What are the Catholic colleges in California like?

I'm considering applying to some Catholic colleges in California and would love to get a sense of what they're like. How do they compare to other schools in terms of community, academics, and overall vibe?

California is home to several Catholic colleges with distinct characteristics in terms of community, academics, and overall vibe.

Starting with the University of San Francisco, offers a vibrant community, with a heavy emphasis on social justice and community service. Academically, it is recognized for its strong humanities and social science programs alongside pre-professional programs like Nursing and Business.

Then there's Santa Clara University, which is known for its rigorous academic environment, particularly in areas like Business and Engineering. It's located in Silicon Valley, so the school has strong ties with tech companies. The community at SCU is warm and inviting, with a focus on holistic education.

Another Catholic college in California is Loyola Marymount University located in Los Angeles. LMU has a widely recognized film and television program, alongside standout humanities, science, and business programs. Students often mention the close-knit community, dedicated faculty, and opportunities for networking in LA as highlights of their experience.

Lastly, Saint Mary's College of California, located in Moraga, is a small liberal arts college with a strong sense of community. Known for its humanities and business programs, the small class sizes at Saint Mary's allow for more personalized attention and teaching, which many students appreciate.

It's important to remember that while each of these schools is Catholic, the level of religious observance varies among the student body. Some students may engage deeply with the faith aspect, participating in Mass and religious clubs, while others may not be Catholic or may not actively practice the faith. The Catholic identity of these schools, however, tends to foster a focus on ethics, community service, and social justice.

So while they have similarities in terms of Catholic tradition and values, each of these institutions offers a unique and distinguished academic and community experience, making them each worth considering in their own right.