Discovering a Jesuit education is like finding a special treasure in the world of colleges. It doesn’t matter if you come from a Catholic background or not – going to a Best Jesuit Colleges means more than just studying. It’s about learning how to care about others and make a difference in the world around you. While lots of good colleges focus on teaching, Jesuit schools take it a step further. They really emphasize helping others and making the world a better place. You might have looked at Jesuit Colleges during your search for colleges without realizing they’re Jesuit. Did you know big names like Georgetown University and Boston College are Jesuit schools? They’re not just places to learn – they’re places that care about making a difference in the community. Here are the 15 Best Jesuit Colleges in the US in 2024. Best Jesuit Colleges listing includes details like GPA requirements, median SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, admission requirements, and salary information. We also cover professional outcomes and academic highlights for each college.
Top Jesuit Colleges in America
1. Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.)
GPA Requirements: 3.85
Median SAT/ACT Scores: SAT: 1380-1550, ACT: 31-35
Acceptance Rate: 17%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, and extracurricular activities.
Salary Information: Average starting salary: $72,000
Professional Outcomes: Graduates from Georgetown often work in top companies or government positions. Many go on to study law, medicine, or business. Georgetown has strong connections in politics, especially in Washington, D.C. Students often find internships and jobs in government agencies or international organizations. The school’s location near the U.S. Capitol offers unique opportunities for students interested in public service or international relations.
Academic Highlights: Georgetown is well-known for its programs in international relations, law, and business. The School of Foreign Service is one of the best in the world. The university offers many study-abroad opportunities, and students can learn from experts in their fields. Georgetown has small class sizes and strong support for students. The university encourages students to think about how they can make the world a better place.
2. Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA)
GPA Requirements: 3.6
Median SAT/ACT Scores: SAT: 1320-1480, ACT: 30-33
Acceptance Rate: 26%
Admission Requirements: Strong GPA, good SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.
Salary Information: Average starting salary: $65,000
Professional Outcomes: Boston College graduates are successful in many fields, including business, education, and healthcare. Many students find jobs in Boston, a city known for its education and medical industries. Boston College has a strong alumni network, which helps students find internships and jobs. Graduates often go on to graduate school, especially in law and business.
Academic Highlights: Boston College offers strong programs in business, education, and the liberal arts. The Carroll School of Management is highly respected, and the Lynch School of Education is one of the best in the country. Students at Boston College are encouraged to think critically and explore different ideas. The university has a beautiful campus and a strong sense of community. Students are also encouraged to get involved in service projects and help others.
3. Fordham University (New York, NY)
GPA Requirements: 3.6
Median SAT/ACT Scores: SAT: 1300-1460, ACT: 29-33
Acceptance Rate: 46%
Admission Requirements: Strong academic record, good SAT/ACT scores, and an essay.
Salary Information: Average starting salary: $62,000
Professional Outcomes: Fordham graduates often find jobs in New York City, one of the biggest and most important cities in the world. Many work in finance, media, or law. The university has strong connections with companies and organizations in the city. Fordham’s location in New York offers students many opportunities for internships and networking. Many students go on to graduate school, especially in law or business.
Academic Highlights: Fordham is known for its strong programs in business, law, and the liberal arts. The Gabelli School of Business is highly respected, and the School of Law has a strong reputation. Fordham encourages students to think about social justice and how they can make a difference in the world. The university has two campuses in New York City, offering students a unique urban experience.
4. Santa Clara University (Santa Clara, CA)
GPA Requirements: 3.6
Median SAT/ACT Scores: SAT: 1320-1480, ACT: 29-33
Acceptance Rate: 51%
Admission Requirements: Strong GPA, good SAT/ACT scores, and a personal statement.
Salary Information: Average starting salary: $68,000
Professional Outcomes: Santa Clara graduates often work in technology and business, especially in Silicon Valley. The university’s location in the heart of the tech industry offers students many opportunities for internships and jobs. Santa Clara has a strong network of alumni working in major tech companies like Google, Apple, and Facebook. Many graduates go on to work in startups or start their own businesses. The university’s strong focus on ethics helps students stand out in the job market.
Academic Highlights: Santa Clara University is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and the sciences. The university encourages students to think about ethics and social justice in their work. Santa Clara has small class sizes and strong support for students. The university offers many opportunities for hands-on learning, including internships and research projects. Students at Santa Clara are encouraged to think about how they can use their skills to help others.
You may also like to read
5. Loyola University Chicago (Chicago, IL)
GPA Requirements: 3.5
Median SAT/ACT Scores: SAT: 1130-1330, ACT: 25-30
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and a personal essay.
Salary Information: Average starting salary: $57,000
Professional Outcomes: Loyola University Chicago graduates often find jobs in healthcare, education, and business. The university has strong connections with hospitals and schools in Chicago. Many students go on to work in public service or nonprofit organizations. Loyola’s location in Chicago offers students many opportunities for internships and networking. The university also has a strong alumni network that helps students find jobs after graduation.
Academic Highlights: Loyola University Chicago offers strong programs in healthcare, education, and the social sciences. The university is known for its commitment to social justice and service to others. Loyola encourages students to get involved in their communities and think about how they can make a difference. The university has a beautiful campus on the shores of Lake Michigan and offers many opportunities for students to study abroad.
6. Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI)
GPA Requirements: 3.4
Median SAT/ACT Scores: SAT: 1150-1320, ACT: 24-30
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and a personal statement.
Salary Information: Average starting salary: $58,000
Professional Outcomes: Marquette University graduates often find jobs in healthcare, business, and engineering. The university has strong connections with companies and hospitals in Milwaukee and beyond. Marquette’s focus on ethics and leadership helps students stand out in the job market. Many students go on to graduate school, especially in law or medicine. The university has a strong alumni network that helps students find internships and jobs.
Academic Highlights: Marquette University is known for its strong programs in healthcare, business, and engineering. The university encourages students to think about ethics and how they can use their skills to help others. Marquette offers many opportunities for hands-on learning, including internships and research projects. The university also has a strong focus on leadership and service to others. Students at Marquette are encouraged to get involved in their communities and make a difference.
7. Gonzaga University (Spokane, WA)
GPA Requirements: 3.5
Median SAT/ACT Scores: SAT: 1200-1370, ACT: 26-30
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and a personal essay.
Salary Information: Average starting salary: $56,000
Professional Outcomes: Gonzaga University graduates often find jobs in healthcare, business, and education. The university has strong connections with companies and schools in the Pacific Northwest. Gonzaga’s focus on ethics and leadership helps students stand out in the job market. Many students go on to graduate school, especially in law or business. The university also has a strong alumni network that helps students find internships and jobs.
Academic Highlights: Gonzaga University is known for its strong programs in healthcare, business, and education. The university encourages students to think about ethics and how they can use their skills to help others. Gonzaga offers many opportunities for hands-on learning, including internships and research projects. The university also has a strong focus on leadership and service to others. Students at Gonzaga are encouraged to get involved in their communities and make a difference.
8. Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, CA)
GPA Requirements: 3.6
Median SAT/ACT Scores: SAT: 1230-1410, ACT: 27-32
Acceptance Rate: 50%
Admission Requirements: Strong GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and a personal statement.
Salary Information: Average starting salary: $60,000
Professional Outcomes: Loyola Marymount University graduates often find jobs in entertainment, business, and education. The university’s location in Los Angeles offers students many opportunities in the entertainment industry. Loyola Marymount has strong connections with companies in film, television, and media. Many students go on to work in Hollywood or start their own businesses. The university also has a strong focus on ethics and social justice, helping students make a positive impact in their careers.
Academic Highlights: Loyola Marymount University is known for its strong programs in film, business, and the liberal arts. The university encourages students to think about how they can use their skills to make a difference in the world. Loyola Marymount offers many opportunities
for hands-on learning, including internships and research projects. The university has a beautiful campus with views of Los Angeles and offers a strong sense of community. Students are encouraged to get involved in service projects and help others.
9. Saint Louis University (St. Louis, MO)
GPA Requirements: 3.5
Median SAT/ACT Scores: SAT: 1230-1440, ACT: 26-32
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and a personal essay.
Salary Information: Average starting salary: $59,000
Professional Outcomes: Saint Louis University graduates often find jobs in business, healthcare, and law. The university has strong connections with companies and hospitals in St. Louis. Many students go on to graduate school, especially in law or medicine. Saint Louis has a strong alumni network that helps students find internships and jobs. The university’s focus on ethics and service to others helps students stand out in the job market.
Academic Highlights: Saint Louis University is known for its strong programs in business, healthcare, and law. The university encourages students to think about how they can use their skills to make a positive impact. Saint Louis offers many opportunities for hands-on learning, including internships and research projects. The university has a strong focus on ethics and social justice. Students are encouraged to get involved in their communities and make a difference.
10. University of San Francisco (San Francisco, CA)
GPA Requirements: 3.5
Median SAT/ACT Scores: SAT: 1220-1430, ACT: 26-32
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and a personal statement.
Salary Information: Average starting salary: $60,000
Professional Outcomes: University of San Francisco graduates often find jobs in business, technology, and healthcare. The university’s location in San Francisco offers many opportunities in the tech industry. USF has strong connections with companies and organizations in the city. Many students go on to work in startups or major tech companies. The university’s focus on social justice and service helps students make a positive impact in their careers.
Academic Highlights: University of San Francisco is known for its strong programs in business, technology, and the liberal arts. The university encourages students to think about how they can use their skills to help others. USF offers many opportunities for hands-on learning, including internships and research projects. The university has a beautiful campus with views of the city and offers a strong sense of community. Students are encouraged to get involved in service projects and make a difference.
11. Creighton University (Omaha, NE)
GPA Requirements: 3.5
Median SAT/ACT Scores: SAT: 1200-1400, ACT: 25-30
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and a personal essay.
Salary Information: Average starting salary: $55,000
Professional Outcomes: Creighton University graduates often find jobs in healthcare, business, and education. The university has strong connections with hospitals and schools in Omaha. Many students go on to work in public service or nonprofit organizations. Creighton’s focus on ethics and service helps students stand out in the job market. The university’s strong alumni network helps students find internships and jobs after graduation.
Academic Highlights: Creighton University is known for its strong programs in healthcare, business, and education. The university encourages students to think about how they can use their skills to make a difference in the world. Creighton offers many opportunities for hands-on learning, including internships and research projects. The university has a strong focus on ethics and service to others. Students at Creighton are encouraged to get involved in their communities and make a positive impact.
12. Saint Joseph’s University (Philadelphia, PA)
GPA Requirements: 3.4
Median SAT/ACT Scores: SAT: 1200-1360, ACT: 26-31
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and a personal statement.
Salary Information: Average starting salary: $57,000
Professional Outcomes: Saint Joseph’s University graduates often find jobs in business, education, and healthcare. The university has strong connections with companies and organizations in Philadelphia. Many students go on to graduate school, especially in law or business. Saint Joseph’s focus on ethics and leadership helps students make a positive impact in their careers. The university’s strong alumni network helps students find internships and jobs after graduation.
Academic Highlights: Saint Joseph’s University is known for its strong programs in business, education, and the liberal arts. The university encourages students to think about how they can use their skills to help others. Saint Joseph’s offers many opportunities for hands-on learning, including internships and research projects. The university has a strong focus on ethics and social justice. Students are encouraged to get involved in their communities and make a difference.
13. University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit, MI)
GPA Requirements: 3.4
Median SAT/ACT Scores: SAT: 1100-1300, ACT: 23-29
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and a personal essay.
Salary Information: Average starting salary: $55,000
Professional Outcomes: University of Detroit Mercy graduates often find jobs in business, healthcare, and education. The university has strong connections with companies and hospitals in Detroit. Many students go on to work in public service or nonprofit organizations. Detroit Mercy’s focus on ethics and service helps students make a positive impact in their careers. The university’s strong alumni network helps students find internships and jobs after graduation.
Academic Highlights: University of Detroit Mercy is known for its strong programs in business, healthcare, and education. The university encourages students to think about how they can use their skills to help others. Detroit Mercy offers many opportunities for hands-on learning, including internships and research projects. The university has a strong focus on ethics and service to others. Students at Detroit Mercy are encouraged to get involved in their communities and make a positive impact.
14. Loyola University Maryland (Baltimore, MD)
GPA Requirements: 3.4
Median SAT/ACT Scores: SAT: 1200-1380, ACT: 26-31
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and a personal statement.
Salary Information: Average starting salary: $57,000
Professional Outcomes: Loyola University Maryland graduates often find jobs in business, healthcare, and education. The university has strong connections with companies and organizations in Baltimore. Many students go on to graduate school, especially in law or business. Loyola Maryland’s focus on ethics and leadership helps students make a positive impact in their careers. The university’s strong alumni network helps students find internships and jobs after graduation.
Academic Highlights: Loyola University Maryland is known for its strong programs in business, healthcare, and the liberal arts. The university encourages students to think about how they can use their skills to make a difference in the world. Loyola Maryland offers many opportunities for hands-on learning, including internships and research projects. The university has a strong focus on ethics and service to others. Students are encouraged to get involved in their communities and make a positive impact.
15. John Carroll University (University Heights, OH)
GPA Requirements: 3.4
Median SAT/ACT Scores: SAT: 1120-1300, ACT: 24-30
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and a personal essay.
Salary Information: Average starting salary: $54,000
Professional Outcomes: John Carroll University graduates often find jobs in business, education, and healthcare. The university has strong connections with companies and organizations in the Cleveland area. Many students go on to graduate school, especially in law or business. John Carroll’s focus on ethics and leadership helps students make a positive impact in their careers. The university’s strong alumni network helps students find internships and jobs after graduation.
Academic Highlights: John Carroll University is known for its strong programs in business, education, and the liberal arts. The university encourages students to think about how they can use their skills to help others. John Carroll offers many opportunities for hands-on learning, including internships and research projects. The university has a strong focus on ethics and service to others. Students are encouraged to get involved in their communities and make a difference.
Jesuit Universities in USA – Conclusion
Jesuit colleges and universities offer more than just education; they provide a holistic experience that shapes students into well-rounded individuals committed to serving others and making a positive impact on the world. Whether it’s through rigorous academic programs, small class sizes, or a strong emphasis on social justice and community service, these institutions embody the Jesuit values of excellence, compassion, and faith. From the historic campuses of Georgetown and Boston College to the innovative approaches of schools like Marquette and the University of San Francisco, Jesuit education continues to inspire students to lead lives of purpose and meaning.