What's the difference between Catholic and Jesuit universities?

I've been looking into Catholic universities for college, and I've heard the term Jesuit thrown around. What's the difference between Catholic and Jesuit universities when it comes to curriculum, campus life, etc? Is there anything in specific that I should consider during application process?

Great question! The distinction between Catholic and Jesuit universities is primarily in their educational philosophy and principles. Firstly, both Catholic and Jesuit universities are faith-based institutions that abide by teachings of the Catholic Church. They both provide environments for spiritual growth and faith exploration, often through services and programs. They may also require students to take theology courses.

Now, Jesuit universities are a subset of Catholic universities. They are founded by the Society of Jesus, a Catholic religious order established by St. Ignatius of Loyola. What distinguishes Jesuit schools is their specific educational philosophy, referred to as cura personalis, or "care for the whole person." This particular approach emphasizes individualized attention to the students’ development, promoting the coexistence of academic rigor with spiritual growth. Additionally, Jesuit education places a huge emphasize on service and social justice. Most Jesuit schools incorporate service learning components and actively encourage students to engage in community service and social justice initiatives. By doing so, the universities aim to educate “men and women for others.”

As for application process, you might find that Jesuit universities may ask essay questions relating to your commitment to community service, social justice, or personal growth. They might, for example, ask you to discuss how you have shown commitment to these aspects in your high school career or how you intend to carry them forward in college. In conclusion, while there are many similarities between Catholic and Jesuit universities given their shared religious foundation, Jesuit schools stand out due to their emphasis on personal growth, service, and social justice. However, each university will vary in how they implement these philosophies, so research individual schools to clarify their specific traditions or values.