Saint Louis University was founded in 1818 and has been growing ever since. The school is located in the heart of St. Louis, just blocks from the Fox Theater and Powell Symphony Hall and minutes away from the Riverfront and the famous Arch. Saint Louis University was founded by the Jesuit order, and strives to rigorously educate the whole person and encourage leadership skills, according to its tradition and mission. There are more than 85 undergraduate majors from which to choose, including pre-medical and pre-law programs. Study abroad programs are offered in Europe, Asia, Australia, and South and Central America.
Located in Kansas City, Missouri, Avila University offers a small, intimate college environment with a focus on the liberal arts. The school was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, and was originally an all-girls institution. Avila offers about 30 major programs for undergraduates, as well as six master's degree options. The school has an enrollment of less than 2,000 students, and class sizes average around 16.
Fontbonne was also founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, in 1923. The main campus is located in suburban St. Louis, and there are three other campuses throughout the metro area. Fontbonne offers 38 majors, 24 minors and 20 graduate programs to students, as well as summer study abroad programs in Spain, Scotland, Australia and London. Undergraduate enrollment is less than 2,000 students. Fontbonne also offers online graduate degree programs in business administration, management, supply chain management, education and computer education.
Rockhurst is a Jesuit college located in the heart of Kansas City. The school opened its doors in 1910, and there are currently about 3,000 students enrolled. Rockhurst offers about 40 undergraduate majors, as well as four master's degree programs and doctorates in physical therapy. Students can also choose to study abroad at campuses in Mexico, France and Spain. Rockhurst University encourages service work in addition to academic rigor; the school's Center for Service Learning provides a variety of volunteer opportunities for students. Upon graduation, students receive academic and service activities transcripts.