Villanova University

Founded in 1842, Villanova University is a private Catholic institution located in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Named for the Spanish Augustinian St. Thomas of Villanova, the university is still affiliated with the Augustinian Order. Along with its winning basketball team, Villanova is known for its commitment to excellence in academics. Notable alumni include NASA astronaut Andrew M. Allen, legendary singer-songwriter Jim Croce, and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.

Ranked 53 nationwide, Villanova is a selective school. Its acceptance rate is 31%, and its graduation rate is 90%. Villanova’s undergraduate tuition is $60,768 per year, plus fees; its graduate tuition is $20,719 per year, plus fees. Over 11,000 total students are enrolled. Villanova is home to six colleges, and it offers over 60 undergraduate programs and more than 40 postgraduate programs. It follows a semester-based academic calendar.

Villanova’s 260-acre campus is renowned for its beauty. Set in a suburban location, the campus is also designated an arboretum. Students are guaranteed on-campus housing for their first three years. Students can choose from more than 280 clubs and organizations, such as the Blue Key Society, which gives admissions tours and hosts prospective student days. Two dozen fraternities and sororities are also available. Villanova is also home to the largest student-run Special Olympics event in the world. Community service is an important part of student life; each year, Villanova students volunteer approximately a quarter-million hours of service. The Villanova Wildcats mainly compete in the NCAA Division I Big East Conference. Off campus, students can explore Villanova, a suburb of Philadelphia. Many students spend time along the Main Line, which is a series of small towns extending West from Philadelphia.