John Paul the Great Catholic University was first established in 2003 as New Catholic University. After Pope John Paul’s death in 2005, the Board of Trustees voted to change the name to honor him while retaining the name of the Catholic faith. Since September of 2006, John Paul the Great Catholic University has been a visionary institution where students can become future leaders, innovators, creators and entrepreneurs while acquiring deep knowledge of Jesus Christ and a personal relationship with Him. Located in Escondido, California in the greater San Diego area, the founders worked toward a vision of a world-class university for students wanting to earn degrees in theology, communications media and business.
Mission/Vision
JP Catholic University’s vision is “to graduate innovative and determined students who know and love Jesus, and boldly proclaim His Gospel in cultural impacting fields.” The university’s core purpose and mission include educating students that can impact culture for Christ as leaders, entrepreneurs, creators and innovators in theology, media and business.
Campus Setting
The vibrant, fun-filled campus of JP Catholic University is located in downtown Escondido, California which sits about 30 miles north of downtown San Diego.The campus consists of classrooms, a chapel and sound stage housed on a former art museum in the heart of the historic downtown area. Administrative offices are located across the street on Grand Avenue. Student housing is provided at an apartment complex about five miles from the classrooms.
Academics
JP Catholic University offers two Bachelor of Science degrees and two Master’s degrees. Graduates can earn a Master of Arts in Biblical Theology and an MBA in film production. Classes are offered year round which gives students the option of graduating in three years. Programs of study emphasize the need for new enterprises of moral value and ethical purpose.
Degree concentrations for the Bachelor of Science, Business degrees include Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Management and Sales & Marketing. The Communications Media degree includes concentrations in Screenwriting, Production/Directing, Acting, Producing, Animation, Video Game Design and New Evangelization. Undergraduate students take core curriculum classes in philosophy, Catholic theology, art, literature, and science.
JP Catholic University’s unique Do.School is designed to help students with diverse skills to unleash talent and create new entrepreneurships. An experienced faculty leads the launch of these student businesses into the marketplace.
Athletics/Student Life
There are currently no organized sports teams at JP Catholic University that compete in state or regional divisions. Student apartments are close by many sports and entertainment facilities. The student residential community has access to recreational, social and cultural opportunities in the San Diego area.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The tuition at JP Catholic for undergraduate admission is $8,000 per quarter or $32,000 for four annual quarters. Costs do not include food, books or supplies and materials. Students provide their own laptop and must purchase software for Business and Communications Media degrees.
The majority of students at JP Catholic receive some form of assistance to pay for tuition costs. Applicants are encouraged to apply. Some of the assistance programs fall under the category of gift aide while others are considered self-help. Although gift aide does not have to be repaid, certain requirements apply. Self help aides include part-time employment, Federal and private loans.
Accreditation
JP Catholic was notified by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in March, 2013 that the Commission has scheduled the school’s final site accreditation review for October 22-24th, 2014. A successful WASC visit will enable the University to achieve accreditation in March of 2015.
Admissions
Prospective students for JP Catholic University must be high school graduates or have a GED(Graduate Equivalency Diploma). The minimum GPA for acceptance is 2.4. The required SAT or ACT test scores can be waived with a 3.0 GPA or with a minimum of 25 credits in college work. Both paper and online application forms are available.
For more information about admission to John Paul Catholic University contact the school directly at:
John Paul the Great Catholic University
Campus: 155 W. Grand Ave.
Administration: 200 W. Grand Ave.
Admissions: 237 W. Grand Ave.
All Mail: 220 W. Grand Ave.
Escondido, CA 92025
Phone: 858-653-6740
Fax: 858-653-3791
