Common Data Set · Section C7

Which colleges consider religious affiliation in admissions?

Of the 143 colleges with Common Data Set filings in Trajecta's dataset, 2 rate religious affiliation very important in their admissions decisions, 1 rate it important, 15 considered, and 125 say it is not considered — as self-reported in each school's CDS section C7 ("Religious affiliation/commitment").

What "Religious affiliation/commitment" means

Religious affiliation/commitment is whether your faith background or commitment plays a role in admission. It is a live factor almost only at religiously affiliated colleges — some seminaries and faith-centered schools weigh it heavily, while most secular private and public colleges mark it "not considered". Attending a religious college rarely requires sharing its affiliation, but the C7 rating shows where it counts.

Very Important2 colleges, sorted by Trajecta rank

Important1 college

University of Notre Dame#26

Considered15 colleges, sorted by Trajecta rank

Not Considered125 colleges, sorted by Trajecta rank

Show 113 more colleges

Religious affiliation: frequently asked questions

Do colleges consider religion in admissions?

The vast majority do not — public universities cannot, and most private colleges mark religious affiliation "not considered" on their Common Data Set. It matters mainly at intentionally faith-centered institutions, which the "considered" and higher lists on this page identify.

Do you have to be religious to attend a religiously affiliated college?

Usually not. Most religiously affiliated colleges (Jesuit universities, for example) welcome students of all faiths and none, and many rate religious affiliation "not considered" in admissions. A smaller set of faith-centered schools do expect shared commitment — their C7 ratings reflect it.

Which colleges consider religious affiliation in admissions?

Of the 143 colleges with Common Data Set filings in Trajecta's dataset, 2 rate religious affiliation very important in admissions, 1 rate it important, 15 considered, and 125 say it is not considered. Colleges rating it very important include Brigham Young University, Pepperdine University.

Other admission factors

Rigor of secondary school record Class rank Academic GPA Standardized test scores Application essay Recommendation(s)Interview Extracurricular activities Talent/ability Character/personal qualities First generation Alumni/ae relation Geographical residence State residency Volunteer work Work experience Level of applicant's interest

All admission factors

Ratings are self-reported by each college in its Common Data Set, section C7. Every school links to its full data page. Explore the college rankings →