<p>I'm interested in attending an academically rigorous, Christian/church-affiliated liberal arts school that draws many students who are serious about their faith. Does HC attract a lot of students who are invested in their Catholicism, or do people go there more for the academics and the name recognition, and not so much for its Jesuit ties?</p>
<p>I would estimate that about half the students are serious about their faith and the other half are quite secular in their attitudes. You can find a social circle there which will fit you if you want a devout faith experience or not.</p>
<p>That’s how it seemed to me also. My daughter told me some students are very devout and involved, others are other religions or not religious at all. She liked that no matter what, you are accepted.</p>
<p>Thank you both. I like the idea of going somewhere where both faith & secular attitudes are accepted and respected. I’m worried that at a number of LACs, that isn’t the case–for instance, I live quite near Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, and people I know who attend there would say that religious faith has a stigma to it. Would you say that HC is an inclusive campus overall?</p>
<p>Very much so. Accepting of other faiths and there is even a large gay student organization. [Keeping</a> the Faith :: GLBT students face adversity at Catholic colleges :: EDGE Boston](<a href=“http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=&sc3=&id=52747]Keeping”>http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=&sc3=&id=52747)</p>