So I’m a Catholic from Virginia and I got scholarship consideration at St. John’s University. I’m starting to have a great interest in it because of the diversity, majors provided, etc. But being that the people attending are mostly Catholic, I’m curious what the atmosphere feels like. Are religiously affiliated schools different from regular universities? Is it really conservative? Does religion completely dominate college life?
Every college will have its own rituals, services, atmosphere. There is no one answer. It would help you to visit and speak with real students (not just the students working in admissions office). Ask questions about mandatory chapel attendance, how does religion influence academic classes, and what percentage of students are practicing Catholics.
Some religious schools have lost their way, and are religious in name only. Others use their religion as the foundation for everything they do on campus. The religion can reach into academics, rules for dorm living, curfews, etc.
If you’re talking about St. John’s University in NY, then it is definitely super diverse. While majority of people who go there are Catholic, there are plenty of people who are atheists or a different religion. They are very tolerant. I know quite a few people who go there, both Catholic and Non-Catholic.
The Catholic activities are there if you want them, like campus ministry, but they are certainly not shoved in your face. I don’t think anyone is pressured to participate in Catholic events such as mass, etc.
The biggest difference between religious affiliated schools and regular ones is the fact that religion is a required course. It might be part of a core curriculum. However, many of these courses are more like philosophy courses.
I can only really speak for St. John’s since I know a lot about it (I live in NY) and know a ton of people who go there, but it is definitely a very diverse environment not just on campus but also the area around it. Religion definitely does not dominate the campus life there. You will probably find people of all different faiths and backgrounds who go there.
I’m not really sure if its more conservative or liberal, but it is most likely mixed.