All U.S. Jesuit Colleges & Universities
The Complete Guide to America's 27 Jesuit Colleges and Universities
There are 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. Below, each is listed chronologically by founding date, with location, founding details, signature academic programs, standout campus traditions, notable achievements, and notable alumni — followed by a category breakdown and a full source list.
1. Georgetown University
Georgetown University
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The oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher education in the United States. A major research university with a wide range of programs.
Signature programs: International relations, political science, law, and business — the Walsh School of Foreign Service is world-famous. Strong health sciences and public policy programs.
Tradition: Located in DC, offering unique internship and government access. The "Healy Howl" — students watch The Exorcist (filmed on campus) on Halloween.
Achievements: Major influence on American politics, diplomacy, and foreign service; leading Catholic research university with an extensive global alumni network.
Notable alumni: Bill Clinton, Antonin Scalia, King Felipe VI of Spain, Bradley Cooper, Patrick Ewing, Maria Shriver, Ivanka Trump.
Saint Louis University
The first university west of the Mississippi River, and a major research institution.
Signature programs: Leading medical, law, business, and health sciences programs; noted for Jesuit values in education and international studies.
Tradition: Home to the iconic SLU Clock Tower and the "Billiken" mascot.
Achievements: Host of pioneering research in health, aviation, and space; first medical school in the American West.
Notable alumni: Robert Guillaume, August Busch IV, James T. Walsh.
Spring Hill College
The oldest Catholic college in the Southeast, and the oldest college in Alabama — a smaller, liberal arts college.
Signature programs: Strong liberal arts, business, and nursing programs.
Tradition: Picturesque campus with ancient oaks; "The Avenue of the Oaks" tradition for graduation ceremonies.
Achievements: Among the first Southern colleges to desegregate, in the 1950s; deep Jesuit mission focus on service.
Notable alumni: Joe Gradisher (Navy Rear Admiral), Jack Edwards (U.S. Congressman), Michael Bonner (Alabama House of Representatives).
Xavier University
The oldest Catholic university in Ohio, known for its strong business and liberal arts programs.
Signature programs: Business, health sciences, and psychology; a personal approach and Jesuit community service.
Tradition: "Musketeer Madness," celebrating the start of basketball season.
Achievements: Noted for high placement rates in medicine and education fields.
Notable alumni: John Boehner, Jim Bunning, Joe Reitz.
Fordham University
Originally St. John's College — a comprehensive research university with multiple campuses in New York City.
Signature programs: Top-tier law, business, and social service programs; strength in liberal arts and theater.
Tradition: Two unique NYC locations — Rose Hill (Bronx) and Lincoln Center (Manhattan); "Fordham Friday" school spirit days.
Achievements: Nationally recognized for ethics and public service.
Notable alumni: Denzel Washington, Lana Del Rey, Andrew Cuomo, Don DeLillo.
College of the Holy Cross
The oldest Catholic college in New England — a highly selective liberal arts college.
Signature programs: Liberal arts leader, with strengths in biology, economics, and political science.
Tradition: The "Mount St. James" campus with scenic views; sponsor of the "Worcester Arts Trail."
Achievements: High medical and law school acceptance rates.
Notable alumni: Dr. Anthony Fauci, Clarence Thomas, Bob Cousy.
Loyola University New Orleans
Originally the College of the Immaculate Conception — a private university with strong programs in music and law.
Signature programs: Renowned for its music industry and law programs, strong communications and pre-health.
Tradition: Distinguished jazz and traditional music culture; "Wolfpack" sports.
Achievements: Deep civil rights and social justice history.
Notable alumni: Harry Connick Jr., Cokie Roberts, Ellen DeGeneres (attended).
Saint Joseph's University
Signature programs: Renowned business programs, especially food marketing; strong education and health sciences.
Tradition: The famous "Hawk" mascot always flaps its wings; Philadelphia's "Jesuit ivy" rivalry with Villanova.
Achievements: Early leader in cooperative education.
Notable alumni: Joe Lunardi, Mike Bantom, William J. Byron.
Santa Clara University
The oldest operating institution of higher learning in California, located in Silicon Valley.
Signature programs: Highly regarded engineering, business, and law programs; tech entrepreneurship focus.
Tradition: Historic Mission Santa Clara on campus; "Bronco Bash" welcome for new students.
Achievements: Early sustainability initiatives and university-based solar research.
Notable alumni: Steve Nash, Gavin Newsom, Reza Aslan.
Loyola University Maryland
Originally Loyola College in Maryland — known for its strong business program.
Signature programs: Business, psychology, and teacher education; focus on the core liberal arts foundation.
Tradition: The "Evergreen campus" with classic Gothic revival buildings; "Chapel Point" retreat tradition.
Achievements: Pioneered community service learning programs.
Notable alumni: Tom Clancy, Harry Markopolos, Mark Bowden.
University of San Francisco
Located in the heart of San Francisco, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Signature programs: Law, business, nursing, and environmental science.
Tradition: Urban campus with views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Achievements: Leaders in social justice movements in the Bay Area.
Notable alumni: Bill Russell, Barbara Boxer, Pierre Salinger.
Boston College
A private research university with a strong national reputation.
Signature programs: Business (Carroll School), education, theology, and law; strong research and NCAA Division I athletics.
Tradition: "Modstock," the spring music festival in the Modular dorms ("the Mods").
Achievements: Recognized as a New England "New Ivy."
Notable alumni: John F. Kerry, Amy Poehler, Chris O'Donnell, Tip O'Neill.
Loyola University Chicago
Originally St. Ignatius College — a major research university with multiple campuses in the Chicago area.
Signature programs: Healthcare (nursing & medicine), law, and business administration.
Tradition: Lakefront campus with views of Lake Michigan; "Sister Jean" and the Cinderella basketball run in the 2018 NCAA tournament.
Achievements: Major health systems partnerships, especially in underserved areas.
Notable alumni: Bob Newhart, Satya Nadella, Jennifer Morrison.
Canisius University
A comprehensive university in Buffalo.
Signature programs: Leading programs in business, journalism, and animal behavior.
Tradition: "Griff Fest," an annual student celebration.
Achievements: Noted for STEM outreach in the Buffalo community.
Notable alumni: Brian Higgins, John R. Oishei, Peter A. Cimino.
Saint Peter's University
Signature programs: Strong business, nursing, and criminal justice programs.
Tradition: "Peacock Nation" school pride; the annual "Peacock Ball."
Achievements: Noted for diversity and access in Jesuit education.
Notable alumni: Thomas Kean, Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, John F. Mitchell.
Detroit Mercy
Founded as unrelated institutions — the Jesuit University of Detroit and the Sisters of Mercy's Mercy College — merged in 1990.
Signature programs: Dental, law, architecture, and engineering programs.
Tradition: Urban campus deeply connected to Detroit communities.
Achievements: First dental school in Michigan; strong service learning.
Notable alumni: Elmore Leonard, William V. Banks, Keegan-Michael Key.
Regis University
Originally founded as two separate institutions — offers undergraduate, graduate, and online programs.
Signature programs: Nursing, business, computer science, and teacher education.
Tradition: Campus views of the Rocky Mountains.
Achievements: Developed innovative adult education programs in the 1980s.
Notable alumni: Bill Murray (attended), Mary Cleave, John P. Torres.
Creighton University
A private Jesuit research university with strong health sciences programs.
Signature programs: Pharmacy, health sciences, business, and law.
Tradition: Known for signature Jesuit service trips and campus ministry.
Achievements: Consistently ranked #1 Midwest regional university by U.S. News.
Notable alumni: Bob Gibson, Mike Johanns, Chris Kelsay.
Marquette University
Named after Father Jacques Marquette, S.J., a French Jesuit missionary and explorer.
Signature programs: Communications, journalism, health sciences, business, and law.
Tradition: "Marquette Madness" and the "Glow Run."
Achievements: Well known for journalism alumni and Jesuit social justice initiatives.
Notable alumni: Dwyane Wade, Chris Farley, Scott Walker, Joseph McCarthy.
John Carroll University
Originally Saint Ignatius College — a private university in a suburb of Cleveland.
Signature programs: Accountancy, business, and pre-medicine.
Tradition: "Carroll Fest," an annual music and arts event.
Achievements: NCAA Division III athletic excellence.
Notable alumni: Tim Russert, Brian P. Cleary, Don Shula (attended).
Gonzaga University
A private university known for its strong basketball program and academic rigor.
Signature programs: Engineering, business, law, and education.
Tradition: "SpikeNites" and the famous Kennel Club basketball spirit group.
Achievements: NCAA basketball power, nationally known for holistic education.
Notable alumni: Bing Crosby, John Stockton, Christine Gregoire.
Seattle University
A private university located in the First Hill neighborhood of Seattle.
Signature programs: Law, business, nursing, and public affairs.
Tradition: Urban campus in the heart of Seattle.
Achievements: Leader in environmental sustainability among U.S. campuses.
Notable alumni: Duff McKagan, Jim Whittaker, Elgin Baylor (attended).
Rockhurst University
Signature programs: Business, nursing, and occupational therapy.
Tradition: Known for the annual "Festival of Student Achievement."
Achievements: Regional leader in health professional training.
Notable alumni: Tom Dempsey, Peter B. Edelman, Bob Stein.
Loyola Marymount University
Formed by the merger of Loyola University (Jesuit) and Marymount College (Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary).
Signature programs: Film, business, liberal arts, and engineering.
Tradition: Overlooks Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean.
Achievements: Leading film school with close ties to Hollywood.
Notable alumni: Brian Helgeland, Mila Kunis (attended), Bill Fitzgerald.
Fairfield University
A private university located on 200 acres near the Long Island Sound.
Signature programs: Nursing, business, psychology, and engineering.
Tradition: The Stag statue and "Clam Jam," the end-of-year party.
Achievements: Noted for international business and nursing study abroad.
Notable alumni: John Felice, Ed Cooley, Peter Pronovost.
Le Moyne College
The first Jesuit college founded in the United States after World War II.
Signature programs: Physician assistant, business, and education programs.
Tradition: "Dolphin Dash" campus run and the annual "Dolphy Day."
Achievements: Early and effective emphasis on life sciences.
Notable alumni: Mark Reed, Major General Paula Lodi, Michael Price.
University of Scranton
Became a Jesuit institution in 1942 — a private Catholic and Jesuit university.
Wheeling University
While founded as a Jesuit institution, it is currently sponsored by the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston.
Signature programs: Nursing, engineering science, and business.
Tradition: "Gaudiosa," an annual celebration for student achievement.
Achievements: Early adopter of integrative STEM education.
Notable alumni: Michael Maroney, Susan Brewer, Carmen LoBue.
It's worth noting that the relationships and affiliations of some institutions have evolved over time (mergers, changes in sponsorship), but these are the institutions widely recognized as part of the network of Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States.
Schools by Academic Strength
Business & Economics Powerhouses
- Fordham
- Saint Joseph's (food marketing)
- Santa Clara
- Loyola Maryland
- Boston College (Carroll School)
- Canisius
- Creighton
- Marquette
- John Carroll (accountancy)
- Seattle
- Rockhurst
- Le Moyne
- Regis
- Wheeling
- Gonzaga
Law & Politics Leaders
- Georgetown (Walsh School of Foreign Service)
- Fordham
- Seattle
- Creighton
- Marquette
- Gonzaga
Health Sciences & Medicine Innovators
- Saint Louis
- Boston College
- Loyola Chicago
- Creighton (pharmacy)
- Marquette
- Rockhurst (occupational therapy)
- Fairfield (nursing)
- Le Moyne (physician assistant)
- Wheeling (nursing)
Liberal Arts & Humanities Strongholds
- Spring Hill
- College of the Holy Cross
- Loyola Maryland
STEM & Technology Centers
- Santa Clara (engineering)
- Gonzaga (engineering)
- Detroit Mercy (architecture & engineering)
- Wheeling (engineering science)
- Fairfield (engineering)
Communications & Arts Hubs
- Marquette (journalism)
- Loyola Marymount (film)
- Loyola New Orleans (music industry)
Comprehensive & Diverse Excellence
- Xavier (business, health sciences, psychology)
- Regis (nursing, business, computer science, teacher education)
- University of San Francisco (law, business, nursing, environmental science)
- Loyola New Orleans (communications & pre-health)
- Saint Peter's (business, nursing, criminal justice)
- Detroit Mercy (dental, law, architecture, engineering)
Note: many schools have strengths in multiple areas — this categorization reflects their most prominent or well-known programs.
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