Beyond the Diploma: Measuring the Long-Term Impact of Catholic Education

Catholic schools have long been celebrated for their academic rigor, spiritual formation, and commitment to service. But what happens after graduation? How do we truly measure the enduring value of a Catholic education? At Partners in Mission, we believe the answer lies beyond diplomas and test scores—it’s about lives transformed, missions lived out, and faith that lasts a lifetime.

Defining the Mission, Measuring the Impact

Understanding the long-term outcomes of Catholic education starts with a clear sense of mission: Who are we? Whom do we serve? How do we serve? These questions ground us in purpose and guide our approach to evaluating impact.

A strong Catholic school doesn’t just educate students; it forms graduates who give back, lead with integrity, and remain rooted in faith. That’s why we encourage schools to define and regularly revisit their Profile of a Graduate—a tool that articulates what students will gain from their education and how they will, in turn, enrich their communities.

Reporting the GOOD News

To truly assess the return on investment in Catholic education, schools must become intentional storytellers and data collectors. By tracking alumni outcomes and sharing their successes, we not only affirm our mission but also build momentum for future growth. Here’s how:

• Academic Achievement: Monitor graduation rates, academic honors, and continued education to show how Catholic school graduates excel beyond the classroom.
• Faith Formation: Capture stories of alumni involved in parish life, religious vocations, and service within the Church.
• Service & Outreach: Highlight those making a difference through philanthropy, volunteerism, and social justice work.
• Lifelong Learning: Survey alumni about how Catholic values continue to shape their personal and professional lives.
• Professional Success: Track leadership roles and societal contributions aligned with Catholic social teaching.
• Personal Impact: Showcase how graduates continue to advance the mission through word-of-mouth, giving, and community engagement.

The Power of Longitudinal Studies

Impact doesn’t always show up right away. That’s why it’s critical to conduct longitudinal studies, following alumni over time to understand how their Catholic education continues to influence their choices, values, and accomplishments.

Showcasing Success

Storytelling matters. Celebrate alumni achievements publicly—through Hall of Fame events, alumni spotlights, and career days. Create video testimonials, written reflections, and one-on-one conversations that reveal the ripple effects of your mission in action. It’s not just about marketing; it’s about delivering the mission with pride.

Let Data Drive Strategy

Collecting and sharing alumni data isn't just an exercise in feel-good storytelling, it's a strategic imperative. The more we understand and communicate the outcomes of Catholic education, the more effectively we can inspire donors, engage families, and advance our shared mission.

Let’s Deliver the Mission - Together

As educators and school leaders, we are called to plant seeds of faith and excellence. Tracking outcomes helps us nurture those seeds long after students leave our classrooms. Because Catholic education doesn’t stop at graduation, it echoes through lives of purpose, service, and leadership.

To learn more about measuring the long-term impact of Catholic education, contact Shana Rossi.