Overview
John Paul the Great Catholic University is a less selective private four-year institution in Escondido, California. The school accepts 79.6% of applicants and enrolls 297 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 79.6%
- Average SAT
- 1,093
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,060–1,125
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 19
- Total Enrollment
- 297
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
John Paul the Great Catholic University operates on a rolling admissions basis, so you can submit your application throughout the year rather than waiting for specific deadlines. You'll need to complete the online application, submit official high school transcripts, provide one letter of recommendation, and write a personal statement explaining why you want to attend JPCatholic.
The university focuses heavily on media arts and business programs, with film production being the flagship offering. If you're applying for the film program, expect a more competitive review process that includes portfolio submission and demonstrated interest in filmmaking or media production. Business programs also require additional consideration of your career goals and relevant experience.
Campus housing fills quickly despite the small student body, so submit your housing application immediately after acceptance if you want to live on campus. The university requires all unmarried students under 21 to live in campus housing unless they live with family within commuting distance.
New student orientation happens in late August and includes required sessions on the university's Catholic mission and academic expectations. You'll register for classes during orientation, so research course requirements beforehand to make informed decisions quickly.
The Escondido campus sits in North County San Diego, about 30 miles from downtown. You'll need a car or reliable transportation since public transit options are limited. The surrounding area offers internship opportunities in San Diego's growing media and tech industries, which many students use to build professional networks before graduation.
Financial aid processing can take longer than at larger universities, so submit your FAFSA as early as possible. The school offers merit scholarships based on academic performance and need-based aid, but funding is limited given the small endowment.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $29,124/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $29,500
- Students Receiving Aid
- 38%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.3%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $56,930/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 69.9%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does John Paul the Great Catholic University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
John Paul the Great Catholic University accepts both SAT and ACT scores. Check with admissions for current test-optional policies as these can change.
What are the application deadlines for John Paul the Great Catholic University?
Contact the admissions office directly for current application deadlines. Deadlines can vary by program and application type.
Can I transfer credits to John Paul the Great Catholic University?
John Paul the Great Catholic University accepts transfer students. The school will evaluate transcripts to determine which credits transfer toward your degree program.
What programs is John Paul the Great Catholic University known for?
John Paul the Great Catholic University is particularly known for its Film, Video and Photographic Arts programs. The school focuses on media arts and communications within a Catholic framework.