Villanova University

Founded in 1842 by the Order of St. Augustine, Villanova is theoldest and largest Catholic university in Pennsylvania. St. Augustine (ah-GUST-in) believed in a commitment to community and the connection between heart and mind. These beliefs guide Villanova’s educational approach, making the experience not just about outstanding academics but about each student’s growth as a whole person. 

Villanova—a picturesque 260-acre campus located 12 miles west of Philadelphia—is home to students of all faiths. Villanova offers more than 60 rigorous academic programs through four undergraduate colleges: the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, and the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. Interdisciplinary concentrations are offered in a variety of areas.

Full-time undergraduate enrollment at Villanova is 6,900, while total University enrollment—including graduate programs, continuing and part-time studies, and Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law—is nearly 11,000. At Villanova, you will find proven scholars—not graduate assistants—at the head of your classes. With an average class size of 23 and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, you are ensured close interaction with your professors.

Academic excellence
Incoming students with a strong record of academic achievement and cocurricular leadership are invited to apply to the Honors program upon their acceptance to the University. The Honors program is a comprehensive four-year program that offers seminars, research opportunities, service projects, and cultural and social events designed to bring together highly motivated, talented students with dedicated faculty.

Villanova also offers a competitive Presidential Scholarship program as it seeks to attract young leaders from diverse intellectual, social, racial, and economic backgrounds, including those from families in which few or no members have attended college. This renewable scholarship covers tuition, general fees, room, board, and the cost of textbooks for eight consecutive semesters. It is awarded to students for their demonstrated academic achievements and active participation in their schools and broader civic communities.

In addition, first-year students are encouraged to join a themed Learning Community to live and learn among friends. Students in these communities live in the same residence halls, take the Augustine & Culture Seminar together, and participate in cocurricular programs such as lectures, plays, and trips.

Student life
Villanova is a close-knit and caring community. There are more than 260 student organizations and 36 national honor societies at Villanova. Service to others through volunteerism and service learning projects is a fundamental part of the Villanova experience, and Villanovans provide more than 250,000 hours of community service each year. 

Semiannual service breaks enable students to choose projects of special personal significance (Habitat for Humanity is especially popular), and Villanova’s Special Olympics Fall Festival is the largest annual student-run Special Olympics event in the world. In addition, the annual Day of Service matches thousands of Villanova volunteers with service sites across Greater Philadelphia.

Housing on campus is guaranteed for three consecutive years. New suite-style residence halls that opened in fall 2019 allow 85% of undergraduates to live on campus. Villanova’s award-winning Dining Services offers a wide variety of options with 19 eateries. 

Athletic opportunities for Villanova students abound. Each year, approximately 3,200 students participatein 10 intramural sports. In 2016 and 2018, the men’s basketball team won the NCAA national championship. The University has also produced more than 60 Olympians in its history, and Villanovans have participated in every Summer Olympics since 1948. 

The Villanova Center for Multicultural Affairs provides a welcoming atmosphere for students and exemplifies the University’s mission of respecting individual differences and adhering to the principle that mutual love and respect should animate every aspect of University life.

Career services
At Villanova, the Career Center and the Colleges collaborate to provide students with enriched coursework and internship experiences. Innovative career and professional development concepts are integrated into the curriculum of all four Colleges starting as early as freshman year. Additionally, more than 35,500 job opportunities were posted on Villanova’s job boards; 97% of recent Villanova graduates became full-time employees or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation; and the average starting salary for Villanova graduates is $59,500.