Recognized Colleges

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Colleges Recognized in The Newman Guide
For Catholic Families

Choosing a Catholic college

The Cardinal Newman Society recognizes colleges for their commitment to a faithful Catholic education. No secular education is a complete education, and today much of secular education is opposed to Catholic belief and morality. On the other hand, sadly much of Catholic higher education has been compromised by ideology, infidelity, and scandal, and so we cannot recommend any college that is not listed below.

Our reviews are based on extensive research and dialogue with Catholic educators and families and are based on what the Church expects of Catholic colleges. Ultimately, however, The Newman Guide represents The Cardinal Newman Society’s subjective analysis and suggestions for Catholic families.

The bottom line

No college is perfect and no college is right for every student, but at least one of the colleges listed below is likely a good fit for your needs.

Parents and students should look closely at each college and, most importantly, make a campus visit, overnight if possible. We pray that you successfully find the college that is the best fit for you!

VIDEO: Why Choose a Faithful Catholic College?

Colleges Recognized for Strong Catholic Identity in The Newman Guide

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Aquinas College (non-residential)

Nashville, Tenn.

Ave Maria University

Ave Maria University

Ave Maria, Fla.

Belmont Abbey College

Belmont Abbey College

Belmont, N.C.

Benedictine College

Benedictine College

Atchison, Kan.

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Campion College (international)

Toongabbie East, NSW

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Catholic Distance University (online only)

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The Catholic University of America

Washington, D.C.

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Christendom College

Front Royal, Va.

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Franciscan University of Steubenville

Steubenville, Ohio

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Holy Apostles College and Seminary (non-residential, online)

Cromwell, Conn., and Online

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International Theological Institute (international)

Trumau, Austria

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John Paul the Great Catholic University

Escondido, Calif.

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Magdalen College of the Liberal Arts

Warner, N.H.

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Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College (international)

Barry’s Bay, Ontario

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Thomas Aquinas College

Santa Paula, Calif., and Northfield, Mass.

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The Thomas More College of Liberal Arts

Merrimack, N.H.

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University of Dallas

Irving, Tex.

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University of Mary

Bismarck, N.D.

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University of Navarra (international)

Pamplona, Spain

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University of St. Thomas Houston

Houston, TX

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Walsh University

North Canton, Ohio

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Wyoming Catholic College

Lander, Wyo.

Provisional Recognition in The Newman Guide

In order to receive full recognition in The Newman Guide, a college must have been in operation for four or more years and graduated a first class. Provisional recognition is granted to a college that does not yet meet the requirements for full recognition but based on information provided in the Newman Guide application, the Cardinal Newman Society believes the college’s standards and policies appear to meet Newman Guide criteria. The Society will conduct another evaluation of a provisionally recognized college before granting full recognition.

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The Collegium (Provisional Recognition)

Hagerstown, Md.

Catholic Identity Special Recognition Categories

GOLD: Catholic Trustees
100% of trustees are Catholic.
GOLD: Profession of Faith
All Catholic faculty and president make the Profession of Faith at least once upon hiring, and all theology faculty have the mandatum.
GOLD: Theology and Philosophy
At least 24 credits of study in Catholic theology and philosophy required for all undergraduates.
GOLD: Honors and Speakers
Has policy prohibiting honors and speaking invitations to those who publicly oppose Catholic moral teaching and ensures that speakers do not call into question Catholic moral teaching.
GOLD: Spiritual Life
Mass is offered every day on campus and there are scheduled opportunities at least three times/week for Confession & Adoration.
GOLD: Student Residences
Student residences are single sex, and there is never opposite sex visitation in student residences.
GOLD: Catholic Faculty
100% of faculty is Catholic.
GOLD: Catholic Students
At least 95% of students are Catholic.

SILVER: Catholic Trustees
At least 85% of trustees are Catholic.
SILVER: Profession of Faith
President makes the Profession of Faith at least once upon hiring, and all theology faculty have the mandatum.
SILVER: Theology and Philosophy
At least 15 credits of study in Catholic theology and philosophy required for all undergraduates.
SILVER: Honors and Speakers
Has policy prohibiting honors to those who publicly oppose Catholic moral teaching.
SILVER: Spiritual Life
Mass offered most days each week on campus and there are scheduled opportunities each week for Confession & Adoration.
SILVER: Student Residences
Student residences are single sex, and doors must remain open during limited opposite sex visitation in student residences.
SILVER: Catholic Faculty
At least 85% of faculty is Catholic.
SILVER: Catholic Students
At least 80% of students are Catholic.

$5,000 Essay Scholarship Contest for High School Seniors

Deadline: February 20, 2023