Academics
A Roman Catholic Jesuit university, Saint Joseph’s, situated in the suburbs of Philadelphia, strives to incorporate “Jesuit values like solidarity, service, living greater, and reflection” into the fabric of the school. Fortunately, the administration does this thoughtfully and “without shoving religion down your throat.” Saint Joseph’s also does a phenomenal job of making “everyone who attends feel valued and welcome.” Many students flock here because it has “one of the best business schools in the country” as well as a the wonderful” College of Arts and Sciences. It also offers a robust “online option for [non-traditional students as well as individuals] not living close to campus.” Undergrads experience “small classes” and a “wellrounded curriculum.” And they speak quite highly of their “extraordinarily caring and dedicated” professors. Most students here feel that SJU instructors work diligently “to present the material in an engaging way and genuinely care that we are learning something important and relevant.” They also “really like to make you think and challenge you to strengthen your mind and reasoning skills.” Best of all, professors here are quite “accessible and you can definitely tell they want you to succeed.” As one appreciative student reveals, “They also get to know you on a personal level and remember you.”
Student Body
Undergrads at SJU are quick to pronounce their peers “considerate, passionate and intelligent.” They’re also “selfless...and dedicate[d] to others.” As one impressed Saint Joseph’s student explains, “Most of the people I know here participate in some kind of service, social justice, or faith-based activities like Weekly Service, APEX (a service immersion trip during Spring Break), or other similar programs that encourage us to learn more about the world around us.” Students also note that their fellow Hawks are “super friendly” and “very welcoming.” Moreover, it’s incredibly evident that they “want the best for one another.” Another thrilled student shares, “I am always greeted with smiling faces whether or not I know them.” Undergrads do acknowledge that the majority of the student body is a somewhat “homogenous group from the New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland area” and that many students “come from wealthy families.” But they also note that “the school has taken great strides to become more diverse and to celebrate the existing diversity.” Thankfully, no matter an individual’s background, “the sense of community and school spirit on campus flows through each student.” As one grateful undergrad concludes, “We all hold SJU close to our hearts and are proud to be Hawks.”
Campus Life
Life at Saint Joseph’s is definitely hectic. However, that’s exactly how these Hawks like it! Certainly, it’s “pretty common to meet up with your friends in the library and work on some homework while casually catching up with them.” Of course, SJU undergrads also manage to step away from the books once in awhile. Many individuals are involved with “service [clubs]” like SJU Dance Marathon, Hand in Hand (a special needs carnival held every year), [and] the Make a Wish club.” The university is also “a big basketball school, so students like to attend basketball and other sporting events.” Moreover, SJU has a very active Student Union Board (SUB) “that plans events on and off campus [like concerts and comedians] for free or discount prices.” Once the weekend rolls around, “upperclassmen [often head to the] bars… [while first-years] go to fraternity parties.” When undergrads are getting a little antsy, they “like to travel to neighboring towns such as Manayunk, Ardmore, and Lower Merion.” And if they’re looking for a little more excitement, they can easily head into Philadelphia. Indeed, Saint Joseph’s is only “a ten minute ride away from Center City.” Students often take the trip to enjoy the restaurants, arts, and culture that Philadelphia offers.
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