
St. John's University, a private Catholic institution, was founded in 1870 by the Congregation of the Mission (C.M.), also known as the Vincentian Fathers. The university is located in Queens, New York City, and has additional campuses in Manhattan, Rome, Paris, Limerick, and previously, Staten Island. With a student body of over 20,000, St. John's is a large doctoral and research university, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university embraces Catholic and Vincentian values, emphasizing truth, love, respect, opportunity, excellence, and service.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of University | Catholic, Vincentian, Metropolitan, and Global |
| Founding Year | 1870 |
| Founding Organisation | Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian Fathers) |
| Founding Purpose | To provide the youth of New York with a Catholic university education |
| Current President | Brian J. Shanley |
| Number of Campuses | 9 (including 4 international campuses) |
| Number of Students | 21,721 (as of Fall 2019) |
| Number of Alumni | 190,000+ (as of 2020) |
| Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Additional Accreditations | 13 specialised accreditations |
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What You'll Learn
- St. John's University is a Catholic, Vincentian, Metropolitan, and Global institution
- It was founded in 1870 by the Congregation of the Mission
- The university is committed to faith and mission, fostering a community dedicated to service, justice, and spiritual growth
- St. John's alumni total more than 190,000 worldwide
- The university has international campuses in Rome, Italy, Paris, France, and Limerick, Ireland

St. John's University is a Catholic, Vincentian, Metropolitan, and Global institution
As a Catholic and Vincentian University, St. John's core values are woven into every aspect of the institution. These values include Truth, Love, Respect, Opportunity, Excellence, and Service. The University strives to create a community dedicated to service, justice, and spiritual growth, welcoming students of all faiths to take part in programs and discussions that deepen their faith and contribute to the academic community.
St. John's University embraces the Judeo-Christian ideals of respect for the rights and dignity of every person and each individual's responsibility for the world. It is a place where the Church reflects on itself and the world, engaging in dialogue with other religious traditions. The University values and utilizes the perspectives of different cultures to assist its members in seeking truth and developing ethical standards.
St. John's is a large doctoral/research university organized into six colleges and schools, offering more than 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs, as well as professional certificates. The university has a diverse student body, representing 46 states and 119 countries. With campuses in Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island (now closed), as well as international campuses in Rome, Italy; Paris, France; and Limerick, Ireland, St. John's University truly embodies its global nature.
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It was founded in 1870 by the Congregation of the Mission
St. John's University, a private Catholic institution, was founded in 1870 by the Congregation of the Mission (C.M., the Vincentian Fathers). The Vincentian Fathers of the Catholic Church established the university in response to an invitation from Brooklyn's first bishop, John Loughlin. Loughlin wanted to provide the youth of the city with a Catholic intellectual and moral education.
The Congregation of the Mission, also known as the Vincentian Fathers, are a group of Roman Catholic priests and brothers who follow the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul, the patron saint of Christian charity. The Congregation's values, which are based on the ideals and works of St. Vincent de Paul, are woven into the fabric of St. John's University.
The university's original name was the College of St. John the Baptist, and its first campus was located at 75 Lewis Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Construction on the college's first building, St. John's College Hall, began in 1868, and the cornerstone was laid in 1869. The college officially opened its doors for educational purposes on September 5, 1870.
St. John's University has a rich history and a commitment to faith and mission. It fosters a community dedicated to service, justice, and spiritual growth, welcoming students and faculty of all faiths. The university's core values, which include truth, love, respect, opportunity, excellence, and service, are influenced by its Catholic and Vincentian heritage.
As a Catholic university, St. John's embraces the Judeo-Christian ideals of respect for the rights and dignity of every person and the responsibility of individuals to care for the world. The university community strives to create an environment based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, as embodied in the traditions and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. St. John's also affirms the threefold mission of a university: to seek truth through research, disseminate knowledge through teaching, and act on that knowledge.
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The university is committed to faith and mission, fostering a community dedicated to service, justice, and spiritual growth
St. John's University is a Catholic university that was founded in 1870 by the Congregation of the Mission (C.M., the Vincentian Fathers) in response to an invitation by the first Bishop of Brooklyn, John Loughlin. The bishop wanted to provide the youth of New York with a Catholic university education. The university is committed to faith and mission, fostering a community dedicated to service, justice, and spiritual growth.
The university's values are rooted in the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul, the patron saint of Christian charity. St. John's embraces the Judeo-Christian ideals of respect for the rights and dignity of every person and each individual’s responsibility for the world. The university community strives for an openness that embraces diverse faiths and cultural perspectives, reflecting upon itself and engaging in dialogue with other religious traditions. This commitment to inclusivity and mutual respect is central to the St. John's experience.
St. John's University encourages students to seek truth through research and scholarly inquiry, embracing academic excellence and the pursuit of wisdom. The university's core curriculum in the liberal arts and sciences enriches the undergraduate experience, fostering a well-rounded education. Students are provided with opportunities to gain inspiration from their individual faith traditions, promoting volunteerism, fighting injustice, and serving those in need. The university's mission is centred around love and service, empowering students to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
As a Catholic and Vincentian institution, St. John's University upholds core values such as truth, love, respect, opportunity, excellence, and service. These values are woven into every aspect of the university experience, shaping the way students engage with their education and the world around them. The university's spiritual growth initiatives extend beyond the classroom, nurturing students' minds and hearts to serve the greater good.
St. John's University, as a faith-based institution, strives to create a community that transcends academic pursuits and fosters spiritual development. The university's commitment to service, justice, and spiritual growth is evident in its encouragement of volunteerism, social responsibility, and dialogue among diverse faiths. By embracing its Catholic identity and values, St. John's University empowers students to lead lives of purpose, compassion, and service, making a positive impact on their communities during their time at the university and beyond.
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St. John's alumni total more than 190,000 worldwide
St. John's University is a private Catholic university in Queens, New York City, with additional campuses in Manhattan, Rome, Paris, and Limerick. It was founded in 1870 by the Congregation of the Mission (C.M.), also known as the Vincentian Fathers, with the goal of providing Catholic youth in New York with a university education. The university has a strong Catholic and Vincentian identity, with core values centred around truth, love, respect, opportunity, excellence, and service.
As of 2020, St. John's alumni network totals more than 190,000 members worldwide, with a presence in 130 countries. This global network is underpinned by shared values of academic excellence, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to social justice. The alumni community continues to grow each year, with the university's 155th commencement ceremony in 2025 adding another 2,100 graduates to its ranks.
St. John's University offers a diverse range of academic programmes, with five undergraduate schools and six graduate schools providing over 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programmes, as well as professional certificates. The university's alumni can be found across various fields, including law, business, politics, sports, entertainment, and science.
The Peter J. Tobin College of Business has the highest number of alumni, with nearly 50,000 graduates. Other colleges with significant alumni numbers include the St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies, and the School of Education.
St. John's University takes pride in the diversity and achievements of its alumni, who are spread across the globe, pursuing their passions and making their mark in various industries. The university provides a range of programmes, such as the Alumni Insider's View, to help students explore career paths and connect with graduates working in exciting industries.
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The university has international campuses in Rome, Italy, Paris, France, and Limerick, Ireland
St. John's University is a private Catholic university in Queens, New York City, United States. It was founded in 1870 by the Congregation of the Mission (C.M.), also known as the Vincentian Fathers, with the aim of providing Catholic youth in New York with a Catholic education. The university is organised into five undergraduate schools and six graduate schools, offering over 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programmes, as well as professional certificates.
In addition to its main campus in Queens, St. John's University has expanded its international presence with campuses in Rome, Italy; Paris, France; and Limerick, Ireland. These campuses provide students with diverse educational opportunities and cultural experiences beyond the main campus in New York.
The Rome campus, established in 1995, is the first international campus of St. John's University. It is located in the rione of Prati and occupies a city block. The campus offers both graduate and undergraduate programs, with a focus on providing a well-rounded educational experience. The facilities include multimedia classrooms, a computer lab, a library, a student lounge, and a landscaped central courtyard. On-campus housing is available, with dormitory rooms equipped with the necessary amenities. The Rome campus also has 24-hour security and resident assistants to ensure a safe and supportive environment for students.
The Paris campus, established in 2008, allows students to complete a portion of their studies under the guidance of St. John's faculty while immersing themselves in the rich cultural offerings of the French capital. This campus provides residential accommodations and multiple programs, offering students a unique blend of academic and cultural experiences.
The Limerick campus in Ireland is part of the university's international study-abroad programs. Students can spend a semester or a few weeks studying in Limerick as part of their educational journey, gaining valuable international exposure.
Through these international campuses, St. John's University offers its students a global perspective and the opportunity to explore different cultures while pursuing their academic goals. These campuses not only provide a Catholic education but also foster cultural exchange and a broader worldview.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, St. John's University is a Catholic university. It was founded in 1870 by the Congregation of the Mission (C.M., the Vincentian Fathers) with a mission to provide the youth of New York with a Catholic university education.
St. John's University is committed to serving those in need, combating the root causes of injustice, and creating a more equitable world. The university strives to foster qualities in its students such as confidence, goal-driven ethics, and leadership skills to make the world a better place.
St. John's University offers several Catholic scholarship opportunities, including the Catholic School Scholarship, the Catholic School Teacher Scholarship (CSTS), and the Catholic Scholars Program. These scholarships provide financial support for Catholic students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies at the university.









































