John Paul the Great Catholic University

79.6%Acceptance

$29,500Tuition

297Students

65%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$56,930Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About John Paul the Great Catholic University

This Catholic university specializes in media arts and business programs, carving out a niche in creative industries. With just 297 students enrolled, John Paul the Great operates more like an intimate creative workshop than a traditional college campus. The school sits in suburban Escondido, about 30 miles northeast of San Diego. Students dive deep into film production, graphic design, and entrepreneurship with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures personal attention. The quarter system keeps academics moving at a brisk pace. The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay an average net price of $29,124 after aid, which represents minimal savings from the $29,500 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $56,930 ten years out, carrying typical debt loads of $26,968. The monthly loan payment of $286 means graduates dedicate about 6% of their gross income to student loans. This represents a reasonable debt burden for creative industry careers. The student body reflects California's diversity, with 33% Hispanic and 39% white students. About 69% of students graduate within four years, though the 70% retention rate suggests some transfers occur early. The 92% employment rate indicates strong career placement in specialized creative fields.

Academics & Faculty

This Catholic university specializes in media arts and business programs, preparing students for careers in entertainment, communications, and entrepreneurship. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship in hands-on creative projects. Students work with professional equipment and industry-standard software in small cohorts. The 69% four-year graduation rate reflects the focused nature of the programs, though some students take longer to complete internships and portfolio work. Faculty bring real industry experience to the classroom. The quarter system allows for intensive project-based learning. Programs emphasize Catholic values alongside technical skills. Students often collaborate across disciplines, with business majors working on media projects and communications students developing marketing campaigns.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 31.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 69.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 65.3%
Retention Rate: 69.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $56,930
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Film/Video and Photographic Arts.	Bachelor	$25,658

View all 7 programs →

Campus Life

With just 297 students enrolled, John Paul the Great feels more like a close-knit creative collective than a traditional university. The campus sits in Escondido, about 30 miles northeast of San Diego, where you'll need sunscreen year-round rather than heavy coats. Only 231 students can live on campus, so housing fills quickly at this quarter-system school. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and your project deadlines.

Weekends often revolve around student film screenings, since this Catholic university built its reputation on media arts programs. Students regularly collaborate on creative projects that blur the lines between coursework and passion. The Pelicans nickname reflects the school's young identity, founded in 2003. With 57% of students coming from California, many head to nearby beaches or downtown San Diego when they need a break from editing suites and business case studies. The 69% retention rate suggests students either love the intensive creative environment or realize it's not for them fairly quickly.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 231 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 2003

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 39°–71°F
July Avg: 59°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 29.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Students come primarily from California, with 57% hailing from in-state, reflecting the university's strong regional reputation in Southern California's media landscape. The student body is diverse, with Hispanic students comprising one-third of enrollment and white students making up 39%. This Catholic institution draws creative-minded students interested in media arts and business programs. The nearly even gender split of 53% men and 47% women aligns with the school's focus on film, digital arts, and entrepreneurship fields. With 38% receiving Pell Grants, the university serves a substantial population of first-generation college students seeking careers in creative industries.

Men: 52.9%
Women: 47.1%
White: 38.7%
Black: 1.4%
Hispanic: 33.3%
Asian: 6.4%
In-State Students: 57.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 38.0%

Location

John Paul the Great Catholic University sits in Escondido, California, about 30 miles northeast of San Diego. The campus occupies a suburban setting in North County San Diego, surrounded by rolling hills and citrus groves. Escondido's population of around 150,000 creates a mid-sized city atmosphere rather than a traditional college town feel. The Mediterranean climate offers year-round mild weather, with average temperatures in the 70s. Students can reach San Diego's beaches in under an hour or explore nearby Palomar Mountain for hiking. The university's 297 students represent a tight-knit community within this growing suburban area. Students considering colleges in California may also compare John Paul the Great Catholic University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Escondido, California 92025

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $56,930
Median Earnings (5 years): $32,190
Loan Repayment Rate: 76.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,968

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at John Paul the Great Catholic University?

John Paul the Great Catholic University accepts 79.59% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The average SAT score is 1093, with most admitted students scoring between 1060 and 1125.

How much does John Paul the Great Catholic University cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $29,124 for students at John Paul the Great Catholic University. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $24,276, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full tuition of $29,500.

What is the student-faculty ratio at John Paul the Great Catholic University?

John Paul the Great Catholic University maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with just 297 total students. This small Catholic university focuses heavily on media arts and business programs within an intimate learning environment.

What are the career outcomes for John Paul the Great Catholic University graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $56,930 ten years after graduation, with a strong 92.0% employment rate. The 65.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's focus on practical skills in media and business fields.

Where is John Paul the Great Catholic University located and what is campus life like?

The university sits in suburban Escondido, California, with on-campus housing for 231 students out of the total 297 enrollment. Most students can live on campus, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere at this Roman Catholic institution.

Is John Paul the Great Catholic University a new institution?

John Paul the Great Catholic University was founded in 2003, making it one of the newer universities in California. Despite being just over 20 years old, it has established itself as a specialized institution for media arts and business education with the Pelicans as their team nickname.

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About This Data

Statistics on this page come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS (2023–24 data year), with climate normals from NOAA and campus safety figures from Clery Act reports. CampusGuide does not estimate or adjust reported figures. Read our full methodology.