Recognized Colleges

  • Catholic Colleges Recognized in

    The Newman Guide

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!

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 Recognized for Strong Catholic Identity in The Newman Guide

Aquinas Thumbnail

   Aquinas College (non-residential)

    Nashville, Tenn.

Ave Maria University

   Ave Maria University

    Ave Maria, Fla.

   Belmont Abbey College

    Belmont, N.C.

Benedictine College

   Benedictine College

    Atchison, Kan.

Campion Thumbnail

   Campion College (international)

    Toongabbie East, NSW

   Catholic Distance University (online only)

Catholic U Thumbnail

   The Catholic University of America

    Washington, D.C.

   Christendom College

    Front Royal, Va.

Franciscan Thumbnail

  Franciscan University of Steubenville

   Steubenville, Ohio

   Holy Angel University (international)

    Angeles City, Philippines

Holy Apostles Thumbnail

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

    Cromwell, Conn., and Online

ITI Thumbnail

   ITI Catholic University (international)

    Trumau, Austria

JPCatholicThumbnail

   John Paul the Great Catholic University

    Escondido, Calif.

OLSWC Thumbnail

   Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College (international)

    Barry’s Bay, Ontario

   Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (international)

    Rome, Italy

TAC thumbnail

   Thomas Aquinas College

    Santa Paula, Calif., and Northfield, Mass.

Thomas More thumbnail

   The Thomas More College of Liberal Arts

    Merrimack, N.H.

University of Dallas thumbnail

   University of Dallas

    Irving, Tex.

   University of Mary

    Bismarck, N.D.

University of Navarra Thumbnail

   University of Navarra (international)

    Pamplona, Spain

   University of St. Thomas Houston

    Houston, TX

Walsh Thumbnail

   Walsh University

    North Canton, Ohio

WCC Thumbnail

   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.

     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.