Saint Joseph's University (PA)

Statistics

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Students Say - Academics
Saint Joseph's University is a tight-knit Jesuit school, which means that it is dedicated to "cura personalis," that is, "developing the whole person." To that end, students "have to take a number of general ed courses, such as theology and the like." Some students feel they "could definitely do without some of the GERs and have more electives," but others appreciate the more "rounded" academic experience that the general education requirements provide. Another component of a Jesuit education is a "commitment to social justice," so students are encouraged to provide "service to others." Fortunately, students report, "a lot of our service projects are good." The undergraduate business school, which is "pretty well known," is the standout academic program here. "The study abroad center is also good." As far as professors go, they "make themselves wholly available to students-many give out their home/cell phone numbers-and are generally committed to high standards of personal and professional competence." On balance, the "administration is very polite," and students generally agree that "the president, Father Lannon, is brilliant and so cool." While "Saint Joe's has a gorgeous campus," students complain that some "academic facilities aren't as state-of-the-art as other universities."

Students Say - Campus Life
To say that school spirit at Saint Joseph's is overflowing is an understatement. "The Hawk will never die!" is not just a school cheer; for many, it's a mantra that captures the very gestalt of the student experience here. What are the main elements of that experience? First, in general, "sporting events are popular," and in particular, "basketball games are insane." Second, "service/volunteering is a big part of student life, and...often people are off building houses in the Appalachia region or tutoring kids in Camden, NJ." Then there are the more typical college pastimes that are also popular at Saint Joseph's. "The bar scene is...very big." "Parties are also a big scene, both during the week and on weekends." "SJU also provides a lot of weekend programming that is geared toward freshmen, but can be enjoyed by the entire student body. The programs are generally free or at a low cost to the students and take them off campus (to a New York Broadway show, a cultural event in the city of Philadelphia, or a concert right at SJU)." "Because SJU is so close to the city and other areas like Manayunk and the Main Line many people go into the city on weekends." "You are literally a five-minute train ride away." In addition, "King of Prussia Mall isn't far away, and neither is the Jersey shore." Students grouse that campus "security and cafeteria food could be a little better."

Students Say - Student Body
St. Joe's is heaven on Earth if you are a semi-preppy, middle-class student who has school-spirit, are "white," "went to a Catholic high school" "or top public school" in "New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, or Connecticut," and are "looking for a job." The typical student here "works hard, plays hard, and has most likely done weekly community service." "Although not necessarily devoutly religious, students are, for the most part, somewhat religious." That is, the typical student here "loves the bars and parties on the weekends, then goes to Mass" on Sunday. "There are some minorities, but they still fit the middle-class Catholic school mold." If there is one uniting force for students here, it is that "school spirit is huge. Almost everyone takes a lot of pride in being a Hawk."

Other Schools To Consider Top Programs