Key Takeaways:
- Catholic universities often emphasize moral and ethical education, integrating these principles into the curriculum and campus culture. They focus on the development of the whole person, promoting intellectual, spiritual, social, and physical growth.
- Catholic universities often integrate values such as social justice, service to others, and respect for human dignity into their programs, encouraging students to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
- Many Catholic universities are known for their rigorous academic programs and high educational standards, preparing students well for their future careers.
What are five advantages of Roman Catholic colleges? Most people have a hard time answering this question, considering that while these schools are Catholic-focused, even Muslims from abroad are thriving in the colleges. So what makes them different and a great choice for any student? Read on to learn more.
1. Long History of Education
Roman Catholic churches and monasteries have a long and storied tradition when it comes to education; in fact, some of the oldest universities in Europe were founded by Roman Catholic priests and nuns. The tradition of education has meant that newer universities, including several found in the United States, have their foundation in teaching religion and science side-by-side. Many of these colleges also continue to teach the Great Books, which make up the foundation of Western Europe literature and is a great core curriculum for any student, regardless of religion. And if you do want to earn a religious studies degree from a Roman Catholic perspective, then a Roman Catholic university is the natural choice.
Featured Programs
Recommended reading:
Best Value Roman Catholic Universities
Affordable Small Catholic Colleges
2. Moral Standards
Schools that teach in the Roman Catholic tradition are noted for having high moral standards that never waver. These colleges and universities believe that imbuing their students with these standards, which are put forth by the Church, will prepare them for adulthood and also ensure that they are living their lives for the betterment of humanity and not just themselves. These moral standards, which come in the form of a lifestyle contract with the school, is also thought to ensure that students are more successful at school, leading them to finish their degree on time.
3. Volunteering and Missionary Work
The Roman Catholic Church believes that volunteering and missionary work are central to a life that is dedicated to serving others. As such, one of the biggest advantages to going to a school steeped in Roman Catholic traditions is that volunteering work is not only encouraged, but mandatory in order to graduate from the school. This helps students remember that a life in service to others can lead to great things, is good in the eyes of God, and is also a great way for students to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Additionally, volunteer work can be put on a resume and showcases a student’s commitment to helping others.
4. Community
One of the main advantages to attending a Roman Catholic college is the sense of community. Most of these colleges are small and intimate, with small student-to-teacher ratios and a variety of campus life programs. This is great for freshmen and transfer students who are transitioning from living at home to living on their own; the community will support the student, help them find new friends and feel more comfortable doing adult tasks, such as getting up on time, obtaining a job, and chores.
5. Life Skills
Not to be forgotten in a list of advantages of attending a Roman Catholic college is the idea of life skills. Students who attend these colleges will have access to a variety of programs, groups, and opportunities that teach them about building happy marriages, parenting skills, volunteering, interpersonal skills, and more. Not many colleges offer all of this for their students, but Roman Catholic schools do; they believe that it is their duty to teach their students how to be whole people prior to leaving college.
Students, regardless of their religious outlook, benefit from earning a degree from a Roman Catholic university. From the sense of community to obtaining life skills, these students are often better prepared for life than students from other colleges. While there are more than five advantages of Roman Catholic colleges, these are the top reasons why any student should think about attending one of these schools.