<p>There are hundreds of Catholic colleges in the United States. Google “catholic colleges and universities.” 98% of them are operated by either an order of priests and nuns or a catholic diocese. That does NOT mean they are “religious schools” such as seminaries. If you want a seminary, then go to a seminary. There are only a very small handful of catholic colleges which fit into the narrow realm of “religious schools”, such as Ave Maria College in Florida. </p>
<p>Most catholic colleges are known for offering a full spectrum of majors and function like any other secular university, except they may offer Mass on campus, have a cathedral or church on campus and may have highly educated (PhD) priests and nuns teaching SOME classes, mostly in theology or philosophy. At most catholic colleges the student body runs roughly 60/40 catholic to non catholic. Nobody will attempt to proselytize you or “convert you.” Catholic schools respect diversity of thought, and often are very independent thinkers…sometimes causing waves within the Church itself and a raised eyebrow from Rome. Some of the most avant garde theologians have been tenured faculty at the Catholic University of America. </p>
<p>A particular order of priests, such as the Dominicans, Jesuits, Augustinians or Assumptionists, Franciscans, etc. is just a particular group who follow certain rules in their own lifestyles. Some have an exclusive dedication to teaching, like the Jesuits. </p>
<p>Villanova is a top drawer very respected Catholic University in Philadelphia. Its admissions website states: In 1842, the Friars of the Order of St. Augustine founded Villanova University. The Augustinians are one of the oldest teaching orders in the Roman Catholic church. Their commitment to love and service is reflected in the Latin words on University’s seal, which translate into Truth, Unity and Love. More than a motto, it is a guiding philosophy for the Villanova community. This is a community where the words “truth” and “justice” are spoken daily, a place where the intellectual and the spiritual come together, where academic rigor and Augustinian wisdom nurture compassionate minds; compassionate minds ready to transform the world. </p>
<p>The Order of St. Augustine is a highly respected teaching order, emphasizing the philosophical views of one of the most famous and oldest Doctors of the Roman Catholic Church, St. Augustine. (Even the Jesuits teach his philosophy, LOL!)</p>
<p>If you are non catholic (whether Jewish, Protestant, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist or agnostic), it will not affect you in any manner, unless you seek it out and desire to be schooled in Church doctrine and learn a new theology. </p>
<p>You will take core curriculum classes that include philosophy and theology but wont be required to think or believe or adhere to any one point of view. You can take “comparative theology” classes as well.</p>
<p>How it influences “life on campus” depends entirely on you and your choice of friends. Not all catholics are “strict adherents” or “practicing catholics.” You can either belong to a social group that is religious or you can choose to remain completely secular and such. </p>
<p>There may be more strict “official” policies on dorm rooms, such as a curfew (often well after 200am at many colleges) for when males can be in a female room, no cohabitation on campus etc. Though kids being kids, “rules are made to be broken”. Not suggesting you try that, because the repurcussions can be “expulsion”. If you respect the views of others, they will respect yours. Most non catholics attend a catholic university for its academic rigor, depth of programs and outstanding job placement services/internships. </p>
<p>Villanova is in the top tier of Catholic Universities.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>