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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

John Carroll University: Jesuit-inspired education fostering the whole person since 1886.

John Carroll University, a private institution rooted deeply in Jesuit tradition, offers a transformative educational experience focused on developing the whole person. Founded in 1886 as St. Ignatius College, it has been in continuous operation, providing a rigorous academic environment infused with values of service, justice, and community. Embracing its motto, "Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam" (For the Greater Glory of God), JCU prepares students not just for careers, but for lives of meaning and profound impact.

The university's rich history began when it was established by the Society of Jesus, making it the 19th of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. In 1923, it was renamed in honor of John Carroll, the first archbishop of the Catholic Church in the U.S. and founder of Georgetown University. The campus moved to its current location in University Heights in 1935, and a significant milestone occurred in 1968 when John Carroll became coeducational, opening its doors to women in the College of Arts and Sciences.

At the heart of a John Carroll education is the Jesuit concept of *cura personalis*, or care for the whole person. This philosophy shapes an engaging student experience that extends far beyond the classroom. Students benefit from community-based research, service-immersion programs, and valuable internships with local organizations, all designed to foster leadership, reflection, and a commitment to justice. Recent campus expansions, including the Dolan Center for Science and Technology and the Athletic, Wellness, and Event Center, further enhance a vibrant learning and living environment for its nearly 3,000 students.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1886 by the Society of Jesus, operating continuously since its inception.
  • The 19th of 27 distinguished Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States.
  • Embraces the Jesuit principle of *cura personalis* (care for the whole person) in its educational approach.
  • Became a coeducational institution in 1968, admitting women to the College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Operates with a substantial endowment of $0.3 billion, supporting its comprehensive mission.
  • Engages 2,864 students in a vibrant campus community, fostering growth and development.
  • Offers unique experiential learning opportunities including community-based research, service-immersion programs, and local internships.

Timeline

1886
Founded as St. Ignatius College by the Society of Jesus.
1923
Renamed John Carroll University in honor of the first U.S. Catholic Archbishop.
1935
Relocated from its original site 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.
Recent Decades
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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