The College Fix

Higher education is facing enrollment problems and staffing cuts – but some Catholic colleges are expanding

Faithful Catholic colleges continue to thrive while some universities, and higher education in general, face enrollment issues.

The Cardinal Newman Society says total enrollment at its recommended colleges has grown by more than 22 percent in the past decade.

Total college enrollment is up 2.9 percent from last year according to the National Student Clearinghouse Center, but is down for 18-year-old freshmen. This means recent high school graduates are not starting college as much as prior years. Freshman enrollment at private nonprofit universities is also down 6.5 percent.

The group told The College Fix why it believes its recommended colleges have been successful.

“The Newman Guide Recommended colleges are uncompromising in their Catholic identity,” Kelly Salomon, vice president of Newman Guide programs, told The Fix via email.

“While many families today are questioning the value of a college degree, Newman Guide colleges offer so much more than a ticket to a job—they offer a formation for a lifetime,” Salomon said. “These colleges are invested in the type of person students become and help them grow in virtue and wisdom.”

Newman Guide schools refer to colleges that commit to “faithful Catholic education,” according to the group’s news release, which highlighted success stories.

One of these is Franciscan University of Steubenville. The Ohio college “has a record incoming class.” A spokesman for the school provided further insights to The Fix.

“Families are drawn to our Gospel-centered vision and vibrant sacramental life,” Tim Reardon, enrollment management vice president, told The Fix via email. “We don’t just prepare students for careers; we form them to live boldly as Catholic professionals in the world.”

The college offers daily Mass and other sacramental and ministerial opportunities. It also renovating its main chapel.

The city, while small, has added another Newman Guide school, called the College of St. Joseph the Worker. It is a hybrid trade school and Catholic college.

While Benedictine College in Kansas drew attention this spring for a pro-family, pro-life speech by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, it has consistently drawn students looking for a different college experience.

MORE: More than 100 colleges have closed or merged in last eight years

The Atchison, Kansas college has added new programs included nursing, engineering, and criminology, and activities include marching band and sports.

“We provide students opportunities for rich traditions of athletic competition and outstanding academics while still maintaining their faith life,” Steve Johnson, Benedictine’s director of marketing and communications told The Fix via email. “The Catholic identity we embrace gives families confidence that their children will grow in both wisdom and virtue during their time here.”

The values of Newman colleges are in contrast to “most colleges” which promote “atheism and relativism,” according to Salomon, the group’s spokeswoman.

“With more than 85 percent of Catholic youth losing their faith after college graduation, Catholic families should take seriously the college decision,” Salomon said.

The College Fix has previously reported on how some schools are doing well despite skepticism of the value of higher education and other enrollment issues.

For example, colleges that emphasize job-ready training have done well, including Austin Community College District.

On the other hand, other colleges are cutting staff, blaming problems with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Drexel University recently announced it would cut 60 staff positions, as The Fix reported.

MORE: College enrollment drops by 1.3 million in two years (2022)

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