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Georgian Court University

Lakewood, NJ

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Belong. Believe. Become.

1908
Founded
Private university
Type
1,174
Total Students
1,491
Undergrad
399
Graduate
$53M
Endowment
(2024)
$37K
Tuition (In-State)
$37K
Tuition (Out-State)
$20K
Avg Net Price
71%
Acceptance Rate
55%
Graduation Rate
6-year
76%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Eugene J. Cornacchia (interim)

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Georgian Court University

Experience a historic, Mercy-inspired education on a stunning National Historic Landmark campus.

Georgian Court University, a private Catholic institution sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, offers a unique educational journey steeped in a rich history and a vibrant commitment to its Mercy mission. Located in Lakewood Township, New Jersey, GCU's beautiful campus is itself a National Historic Landmark, featuring stunning architecture and gardens that were once the summer estate of millionaire George Jay Gould. This historic setting provides an inspiring backdrop for learning, blending tradition with modern academic pursuits.

Founded in 1908 as Mount Saint Mary College, the institution moved to its current iconic location in 1924, becoming Georgian Court College. For over a century, the Sisters of Mercy guided the university, instilling core values of respect, justice, integrity, compassion, and service that continue to shape the student experience. While rooted in its Catholic identity, GCU welcomes students of all faiths, fostering a diverse and inclusive community.

GCU underwent significant transformations, evolving from a women's college to a coeducational university. Male students were first admitted in 1994, and the full transition to a coeducational institution across all programs was completed in Fall 2013. In 2004, it officially gained university status, becoming Georgian Court University. As the only Catholic college or university in Central or South New Jersey, GCU serves as a vital educational hub for the region. The university is also proactively investing in its future, with plans to construct a new center for nursing and health sciences and modernize its facilities, ensuring an enhanced student experience and strong academic programs.

Georgian Court University encourages students to "Belong. Believe. Become." This motto reflects a supportive environment where students are empowered to discover their potential, engage with their community, and prepare for meaningful careers. With its blend of historical grandeur, a compassionate Mercy mission, and forward-looking academic development, GCU offers a distinctive and engaging collegiate experience.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1908 by the Sisters of Mercy, carrying a century-long legacy of Catholic education.
  • Located on a 155.9-acre campus that is a U.S. National Historic Landmark District, originally the estate of George Jay Gould.
  • Offers a coeducational experience for its 1,890 students, having transitioned from a women's college since 1994.
  • The only Catholic college or university situated in Central or South New Jersey.
  • Guided by the Mercy mission, emphasizing values such as respect, justice, integrity, compassion, and service.
  • Investing in future growth with plans for a new center for nursing and health sciences and modernized student facilities.
  • Current interim president is Eugene J. Cornacchia, overseeing an endowment of $53.4 million (2024).

Timeline

1908
Founded as Mount Saint Mary College by the Sisters of Mercy in North Plainfield, NJ.
1924
College moved to the Georgian Court estate in Lakewood and was renamed Georgian Court College.
1978
The Lakewood campus was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
1985
The campus was designated a National Historic Landmark.
1994
Began admitting male students.
2004
Granted university status by the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education; name changed to Georgian Court University.
2013
Completed the full transition to a coeducational institution, admitting both women and men into all academic programs.
2022
Announced sale of land to fund new facilities, including a center for nursing and health sciences and student center updates.
🏛️
118 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Eugene J. Cornacchia (interim)
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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