This is an interesting study: the Princeton Review surveyed the students at college campuses and came up with the schools with the “most religious” students ^[1]. At the top of the list? Thomas Aquinas College ^[2], a Catholic school in California. Diverse traditions were represented in the list, as Mormon Brigham Young University and Evangelical Wheaton College were 2nd and 3rd, respectively, and non-sectarian Hillsdale College was 4th.

I’m not sure how they determined that a college had “religious” students, but much of the list seems in keeping with popular perceptions. One surprise – at least to me – was the inclusion of the University of Notre Dame at #8. I know that they have a strong group of practicing Catholics there, but I was under the impression that it was a minority of their entire student body. Perhaps I was mistaken. Also, I was surprised that other very religious schools – such as the Franciscan University of Steubenville – were not included, but perhaps they didn’t qualify for the survey for other reasons.

I do think such a study is useful, as there is very little real difference in the academics of most colleges across the country. So knowing details about the demographics of the students can be very helpful in determining what school to attend.