Deciding where to attend college is one of the important decisions young people and their families face. If you’re raising your son or daughter Catholic, you want a school that will not only challenge them academically but also help grow their faith.
In this year’s college guide, Catholic Digest highlights a range of institutions. Regardless of their size, cost, and location, they all have one thing in common—a love for Christ and his Church.
Nashville, TN
ACADEMICS:
The college prepares students for professional lives in business, nursing, and education and also offers graduate studies. The college’s academic programs are rooted in the liberal arts and the Dominican tradition along with the inclusion of philosophy and theology in each course of study.
FAITH:
Daily Mass and confession is available during the fall and spring semesters. Other opportunities for communal prayer are available, including weekly Rosary, pro-life prayer vigils, Stations of the Cross, and perpetual Eucharistic adoration in the Corpus Christi Adoration Chapel that opened last fall.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Ninety-two percent of students receive aid. Scholarships, loans, and other financial aid are available.
TUITION: $29,250
WHAT’S NEW:
The first phase of an expansion entails building a multi-purpose facility to include a residential hall, student life center, and dining facility. Completion is expected by the fall 2016 semester. The first phase also includes several new academic programs.
SIZE: Students: 476; student-faculty ratio: 9:1
Worcester, MA
ACADEMICS:
The college offers undergraduate students 42 majors and 48 minors in liberal arts, sciences, business, and professional studies, in addition to master’s and continuing education degrees and professional certificate programs. The college also has a campus in Rome.
FAITH:
Campus Ministry’s mission is carried out through Catholic liturgies and prayer services, retreats to further spiritual development, community service throughout the world, discussion groups, and other programs.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
More than 90 percent of students receive aid. The college offers scholarships, grants, work-study and other assistance.
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $49,988
WHAT’S NEW:
The college has announced several additions including bachelor of arts degrees in criminology and education and a sport management minor. Tuition for the class of 2019 will remain frozen at the 2014–15 rate for their four years at the college.
SIZE: Students: 2,534 (undergraduate and graduate); student-faculty ratio: 12:1 (undergraduate), 13:1 (graduate)
Belmont, NC
ACADEMICS:
The college offers 14 majors. More than half of the full-time students concentrate in business or education.
FAITH:
Daily Mass is available. The Abbey’s St. Joseph Adoration Chapel is open to students 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. The college has three student clubs to help students promote and support each other in the Catholic Faith. A Lourdes Grotto in the center of campus was dedicated in 1891 and has been given special status as a pilgrimage shrine for religious vocations. A special program of prayer is conducted there each May.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
More than 85 percent of students receive aid. A variety of scholarships are available, including sports and merit-based.
TUITION: $18,500
WHAT’S NEW:
In the last two years, the college says it has reduced tuition by 33 percent.
SIZE: Students: 1,706; student-faculty ratio: 17:1
Atchison, KS
ACADEMICS:
With dozens of majors available, the college offers bachelor’s degrees in music education, art, science, nursing, and art education, and master’s degrees. The most popular majors at the college include business, engineering, marketing, education, theology, biological and biomedical sciences, and psychology.
FAITH:
The campus offers four daily Masses, perpetual Eucharistic adoration, and twice-a-day confession.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Seventy-four percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based aid. The college offers an array of scholarships; 99 percent of students receive scholarships.
TUITION: $24,850
WHAT’S NEW:
A new baseball stadium and a new softball facility were built for the spring 2015 season, and men’s and women’s lacrosse have been added for spring 2016. Summer youth programming is becoming popular, with this year offering high school science lab credits.
SIZE: Students: 2,108; student-faculty ratio: 15:1
The Catholic University of America
Washington, D.C.
ACADEMICS:
CUA grants undergraduate degrees in 74 programs, including architecture and planning, arts and sciences, business and economics, engineering, music, nursing, philosophy, professional studies, social work, and theology and religious studies.
FAITH:
Weekday and Sunday Masses are available on campus. CUA has several sacred places, including the 24-hour chapel. CUA offers student groups, retreats, vocational discernment, and other programs.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
More than 92 percent of full-time, degree-seeking undergraduates receive some form of aid.
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $54,000
WHAT’S NEW:
Recent graduate additions include a master of legal studies degree designed for people who don’t wish to become lawyers but need to obtain a foundational knowledge in the law for their careers and the master of catechesis degree that prepares men and women for ministerial roles in the Church. New undergraduate degrees include a bachelor of arts in theology and religious studies and a bachelor of arts in music.
SIZE: Students: 3,572 (undergraduate); 3,127 (graduate); student-faculty ratio: 10:1
Front Royal, VA
ACADEMICS:
Christendom exposes students to the canon of Western civilization with an 86-credit-hour core curriculum. Available majors are classical studies, English language and literature, history, mathematics, philosophy, political science and economics, and theology, along with minors in music, math, physics, and economics.
FAITH:
Hundreds of students attend daily Mass. All professors are Catholic and make an oath of fidelity to the magisterium and a profession of faith each year.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Students may be eligible for need-based assistance loans and grants, merit scholarships, and family discounts based on simultaneous enrollment of siblings. All students also have the opportunity to earn extra money from student jobs at the college. More than 70 percent of students receive some form of financial assistance.
TUITION: $23,900
WHAT’S NEW:
The college re-established its major in mathematics and minor in physics. The college implemented new career development and academic success programs. Alumni mentors help build networking opportunities, and the internship program was expanded. Students can subscribe to an online graduate school prep program for free. The college also added a new academic success coach.
SIZE: Students: 450; student-faculty ratio: 15:1
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Steubenville, OH
ACADEMICS:
The university offers 41 undergraduate and eight master’s programs.
FAITH:
Daily Mass, regular confession, evangelization events, and pilgrimages are offered. Groups include faith households.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
More than 80 percent of students receive aid. The university offers a variety of merit-based academic scholarships for excellent students.
WHAT’S NEW:
In 2014, the university started its master of arts in catechetics and evangelization online program. The online program can be completed in two to four years.
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $31,470
SIZE: Students: 2,125 (undergraduate); student-faculty ratio: 14:1
Holy Apostles College and Seminary
Cromwell, CT
ACADEMICS:
The bachelor of arts program (also available online) offers a liberal arts degree in four majors: theology, philosophy, English in the humanities, and history in the social sciences. The 60-credit core curriculum consists of Catholic theology, philosophy, and the traditional liberal arts disciplines
FAITH:
Students learn alongside seminarians and religious sisters. There are two daily Masses on campus, and confession is available before morning Mass as well as twice a week in the afternoon. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is available during the daily Holy Hour.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Eligible undergraduates may be awarded need-based federal Pell grants and/or federal direct loans
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $10,400
WHAT’S NEW:
The college was approved in June 2014 for two online degree programs: an associate of arts and a bachelor of arts. An online writing lab, which specializes in working with ESL students, is available to all students. The college also has launched a substantial series of non-credit online courses available to anyone at no cost.
SIZE: Students: 58 (undergraduate); student-faculty ratio: 7:1
John Paul the Great Catholic University
Escondido, CA
ACADEMICS:
The university offers two bachelor of science degree programs in business and media and two graduate programs—a master of business administration in film producing and a master of arts in biblical theology.
FAITH:
Every academic day is built around Mass, confession, and Eucharistic adoration. Students may also develop spiritually in the student community through “households” (Christ-centered fraternities or sororities).
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Grants and scholarships are offered. More than 90 percent of students receive institutional aid.
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $31,200
WHAT’S NEW:
During spring break 2015 a group of students traveled to Europe for more than two weeks. The university was granted accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
SIZE: Students: 270; student-faculty ratio: 11:1
Sylvania, OH
ACADEMICS:
The university offers associate, bachelor, and graduate degrees in the arts and sciences, business and leadership, education and human services, and nursing. Students can enhance their education through honors and dean’s scholars programs and also can take advantage of study abroad opportunities.
FAITH:
Each student is required to complete 20 hours of service learning.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
More than $4 million in institutional dollars are awarded each year to students in scholarships, grants, and awards. Millions of additional federal and state financial aid dollars are also awarded, with 97 percent of Lourdes undergraduate students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) being eligible to receive some form of aid.
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $28,170 (2015–16)
WHAT’S NEW:
The newly opened Canticle Center offers state-of-the-art classrooms, open-air community gallery, art studios, choral room, and computer lab. Plans for a softball field and an athletic complex are on the horizon. The university will welcome its inaugural men’s and women’s soccer student-athletes in fall 2015.
SIZE: Students: 1,546 (undergraduate); 289 (graduate); student-faculty ratio: 12:1
ACADEMICS:
All undergraduate students are required to complete the Veritas Program, a group of core courses that offers students knowledge of Catholic liberal arts, theology, ethics, math, and other subjects.
FAITH:
Campus ministry and service organizations, community service projects, and retreats and campus activities are available. Three Sunday Masses are available on campus, and there are morning, afternoon, and evening weekday Masses at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception and at the chapels in two residence halls. Confessions are available daily and by appointment. Eucharistic adoration is frequently available.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
All students accepted into the class of 2019 were guaranteed a merit scholarship. Last year, the average scholarship and grant award was $23,300.
WHAT’S NEW:
Simon Newman was appointed as the university’s new president.
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $47,996
SIZE: Students: 1,689⨠(undergraduates); student-faculty ratio: 14:1
Warner, NH
ACADEMICS:
The college offers five majors: theology, politics, philosophy, literature, and the Great Books.
FAITH:
Mass is available weekdays and Sundays on campus. The college’s chaplain is available for confession and spiritual direction. Liturgy of the Hours, daily Rosary, and other devotions are also offered. Students groups include a pro-life club, the Confraternity of Saint Joseph, and Sodality of Mary.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Currently all freshmen and transfer students receive free room and board and may apply for other forms of institutional aid, including the full-tuition presidential scholarship, other academic scholarships, and the Fulton Sheen Initiative for those discerning a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. Students may also receive external aid.
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $21,000 (plus free room and board for freshmen and transfers)
WHAT’S NEW:
In 2015 the college launched five new majors and initiated its Career Pathways Program, consisting of mentors, internships, preprofessional programs, on-campus professional seminars, and networking opportunities.
SIZE: Students: 80; student-faculty ratio: 6:1
Columbus, OH
ACADEMICS:
In addition to the university’s liberal arts foundation and academic offerings in theology, education, business, and science, ODU has introduced new programs to help prepare students for careers in rapidly expanding industries.
FAITH:
ODU offers a full range of Catholic faith experiences, including a daily Mass in its historic chapel. ODU’s campus ministry office integrates both ecumenical and interreligious programming into the life of the university.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
The university works to match students with the right financial assistance programs, including loans, grants, and scholarships. Approximately 99 percent of full-time undergraduate students received some form of assistance in 2013–14.
TUITION: $28,900
WHAT’S NEW:
The university offers a master’s program in physician assistant studies, new master’s programs in medical practice management and English, and new bachelor’s degrees in software engineering and insurance and risk management.
SIZE: Students: approximately 2,700; student-faculty ratio: 15:1
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy
Barry’s Bay, Ontario
ACADEMICS:
The academy offers a three-year program in the classical liberal arts (as well as one- or two-year programs) at the post-secondary level. The academy’s focus is on foundational studies in the streams of theology, philosophy, history, and literature, supported by courses in logic, mathematics, sciences, music, and the fine arts.
FAITH:
The campus is next to the local Catholic parish where daily Mass, confessions, and an adoration chapel are available to students. On campus two chaplains are available to meet with students for spiritual direction and confession. Annual retreats and pilgrimages are offered to students, faculty, and staff. There are also guest speakers and seminars. The Rosary is prayed daily.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
The academy offers scholarships and bursaries (grants) for entering and returning students. There are work-study positions available for students in financial need. In the 2014–2015 academic year, 45 percent of students received assistance in the form of bursaries and/or work-study.
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $9,436 USD (according to February 2015 Bank of Canada exchange rates); $11,724 CAD.
WHAT’S NEW:
The academy hopes to receive word sometime late in 2015 on its application for degree-granting status in Ontario in order to offer a three-year bachelor of arts in Christian humanities.
SIZE: Students: 85 (full-time); student-faculty ratio: 9:1
Shawnee, OK
ACADEMICS:
The university’s liberal arts curriculum is grounded in the Benedictine tradition of educating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. St. Gregory’s features both traditional and adult degree programs, including associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.
FAITH:
The university shares its campus with the St. Gregory’s Abbey and a community of monks from the Order of St. Benedict. The Abbey Church has daily Mass, and all are welcome to join the monks at prayer five times a day. Students can join several Catholic organizations and participate in an array of devotions and activities. Theology faculty and the university president receive the mandatum from the archbishop of Oklahoma City.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Every active Catholic student at the university receives a $3,000 grant per year, up to $12,000 over four years. The university eliminated universal fees. All full-time students—at all income levels—receive some form of assistance that does not have to be repaid.
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $27,100
WHAT’S NEW:
The university’s new Catholic nursing program curriculum has an ethical focus based in Catholic theology and social teaching.
SIZE: Students: 623; student-faculty ratio: 12:1
Santa Paula, CA
ACADEMICS:
There are no majors, no minors, and no electives. Students read and study the original writings of the great philosophers, historians, mathematicians, poets, scientists, and theologians of the West.
FAITH:
Members of the teaching faculty make a profession of faith and an oath of fidelity to Church teaching. Theology tutors have a mandatum from the local ordinary. Mass is offered numerous times each day in Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel, and confessions are heard before and after each Mass.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
The college offers assistance to students who would otherwise not be able to attend. Loan debt is kept to a minimum with average student loan indebtedness of $18,000 after four years.
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $32,450
WHAT’S NEW:
The college received an $8.5 million grant from the Fritz B. Burns Foundation for the construction of the school’s lecture and concert hall, to be named for St. Cecilia, patroness of music. Completion is expected in late fall 2016.
SIZE: Students: 364; student-faculty ratio: 10:1
The Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
Merrimack, NH
ACADEMICS:
The program of studies at the college is a rigorous training in the liberal arts, humane letters, and the disciplines of philosophy and theology.
FAITH:
Daily Mass, including the extraordinary form each week, Liturgy of the Hours (Lauds and Compline), Rosary (evening), and adoration (once a week) are available.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
The college has several programs and scholarship funds for incoming students. Students may access the federal loan program. The college offers scholarships from its St. Francis Fund, with approximately 98 percent of all students receiving some form of scholarship from this fund. The college also offers targeted aid to South and Central American and Latino students through the Our Lady of Guadalupe Scholarship fund. All funds from these programs are allotted based on a student’s financial need. The Faith & Reason Scholarship essay awards are an annual contest.
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $29,800
WHAT’S NEW:
The office of admissions and advancement began a three-part series of seminars for the upperclassmen on resume building, networking, and job placement.
SIZE: Students: 97 (undergraduate residential); student-faculty ratio: 9:1
Crestview Hills, KY
ACADEMICS:
The college offers approximately 40 baccalaureate majors, 29 associate majors and several graduate degrees. A variety of majors and areas of study are available, spanning liberal arts and sciences, business, medical technology, and nursing.
FAITH:
Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel sits at the center of campus and serves as a symbol of the school’s Catholic identity. Daily Mass is supplemented by additional opportunities for worship and service to others coordinated through the Office of Campus Ministry and several student organizations.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
All students receive aid. A variety of aid packages are available including scholarships, work-study, and loans. Scholarships include criteria based upon academic merit and extracurricular and community involvement.
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $36,838
WHAT’S NEW:
In 2014 the college introduced an academic major in athletic training (with a master’s degree earned in five years), a marine biology track partnering with Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky, the Saints Marching Band, and a Division III women’s lacrosse team. Additional offerings in 2015 include an academic major in law, expanded choir opportunities, and intercollegiate bowling.
SIZE: Students: 1,600; student-faculty ratio: 13:1
Irving, TX
ACADEMICS:
The core curriculum is a nationally recognized two-year, 60-credit hour sequence of classes that all students take. As part of the core curriculum, students have the opportunity to spend a semester studying at the university’s Rome campus.
FAITH:
There are many offerings for spiritual growth, such as daily Mass, reconciliation, retreats, and community service clubs, including an active pro-life club. The university connects students with community service opportunities. The Church of the Incarnation is centrally located and open 24 hours a day.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Approximately 94 percent of the student body currently receives aid in the form of merit or need-based award packages.
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $43,430
WHAT’S NEW:
The university broke ground in October 2014 on a new 45,000 square foot academic building. The university is working on a campus shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe that will house a relic stone from the Hill of Tepeyac, where Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego.
SIZE: Students: 1,327; student-faculty ratio: 11:1
Dayton, OH
ACADEMICS:
The university offers more than 80 undergraduate programs and the opportunity to earn bachelor’s plus master’s degrees.
FAITH:
Campus ministry cultivates personal and spiritual development by creating a deep sense of faith through worship, retreats, faith formation, service, and reflection. Chapels are located in each of the residential halls, and the Immaculate Conception Chapel is the heart of campus. The Center for Catholic Education and the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives are leaders in Catholic education and faith formation.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
More than 90 percent of undergraduates receive merit or need-based assistance. Scholarships and grants grow each year to cover any increase in tuition; there are no fees or surcharges; and students can receive up to $4,000 for textbooks (over four years).
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $49,070
WHAT’S NEW:
The new Hanley Sustainability Institute supports interdisciplinary initiatives related to sustainability education and creating a more sustainable future.
SIZE: Students: 11,368 (undergraduate, graduate/law); student-faculty ratio: 15:1
Bismarck, ND
ACADEMICS:
Students can choose from nearly 60 undergraduate programs, 14 master’s programs, and three doctoral programs in physical therapy, nursing practice, and education. The university has campuses in Rome and Peru and study abroad programs elsewhere. Service abroad programs are also available.
FAITH:
Campus ministry facilitates liturgical and prayer opportunities for Catholics and non-Catholics, including Mass, Eucharistic adoration, reconciliation, the Liturgy of the Hours, and a robust schedule of interdenominational prayer and praise services.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
All incoming freshmen and transfer students receive scholarships. Ninety-five percent of students receive assistance. Eligible Catholic high school graduates qualify for free room and board.
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $22,462
WHAT’S NEW:
Year-Round Campus is a degree path that gives students the option to earn a bachelor’s degree in two-and-a-half years and a master’s in four years. CHI scholarships offer substantial savings to incoming and transfer students majoring in nursing and healthcare—including a tuition-free senior year for nursing students with a start date of fall 2015 or later
SIZE: Students: More than 3,000 (undergraduate and graduate); student-faculty ratio: 17:1.
Houston, TX
ACADEMICS:
All undergraduates must take the core curriculum. The university places a strong emphasis on theology and philosophy, requiring a total of 21 credits in these disciplines for an undergraduate bachelor of arts. Even transfer students must take at least six credits in theology and in philosophy. There are 36 undergraduate and 18 graduate programs.
FAITH:
The Chapel of St. Basil on campus hosts Mass and confession. Three times a semester, a group sings Gregorian chant for a traditional extraordinary form Mass.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Ninety-one percent of first-year students receive assistance for their undergraduate education. The university awards nearly $39 million in financial aid annually, including over $14 million in university-funded scholarships and grants.
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $39,390
WHAT’S NEW:
The university became the 55th member institution of the Texas Medical Center. The university plans to build a Center for Science and Health Professions. The university plans to break ground on the building this year and open it to students in early 2017.
SIZE: Students: 3,522; student-faculty ratio: 9:1
North Canton, OH
ACADEMICS:
The most popular of the 60-plus undergraduate majors include business, management, marketing, education, nursing, psychology, and biological and health sciences.â¨All students perform service work.
FAITH:
Eucharistic adoration, campus ministry and student outreach, Rosary, and prayer groups have flourished in recent years. All theology professors receive the mandatum.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Ninety-eight percent of full-time students receive some kind of need-based aid, and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $10,668.
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $34,930
WHAT’S NEW:
Over the past five years, the university has introduced seven new science and health care programs: actuarial science, biochemistry, exercise science, environmental science, master of science in nursing, doctor of nursing practice, and pre-occupational therapy. The university opened the Saint John Paul II Center for Science Innovation in January 2015.
SIZE: Students: 2,116; student-faculty ratio: 13:1
Lander, WY
ACADEMICS:
The college offers an integrated curriculum; all students take the same courses and read the same books as their classmates. Graduates all receive the same bachelor of arts degree. Students learn to read and speak Latin, the language of the Church.
FAITH:
Daily Mass is available numerous times a day. An ordinary form Mass is celebrated in English most days at noon. The extraordinary form is celebrated at noon Wednesday and 8:00 a.m. Sunday. Confession is available daily, and there is adoration each weekday.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Eighty-six percent of students receive some form of aid. The average graduating debt of the most recent class is $15,700.
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $28,150 (includes books)
WHAT’S NEW:
The college launched a new monthly speech publication called Integritas. This free subscription brings lectures given at the college to people all over the country.
SIZE: Students: 125; student-faculty ratio: 8:1
Cincinnati, OH
ACADEMICS:
The university offers 90 undergraduate majors/concentrations and 59 minors. Xavier also offers 26 graduate programs and three doctoral programs
FAITH:
The core curriculum includes required theology classes. Bellarmine Chapel is located on campus and is home to the popular 10:00 p.m. Sunday Mass for students. The Center for Faith and Justice at Xavier helps students deepen their spiritual lives and engage with those of diverse faith experiences. There are several retreats for students.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Every applicant is automatically considered for merit-based scholarships and awards typically ranging from $7,000 to $17,000 per year, renewable for four years. Dozens of unique scholarships are also available. All first-year students receive merit-based scholarships or resource-based financial aid.
TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD: $44,480
WHAT’S NEW:
In fall 2015 the university will open a new College of Arts and Innovation.
SIZE: Students: 6,538 (undergraduate and graduate); student-faculty ratio: 12:1.
ONLINE PROGRAMS
ACADEMICS:
The university offers an associate of arts degree in the liberal arts with a concentration in Catholic studies, a bachelor of arts completion degree in theology, and a master of arts degree in theology.
FAITH:
Deacon James Pearce manages the online chapel, where he is available to students who wish to converse and post prayer intentions. He also contributes to a Weekly Reflections column on CDU’s homepage, which provides commentary about the readings and Gospel selections presented at Sunday Mass each week.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
CDU offers a short-term payment plan that allows tuition to be spread out over three or four equal installments over the course of the term. Sallie Mae loans are available. Veterans Affairs benefits and tuition reimbursement for active duty military is offered. CDU is in the process of pursuing approval to offer federal financial aid.
TUITION: $450 per credit hour (graduate), $305 per credit hour (undergraduate)
WHAT’S NEW:
CDU began offering courses in an eight-week format to give students the option to earn a degree at a faster pace. CDU is also expanding its library offerings.
SIZE: Students: 346; student-faculty ratio: 12:1
Ignatius-Angelicum Liberal Studies Program
ACADEMICS:
A four-year Great Books program and four Catholic theology courses are offered. The Great Books online program is primarily, though not exclusively, designed for students age 14 and older to begin college-level courses from home. The program offers a total of 60 credits, which is half of a typical bachelor’s degree curriculum. The program has agreements with a number of colleges (such as Holy Apostles College and Seminary), to accept all 60 credits toward bachelor of arts degrees. After earning 60 credits online—often by age 18—students typically complete their degrees by earning the other approximately 60 hours of their degree requirements entirely online or on campus at another college.
FAITH:
The program offers four online theology courses taught by renowned Catholic educator Father Joseph Fessio, SJ, ThD, for college credit. He is a former student of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and has received the mandatum.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Because tuition is $15,000 for 60 credit hours and being online requires no campus, room and board, or other expenses, no financial aid is offered.
TUITION:
Tuition is $250 per credit hour ($225 early enrollment); calculated on the typical 30 credits per year basis, this would equal $7,500 for 30 credits. Agreements with various colleges, such as Holy Apostles College and Seminary, make it possible to earn a four-year bachelor of arts degree completely online for $42,000 total (not per year).
WHAT’S NEW:
Holy Apostles College and Seminary is the most recent college to accept all 60 credits toward one of several bachelor of arts degrees; students may now complete their entire bachelor of arts degree online from accredited institutions at a fraction of the cost on campus.
SIZE: Students: 230 (2014–15); student-faculty ratio is about 10:1