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82.4%Acceptance
$49,100Tuition
2,228Students
77%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$62,860Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About John Carroll University

John Carroll University builds its reputation on the Jesuit principle of "cura personalis" - care for the whole person. The 2,228-student campus in suburban Cleveland emphasizes small classes and personal attention from faculty. Notable graduates include NBC's Tim Russert and legendary NFL coach Don Shula. Students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that makes professors accessible and engaged. The Jesuit tradition shapes everything from academics to service learning opportunities throughout the community.

Students pay an average net price of $28,617 after financial aid, well below the sticker price of $64,510. Graduates earn a median salary of $62,860 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $26,000 manageable. The monthly loan payment of $276 represents a reasonable investment given career outcomes. With 97.5% of graduates finding employment, the financial picture looks solid for most students.

The Blue Streaks compete in 20 Division III sports with 657 total athletes participating. Students come primarily from Ohio, with 66% in-state enrollment, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 76.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the supportive environment, though it suggests some students need extra time to complete their degrees.

Academics & Faculty

John Carroll operates as a Jesuit Catholic university where the principle of "cura personalis" shapes every academic interaction. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an environment where professors know students by name and academic interests. With a 77% four-year graduation rate, the university demonstrates strong support systems that help students complete their degrees on time. The business school draws particular recognition for its accounting and entrepreneurship programs. Students benefit from the Jesuit emphasis on critical thinking and ethical reasoning across all disciplines. The university requires a core curriculum that exposes students to philosophy, theology, and liberal arts regardless of major. Small class sizes mean frequent discussion-based learning rather than large lecture halls.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
77.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
76.5%
Retention Rate
85.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$62,860
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $58,402
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $56,054
Finance and Financial Management Services. Bachelor $54,618
Computer Science. Bachelor $53,775
Economics. Bachelor $53,358
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $52,107
Marketing. Bachelor $46,589
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Master $45,584
Chemistry. Bachelor $42,682
International Business. Bachelor $41,295

View all 61 programs →

Campus Life

This Catholic university sits just 20 minutes from downtown Cleveland, giving students easy access to professional sports, internships, and cultural attractions. About 64% of students live on campus in a close-knit community of 2,228 undergraduates. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic interests.

Cleveland winters require serious cold-weather gear, with snow often covering the suburban campus from December through March. The Blue Streaks compete in 20 Division III sports, with nearly 30% of students participating as varsity athletes. Weekend activities center around campus traditions like the annual Spring Formal and service projects that reflect the Jesuit emphasis on helping others. Students frequently head into Cleveland for Cavaliers or Browns games, or explore the city's emerging food scene. The Jesuit mission of "cura personalis" (care for the whole person) shapes daily interactions, creating a supportive environment where 85% of freshmen return for sophomore year.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
1,437 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1886

Campus Safety (2023)

23 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 5 5 0 0
Rape 3 3 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 2 0
Fondling 1 1 0 0
Robbery 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
23°–35°F
July Avg
67°–80°F
Annual Precipitation
33.3"
Annual Snowfall
63.8"

Student Demographics

John Carroll draws students who value close relationships with professors, with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio supporting the Jesuit emphasis on personal attention. Two-thirds of students come from Ohio, reflecting the university's strong regional reputation in the Cleveland area. The student body is predominantly white at 83%, which is typical for many Catholic institutions in the Midwest. With only 20% receiving Pell Grants, most students come from middle to upper-middle-class families who can afford the $49,100 tuition. The slight male majority reflects strength in business and STEM programs that historically attract more men.
Men
54.1%
Women
45.9%
White
83.0%
Black
4.4%
Hispanic
4.7%
Asian
2.9%
In-State Students
66.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
19.8%

Location

John Carroll University sits in University Heights, Ohio, about 10 miles east of downtown Cleveland. The campus occupies a suburban setting in this city of roughly 13,000 residents. Cleveland's proximity provides students access to professional internships, cultural venues, and major league sports teams. The surrounding area features tree-lined streets and residential neighborhoods typical of an established Cleveland suburb. Students can reach Lake Erie's shoreline within 20 minutes for recreation. The university's 60-acre campus maintains a close-knit feel while benefiting from the greater Cleveland metropolitan area's resources. Winter weather brings significant snow, with temperatures often dropping below freezing from December through February. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare John Carroll University with similar schools in the region.
Address
University Heights, Ohio 44118-4538
MainBldgFullView
MainBldgFullView
Administration Building (Saint Ignatius Hall), John Carroll University, University Heights, OH
Administration Building (Saint Ignatius Hall), John Carroll University, University Heights, OH
Boler School, John Carroll University, University Heights, OH
Boler School, John Carroll University, University Heights, OH

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$62,860
Median Earnings (5 years)
$65,077
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$40,500
Loan Repayment Rate
74.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at John Carroll University?

John Carroll admits 82% of applicants, making it accessible to students with solid academic records. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1160-1320 on the SAT. This Jesuit institution values the whole person, not just test scores.

How much does John Carroll University cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $28,617 after aid, lower than the $64,510 sticker price. Students from families earning under $48,000 pay around $22,000 annually. Graduates leave with a median debt of $26,000, manageable given the school's strong career outcomes.

What is the student-faculty ratio at John Carroll University?

Classes average 13 students per professor, ensuring personalized attention that reflects the Jesuit principle of cura personalis. With only 2,228 students total, professors know students by name. This intimate environment helps achieve an 85% freshman retention rate.

What do John Carroll University graduates earn after college?

Alumni earn a median of $62,860 ten years after graduation, with 97.5% finding employment. Notable graduates include NBC's Tim Russert and NFL coach Don Shula. The combination of Jesuit values and practical preparation creates well-rounded professionals.

Where is John Carroll University located?

The campus sits in University Heights, a suburb of Cleveland with 1,437 students living on campus. This location provides a college town feel while offering access to Cleveland's internships and cultural opportunities. About 66% of students come from Ohio, creating strong local connections.

Does John Carroll University compete in Division I athletics?

The Blue Streaks compete in NCAA Division III with 20 varsity sports and 657 student-athletes. Division III means no athletic scholarships, so players compete for love of the game while focusing on academics. The school emphasizes the student-athlete balance that Jesuit education promotes.