Villanova, the oldest Augustinian Catholic university in the U.S., is about 12 miles from Philadelphia. The school enjoys a solid academic reputation and has an outstanding graduation rate of about 90%. Plus, nearly 95% of its Class of 2025 successfully secured opportunities (whether that be a job, graduate school placement or extended service program) after graduation, the university says. And while the estimated price of a ’Nova degree 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). There are also over 300 student organizations — ranging from a hip hop club to a group for baking aficionados — and the campus comes together to cheer on the men’s basketball team, which boasts 39 March Madness appearances (and three national championships).
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, and the university counts Pope Leo among its notable alums.
