John Paul the Great Catholic University

School Overview

John Paul the Great Catholic University is located in Escondido, CA, and offers a distinctive educational experience. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, it is ranked #7 among Regional Colleges West. It is also recognized as #1 in Best Value Schools. The school features an urban setting and serves 286 undergraduate students. Admissions are moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of 75%. Admitted students typically present SAT scores of 975-1270 and ACT scores of 21-28. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.5. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students benefit from close interaction with professors and hands-on learning opportunities. About 72% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, fostering an intimate learning environment. Top fields of study at John Paul the Great Catholic University include Communication and Media Studies (63%), Humanities/Humanistic Studies (20%), and Entrepreneurship / Entrepreneurial Studies (16%). Annual tuition and fees are $31,015, with room and board adding approximately $9,900. The average net price for students receiving financial aid is $30,595. Approximately 63% of students complete their degree within four years.