
220 West Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025, USA


John Paul the Great Catholic University holds accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a regional accrediting body recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This accreditation confirms that the university meets established standards of academic quality, ensuring that its degree programs adhere to rigorous criteria. For prospective students, this means that credits earned at the university are more likely to be transferable to other accredited institutions and that employers widely recognize the qualifications awarded.
In addition to regional accreditation, specific programs within the university receive specialized accreditation or approval, which further affirms the quality and industry relevance of those areas of study. These accreditations ensure that the curriculum, faculty, and learning outcomes align with professional standards, which can be crucial for students seeking careers that require licensure or certification.
Overall, the university's accreditation status indicates a commitment to continuous improvement and accountability, providing students with assurance regarding the academic legitimacy and value of their education.
Applicants to John Paul the Great Catholic University must have completed high school or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Submission of the secondary school academic record is required, and applicants must meet the university's standard for secondary school GPA. While a secondary school rank is recommended, it is not mandatory. The university also advises that candidates present college program experience, recommendations, and demonstrate various competencies, though these are not strictly required.
John Paul the Great Catholic University does not practice open admission, nor does it offer dual credit or credit for college coursework completed prior to enrollment. However, Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted. Prospective students must have access to a computer, as this is a requirement, but leasing a computer through the university is not provided.
Admission tests such as the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or other standardized exams are not explicitly required, though some other tests are recommended. The university does not provide preferential admission based on test scores.
The average SAT score for admitted students is approximately 1179, placing them around the 56th percentile nationally. The SAT math score average is 562, which is considered below average, while the SAT writing score is higher at 617, ranking in the top 30 percent. The mean ACT score reported is 22, which is on the lower side compared to national averages. Overall, the institution's acceptance rate is around 79 percent, indicating a moderately selective admission process.
John Paul the Great Catholic University requires prospective students to pay an application fee during the admissions process. The specific amount of this fee is set to cover administrative costs associated with reviewing applications and cannot be waived under normal circumstances. However, the university offers fee waivers to certain applicants who meet particular criteria, such as financial hardship or participation in designated outreach programs. These waivers are designed to alleviate the financial burden on students who demonstrate need, ensuring broader access to the admission process.
The fee waiver application typically involves submitting supporting documentation that verifies an applicant's eligibility. This may include proof of income, letters of recommendation, or evidence of involvement in qualifying programs. The university evaluates fee waiver requests on a case-by-case basis to maintain fairness and consistency.
It is advisable for prospective students to contact the admissions office directly for detailed information about the application fee, waiver eligibility, and the documentation required. Early communication can assist applicants in navigating the process smoothly and avoiding potential delays associated with fee payment.
John Paul the Great Catholic University does not offer any Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs on its campus. Prospective students interested in ROTC opportunities would need to explore nearby institutions or programs outside of John Paul the Great Catholic University, as no such programs are provided directly by the university.
John Paul the Great Catholic University welcomes transfer students across all academic terms, including fall, winter, spring, and summer sessions. The institution accepts transfer credits, allowing incoming students to apply previously earned coursework toward their degrees. Additionally, the university recognizes the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject exams for credit transfer, although data regarding acceptance of CLEP general exams or DANTES credits is not available. Prospective transfer students should anticipate a moderately difficult entrance process when applying.
John Paul the Great Catholic University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities tailored to enhance academic and cultural experiences for its students. The university provides semester-long and summer programs that allow students to immerse themselves in different cultural environments while continuing their coursework. These programs are designed to complement the university's unique curriculum, enabling students to gain international perspectives in their fields of study.
The study abroad options include partnerships with several institutions overseas, which facilitate a diverse range of academic disciplines. Students can choose programs that align with their educational goals, including those that emphasize media arts, business, and humanities, reflecting the university's program strengths. Additionally, some opportunities focus on experiential learning through internships or service-oriented projects abroad, fostering practical skills and global awareness.
Participation in these programs often entails pre-departure orientations and post-return reflections to ensure students maximize their overseas learning experiences. The university provides academic advising and support throughout the process to maintain degree progress and credit transferability. Overall, the study abroad programs aim to prepare students for global citizenship by broadening their horizons beyond the domestic campus setting.
Median composite SAT score
1179Median composite ACT score
22Percent of students submitting ACT scores
9%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
24%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
YesComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RecommendedRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
Data not availableOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
NoOff-campus study
NoStudy abroad
Data not availableWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer