Founded in 1842, Villanova University has been sponsored by the Augustinian Order ever since. The small school that could trace its origins to Philadelphia's Saint Augustine Church (founded in 1796) and its parish school, Saint Augustine's Academy (founded in 1811), has since grown to comprise five colleges. Although Villanova University was originally established in order to educate candidates for priesthood, the colleges that now constitute it are dedicated to a variety of disciplines.

From colleges devoted to the liberal arts and sciences and engineering to those devoted to business, law, and nursing, Villanova University has a number of fields to offer undergraduates and graduates study in. In fact, the university offers a variety of different course for students to choose from, including majors in Irish studies, philosophy, physics, Latin American Studies, sociology, theatre, ethics, and criminal justice.

Villanova University is also committed to enrolling students from diverse social, educational, geographic, and economic backgrounds - using its financial aid resources to aid in achieving this goal.