are carried out in practice. For instance, in March 2008 the University of Dallas sponsored an art exhibit that included a print of the Virgin Mary as a stripper. Protests by students and alumni followed (thanks if you were one of them)but, instead having the work removed, the University President, Dr. Lazarus, and other officials decided merely to put up signs at the exhibit warning that some images might be considered offensive. So, the order of priority goes first to the Andres Serrano (crucifix in ordure) art league and then, somewhere further down the line, to those that keep the University afloat via tuition or donations. Caveat Emptor.
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