If you're not a convert to the Catholic faith, you might have written private religious colleges off your list. However, many notable colleges are built on the Jesuit tradition, and even if you aren't actively attending Mass or planning on receiving Sacraments, you can still benefit from the determined, traditional environment at notable Catholic schools. What are some benefits of attending a Catholic college, even if you're not Catholic?

1. There are stricter rules.

Wait, more rules? Isn't the point of college to let loose and enjoy life? Well, letting loose and enjoying life has a different definition at a religious school.

Colleges that follow Catholic teachings will have stricter rules concerning dress, curfews, and moral conduct, but these can be useful if you're going to college for education instead of thrill. There probably won't be as many sorority parties, but many wholesome student activities will help you to enjoy college, while still being able to focus on getter great grades and performing well in sports. For example, Notre Dame, a popular and respected Catholic college, does not allow possession or use of alcohol or drugs on campus. If you're living in the dorms, you'll be able to study without fear of being interrupted by a wild party.

2. The Jesuit tradition focuses on total learning.

Catholic colleges take a holistic view to education. Every student should not only be enlightened intellectually, but culturally, morally, spiritually, and emotionally. Therefore, Catholic schools often encourage studying abroad, as firsthand cultural learning is best achieved by experience. They also provide excellent core classes in philosophy, theology, sociology, and world literature. Education is meant to prepare students not only for a career, but for a success in both family pursuits and quality of life.

Because of this "total body" education philosophy, many colleges provide hands on experiences for students. Book learning is combined with with active learning approaches. For example, when students are studying methods of psychology, they may have the opportunity to see and practice methods taught in lecture first hand. 

3. Families are welcome.

Because the average age for marriage in America is now 26 for women and 28 for men, most undergraduate colleges are overwhelmed with young, single people. This can make living in a college town with a family more difficult. However, if you are an older student or you married young and have kids, you'll find that Catholic colleges, with their strong connection to faith and family values, are more accepting and accommodating of family pressures. Also, you'll be among like-minded peers. In fact, Catholic publications encourage young people to consider marriage in their early 20's. So, if you're on the family road, Catholic schools could be the right environment for your spouse and young children. 

4. You'll enjoy a more formal environment.

Colleges that follow the Catholic tradition believe that influencing and building up the community in positive ways is important for students. One of the traditions of the community that these colleges like to see preserved is a modesty in behavior and dress, along with a respectful demeanor and a serious approach to intellectual studies. This doesn't mean that students can't laugh or enjoy themselves, but one Catholic professor expressed dismay in the lack of formality he saw when interviewing an interacting with student, saying that "Life is not a beach."

If you enjoy a more serious approach to study, and like idea of a well-mannered, well-groomed student body, then a Catholic school is something your should consider. 

5. You may have lower tuition costs.

The cost of education is forever rising, and this remains true at private Catholic colleges. However, because there is such a focus on hard work, academic excellence, and well-rounded learning, these colleges try to provide as much financial aid to students as possible. In fact, even though the average per year tuition cost for Catholic colleges is around $26,300, after all awarded grants, students ended up paying only around $20,170 for all the years combined. 

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