Choosing a Catholic college
The Cardinal Newman Society recommends 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!
Newman Guide recognition
Colleges interested in applying for recognition in The Newman Guide can begin the process here.
VIDEO: Why Choose a Faithful Catholic College?
Colleges Recommended for Strong Catholic Identity in The Newman Guide
Aquinas College
(non-residential)
Nashville, Tenn.
Ave Maria University
Ave Maria, Fla.
Belmont Abbey College
Belmont, N.C.
Benedictine College
Atchison, Kan.
Campion College
(international)
Toongabbie East, New South Wales
Catholic International University
(online only)
The Catholic University of America
Washington, D.C.
Christendom College
Front Royal, Va.
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Steubenville, Ohio
Holy Angel University
(international)
Angeles City, Philippines
Holy Apostles College and Seminary
(non-residential, online)
Cromwell, Conn., and Online
ITI Catholic University
(international)
Trumau, Austria
John Paul the Great Catholic University
Escondido, Calif.
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College
(international)
Barry’s Bay, Ontario
Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas
(international)
Rome, Italy
Thomas Aquinas College
Santa Paula, Calif., and Northfield, Mass.
The Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
Merrimack, N.H.
University of Dallas
Irving, Tex.
University of Mary
Bismarck, N.D.
University of Navarra
(international)
Pamplona, Spain
University of St. Thomas Houston
Houston, TX
Walsh University
North Canton, Ohio
Wyoming Catholic College
Lander, Wyo.
Provisional Recognition in The Newman Guide
Catholic Institute of Technology
(Provisional Recognition)
Castel Gandolfo, Italy
The College of St. Joseph the Worker
(Provisional Recognition)
Steubenville, Ohio
The Collegium
(Provisional Recognition)
Hagerstown, Md.
Rosary College
(Provisional Recognition)
Greenville, S.C.
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.