My Future My Faith

MY FUTURE MY FAITH

Navigating the Transition from High School to College

ADVANTAGES OF A FAITHFUL CATHOLIC COLLEGE

PLUS College search Areas to explore timeline on a campus visit How to pay 3 and so much more! for college

A resource from the creators of NewmanGuide.org, which recommends faithful Catholic colleges. HOW TO What if you could find NAVIGATE an ideal college, one THE COLLEGE that sets you up for SEARCH success in your faith, family and livelihood? What do you want out of life?

Can the next four years help get you there? What if a college If college is your next step, you have several different options, including attending a secular or Catholic college. But all paths aren’t could help you: the same, and your college choice could have significant impact on your faith and future! Consider this:

Even at Catholic colleges, nearly 1 in 8 Catholic students make good, grow in your have genuine, leaves the faith by graduation. That’s because many of prepare for lifelong faith and clean fun these colleges have become highly secular. a career and friends maturity vocation

Many college students slide away from prayer, Mass attendance and Catholic beliefs—especially on secular campuses. and become the special person God wants you to be!

Of course, it doesn’t This is possible at a have to be this way. faithful Catholic college, There’s a great Catholic like those recommended college out there, just in The Newman Guide right for you! (NewmanGuide.org). We’d like to help you find it. Let’s take a look.

2 My Future, My Faith For more resources: NewmanGuide.org 3 ACADEMICS Faithful Catholic colleges offer a wide variety of majors, each beginning with an inspiring core The courses you take in college— curriculum focused on the liberal and the professors who teach them—vary greatly from place to arts. You’ll study the great works place. College is a big investment! of mankind and come to a fuller You want to be sure that a college’s understanding of God, creation, academic program prepares you philosophy, history and science. for career and life.

You’ll learn facts and the reasons Today, most colleges hold biases behind the facts. You’ll learn in nearly every subject area. skills and how to serve humanity They’ve abandoned a traditional in your career. You’ll learn how core curriculum in the liberal arts. to think clearly and rationally in They push ideologies that are any situation. often anti-Christian.

But the best colleges 93% Studies find that 93% of employers value critical aren’t afraid of truth thinking skills more than a person’s college major. And consider these recent headlines: and Catholic ideas: They teach theology and Why Hiring Managers Value Liberal Arts Degree? a Liberal Arts Education No Degree at All? At the faithful Catholic philosophy alongside (Times Record News) Yes, Employers Do Value You Are the Perfect colleges recommended science and the humanities. Liberal Arts Degrees Candidate for a Tech Job (Harvard Business Review) (CNBC) in The Newman Guide, Lesson of the Day: They consider the ethics of “In the Salary every subject begins Race, Engineers Studying STEM Why Liberal Arts Is every discipline. Sprint, But English Critical for Building a with the truth of God Isn’t the Career Majors Endure” Boost We Think Successful Business (New York Times) Career (Forbes) and creation—from They teach reasoning and (Forbes) engineering to nursing communication in addition to business. to facts and skills.

4 My Future, My Faith For more resources: NewmanGuide.org 5 No one wants to believe it will happen DORM LIFE to them, but it’s important to be aware that sexual assault is a big problem on college campuses today. Consider this: Did you know that students typically spend only 15 hours per week in the classroom? College-aged females have the The rest is spent elsewhere, which highest rates of sexual assault. is why it’s important to consider the Most sexual assaults in quality of dorm life. college take place off Binge drinking, drug use and the campus, but about a third hook-up culture are occur within student dorms. common on most college campuses. 2 Two key factors are associated with sexual assault: drinking College students and casual sex. report high rates of sexual activity, % On college campuses, more than half of forced sexual STDs, pregnancies, abortions and 90 assaults and 90 percent of assaults on incapacitated victims sexual assaults. take place after midnight. Most others occur after 6 p.m. That’s no way to grow in faith and maturity! Reasonable dorm policies can go a long way in helping prevent sexual assault, but most colleges offer only co-ed dorms and allow visitors in What you’ll find at the Newman Guide colleges: dorms, even late at night. Consider choosing a faithful Catholic college At faithful Catholic colleges, chastity that protects bedroom privacy and the safety of students. and clean living are encouraged. Most of them provide single-sex dorms, which most other colleges have abandoned. Even more helpful, some preserve the privacy of bedrooms, forbidding opposite-sex visitors at all times of the day. We think this is ideal—a common-sense, traditional practice that protects privacy, chastity and safety.

6 My Future, My Faith For more resources: NewmanGuide.org 7 SPIRITUAL At a faithful CAMPUS LIFE Catholic college: LIFE Four years immersed in a truly Catholic culture where faith Life outside the classroom should be fun and exciting—and it should and virtue are promoted. help you grow into adulthood. Clubs, sports and social time prepare you for life, career and vocation.

Courses in which the truth On most college campuses, the lifestyle strongly contradicts Catholic about God and creation are values. Even many Catholic colleges host student clubs, performances, fully integrated, allowing campus speakers and events that oppose Catholic teaching. insights that are excluded from secular education.

Campus ministry that often provides access to multiple priests and religious, Mass and Confession throughout the week, Eucharistic adoration, celebration of If you go to a secular religious feast days and college, be sure to seek out counseling at all times of the Catholic center or local the day. But a truly faithful Catholic college strives to form the whole parish and take advantage of person—body, mind and spirit. You’ll be stretched to become the opportunities for Mass, Campus life that is conducive the fully human person that God wants you to be. Confession, counseling and to Christian living and study. good friendships. You’ll find a culture that respects chastity, charity and virtue. And you’ll make good friends who share your priorities and The assurance of fidelity But as good as a Catholic values—the sort of friendships that can last a lifetime! to Catholic teaching and center might be—and the practice across the entire quality can vary greatly, so education. They’ll help you navigate the many be sure to investigate—it can changes in your life that lie ahead. never offer all the advantages of a faithful Catholic education.

8 My Future, My Faith For more resources: NewmanGuide.org 9 If large numbers of students BOTTOM lose their faith in college—or COLLEGE SEARCH TIMELINE LINE they fail to become wise and virtuous—then are they really Fall of your junior year Summer between your getting a good education? “ ” • Take the PSAT junior and senior years A lot of colleges are And at what cost? Tuition is not • Attend a summer “experience” known for providing the only concern. • Start making a list of colleges you are interested in, especially at one or more colleges that a good education. you’re interested in Thankfully, there are colleges from those recommended as that provide a “good” and faithful Catholic colleges at But what is “good”? NewmanGuide.org The standards have changed affordable education in the very Fall of your senior year a lot in recent decades, but best sense. A faithful Catholic • Start coming up with a • Re-take standardized tests the faithful Catholic colleges college can prepare you to standardized testing plan if you need to raise your score recommended at NewmanGuide.org • become a leader in your family, Begin looking at financial • Get letters of recommendation have never abandoned the workplace and community. aid options True, Good and Beautiful. • Gather application essays, Meanwhile, it helps prepare recommendations and forms you for eternity in Heaven! Winter and spring • Complete applications of your junior year Be sure to check out the • Continue to look for scholarships, colleges in this magazine and Winter and spring ask colleges about special at NewmanGuide.org, where scholarship weekends or of your senior year you will find extensive competitions • Submit FAFSA form for aid as information about each of the soon as possible after Jan. 1st • Narrow down your list of faithful Catholic colleges that colleges and set dates to • Compete in the Newman is recommended. visit during the spring Society’s $5,000 Essay Scholarship Contest • Take the SAT/ACT/CLT There is no cost for the service. • Complete any last-minute We simply want every Catholic applications family to know about these • Compare your options great college options! Families and decide! nationwide are discovering the unique and enormous value of faithful Catholic education.

10 My Future, My Faith For more resources: NewmanGuide.org 11 Are you tempted by certain SO MANY CHOICES: kinds of sins? What environment TAKE THE NEXT STEPS Which college is right for you? will help you avoid them? Once you have a good idea of what you’re looking for, the next Now is the time to start exploring faithful Catholic colleges at Faithful Catholic colleges offer a campus environment that can step is to dig in and research NewmanGuide.org, so you can discover which one will be a the colleges that are on your good fit for you. Every college is different! help you sustain and deepen your faith. You’ll experience true short list. Check out the Newman Catholic culture and community. Guide online (NewmanGuide.org) Finding the right college begins with knowing yourself: and study college websites. Who are you, and what do you Consider your personality and EVALUATE YOUR GOALS need to be successful? the environment that would But don’t stop there! Be sure to best help you succeed. Faithful Catholic colleges provide talk to college professors and Is God calling you toward a a strong liberal arts foundation, staff in addition to admissions particular path, and what are REFLECT ON YOUR FAITH rooted in the Catholic tradition. officers. Go ahead, email or your goals for the future? This not only prepares you for a call them. Is your faith as strong career but also for life. Which college serves your needs as a rock, or is it Use social media networks to will depend on your answers. shaky? Do you prefer You can also choose from ask current and recent students a particular kind of a wide variety of majors at about their experiences. CONSIDER YOUR liturgy—like praise faithful Catholic colleges, each PERSONALITY and worship, or more integrating faith and reason. Then visit your favorite traditional Masses? You’ll be prepared for more than colleges—the most important Are you an extrovert or an What will keep a career. You’ll be prepared to part of your search. Look at the introvert? Will you succeed in you praying and respond to ethical dilemmas, campus, but also be sure to ask a small classes or in larger ones? going to Mass? solve problems, keep your lot of questions about everything priorities straight and evangelize you still need to know. Are you self-motivated, or do you the culture. Pursue your calling! need more structure to succeed? Searching for a college doesn’t Are there particular sports, clubs have to be difficult, but it does Faithful Catholic colleges range or activities that you want to require thought, research in size from nearly 100 students to participate in during and soul searching. Pray for more than 9,000 students. Some are college? Consider guidance! With your parents, on small campuses in the heart of a what might be decide on a college that will city, while others are on sprawling most valuable provide a strong education and campuses in rural areas. to you. bring you closer to Christ.

12 My Future, My Faith For more resources: NewmanGuide.org 13 BIG MONEY, HARD CHOICES PAYING FOR

The following is adapted from an article by financial counselor Phil Lehahan. COLLEGE It can be read in its entirety at NewmanGuide.org. When it comes to a genuine Prepare for career, Catholic education for our Today most Americans children, finances play but also for life. view a college education a key role in two ways. as a ticket to a particular First, as parents, we have responsibility for providing profession or at least a the resources which allow higher-paying job. our children to obtain a Consider student’s solid Catholic education, or particular calling. Period. helping students find ways to pay for college when we There’s no disputing the fact career choices. There are many cannot. Second, we are that what one chooses to important benefits—ultimately called to be a living example study in college can have a more important than career— when it comes to applying Look beyond sticker significant impact on future to attending a faithfully Catholic Godly principles in the area price of college. career decisions, especially in college. of money management. the decade or so immediately following graduation. This is So it is a mistake to view a You need to decide for an important consideration, Catholic college education as yourself whether and when Apply and consider it makes sense to go into especially given the rising costs nothing more than preparation scholarships and of tuition and other expenses and for a lucrative job, but to be debt, and how much debt financial aid. competition for jobs. realistic, it is also impossible is reasonable. I strongly for most students to separate believe in minimizing one’s Nevertheless, anyone interested college decisions from debt, but it can make sense in choosing a Catholic college the implications for future to use debt prudently clearly is thinking beyond employment and wellbeing. As when you’re purchasing an Invest wisely in long as it is put in the proper appreciating asset. Most Catholic formation. context, a college’s impact often, this relates to the on a student’s future purchase of a home and employment and possibly investment real income deserves estate, but it also holds serious consideration. true for obtaining a higher (continued on page 16)

14 My Future, My Faith For more resources: NewmanGuide.org 15 (continued from page 15) financial situation, these may education. Many studies have the debts off in a reasonable You might be provide a substantial portion shown that a college degree time frame. Handling $50,000 in surprised by the of the overall college cost. The adds to one’s earning potential student loans is very different generous scholarships Knights of Columbus offers a over the years—although this for an attorney than it is for a and grants available generous scholarship program is only true in the aggregate, teacher at a Catholic school. for members’ children attending and there are many particular While there are certainly no at faithful Catholic Catholic colleges. Ask your instances where a college guarantees that the lawyer’s colleges. Many boast prospective college about special degree does not significantly career path will work out, net prices that are no grant opportunities—often they increase earning potential one can make reasonable are not well-promoted—and for an individual. So taking on assumptions. It is pretty clear different than their check around in your local some debt to obtain a college that a teacher at a Catholic secular counterparts. community and with your degree can make sense in some school will have a limited employer. Often students must circumstances if done prudently. income, and heavy debts will apply for scholarships well in be an incredible burden. advance of the academic year. I am concerned that today’s The College Board’s website, parents and students are too When the income is expected www.collegeboard.com, can easily accepting more debt to be limited, I would look for a be a very helpful tool for better than they should as part of the plan that can repay the debt in a Debt is not the only option for understanding how you can pay financing package, especially period of three to five years after paying for college expenses. for a college education. when it comes to a degree graduation. That may mean some The federal government has that, on its own, doesn’t point pretty radical lifestyle decisions enacted various legislation Your son or daughter can help to an adequate income to pay immediately after college to keep designed to ease the financial too. I’m a big believer in the expenses incredibly low so that burden of higher education, student playing a substantive the debts can be repaid quickly. including the Hope Scholarship role in paying for their education. My sense is that student Credit, Lifetime Learning Credit, They may have a greater debt in the range of Educational IRAs and 529 appreciation for their education $15,000 is reasonable Savings Plans. Several states if they pay for a portion of it. That in such a situation. have additional savings and means work-study programs With an educational financing plans worth looking at. when possible, summer work, plan where a higher keeping living expenses low income can at least And don’t forget the possibility during the college years and be anticipated, of scholarships and grants. having a plan immediately after additional debt is Depending on your scholastic the college years to aggressively highly likely and is abilities and extracurricular tackle the debt incurred. probably reasonable. activities, as well as your (continued on page 18)

16 My Future, My Faith For more resources: NewmanGuide.org 17 (continued from page 17)

INVEST WISELY IN CATHOLIC FORMATION As a parent, I want certain which the student can continue outcomes from higher education to live at home and save money. The Cardinal Newman Society’s for my children. I want a Catholic Both options are not ideal, but college to help my son or they can be ways to dramatically $5,000 Essay Scholarship Contest daughter develop into a Godly reduce the overall cost of college. young adult with a deep love for The Cardinal Newman Society Our Lord and the Catholic Church, And I have great news: many offers an Essay Scholarship and to be prepared to contribute of the colleges that are Contest exclusively for high to society as a responsible adult recommended in The Newman using his or her talents in an Guide are less expensive than school seniors. appropriate way. I can do that comparable institutions, and within my financial means, even Catholic educators are typically if it requires giving up some of committed to helping families with High school students must sign the prestige and trappings of generous financial aid packages. up for our “Recruit Me” program expensive private colleges, or (NewmanSociety.org/RecruitMe) perhaps delaying college to avoid to participate. costly debt.

If you are committed to a Catholic The winner of each year’s Contest is awarded $5,000 toward the cost of education but simply don’t attending one of the institutions recommended in The Newman Guide. have the resources, consider Additionally, several of the Newman Guide colleges have agreed to enrolling for the first two years to supplement the Newman Society’s scholarship with additional $5,000 get a solid Catholic, liberal arts grants over three additional years. foundation and a healthy campus environment, then transfer to a Learn more: state university to finish a major. NewmanSociety.org/EssayContest Or consider a community college for the first two years, during

Phil Lenahan, treasurer at Catholic Answers and president of Veritas Financial Ministries, has counseled many families on financial issues. His extensive background in accounting included overseeing the finances of a $250 million division of a Fortune 300 company. He is the author of Seven Steps to Becoming Financially Free: A Catholic Guide to Managing Your Money which is available through Our Sunday Visitor.

18 My Future, My Faith For more resources: NewmanGuide.org 19 …become a teacher. POPULAR MAJORS, SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES AT NEWMAN GUIDE COLLEGES Graduates of liberal arts programs and education programs at Newman Guide The colleges recommended in The Newman Guide colleges are not only well-prepared for a (NewmanGuide.org) are strong in theology and the teaching career but are also found in the classrooms and at the helm of several liberal arts. You can also... faithful Catholic schools across the country. …major in engineering. …explore the visual and “Catholics need to succeed in the sciences to make an impact on performing arts. the most important developments of our time,” says Stephen Minnis, president of Benedictine College. “Students don’t just learn information Belmont Abbey College says that through or a skill—they become the person God wants them to be and the dramatic arts, students “nourish their minds world needs.” and spirits, develop a deep understanding of the human person and comprehend …compete in intercollegiate athletics. the beauty of God as expressed through imaginative creation within the framework “The objective of any sport is to win. But while the objective of of theatre.” the game is to win, the purpose of the game is to become what we were created to be,” says the University of Mary. …study business.

…excel in a nursing program. Dr. Andrew Abela, dean of the Busch School of Business at The Catholic In a society that lacks respect for the dignity of all human life, it’s University of America, says, “All of extremely important that Catholic college nursing programs integrate business, including accounting and finance, Church teachings and prepare students for the ethical dilemmas they is properly understood to be oriented to may face in the workplace. serving the human person, whether that …prepare for military service. person be customer, employee, supplier, investor or neighbor.” Serving our country is a noble calling, and several faithful Catholic colleges help put students on the path for careers in the military. …and so much more!

Read the FULL ARTICLE online at NewmanGuide.org to learn which Newman Guide colleges offer particular majors, sports and activities.

20 My Future, My Faith For more resources: NewmanGuide.org 21 HOW TO MAKE A GOOD CAMPUS VISIT COLLEGES RECOMMENDED IN THE NEWMAN GUIDE professors. Ask for examples of graduates who are excelling in In-depth profiles of the 26 faithful Catholic colleges that are their careers. recommended by The Cardinal Newman Society can be found online at NewmanGuide.org. Several of the colleges have also LEARN ABOUT THE DORMS advertised on the following pages: It’s important to consider the quality of dorm life. You should look for Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio...... 24 single-sex dorms and dorm policies The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C...... 25 We cannot overstate the that either prohibit or greatly reduce University of Dallas in Irving, Texas...... 26 opposite-sex visitation in the dorms. importance of making a thorough Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, North Carolina...... 27 campus visit before choosing to University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas...... 28 attend a college! This visit should include an official tour, during Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas...... 29 which you can ask the questions Wyoming Catholic College in Lander, Wyoming...... 30 that matter to you. Try to also talk University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota...... 31 to other students and professors off the tour to get their take on Holy Angel University in Angeles City, Philippines...... 32 various aspects of campus life. Studies have proven that single- Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, Florida...... 33 If you can, spend at least one sex dorms can help reduce binge Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia...... 35 night in the dorms on a Friday or drinking and the hook-up culture. Saturday to get a clear idea of Additionally, limiting visitation in the John Paul the Great Catholic University in Escondido, California...... 37 the campus environment. dorms promotes privacy, chastity Magdalen College of the Liberal Arts in Warner, New Hampshire...... 38 and safety. Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, California, and Three key areas to explore: CONSIDER YOUR FAITH Northfield, Massachusetts...... 39 STUDY THE ACADEMICS College is a crucial time for students A solid core curriculum, including to either make the faith their own or strong philosophy and theology lose their faith. Will this campus be courses, is essential to an authentic, a place where you will find friends integrated Catholic education and who will support you in the faith? should prepare you for success in Check out what attendance is like any field. Ask about what courses for Mass on campus, and explore are included in the core curriculum, the schedule for Mass, adoration, what’s required for your major and confession and other spiritual try to meet some of your future opportunities.

22 My Future, My Faith For more resources: NewmanGuide.org 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 HOLY ANGEL UNIVERSITY

A UNIVERSE WITHIN A UNIVERSITY Right in the heart of the heritage and central business district of Angeles City, located in the central plains of Luzon Island, HAU offers the conveniences of urban living in a rich, tropical setting–just 54 miles from Manila and the spectacular beaches and highlands of Luzon. The nearest international airport at Clark (CRK) is only seven miles away. Considered one of the most beautiful campuses in the Philippines, HAU is a multicultural venue where thousands converge every single day for intellectual, creative and social pursuits. SUPERIOR ACADEMIC PROGRAMS One of the few autonomous universities in the country, its full range of academic programs and curricular offerings have earned for HUA significant awards and accreditations, both locally and internationally. The performance of its graduates in professional licensure examinations remains consistently at the leading edge.

AMERICAN-STANDARD EDUCATION MADE MORE ACCESSIBLE At HAU, you will get a US-quality college education in a faithfully Catholic college at a total cost much lower than that of a state university or a community college in the USA.* This is why HAU is the choice of international students from 12 countries all over the world, including the USA.

* The maximum annual cost of undergraduate education at HAU in AY2020/21 is $5,000, based on the tuition, and other school fees for the most expensive program (BS Nursing) and the maximum estimated cost of 12-month living.

Office of International Affairs Holy Angel University 1 Holly Angle Avenue corner Santo Rosario Street Tel +63 (45) 888-8691 X 1139 Angeles City 2009, Philippines Fax 63 (45) 888-2514

32 33 How does canoeing down the Shenandoah River in Virginia or horseback riding in the mountains of Wyoming sound to you? How about visiting Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, California? Now couple these fun activities Students tell us time and again with a faithful Catholic how these programs are the environment and learning, and you’ll see why the summer “best week ever!” programs at Newman Guide colleges are worth exploring! It’s easy to see why… access to daily Mass and the Sacraments, Whether or not you plan to taking courses that integrate the attend a Catholic college, we Catholic faith, making lifelong recommend that you spend a friends, and so much more! week at one this summer. NewmanSociety.org/Summer

35 See what life is like at a #NewmanGuide college on Instagram!

Ave Maria University: @avemariauniv Belmont Abbey College: @belmontabbey Benedictine College: @benedictineks The Catholic University of America: @catholicuniversity Christendom College: @christendomcollege Franciscan University of Steubenville: @franciscanuniversity Holy Angel University: @holyangel1933 John Paul the Great Catholic University: @jpcatholic Magdalen College of the Liberal Arts: @magdalencollegeliberalarts Thomas Aquinas College: @thomas.aquinas.college University of Dallas: @universityofdallas University of Mary: @universityofmary University of St. Thomas: @stthomashouston Wyoming Catholic College: @wyomingcatholiccollege

37 38 39 You’ve been preparing for this your whole life... You’re ready to choose a career, but college is about much more than that. It’s about vocation. God is calling you to something special in this life, and to sainthood.

It’s about friendships. Good, Christian, lifelong friendships.

It’s about wisdom. Understanding and not just knowing. Finding God’s truth in all things.

Are you ready? Then this is the guide for you. Explore faithful Catholic colleges and get the education you deserve.

Sign up for our Recruit Me program to connect with faithful Catholic colleges and be eligible for our $5,000 Essay Scholarship Contest for high school seniors: NewmanSociety.org/RecruitMe