Villanova, the oldest Augustinian Catholic university in the U.S., is about 12 miles from Philadelphia. The school enjoys a solid academic reputation. The university has an outstanding graduation rate. Plus, 95% of its graduates successfully secured jobs after graduation, the university says. And while the estimated price of a ’Nova degree ($270,000) is quite high, the school says more than half of undergraduate students receive some type of financial assistance, and the average grant is $42,000.
On campus, students can be found congregating in the Connelly Center, St. Mary's Hall and around the Oreo (an abstract black-and-white sculpture on the quad).
Restaurants and bars in the area are also popular, and Philadelphia's attractions are just a short train ride away. Community service is a powerful force at Villanova. Many students participate in immersive “Service and Justice Experiences'' for local grassroots organizations engaged in community revitalization, immigrant justice and homeless outreach. So is the Catholic faith: As part of the curriculum, every incoming freshman must take at least two scripture-driven seminars.
