I’m researching colleges for my DS, especially ones with possibly great merit aid for his stats (read: my highest priority!). He’s also interested in D3 swim (read: small LAC) and math (read: anywhere?). When I stumbled upon University of Scranton, my only concern fit-wise is that we’re a Protestant family (more specifically, of a conservative Presbyterian Church variety). We’re already aware of Messiah, Grove City, Clark, Centre, Allegheny, Ursinus. Any advice out there?
We looked at several of those schools and did not find UScranton to be overly religious. Many many students at Catholic schools aren’t Catholic. From my research Messiah and Grove City seemed more religious. I’m not sure what variety of Christian they are so not sure if that would bother your student. If you’re looking for more schools with excellent merit (I’m not sure about swim or math) you could also check out Wheaton (MA), Muhlenberg, Susquehanna, Washington & Jefferson, and Juniata.
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Thanks!
Hi! Thank you for your interest in the University of Scranton! I am an Alumni, Class of 2018, and am now completing my doctorate through the university.
You are correct in that we offer great Merit-Based Scholarships at the University of Scranton! You can find detailed information at this link:
https://www.scranton.edu/financial-aid/merit-based-sch.shtml
We also do have a fantastic Division III Swimming and Diving Team. The team is currently ranked third in the Landmark Division! You can find the team’s information at this link:
https://athletics.scranton.edu/sports/mswim/index
We also offer four Mathematic majors through the Mathematics Department here at the University of Scranton. These include: Mathematics (B.S.), Mathematics (B.A.), Biomathematics, and Applied Mathematics. We also offer a minor in Mathematics. You can find more information on the department’s website at this link:
https://www.scranton.edu/academics/cas/math/
In regards for your concern about your student fitting in at this Catholic and Jesuit university, I would advise you to come visit! I think that you will find our campus to be an open and welcoming environment to those of all religions and beliefs. The Jesuit style of education offers values that help guide a Scranton education to help students grow not only as learners, but as people. These values and how they fit into the higher education environment can be found here:
https://www.scranton.edu/about/jesuit-tradition/ignatian-spirituality.shtml
There is never any pressure at the university to be involved in the Catholic Church and students are encouraged to follow their own religious beliefs. For example, on campus you will find both a Byzantine Chapel and Mosque. There are many other churches within close walking distance to campus, with our convenient location in Scranton. This includes the Covenant Presbyterian Church, located just a short six minute walk from campus at 550 Madison Ave, Scranton, PA 18510! Here is a link to their website: https://covenantscranton.org/ .
Although you are required to take theology courses at the University of Scranton, there are many options to choose from. Some of these courses include: Religions of the World, Parables in Pop Culture, Jewish Way of Life, and Women in the Bible.
Our campus is a place that students often refer to as “home”, a place where people look out for one another, hold doors open for everyone, and strive to achieve excellence. The University of Scranton is a very special place, something you will feel the moment you set foot on campus. This is a school that will change you and shape you into the best person you can be. Or as we like to say, when you leave Scranton you are ready to “Go forth and set the world on fire”.
Thank you again for your interest, we hope you will come visit us soon!
@HomeschoolDadof3 It sounds like you guys are looking for more of an Evangelical college. No? Conservative Presbyterian? How conservative? Lots of schools may have religious affiliations (with mainline Protestant churches), but they can often be very thin.
Wheaton, Houghton, Messiah, Gordon, Cedarville, Grove City are all in the Evangelical camp. Calvin, Covenant College, Biola… An under-published one is Northwestern College in Orange City - it’s an evangelical school in a mainline denomination.
Just throwing my 2 cents in. My DS is a freshman and loves U Scranton. He was raised Catholic but isn’t practicing and doesn’t consider himself religious at all. The religion is there if you want it, but definitely not preached to everyone. His best friends range from one who is very religious and attends every mass to an atheist and there has never been a problem.
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