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John Carroll University

University Heights, OH

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (Latin)(For the greater glory of God)

1886
Founded
Private university
Type
2,228
Total Students
2,339
Undergrad
525
Graduate
$302M
Endowment
(2025)
$49K
Tuition (In-State)
$49K
Tuition (Out-State)
$29K
Avg Net Price
81%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Graduation Rate
6-year
85%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Alan R. Miciak

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

About John Carroll University

Embrace holistic growth and Jesuit values at this historic Cleveland university.

John Carroll University, deeply rooted in Jesuit tradition, offers a transformative educational journey focused on the whole person. Emphasizing "cura personalis," service, and justice, JCU prepares students not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and impact within a vibrant community. As one of the nation's 27 Jesuit institutions, it upholds a legacy of academic excellence paired with profound ethical engagement, guided by its motto, "Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam" (For the Greater Glory of God).

Founded in 1886 by the Society of Jesus as St. Ignatius College, JCU boasts a rich history. Initially a college for men, it was renamed in 1923 to honor John Carroll, the first Catholic archbishop in the U.S. and Georgetown University's founder. The university moved to its current University Heights campus in 1935, maintaining its original site for Saint Ignatius High School. Notably, it opened its doors to women in the College of Arts and Sciences in 1968, embracing coeducation and further expanding its inclusive community.

The commitment to student development is evident in JCU's continuous campus enhancements, including state-of-the-art facilities like the Dolan Center for Science and Technology and the Athletic, Wellness, and Event Center. Beyond facilities, JCU's Jesuit ethos inspires community-based research, immersive service programs, and practical internships with local organizations, ensuring students gain real-world experience and develop a global perspective. With a student body of 2,864, it fosters a close-knit environment where students are encouraged to strive for "magis"—always doing more and striving for excellence.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1886 by the Society of Jesus as St. Ignatius College, making it the 19th Jesuit institution in the U.S.
  • Rooted in Jesuit values, emphasizing "cura personalis" (care for the whole person), service, justice, and community.
  • A private university with an endowment of $0.3 billion.
  • Enrolls 2,864 students, fostering a vibrant and supportive campus community.
  • Became fully coeducational in 1968 with the admission of women to the College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Features significant modern facilities including the Dolan Center for Science and Technology and the Athletic, Wellness, and Event Center.
  • Offers robust community-based research, service-immersion programs, and internships with local organizations.

Timeline

1886
Founded as St. Ignatius College by the Society of Jesus.
1923
Renamed John Carroll University in honor of John Carroll.
1935
University relocated to its current campus in University Heights, Ohio.
World War II
Participated in the V-12 Navy College Training Program.
1968
Became coeducational with the admission of women to the College of Arts and Sciences.
Decades following 1968
Underwent significant campus expansion, including the Dolan Center for Science and Technology and the Athletic, Wellness, and Event Center.
🏛️
140 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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