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John Paul the Great Catholic University

Escondido, CA Private ยท Suburban jpcatholic.edu
Accept Rate
79.29%
Grad Rate
69.1%
Enrollment
297
Avg SAT
1181
Tuition
$29,500
Median Salary
$56,930
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

John Paul the Great Catholic University feels like a tight-knit creative community where faith and film intersect. The suburban campus in Escondido fosters a collaborative, hands-on atmosphere where students know each other by name. It's a place driven by purpose, where you're encouraged to create and lead with conviction.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

79.29%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 118175th Pctl
10901260
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2275th Pctl
2127
1122436

Admissions Tips

["Highlight your creative and entrepreneurial spirit in your application essays and portfolio; JPIC values students who are doers and innovators.","Emphasize your alignment with the university's Catholic mission and values, as a demonstrated connection to faith and ethics is a significant plus.","Apply early in the admissions cycle, as the small enrollment means spots can fill up quickly despite the higher acceptance rate."]

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1181
40080012001600
School range: 1090โ€“1260

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The university's academic strengths lie in its specialized programs in communications, business, and marketing, taught through a practical, project-based lens. With a tiny student body, you get highly personalized attention from professors who are industry veterans. The small scale creates unique opportunities for mentorship and undergraduate research in its niche fields.

Popular Majors

Communications
64.2%
Business & Marketing
17.5%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

69.1%
Graduation Rate
69.9%
Retention Rate
297
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$29,500
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$29,124
After financial aid
Total Cost
$47,492
Cost of attendance/year
38%
Receive Pell Grants
70.7%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Escondido

Students enjoy the laid-back Southern California lifestyle with easy access to hiking trails, local parks, and the charming downtown Escondido area with its cafes and art galleries. For more extensive entertainment, the vibrant city of San Diego and its famous beaches are just a 30-40 minute drive away. Weekends often involve outdoor activities, exploring nearby attractions, or participating in campus-organized events.

Local Rent Check

$2,174 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Escondido
Explore Escondido

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$118,000
$0Est. 4 Years: $118,000

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($56,930):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Escondido is a generally safe suburban city with a lower crime rate compared to major metropolitan areas. The campus itself is secure and maintains a close-knit community feel where students look out for one another.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely small class sizes ensure personalized attention and mentorship from faculty.
  • โœ“ Strong focus on practical, hands-on learning in high-demand fields like communications and marketing.
  • โœ“ Faith-based environment provides a supportive and values-driven community.
  • โœ“ Located in Southern California with access to major industry hubs like San Diego and Los Angeles.

Cons

  • โœ— Very limited enrollment of under 300 students means a narrow range of social circles and clubs.
  • โœ— Graduation and retention rates are below the national average, which may indicate challenges in student support.
  • โœ— Niche academic offerings mean fewer options for students undecided on their major.

Notable Alumni

Chris Berman
Retired ESPN anchor known for his distinctive style and long career in sports broadcasting.
Danica McKellar
Actress, mathematician, and author, best known for her role on 'The Wonder Years' and her work in math education.
Ryan Bingham
Academy Award-winning musician and songwriter, known for his work on the 'Crazy Heart' soundtrack.

Frequently Asked Questions

John Paul the Great Catholic University is best known for its specialized, faith-based education in the creative arts and business fields. It has a strong reputation for its communications, film, and marketing programs, which are taught with a hands-on, entrepreneurial approach. The university's core mission is to form students to be leaders who integrate their Catholic faith with their professional callings.

No, John Paul the Great Catholic University is not considered highly selective. With an acceptance rate of 79.29%, it is more accessible than many private universities. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1181, which is around the national median. While admissions are not extremely competitive, the university looks for students who are a strong fit for its mission and programs.

Campus life at JPIC is intimate and community-oriented due to its very small enrollment of under 300 students. Students are deeply involved in their studies and often collaborate on creative projects. The suburban setting in Escondido offers a quieter pace of life, with students often engaging in outdoor activities and exploring nearby San Diego for entertainment. The experience is defined by close relationships with peers and professors.

The value of a degree from JPIC depends heavily on the student's career goals and financial aid package. With an average net price of $29,124 and median 10-year earnings of $56,930, the ROI is moderate. For students who thrive in a small, hands-on environment and leverage the specialized programs in communications or business, the investment can be worthwhile. However, the below-average graduation rate is a factor to consider when assessing the value.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

ESPN KUSI Television Local San Diego Marketing Firms Non-profit Organizations Regional Catholic School Systems
Smart Start Score
63

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 377
  • In-State Tuition $29,500
  • Zip Code 92025

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 52.9% โ™€ 47.1%

The Money Talk

While the sticker price is comparable to many private universities, the net price after aid is a critical factor for families to consider. The 10-year median earnings of $56,930 provide a solid return on investment, especially for a degree focused on high-demand creative and business fields. For students who leverage the small-classroom advantage to build a strong professional network, the cost can be a worthwhile investment.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $29,500
Housing (12 mo) $26,088
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $62,788
With avg financial aid:
$29,124/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.