10 Oldest Jesuit Universities in US

The Jesuit tradition of education has been a cornerstone of higher learning in the United States for centuries. These universities, founded by the Society of Jesus, have a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence that has stood the test of time. From the east coast to the west coast, there are many Jesuit universities in the US, but which ones are the oldest?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 10 oldest Jesuit universities in the US, exploring their founding stories and the impact they’ve had on the world of higher education. Whether you’re a student or simply interested in the history of education, you won’t want to miss this fascinating look at some of the most prestigious institutions in the country. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into the world of Jesuit academia.

10. Boston College

photo source: BC Heights

Boston College is a highly respected and prestigious private research university located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, which is a suburb of Boston. The university has a beautiful campus of 338 acres and is known for its classic Collegiate Gothic architecture. Boston College offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs through its nine schools and colleges.

Boston College is also known for its strong programs in theology and philosophy and is a Catholic and Jesuit institution that incorporates Jesuit values into its educational philosophy. Also, it has a highly competitive admissions process and is considered one of the top universities in the United States.

Did You Know?

The university has a highly regarded faculty, including Pulitzer Prize winners, Guggenheim Fellows, and members of the National Academies.

9. University of San Francisco

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The University of San Francisco (USF) is a prestigious private university situated in San Francisco, California. It is renowned for its overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and stunning views of the city and the bay. The university offers more than 100 academic programs in various fields, such as business, arts and sciences, education, law, and nursing.

USF is known for its commitment to social justice and community engagement. The university has a strong emphasis on promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity and offers numerous programs and initiatives aimed at fostering social responsibility and civic engagement among its students.

Did You Know?

USF has a vibrant campus life, with numerous cultural, social, and athletic events taking place throughout the year.

8. Loyola University Maryland

photo source: Loyola University Maryland

Loyola University Maryland, established in 1852 by Fr. John Early, SJ, is a private Jesuit university situated in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. The university’s campus is spread over 80 acres, located in a residential neighborhood in the northwestern part of Baltimore City. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs through its three colleges, namely the College of Arts and Sciences, the Sellinger School of Business and Management, and the School of Education.

As a Jesuit institution, Loyola University Maryland is committed to providing a liberal arts education that is rooted in Jesuit values, such as social justice, service, and reflection. The university aims to provide a comprehensive education that focuses on developing the entire individual, not just academic excellence but also character and ethical leadership.

Did You Know?

Loyola University Maryland has a strong focus on research, with several research centers and institutes dedicated to various topics like sustainability, healthcare, and social justice.

7. Santa Clara University

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Santa Clara University is a private Jesuit university located in Santa Clara, California, United States. It was founded in 1851 by John Nobili, SJ. It offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, as well as a range of graduate programs in business, education, engineering, and law. The university offers a comprehensive education that emphasizes the development of the whole person, including intellectual, ethical, and spiritual growth.

The university has a total enrollment of over 9,000 students, including more than 5,400 undergraduates and over 3,600 graduate students. The student-to-faculty ratio at Santa Clara University is 11:1, which allows for personalized attention and close mentoring relationships between faculty and students.

Did You Know?

Santa Clara University has been consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the United States.

6. Saint Joseph’s University

photo source: www.sju.edu

Saint Joseph’s University is a private Catholic university located just outside Philadelphia in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania. The university was founded in 1851 by the Society of Jesus and had a rich history and tradition that is deeply rooted in the Catholic faith. Saint Joseph’s University is dedicated to providing a values-based education that emphasizes the importance of social justice, service to others, and ethical leadership.

The university’s faculty members are renowned experts in their fields and are dedicated to providing students with a rigorous and comprehensive education. In addition, the university has a number of research centers and institutes that focus on a wide range of topics, from business and economics to environmental science and sustainability.

Did You Know?

The university has a strong commitment to service and volunteer work, with many opportunities for students to get involved in local and global service projects.

5. College of the Holy Cross

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The College of the Holy Cross is a private Jesuit liberal arts college located in Worcester, Massachusetts, in the northeastern region of the United States. It was founded in 1843 by Bishop Benedict Joseph Fenwick and is one of the oldest Catholic colleges in the country. The college has a strong tradition of academic excellence and is committed to providing students with a well-rounded education that combines intellectual and spiritual growth.

The college has a strong tradition of service learning, which allows students to apply their classroom learning to real-world problems and make a positive impact in the local community. The college also offers a wide range of opportunities for students to engage in social justice advocacy and activism, including clubs and organizations focused on issues such as human rights, environmental sustainability, and poverty alleviation.

Did You Know?

Notable alumni of the College of the Holy Cross include former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri, and former CEO of General Electric Jack Welch.

4. Fordham University

photo source: Study New York

Fordham University is a private Jesuit research university located in New York City. Founded in 1841, it is one of the oldest Catholic universities in the United States. The university has three campuses in New York City: the Rose Hill campus in the Bronx, the Lincoln Center campus in Manhattan, and the Westchester campus in West Harrison. Fordham University has a long history of academic excellence and is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the country.

The university offers a number of service-learning programs that allow students to apply their classroom learning to real-world problems and make a positive impact in the local community. Also, it has a strong tradition of the arts, with a number of programs and centers dedicated to music, theater, and the visual arts.

Did You Know?

Notable alumni of Fordham University include former U.S. President Bill Clinton, actor Denzel Washington, and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

3. Xavier University

photo source: www.xavier.edu

Founded in 1831, Xavier University is a private Jesuit university situated in Cincinnati, Ohio, and ranks among the oldest Catholic universities in the United States. With a firm dedication to social justice and community service, the university offers over 90 undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including education, business, and the sciences.

The university was the first in the country to appoint a Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, and it has been recognized as a top performer in the National Survey of Student Engagement for its efforts to create an inclusive campus community. The university also offers a number of programs and initiatives to support underrepresented students, including the Center for Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Did You Know?

The university’s main academic building, Bellarmine Chapel, is a National Historic Landmark and features stunning stained glass windows and a soaring chapel ceiling.

2. Spring Hill College

photo source: CollegeVine

Spring Hill College is a Jesuit college located in Mobile, Alabama, that was founded in 1830, making it one of the oldest Catholic colleges in the United States. The college has a long history of providing quality education that is grounded in Jesuit values, such as service and social justice. This commitment is reflected in the college’s motto: “Men and Women for Others.”

One of the notable features of Spring Hill College is its beautiful and historic campus. The college campus is spread over 400 acres and features hundreds of years old oak trees. The college buildings on the campus are designed in an architectural style that blends the traditional with the modern. It is a serene environment for learning and living that fosters intellectual and personal growth.

Did You Know?

The Arlene Mitchell Theatre is one of the outstanding features of Spring Hill College. The theater is a state-of-the-art facility that hosts a variety of performances and productions throughout the year, including musicals, plays, and dance performances.

1. Georgetown University

photo source: USNews.com

Georgetown University, founded in 1789, is a private research university located in Washington D.C., United States, and is considered the oldest Jesuit university in the US. It is renowned for its academic programs, particularly in the areas of international relations, law, and business. The university has several highly-ranked graduate schools, including the Walsh School of Foreign Service, which is considered one of the top international affairs schools in the world.

In addition to its academic programs, Georgetown University is also known for its commitment to social justice and public service. The university has a number of centers and institutes that focus on issues such as human rights, immigration, and poverty. Georgetown also has a long history of political involvement, with many alumni serving in government and public service roles at the local, national, and international levels.

Did You Know?

It is home to several notable alumni, including former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, and actor Bradley Cooper.