The criteria used in most college rankings, like the ones newly released by U.S. News & World Report, don’t include some of the most important factors for Catholic families choosing a college.  These include quality of the core curriculum, study in authentic Catholic theology and philosophy, interdisciplinary study, ethical formation, morality of campus life, and more.

Nevertheless, such rankings have some value, especially by confirming that faithful Catholic colleges measure up to other colleges even according to limited secular criteria. Congratulations to the following colleges featured in The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College for ranking among the top 100 colleges in their categories, according to U.S. News & World Report.

National Liberal Arts Colleges

Thomas Aquinas College (Calif.) – #82 overall, #114 in high school counselor rankings, #36 best value

Regional Universities (North)

DeSales University (Penn.) – #75 overall

Mount St. Mary’s University (Md.) – #23 overall, #13 best value

Regional Universities (Midwest)

Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio) – #31 overall

Walsh University (Ohio) – #66 overall

Regional Universities (West)

University of Dallas (Tex.) – #12 overall, #10 best value

University of St. Thomas (Tex.) – #34 overall

Regional Colleges (South)

Aquinas College (Tenn.) – #42 overall

Belmont Abbey College (N.C.) – #39 overall

Regional Colleges (Midwest)

Benedictine College (Kan.) – #29 overall

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