Why Do So Many Catholic College Students Leave the Faith? And What Can We Do About It

Sending a child off to college is a proud, emotional milestone—but for many Catholic families, it also comes with a quiet fear: Will they stay close to their faith once they’re on their own?
Sadly, statistics show that many young Catholics stop practicing their faith during their college years. But the story doesn’t have to end there—and there are ways to support and guide them through it.
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What the Research Says
🔹 Only 16% of young adults who were raised Catholic remain practicing Catholics today.
(Source: Pew Research Center, 2019)
Many leave during their college years—when they’re questioning their identity, beliefs, and purpose in life.
🔹 79% of Catholics who leave the Church do so before age 23.
(Source: CARA - Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate)
This means the years immediately after high school are critical for faith formation and retention.
🔹 College campuses are often “faith deserts.”
While many campuses offer spiritual resources, students often report feeling isolated in their faith or unsure how to access Catholic communities.
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Why Do So Many Leave?
•    Lack of community: Without a Catholic support network, it’s easy to drift.
•    Busyness and distraction: College life is full and fast-paced.
•    Cultural pressure: Faith can feel out of place in today’s college environment.
•    Unanswered questions: Students often encounter tough questions about faith with no guidance to explore them.
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What Can Families Do?
While you can't walk every step with them, you can help lay the path.
1. Help them find a Catholic community before move-in day
Look up the campus Newman Center or local parish and send info in advance. Even better—encourage them to attend a Mass with a friend or roommate their first week.
2. Send care packages with spiritual reminders
A rosary, prayer journal, holy cards, or even just a handwritten note with a favorite Bible verse can anchor a student more than you think.
✨ That’s the heart behind our mission at SendThemLove.com—Catholic care packages for students filled with comfort and faith.
3. Encourage honest conversations about doubts
It’s okay for your child to wrestle with questions. Encourage them to explore those doubts with faithful guidance—through Catholic podcasts, books, or trusted mentors.
4. Pray—and let them know you are
Never underestimate the power of a praying parent or grandparent. And hearing “I prayed for you today” might be the most comforting text they receive all week.
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Helpful Resources for Further Reading
•    Pew Research: America's Changing Religious Landscape
•    CARA: Why Catholics Leave
•    Newman Connection: Find Catholic Campus Ministries
•    FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students)
•    Ascension Presents – YouTube Channel for Catholic Young Adults
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Final Thoughts
Yes, the numbers are sobering. But there is hope.
With prayer, presence, and faith-filled encouragement, you can help your college student stay rooted in Christ—even when the world pulls them in every direction.
And if they do wander, know this: God never stops pursuing them. And neither should we.
📦 Discover our curated Catholic care packages to support your student’s heart, soul, and spirit → www.SendThemLove.com