Catholic Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania: Part One

Catholic colleges and universities provide students the best of two worlds: the rigorous of a strong academic curriculum and the values inherent in a Catholic education. If you are currently considering a college and want to get the most out of your educational experience, then you should definitely consider one of these Catholic colleges and universities located in the state of Pennsylvania.

Alvernia University

This Catholic university, located in the thriving town of Reading, bases its academic platform on both Franciscan and liberal arts traditions, thus giving students the abilities and values that come from such a commitment. According to their mission statement, they seek to foster the following types of individuals: "broadly educated, life-long learners, reflective professionals and engaged citizens; and ethical leaders with moral courage." They award numerous types of degrees, ranging from associates to doctoral, and have received accreditations from a number of organizations. Furthermore, most classes have fewer than twenty students, ensuring close interaction between students and faculty.

Carlow College

Located in the bustling cultural center of Pittsburgh, Carlow College has a long and prestigious history of providing students with a valuable and rigorous academic experience. An excellent number of undergraduates pursue either graduate education or employment. A large number of students attending this university receive some form of aid, from a wide variety of sources including federal, state, and institution. The school also has a 10 to 1 student to faculty ratio, ensuring that students have the opportunity to work closely with their chosen faculty.

Duquesne University

Duquesne University, also located in the city of Pittsburgh, is one of the most prestigious and well-known Catholic universities in the state of Pennsylvania. If you choose to Duquesne, rest assured that you will be immersing yourself in a vibrant intellectual student community, as many incoming freshman are drawn from the top half of their class. It is also a very diverse institution, with students from almost every state and 80 other countries. They offer degrees in numerous fields of study, and they currently have a 14 to 1 student to faculty ratio, with almost 1,000 full and part-time faculty from which to draw. They are certainly one of the most prestigious Catholic universities in Pennsylvania.

If you are looking for some of the most prestigious and intellectually challenging Catholic institutions in the state of Pennsylvania, then be sure to look into these colleges. You are certain to gain an education here that is well worth the time and money that you will invest in your education.