HNU Top Ten Fact Sheet

Long Tradition of Excellence:  Holy Names University is celebrating the 140th anniversary of its foundation by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in 1868 on the shores of Lake Merritt.  We moved our campus to the Oakland Hills in 1957.  

Largest Enrollment in History:  Fall 2007 and Fall 2008 mark our largest enrollments in history – over 1100 students.  There are 350 students in residence on campus, filling to capacity our residence halls. 

Ranked #1 in Campus Diversity:  The 2008 edition of US News and World Report’s America’s Best Colleges ranks Holy Names Number One in Campus Diversity among all institutions in the West.  Over 70% of our students are from under-represented ethnic backgrounds and our student body represents 36 nations. 

Highly Talented Faculty:  This Fall we added five new faculty members to the ranks of our highly dedicated faculty who are committed to and personally engaged in each student’s success.

Small Class Size:  Our student/faculty ratio is 11/1 and our average class size is 13, providing a highly personalized and supportive learning environment. 

Dedicated to Civic Engagement:  Consistent with the Sisters of the Holy Names mission of making a positive difference for others, opportunities for community service and other social justice learning experiences are integrated into each student’s education.  Each spring break 25 students participate in the Mother Marie Rose Seminar, building homes in Tutwiler, Mississippi with Habitat for Humanity for the people of Tutwiler.     

Received Maximum Years Granted by Accreditation Association:  The Western Association of Schools and Colleges granted Holy Names a ten year reaffirmation of accreditation, the maximum granted and seldom awarded.

Winning Athletic Teams:  Holy Names was among the institutions that established the NAIA California Pacific Conference in 1996.  In 12 years, HNU has won 33 Cal Pac Championships.  This fall our men’s soccer team is undefeated (11-0) in the Cal Pac. 

Generous Giving by Alumni and Friends:  HNU recently received several significant bequests – two of the largest include $2 million from an Alumna and $1 million from a Regent.  The Science Facilities Reconstruction Campaign raised $5.4 million, exceeding its goal of $4.9 million.  A Trustee recently gave $250,000 for faculty enhancement and development of the new student center. 

Committed to Affordability:  Every student receives some form of HNU scholarship or talent award in addition to any Federal or state aid for which he or she qualifies.  Our graduates leave with an average student loan that is below the national average for higher education (public and private) institutions.