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Why Choose Avila?
"Avila is unlike any other university you may come across because, here, you are a part of a community that will help you through anything."






Intimate Community:
Small classes and professors who care-
What does that mean to you?


Take for example, Kara, an Avila history major, who overslept the day she was supposed to give her senior thesis! Fortunately, her professor knew she was a good student and had never been so much as an hour late on an assignment in her four years at Avila. The professor allowed her to present the thesis at a later date for full credit!

From faculty to staff, as well as other students, Avila is a community of learners that values your individuality. We respect your background and are proud of our Catholic heritage.

Plus, Avila has a great location, nestled into one of south Kansas City's residential neighborhoods. You are close to all the excitement of the city, but soon become part of a small community at Avila!

Individual Advising:
Why is that important?

Sarah, a social work major, graduated with numerous awards from Avila. But it was her advisor who told her about a service project for Casas Por Coristo-which helped her land a job at Don Bosco, a social work center.

Advisors are professors in your academic area at Avila University and they meet with you every semester to plan your classes and make sure you are meeting the requirements of graduation. You get your own time to discuss options and ask questions.


Unique Programs:
Looking for something specific?


Avila offers several majors that are unique to Kansas City and the surrounding area. Here is a quick list of some possibilities you may not have considered when looking at other colleges.

  • Art Therapy: Avila offers the only undergraduate program in the metropolitan area
  • Radiological Science: One of around 30 accredited programs in the entire country!
  • Plus, students take a variety of interdisciplinary courses as part of our liberal arts core. Those classes include: Pop Culture, The Mask, and travel courses to Ireland, Hawaii, and Jamaica!

Financial Assistance:
Naturally cost is a major consideration when choosing a college and Avila is here to help. Avila offers academic scholarships without requiring separate applications or interviews.

We also have performance grants available in athletics, music, theatre, mock trials and debate. Plus, we review each students financial situation individually. Just remember, 97% of our students receive financial aid and Avila offers a guaranteed tuition option! That means you can lock in your tuition rate from your first year!

Diverse Student Body:
Learning takes place all the time. Of course you are here to earn a degree, but often you learn just as much from the people around you. Avila has been recognized as having one of the most diverse student bodies in Missouri, and you'll find that you can share your ideas as well as listen to others! Students develop into leaders as part of campus groups such as Black Student Union.

Crystal, from Oklahoma, was a member of BSU since she was a freshman. She became the president of the organization and oversaw all the exciting events that BSU sponsored throughout the year.

As a member of Avila's student body, you will get to learn and work with people of all different backgrounds, religious beliefs, ages, and more!

Career Placement:
An Avila education prepares you for the job market, and we see to it that you make it there! In a recent survey of Avila graduates, 96% are in career-path jobs or graduate school. Melanie, a May 2000 Corporate Communication graduate, now works for a local school district.

Most Avila University majors boast a 100% placement rate of their graduates. Your personal advisor is the best resource for networking, internships, and job searches. They can also write recommendation letters for you (because they actually know you, not just your social security number on a class roster). Avila also has the Student Resource Center that offers free tutoring!


Living History:
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet founded Avila University. In the spirit of those original sisters, today Avila University strives to help its "dear neighbor."

Avila began as a nursing school for women and through the years, developed a college. Eventually, the college moved to its current location and St. Teresa's Academy continued to provide education to high school young women at the original location.

As Avila became co-educational and built new programs, the Sisters and the students of Avila continue to contribute to its living history. To learn more about Avila's rich Kansas City heritage, ask your admissions representative atadmission@avila.edu.