Just about a 15-minute drive from Philadelphia, Saint Joseph's University offers students a sense of community with more than 90 clubs, including those for badminton players, health and wellness enthusiasts, and even fans of the local deli Hymie's.
While students who are not Catholic may feel out of place in the Jesuit school's required theology classes, anyone interested in social change and helping out in the community will find numerous opportunities to get involved, notably through the Philadelphia Service Immersion Program and Faith Justice Institute.
The university stands out in Money’s ratings for its outcomes. The median salary a decade after enrolling is an impressive $87,000, significantly higher than similar schools, Money finds.
SJU has about 20 varsity sports teams, but the most popular events are the men's basketball games. While SJU athletics belongs to the Atlantic 10 conference, the college is also a member of the Philadelphia Big Five, and the rivalry between it and other Philly colleges is spirited. SJU's mascot is the hawk, which is known to flap its wings nonstop through games.
