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St. Catherine University truly lives up to its inspiring motto: “educating women to lead and influence.� Fueled by small, discussion-based classes, the St. Kate’s curriculum is designed to help students become “more aware of who you are as a woman in the world, as well as become more aware of social justice and feminist issues.� An ideal small college atmosphere, the teaching staff is knowledgeable, skilled, and caring. A senior shares, “Most of my professors have been fabulous instructors: passionate, articulate, and willing to go to any length to help you achieve whatever level of competency you wish in their subject.� While the school is Catholic affiliated, “religious beliefs are not forced on you� as “religion classes tend to be about exploring your own values, or else an academic study of the Bible.� In fact, the school’s predominant doctrine could be described as politically liberal, rather than religious. However, St. Kate’s doesn’t push a single philosophy, but “offers a setting for any woman to let her voice be heard.� A current student shares, “I'm most comfortable there, most free—despite the fact that many of my viewpoints do not match with the liberal theology that CSC believes in.�

“The typical St. Kate's student tends to be liberal, have feminist values, [and] wants to work towards social justice in some way.� These students form the majority, however, “through its Weekend College program, the college serves a lot of older women returning to school, for a great mix of ideas.� St. Kate’s also draws women “with a spectrum of disabilities,� as well as “women of color both from the US and abroad, varying economic status, a wide range of ages, sexual orientation and anything else that could possibly vary.� On top of that, you’ll find a range of hobbies and interests, from “women who love to knit or play video games, to women who love to play sports or go out on the town.� On this worldly campus, “most students are socially and environmentally aware, and lean to the left regarding political views.� The school’s Catholic affiliation also generates “some conservative religious representation,� but students note that, “the faculty is generally accepting and supportive of the GLBT population.�

"Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, St. Kate’s students get the best of both worlds: a quiet campus life complimented by the cosmopolitan attractions of the Twin Cities. A freshman explains, “People really enjoy St. Kate's because, being on campus, you have a nice sense of a small, tightly woven community but you can step off campus into a life of endless possibilities and fun.� For resident students, “the St. Kate’s Activities Team plans movies, dinners, outings, concerts and many other fun things for students to do during the day and evening.� However, students admit that, “campus life is pretty quiet� so “most girls find other places than here to socialize.� The Twin Cities are a great backdrop for college, with lots of cultural and recreational activities. In particular, “The arts community is amazing; there’s always something going on and at a relatively decent price.� What’s more, “With four other four-year colleges close by in St. Paul, one’s social life need not be dull.�