“We are delighted to expand our partnership with Cristo Rey at this national level and to build upon what has already been a wonderful collaboration. In Dallas alone, 95% of Cristo Rey alumni are first-generation students. We share the vision of the transforming power of liberal education for all students regardless of background,” said University of Dallas President Thomas S. Hibbs, Ph.D., BA ’82 MA ’83. “Cristo Rey students have a proven track record at UD. We are committed to ensuring all Cristo Rey graduates can fully participate in UD’s rigorous and inspiring academic life and its extracurricular activities.”

"By providing a unique and affordable, high quality education, the University of Dallas has been at the forefront in helping economically disadvantaged students across the country earn their college degree," said Director of College Initiatives at Cristo Rey Network Stephanie Arias. "As they continue to meet this important mission, I am confident that our graduates will become the creative and dynamic leaders that our country needs."

This partnership will enable Cristo Rey students to learn about, access and take full advantage of post-secondary opportunities at the University of Dallas. More specifically, it will support the commitment of both UD and the Cristo Rey Network (CRN) to increase college match, access, persistence and completion of Cristo Rey students and graduates at UD. The university’s staff along with Cristo Rey alumni support staff will ensure that Cristo Rey graduates receive support from the moment they enroll to their graduation from the University of Dallas. 

The primary objectives of the partnership include increasing the applications from and enrollment of Cristo Rey students at UD; achieving a six-year graduation rate for CRN graduates at UD; and establishing, developing and strengthening collaborative opportunities between CRN schools and UD to support the matriculation and graduation of low-income and first-generation college students.

“We have built a strong relationship with Cristo Rey Dallas over the past several years, and we are thrilled to extend that partnership to all Cristo Rey schools across the nation,” said University of Dallas Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Elizabeth Griffin Smith. “Through this collaboration, more Cristo Rey students will have access to our Core Curriculum and signature Rome Program, while at the same time, UD will be enriched by the experiences that Cristo Rey students will bring to our campus community.”

About the Cristo Rey Network

The Cristo Rey Network of 37 high schools delivers a career-focused, college preparatory education in the Catholic tradition for students with limited economic resources, uniquely integrating rigorous academic curricula with four years of professional work experience and support to and through college. Cristo Rey partners with educators, businesses and communities to enable students to fulfill their aspirations for a lifetime of success: students are three times more likely to complete a bachelor's degree by age 24, compared to the total U.S. low-income population. Learn more.

About the University of Dallas

The University of Dallas, located in a metropolitan area of nearly 7 million people, is a leading Catholic university widely recognized for academic excellence by well-known publications, organizations and accrediting bodies. It offers distinctive individual undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in the liberal arts, business and ministry that are characterized by an exceptional, engaged faculty, a commitment to shaping principled, well-skilled leaders and academic rigor in the Catholic intellectual tradition. For more information, visit udallas.edu.