Sarah Mitchell
The oldest Catholic university in the world is a contentious topic, with many universities claiming the title. However, one university that consistently comes up in the conversation is Georgetown University, the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in the United States, founded in 1789. With a rich history spanning over two centuries, Georgetown has produced notable alumni, including President Bill Clinton and several Supreme Court justices. The university has a strong tradition of Catholic education and is known for its diverse student body and faculty, as well as its academic excellence and prestigious reputation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oldest Catholic university in the world | The University of Bologna, Italy |
| Oldest Catholic university in the United States | Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. |
| Year founded | 1789 |
| Number of undergraduate schools | 11 |
| Number of graduate schools | 11 |
| Average number of undergraduate students | 7,500 |
| Average number of graduate students | 10,000 |
| Number of countries students come from | 135+ |
| Percentage of students that identify as Catholic | 41% |
| Percentage of students that identify as Protestant | 22% |
| Percentage of Jewish undergraduates | 6.5% |
| Second oldest Catholic university in the United States | Mount St. Mary's University, Maryland |
| Year founded | 1808 |
| Number of states without a Catholic college or university | 10 |
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What You'll Learn
- Georgetown University, the oldest Catholic university in the US
- The Catholic University of America, the oldest Catholic research university in the US
- Mount St. Mary's University, the second oldest Catholic college in the US
- Saint Louis University, providing Catholic education in Missouri since 1818
- College of the Holy Cross, one of the oldest Catholic colleges in the US
Georgetown University, the oldest Catholic university in the US
Georgetown University, located in Washington, D.C., is the oldest Catholic university in the United States. Founded in 1789 by Bishop John Carroll, it holds the distinction of being the oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher learning in the country, as well as the oldest university in Washington, D.C. The university's establishment coincided with the birth of the nation, and it has played a significant role in American history.
The history of Georgetown University began when John Carroll secured a deed for one acre of land on a hilltop overlooking the village of Georgetown in 1789. Carroll, who was later appointed Archbishop of Baltimore in 1808, laid the foundation for what would become a prominent educational institution. Classes at Georgetown College commenced in 1792, and within the first year, attendance grew to over 40 students, some travelling from as far as the West Indies.
The university has faced financial challenges and endured the impact of major historical events, such as the American Civil War (1861-1865), which saw a significant drop in student enrolment and the enlistment of over 1,100 students and alumni in the Union and Confederate forces. During the war, several campus buildings were even converted into a temporary hospital. Despite these challenges, Georgetown University persevered and continued to grow and evolve.
Over the years, Georgetown University has transformed from a small college into a major international research institution. It has expanded its academic offerings and diversified its student body and faculty. The university now enrols an average of 7,500 undergraduate and 10,000 graduate students from more than 135 countries and offers degree programs in 48 disciplines across eleven undergraduate and graduate schools.
Georgetown University has a rich history and a strong Catholic heritage, which has been a subject of controversy at times. The university has adapted to changing social and cultural landscapes while retaining its religious identity. Today, it stands as a prominent example of the evolution of Catholic higher education in the United States, influencing the lives of generations of students and scholars.
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The Catholic University of America, the oldest Catholic research university in the US
The Catholic University of America (CUA) is a private Catholic research university in Washington, D.C. It is one of two pontifical universities in the United States that are not primarily seminaries. It is also the only institution of higher education founded by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
CUA was established in 1887 as a graduate and research centre following approval by Pope Leo XIII, who had been approached for support by Bishop John Lancaster Spalding in 1882. The university began offering undergraduate education in 1904, with the first class being led by Frank Kuntz.
The university's campus is adjacent to the Brookland neighbourhood, known as "Little Rome", which contains 60 Catholic institutions, including Trinity Washington University, the Dominican House of Studies, Archbishop Carroll High School, and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. CUA's campus spans 173 to 176 acres, making it the largest in Washington, D.C. The university offers a wide range of programs, emphasizing liberal arts, professional education, and personal development.
CUA has a rich history, including being the first university in the District to enrol Black students in 1895. Initially, the university did not consider race, but it later reversed this policy in 1914, succumbing to segregationist pressures.
The Catholic University of America is America's second-oldest research university, and it prides itself on expressing ideals of faith and reason. With 12 schools, over 70 undergraduate programs, and 32 research centres and facilities, CUA provides a unique educational experience for its students.
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Mount St. Mary's University, the second oldest Catholic college in the US
The title of the oldest Catholic college in the US goes to Georgetown University, which was founded in 1789 and began classes in 1792. Mount St. Mary's University, founded in 1808, is the second oldest Catholic college in the country. It is a private Catholic university located in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in the Catoctin Mountains. The university has a satellite campus for adult students in Frederick, Maryland's second-largest city.
Mount St. Mary's University was established by Father John DuBois, a French revolution refugee and a circuit-riding priest. Rather than building next to Saint-Mary-on-the-Hill church, Father DuBois chose to construct the school on a plateau at the base of the hill to accommodate the growing Catholic population. The university has a rich history, having educated future congress members, Supreme Court justices, professional athletes, bishops, archbishops, priests, and martyrs.
The university boasts the largest Catholic seminary in the United States, with over 150 full-time residential seminarians enrolled on average each year. The seminary, with a strong theology program, received a Maryland state charter to grant advanced degrees in 1830. Notable students during this early period included Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte, the nephew of the First Consul, and renowned artist John La Farge.
Mount St. Mary's undergraduate programs are divided between the College of Liberal Arts, the Richard J. Bolte School of Business, and the School of Natural Science and Mathematics. The university has a long athletic tradition, with intercollegiate athletics dating back to the early 1900s. The Mount's athletic programs have drawn national attention, and notable figures such as Babe Ruth have visited the campus.
Mount St. Mary's University continues to be a thriving Catholic institution, graduating 616 students in May 2023. The university's impact spans centuries, with a legacy of educating leaders and scholars in various fields while being sheltered by Mary's Mountain.
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Saint Louis University, providing Catholic education in Missouri since 1818
The history of Saint Louis University, a private Jesuit research university in St. Louis, Missouri, can be traced back to the Saint Louis Academy, founded on November 16, 1818. It was established by Louis William Valentine DuBourg, Bishop of Louisiana and the Floridas, and was originally located in a private residence near the Mississippi River. With 65 students and an extensive library of 8,000 volumes, the academy soon became a college in 1820 while retaining the academy name for its secondary school division. In 1827, Bishop DuBourg transferred the institution to the Society of Jesus, and it received its charter as a university from the Missouri Legislature in 1832.
Saint Louis University is the oldest university west of the Mississippi River and one of the oldest Jesuit universities in the United States. It has a rich history of providing Catholic education in Missouri for over 200 years. The university has been at the forefront of several milestones in higher education. It established the first graduate programs, the first medical school, and the first school of law west of the Mississippi River in 1832, 1836, and 1843, respectively.
In the mid-20th century, Saint Louis University played a significant role in challenging segregationist policies in Catholic colleges and parochial schools. In 1944, it became the first university in Missouri to officially admit African-American students, and in 1949, it held its first co-ed classes in the College of Arts and Sciences. The university also took steps to include laypeople in its governance, with its board of trustees comprising both lay and clergy members in 1967.
Today, Saint Louis University is recognised for its academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate healthcare, and commitment to faith and service. With an enrolment of over 15,000 students, it offers a rigorous and transformative education that fosters bold, confident leaders. The university is highly regarded for its graduate and undergraduate programs, with several ranked among the top 50 in the nation. Additionally, the SLU community contributes over 1.6 million service hours annually, demonstrating its dedication to making a positive impact beyond the classroom.
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College of the Holy Cross, one of the oldest Catholic colleges in the US
The College of the Holy Cross, founded in 1843, is one of the oldest Catholic colleges in the United States. Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, about 45 miles west of Boston, the college was established by Benedict Joseph Fenwick, the second Bishop of Boston. It is the first Catholic college in New England and was founded as a result of Bishop Fenwick's desire to establish a Catholic college within his diocese.
The College of the Holy Cross has a rich history and has produced many notable alumni. It is known for its strong academic programs and emphasis on intellectual, social, and spiritual growth. The college offers a wide range of disciplines and encourages students to explore different areas of study. With a focus on mentorship and teaching, Holy Cross provides a supportive community for its students.
The college initially faced challenges due to strained relations with Boston's civic leaders, which led Bishop Fenwick to decide to establish the college outside of Boston. He purchased the land for the college, known as Mount Saint James, from James Fitton, who had previously operated a Catholic boarding school on the site. The school opened in October 1843, with Jesuit Thomas F. Mulledy, former president of Georgetown University, serving as its first president.
Within its first three years, the College of the Holy Cross saw its enrollment grow to 100 students. The education initially offered was at the elementary and high school levels, but it later evolved into a higher-level institution. The first graduating class of 1849 included James Augustine Healy, who would go on to become the first African-American bishop in the United States.
The College of the Holy Cross has a strong reputation and is known for producing notable alumni in various fields. Its graduates include recipients of prestigious awards such as Emmy, Grammy, Academy, and Tony Awards. The college has also produced Rhodes Scholars, Marshall Scholars, Truman Scholars, Goldwater Scholars, Watson Fellows, and a Pulitzer Prize winner. Additionally, it has educated US senators, Supreme Court justices, and Olympic athletes.
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Frequently asked questions
The oldest university in the world is the University of Bologna in Italy, founded in 1088. However, the oldest Catholic university in the world is The Catholic University of America, founded in 1887.
The oldest Catholic university in the United States is Georgetown University, founded in 1789.
Some other old Catholic universities in the United States include Mount St. Mary's University (1808), Fordham University (1841), and Xavier University (1831).
