Saint Peter's University
Jersey City, NJ
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Saint Peter's University
Saint Peter's: A Jesuit legacy of urban education and student empowerment in Jersey City.
Saint Peter's University is a private Jesuit institution nestled in the vibrant urban landscape of Jersey City, New Jersey. Founded in 1872 by the Society of Jesus as Saint Peter's College, the university upholds a rich tradition of academic excellence guided by the motto "Ad majorem dei gloriam" ("For the greater glory of God"). With over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs, Saint Peter's caters to a diverse body of more than 3,600 students, fostering intellectual growth and personal development just two miles from the dynamic opportunities of Manhattan.
The university boasts a significant history of inclusivity and social impact. After a brief closure during World War I, it reopened in 1930 and moved to its current 30-acre campus in 1936. That same year, Saint Peter's proudly admitted its first Black student, marking a commitment to diversity that continued with the groundbreaking decision in 1965 to grant an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree to Martin Luther King Jr.—a first for any Jesuit school. The institution further broadened its reach by becoming fully co-educational in 1966, building on earlier admissions of women to its evening programs.
Academically, Saint Peter's is at the forefront of innovation, evidenced by its Center for Microplasma Science and Technology, established with a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities like the Mac Mahon Student Center and the recently renovated Run Baby Run Arena. The university's commitment to holistic development extends to specialized support, including a center for undocumented students providing critical resources and legal advice. The institution also offers robust business education through the Frank J. Guarini School of Business, named in honor of a generous $10 million gift.
The student experience at Saint Peter's is enriched by its NCAA Division I athletic teams, the Peacocks, who compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Beyond sports, the university's urban campus provides unparalleled access to internships, cultural experiences, and career opportunities in the greater New York metropolitan area. Graduates consistently make a significant impact across various fields, including Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, Pulitzer Prize winners, U.S. Senators, federal judges, and CEOs, embodying the Jesuit mission of serving others for the greater glory of God.
Key Highlights
- ✦A private Jesuit university founded in 1872, offering over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs.
- ✦Located on a 30-acre urban campus in Jersey City, just 2 miles from Manhattan.
- ✦Pioneered inclusivity by admitting its first Black student in 1936 and awarding an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree to Martin Luther King Jr. in 1965 (the first Jesuit school to do so).
- ✦Recognized with a $2 million Department of Defense grant to establish the Center for Microplasma Science and Technology.
- ✦Home to the Frank J. Guarini School of Business, named after a $10 million gift.
- ✦Features modern facilities, including the Mac Mahon Student Center and the renovated Run Baby Run Arena.
- ✦Boasts notable alumni including a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and U.S. Senators.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
1 notable schools within Saint Peter's University
Frank J. Guarini School of Business
Named in 2019 following a $10 million gift from alumnus Frank J. Guarini, offering comprehensive business programs.
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