Bold Christian and Catholic Colleges Make Gains

Franciscan University of Steubenville just opened a new, 111,000-square-foot academic building and is in the process of expanding its Christ the King Chapel by 175 seats. The Catholic institution in Ohio needs more space after enrollment rose 6 percent this year to 3,972 students, from 3,750 last year. Over the last decade, enrollment has grown a whopping 46 percent. Franciscan isn’t alone in its ascent. Leaders of religiously affiliated colleges say enrollment at small, relatively strict faith-based institutions is booming.