Though they may have different religious orders—from Benedictine to Dominican, Franciscan to Jesuit, and many more in between—Catholic colleges and universities have many similarities. You’ll find that these schools all value giving back to the community and helping students grow both academically and spiritually. But they also accept students of many different faiths or no religion at all. If you’re looking for a place where faith, learning, and life are integrated on and off campus—or just a school with rigorous academics and a supportive community—this list is a great place to start your search.
The colleges and universities listed below are Catholic institutions located in the Western United States, and you can connect with all of them quickly and easily! Just click the “Connect me” button underneath each featured school if you’re interested in learning more about them—then they'll reach out to you with more information. Start exploring and making valuable connections with these Catholic institutions now!
John Paul the Great Catholic University
John Paul the Great Catholic University is a private coeducational institution located in Escondido, California—30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego. The University’s unique academic model combines hands-on projects, mentorship, and portfolio preparation with a Catholic liberal arts education in literature, theology, and philosophy. Opportunities for spiritual growth include daily Mass, confession, adoration, rosary, retreats, and service projects.
Mount Saint Mary’s University
Mount Saint Mary’s University is a church-affiliated liberal arts college in Los Angeles, California. Mount Saint Mary’s is the only women’s Catholic university in the western United States and the only women’s university in Los Angeles, serving 2,600+ women across two campuses and online. Students can choose from more than 30 majors and nearly 50 minors, participate in study abroad and faculty research, and pursue other experiential learning opportunities that complement their classroom studies.
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Seattle University
Seattle University is a private, comprehensive, Jesuit-affiliated institution with a 50-acre campus in Seattle, Washington. The Jesuit educational ethos of social justice, global awareness, and diversity underlies all academic programs. Approximately 80% of Seattle U students provide service in the surrounding community, and a noteworthy number of students travel annually to places such as India, Belize, and Nicaragua on service trips.
University of Portland
University of Portland is a private church-affiliated institution with a 25-acre campus located four miles from downtown Portland, Oregon. As a comprehensive Catholic university grounded in the liberal arts, UP embraces a culture of curiosity by testing beliefs and challenging the expected. Experiential learning opportunities include internships, clinicals, student teaching, research, service immersions, and study abroad.
Interested in continuing your Catholic education somewhere else? Check out all our featured Catholic School Profiles.
