6 Proven Benefits of Catholic Education

Catholic Education supports student learning through a holistic curriculum that emphasises character building, academic excellence, and spiritual understanding. In March 2025, a research study commissioned by the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) found evidence that a Catholic Education has tangible benefits for students, during school and beyond graduation.

The research utilised data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey to analyse the impact of Catholic Education on individuals who had previously attended a Catholic school, over a period of 23 years. The results showed that children who attend Catholic schools are significantly more likely to experience success in employment, health and wellbeing, and community engagement.

What Are the Benefits of Catholic Education?

According to the VCEA’s research, there are six main benefits of Catholic Education for students. Individuals who had previously attended a Catholic school were more likely to:

1. Find employment
2. Earn higher wages
3. Work in an industry that directly benefits the public
4. Have a higher degree of satisfaction in life
5. Have better general health
6. Donate to charity or be involved in

Catholic Students Are More Likely to Find Employment

The study found that Catholic school graduates show a higher likelihood of employment and a lower likelihood of unemployment than government and other independent school graduates. With gainful employment being one of the main goals of completing studies, it's encouraging for many parents to know that their child will be more likely to achieve financial independence as they transition into adulthood.

Catholic Students Are More Likely to Earn Higher Wages

The research also indicated that Catholic school graduates who were employed earned between 4% and 11% more per hour than government school graduates. Higher wages provide more financial security for individuals, which can result in lower stress and a better quality of life.

This result suggests that Catholic Education supports skills and habits that carry forward into the workplace, not just exam results. 

Catholic Students Are More Likely to Perform Work That Contributes Directly to the Community

According to the study’s findings, there was a higher likelihood of Catholic school graduates working in occupations such as Educators, health professionals, legal professionals, welfare support workers, and personal carers.

This is consistent with Catholic Education’s emphasis on service to others and the community and suggests that students take the same learnings into the workplace with the intention of helping others.

Catholic Students Experience More Satisfaction in Life 

Catholic school graduates were found to have slightly higher life satisfaction in adulthood compared to government school graduates. Measured using an 11-point life satisfaction scale, the results of the study showed that Catholic school graduates scored around 0.5% - 1.2% higher than those who only attended government school. The average life satisfaction score for Catholic school graduates was 8.0, out of 10. 

Life satisfaction is one way to measure the non-material aspects of an individual's personal and emotional state, such as purpose, relationships, and confidence.

Catholic Education Contributes to Better Overall Health

Catholic school graduates were more likely to report good general health in adulthood, and were less likely to smoke compared to government school graduates. More specifically, researchers found that Catholic school graduates enjoy greater psychological well-being, more regular exercise, and a healthier body mass index (BMI). 

Catholic Education promotes a balanced lifestyle through the combination of co-curricular activities and classroom sessions that helps in the overall development of students.

Catholic Students Are More Likely to Contribute to Charity  

Catholic school graduates show a higher likelihood of charitable giving and civic engagement in adulthood (discussing current affairs, being involved in volunteering). These behaviours reflect the same values that are taught in Catholic Education - empathy, responsibility, and connection to community.

Catholic Education in the Northern Territory 

The research demonstrates genuine evidence that Catholic Education has a positive impact on students well after they leave the school. As the network for Catholic schools in the Northern Territory, we encourage parents and families to consider the benefits of Catholic education for their children. 

Catholic Education Northern Territory offers quality education in our Catholic schools for students of all backgrounds and faiths. Our 18 schools serve both city and remote communities across the NT. Get in touch with our team to find a school near you or for more information about enrolment.