John Carroll University (JCU)

John Carroll University is a Jesuit Catholic university that "challenge[s] students to advocate for justice and work toward being better people." The ethos of service and giving back influences the academic experience with many service-learning opportunities as well as internships focused on social justice. JCU "generally emphasizes critical thinking and active learning," and classes are "rigorous and rewarding." Some classes incorporate offcampus service, such as the Inside-Out Prison Exchange course, which brings together students from JCU with students incarcerated at a nearby women's prison. Another example is Carroll Reads, a tutoring program that matches JCU students with elementary school students for one-on-one reading support. JCU also offers over 45 study abroad programs, including some that involve interning abroad to help students gain experience working internationally. When it comes to on-campus learning, students describe professors as "approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested." Beyond the classroom, professors "give great advice" and "are more than willing to help in all areas of life." Students feel supported by the administration as well, noting that the school "makes an effort to provide students with networking opportunities" and "offers a lot of connections to internships and jobs."

JCU students are “very welcoming,” making it “easy to find a group of people that you get along with.” Students here are friendly and when you see someone, “you will be met with a smile.” As one student observes, “Most people will want to get to know you and then say hi outside of class or work.” Overall, there is a “sense of collaboration and support among peers, making it easy to form genuine connections.” Students at JCU can also be described as determined, “very smart,” and involved, and “it is great to see how hardworking everybody is!” As one student elaborates, “Everyone I know takes school seriously and tries their best.” JCU’s focus on service draws “pragmatic social justice-minded people,” which fosters an environment where “everyone wants to succeed and help each other succeed for the greater good.” While students are serious about school, they also know how to relax: “We are always planning events and coordinating fun things to do while still accomplishing our academic goals.” Another student agrees, describing their peers as “kind, funny people that make school fun every day!”

JCU is a “supportive environment,” and “this sense of belonging makes it easy to get involved, whether it’s through clubs, volunteer opportunities, or student organizations.” Students enjoy both letting off steam by playing intramural sports and socializing and networking through “clubs that help you advance towards your professional career.” Greek life is fairly popular, alongside associations and faith-based activities such as Labre, a weekly outreach program where students provide meals to people experiencing homelessness in Cleveland. The University Club organizes campus-wide events such as bingo, movie nights, and outings to see the Guardians, Cleveland’s baseball team, play. It’s a lively campus and the “student center atrium is always buzzing with groups of people.” There are many “great study spaces, from quiet corners in the library to group areas in the student center” and these are often “filled with students working on group projects or revising for exams.” On the weekends, students frequently go off-campus to eat, shop, or spend time in the nearby parks, including “beach days at Lake Erie when it is nice out.” One student neatly sums up the typical day as revolving “around classes, studying, and engaging with campus activities, but there’s always time to unwind and explore interests beyond academics.” Student Body

John Carroll University’s Center for Career Services offers a wide range of personalized support to help students explore career paths and prepare for life after graduation. Career Advisors provide one-on-one help with résumés, cover letters, interview preparation, job and internship searches, headshots, and more. In addition to individual advising, Career Services hosts events such as Lunch+Learn with alumni, career fairs, and other professional development opportunities. As one student shares, “The networking with alumni and connections afforded to students are unmatched.” Career Services also offers valuable tools and resources, including the Handshake platform for job postings and career events, and the Career Wear Closet and Fund, which provides students with free professional clothing. To further support students, JCU offers two major professional development programs. The Boler Professional Development Program for business students includes workshops, seminars, consulting projects, and internships that “provide students [with] an amazing real-world experience before even graduating from school.” The College of Arts and Sciences Professional Development Program features online modules and workshops on key career topics such as networking, interviewing, and salary negotiation. Students also benefit from the Jesuit Career Center Consortium, which provides access to career services at all Jesuit institutions nationwide. As one student notes, “JCU has an amazing connection to their alumni and to job connections throughout…the United States.” According to Payscale.com, the median early-career salary for JCU graduates is $62,800.