What sets Jesuit universities apart?

So I've been hearing a lot about Jesuit institutions lately. Can anyone enlighten me why someone might specifically choose a Jesuit university in America over other institutions?

Jesuit universities are part of a long-standing tradition of education within the Catholic church, specifically the Society of Jesus, a religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola. These institutions value holistic learning, social justice, and the development of the whole person, which is encapsulated in the phrase "cura personalis."

Holistic education is a key characteristic of Jesuit universities, and in that vein, they place a significant emphasis on liberal arts education. You'll find that a Jesuit education encourages students to study a broad range of areas, not just their major, to foster intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. They stress the importance of rigorous academics and encourage open inquiry and life-long learning.

These universities also instill deeply ingrained values of social justice. Jesuit institutions focus on creating "men and women for others," and many include service-learning programs in their curricula. So, you might have opportunities to get involved in community service or service trips. Many students graduate with a deep commitment to addressing societal issues and inequalities.

Finally, the principle of "cura personalis," or care for the whole person, is a defining factor of Jesuit education. This principle extends not just to the academic or intellectual growth of students, but also their social, moral, and spiritual growth. Many Jesuit universities offer a wide variety of resources like retreats, pastoral counseling, and reflection groups to cater to students’ spiritual and personal development.

Again, these characteristics are common to Jesuit universities, but it's always good to research specific institutions to see how they uniquely interpret and implement their Jesuit identity. I hope this overview is helpful to you!