The colleges and universities that are part of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) all incorporate Catholic Jesuit tenets into higher education. The student experience, including degrees and religious activities, are included for each school.
Catholic Jesuit Schools Comparison
These schools are located in various parts of the U.S. and have tuition costs that range from under $30,000 to over $50,000.
| School Name | Institution Type | Location | Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (2019-2020)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston College | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Chestnut Hill, MA | $57,910 |
| John Carroll University | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | University Heights, OH | $42,910 |
| Seattle University | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Seattle, WA | $46,590 |
| Wheeling Jesuit University | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Wheeling, WV | $29,290 |
| Xavier University | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Cincinnati, OH | $40,450 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Overview of Catholic Jesuit Schools
All of the schools provide students with ways to explore Jesuit principles. Boston College has the Jesuit Institute, while Wheeling Jesuit University allows students to serve as liturgical ministers.
Boston College
Boston College's mission is grounded in the idea that religion involves both critical thinking and faith. The college explores the Jesuit order with the on-campus Jesuit Institute. The institute focuses on how societal and religious issues are connected. Boston College offers dozens of majors, including chemistry, accounting, secondary education, and theology. At the start of the 2018 school year, NCES shows 14,720 students attended the college. In 2018, 1,306 full-time, beginning undergraduate students received financial aid. Student activities at Boston College include a campus ministry, honor societies, and 31 intercollegiate Division I teams.
John Carroll University
According to NCES, John Carroll University had a student population of 3,555 for the fall 2018 semester. For the 2018-2019 academic year, financial assistance was provided to 832 of the full-time, first-time undergraduate students. The college offers bachelor's degrees in fields like accountancy, classical languages, and human resources management. John Carroll has a graduate college of business, as well as a college of arts and sciences. Students can attend daily mass services held in chapels throughout the campus. Those interested in music can join the chapel ensemble, which consists of vocal and instrumental worship. John Carroll also offers faith communities, small groups that meet once a week for reflection and prayer. Along with worship activities, students can join organizations like a pep band and a leadership development program.
Seattle University
Seattle University offers bachelor's and graduate degrees. Undergraduate majors include art history, international business, and sociology. Graduate fields include business administration, clinical mental health counseling, and teaching. Student organizations range from a fashion club and student council to club sports and a vegan society. The college has a center for Jesuit education, along with weekday mass at 12:30 PM and a chapel choir and instrumentalists. Seattle College had 7,291 students in fall 2018, per the NCES. The college awarded financial aid to 1,053 of the new, full-time undergraduate students in 2018.
Wheeling Jesuit University
In a small campus setting, Wheeling Jesuit University awards certificates through doctoral degrees. Students can earn a bachelor's or master's degree in business administration. Other bachelor's degrees include education, communication, and chemistry. Master's degree options include nursing and education leadership. Wheeling Jesuit had 1,171 students at the start of the 2018 academic year, as reported by the NCES. For the previous year, 295 of the beginning, full-time undergraduate students received financial aid from the university. Worship opportunities at Wheeling Jesuit include daily Eucharist services and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Students can serve as liturgical ministers as a sacristan, choir member, or altar server. Outside of worship activities, students can join the staff of the university's fine arts magazine or an international English honor society.
Xavier University
Although Xavier University is a Jesuit school, it has a diverse student population of more than 20 religions. The university emphasizes community service, with more than 160 local, national, and international organizations to choose from. The university's Center for Catholic Education partners with local Catholic schools to create long-term plans and train teachers. Students can complete bachelor's degrees in areas like actuarial science, marketing, and pre-law. Graduate degree options include customer analytics, educational administration, and theology. Xavier had 7,127 students for the Fall 2018 semester, per the NCES. The university gave financial assistance to 1,394 of the full-time, first-time undergraduate students in 2018.
