Photo: Saint Vincent College. Retrieved from: www.stvincent.edu
Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, just 40 miles from Pittsburgh, is deeply rooted in the Catholic faith, Benedictine monasticism, and “the love of values inherent in the liberal approach to life and learning.” The administrators at Saint Vincent College seek to provide a thorough education for their students not only academically, but also by teaching their students the values of service and faith.
Saint Vincent offers students over 40 majors and over 35 minors that students can study. Among these majors include International Business, Pre-law, and Public Policy. Administrators at Saint Vincent understand that learning in a classroom can only teach a student so much. Therefore, students can take advantage of the study abroad program. By studying abroad in such countries as France, Spain, and Ireland, students can get a cultural perspective that they would not necessarily get on campus.
History
Saint Vincent was founded in 1846 by monk Boniface Wimmer. Then an all-male school, it did not become co-educational until 1983. Based in faith, there are numerous traditions and classes centered on the Catholic Church and the Benedictine monasticism. Among these traditions is Founder’s Day, when students honor the founders of Saint Vincent by holding an Honors Convocation and a candle-lit turkey dinner in the gym. Fireworks are lit and the college song, “Forward, Saint Vincent!” is sung.
Campus Life
With just over 1600 students, this small college with a suburban setting is students’ home away from home for four years. Students can choose from 6 residential halls that house approximately 1,200 students. It is mandatory that students under 21 years of age and who live more than 50 miles from campus live on campus. Undergraduates are housed in Saint Benedict Hall while upperclassmen can choose from Bonaventure Hall, Gerard Hall, Wimmer Hall, Rooney Hall or Aurelius Hall.
There are several clubs and activities to take part in on campus such as cheerleading, Chemistry club, and Shakespeare Club. Athletics is a big part of Saint Vincent College. The Bearcats and the Lady Bearcats participate in Division III athletics such as football, basketball, and lacrosse.
Students can also opt to take day trips to Pittsburgh where they can take advantage of the many opportunities that a big city has to offer. They can cheer on the Pittsburgh Steelers or go to one of the numerous bars and clubs in the city. During the day they can browse shops and museums around the city.
Financial Aid
A year at Saint Vincent will cost a student just under $40,000 a year, Saint Vincent gives away roughly $19,000 in merit-based scholarships as well as need-based scholarships. As well as scholarships, the college offers work-study programs, scholarships, loans, and grants to undergraduate students. The financial aid department vows to work with students and make sure that they get the money they need to attend school. Upon graduation, students can expect to leave with an average debt of $22,000.
A four-year education at Saint Vincent is truly an investment. The school boasts that 93% of their graduates found jobs in their fields, got accepted into a graduate program or served in the military upon graduation.
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