Georgian Court University logo

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

Discover Georgian Court: A historic Catholic university rooted in Mercy, set on a stunning landmark estate.

Georgian Court University offers a distinctive educational experience in Lakewood Township, New Jersey, as a private Catholic institution sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. Known for its deeply held values and breathtaking campus, GCU's mission of Mercy underpins every aspect of student life, fostering an environment of respect, justice, integrity, compassion, and service. The university's main campus is uniquely situated on the former summer estate of millionaire George Jay Gould, a picturesque setting that has earned it recognition as a designated National Historic Landmark.

Established in 1908 as Mount Saint Mary College, the institution found its permanent home on the Georgian Court estate in 1924, subsequently rebranding as Georgian Court College. For over a century, the Sisters of Mercy were at the helm, cultivating a robust liberal arts tradition. While initially a women's college, GCU embraced inclusivity by beginning to admit male students in 1994, achieving full coeducation by Fall 2013. This evolution, coupled with its elevation to university status in 2004, reflects a commitment to expanding its Mercy-infused educational opportunities to all.

As the sole Catholic college or university in Central or South New Jersey, Georgian Court attracts a diverse student body, primarily from these regions. The university is proactively investing in its future, with plans to construct a state-of-the-art center for nursing and health sciences, transform its Casino building into a modern student center, and revitalize student housing. These initiatives are designed to enrich the student experience and reinforce the university's motto: "Belong. Believe. Become." Students benefit from an inspiring learning environment, surrounded by stunning original architecture and meticulously maintained gardens designed by renowned architects like Bruce Price and Takeo Shiota, alongside the beautiful Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1908 by the Sisters of Mercy, operating as a private Catholic university.
  • Main campus is a U.S. National Historic Landmark, built on the historic estate of George Jay Gould.
  • Emphasizes a core mission of Mercy, integrating values of respect, justice, integrity, compassion, and service.
  • The only Catholic college or university located in Central or South New Jersey.
  • Committed to enhancing student life and academics with significant investments in new facilities, including a nursing and health sciences center.
  • Serves 1,890 students in a fully coeducational environment since Fall 2013.
  • Guided by the inspiring motto: "Belong. Believe. Become."

Timeline

1908
Founded as Mount Saint Mary College for women in North Plainfield, New Jersey.
1924
Purchased the Georgian Court estate, moved, and renamed Georgian Court College.
1978
Lakewood campus added to the National Register of Historic Places.
1985
Campus designated a National Historic Landmark.
1994
Began admitting male students.
2004
Granted university status by the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education and renamed Georgian Court University.
2013
Completed full transition to a coeducational institution, admitting both women and men into all academic programs.
2022
Announced plans to sell land to fund a new center for nursing and health sciences and other campus modernizations.
🏛️
118 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Eugene J. Cornacchia (interim)
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Georgian Court University

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search