Students returned to Villanova University for the first day of classes with a whole new undergraduate playground to explore. After two years of renovations, the Catholic university opened an additional 112 acres and 21 new buildings in August, expanding its rapidly growing footprint on the outskirts of Philadelphia. The campus, now featuring dorms, pickleball courts, and a smoothie shop, is closely tied to recent headlines, serving as the alma mater of both the Pope and Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks.

This expansion comes after the university scooped up the neighboring Cabrini campus when that college closed, giving Villanova the ability to add more students. The $170 million project significantly boosts the profile of the powerhouse school.