Catholic colleges that require the most theology in California
Catholic colleges that require every bachelor’s student to take three or more theology courses, then those that require two.
6 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in California.
- Catholic undergraduate colleges on the Compass. Seminaries and graduate-only schools are not counted.
- Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor’s students: three or more, or two.
- Schools requiring three or more courses come first, then schools requiring two. Within each group, higher Compass Score comes first.
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
Updated Oct. 12, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
Thomas Aquinas College
Santa Paula, CA · Private nonprofit- 3+ required theology courses
- Required Catholic theology
- 2
- 3
John Paul the Great Catholic University
Escondido, CA · Private nonprofit- 3+ required theology courses
- Required Catholic theology
- 4
- 5
- 6
Saint Mary's College of California
Moraga, CA · Private nonprofit- 2 required theology courses
- Required Catholic theology
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Aquinas College | $26,196 | $18,000 | $55,619 | 84% |
| Santa Clara University | $50,062 | $19,162 | $109,183 | 88% |
| John Paul the Great Catholic University | $34,666 | $26,968 | $56,930 | 64% |
| Loyola Marymount University | $48,381 | $19,500 | $78,349 | 79% |
| University of San Diego | $30,365 | $22,940 | $86,522 | 84% |
| Saint Mary's College of California | $30,378 | $23,691 | $78,812 | 70% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.