The Jesuit educational system in the United States follows the original goal of
St. Loyola, which is to create the well-rounded student. The core curriculum for undergraduates at an American Jesuit university typically includes cultural diversity, English composition, ethics, religion, fine arts, foreign language, history, literature, mathematics, philosophy, science, social science, theology and service-oriented activities, in addition to courses in the student's major. Several Jesuit universities include law schools, medical schools and schools of theology, in addition to undergraduate degree programs.
Student life at a Jesuit university is balanced between studies, extracurricular activities, service to the community and worship. The Catholic Church is a central aspect of student life. Churches are located on the 28 Jesuit campuses in the United States, and mass is held regularly for students and faculty. In addition, students are encouraged, and sometimes required, to participate in service activities such as tutoring underprivileged students, working with the homeless and helping communities rebuild after disasters. For example, students from Jesuit schools around the United States joined with Loyola University New Orleans in 200 to rebuild schools and homes, and to provide relief to Gulf area residents.
The American Jesuit universities support intercollegiate athletic programs, but the level of sports participation varies between schools. In addition to athletic programs, all 28 universities have wellness and fitness centers on site that include a variety of activities for staying fit and playing with fellow students. The universities support a variety of social opportunities for students including Greek organizations, student clubs and societies, student union activity centers, plays and films. Each university has its own traditions and special events that are celebrated by the school throughout the year.
The United states is home to 28 Jesuit universities. These universities are:
Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA
Canisius College, Buffalo, NY
College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA
Creighton University, Omaha, NE
Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT
Fordham University, Bronx, NY
Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA
John Carroll University, Cleveland, OH
Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY
Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, MD
Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA
Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL
Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
Regis University, Denver, CO
Rockhurst University, Kansas City, MO
Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA
Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
Saint Peter's College, Jersey City, NJ
Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA
Seattle University, Seattle, WA
Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL
University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MI
University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
University of Scranton, Scranton, PA
Wheeling Jesuit University, Wheeling, WV
Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH