John Paul the Great Catholic University

Escondido, CA

John Paul the Great Catholic University

Escondido, CA

Explore John Paul the Great Catholic University's Featured Profiles:

Undergrad Catholic

The Catholic University for Creative Arts & Business Innovation

At John Paul the Great Catholic University, we believe in the power of beauty that transforms culture—that’s why we’re shaping the next generation of artists and innovators with academic excellence, unparalleled creativity, and an authentic community centered on Jesus Christ. 

Our unique academic model prepares students for their careers with a focus on hands-on projects, mentorship, and portfolio preparation, combined with a Catholic liberal arts education in literature, theology, and philosophy. Experience small class sizes, mentorship from industry professionals, and a community of Catholics who are passionate about creativity.  

Project-based curriculum
At JPCatholic, you don’t just learn theory—you put it into practice. Whether it’s building a business in our Incubator or casting SAG talent for a film project, you’ll learn what it takes to bring your vision to life. You’ll graduate from JPCatholic able to create at a high level with professionally polished projects.  

Small campus environment
With a student body under 300, JPCatholic offers a warm, tight-knit campus community. Foster lifelong friendships, form creative partnerships, and surround yourself with support in an environment that encourages your growth in virtue and artistic excellence. Our small class sizes offer the chance for one-on-one mentorship from industry professionals who have worked at companies like Disney, Hewlett-Packard, Pixar, Sony, and Warner Bros. Entertainment.  

Graduate in three years
Our unique academic model prepares students for the pace of professional life in the industry, with a focus on hands-on projects, internships, and portfolio preparation.  

Authentically Catholic 
Our campus is a place where students can grow both professionally and spiritually. We’re a unique community of artists and innovators, centered around our faith in Jesus Christ and the beauty of the Catholic faith. Immerse yourself in an abundance of opportunities for spiritual growth, including daily Mass, confession, adoration, rosary, retreats, and service projects.

Located in sunny California
We’re centered in San Diego County’s North County region, just a 35-minute drive from downtown in “America’s Finest City.” Southern California is famous for its fantastic weather, beautiful beaches and mountains, and bustling metropolitan areas. Our campus is just 15 miles from the beach, a short trip by car or train. And with Los Angeles and Hollywood within striking distance, students have even more opportunities for internships and networking.

ACCOLADES

US News Badge

#19 in Regional Colleges West | U.S. News & World Report

US News Badge

#9 in Best Value Schools | U.S. News & World Report

US News Badge

#14 in Top Performers on Social Mobility | U.S. News & World Report

Newman Badge

Recommended in the Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College

JPCatholic Programs

• Acting
• Animation
• Cinematography
• Creative Entrepreneurship
• Creative Writing
• Digital Music
• Game Development
• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Film Production
• Film Directing
• Film Post-Production
• Film Producing
• Leadership & Management
• Marketing
• Screenwriting
• Theology & Philosophy

An Inside Look

What students are saying about us...

  • “The quality of education at JPCatholic is something to marvel at. This is a place where working industry professionals teach you how to excel on a professional and personal level. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

    • Chas Baines ’15
  • “Going to JPCatholic was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my entire life—not only for the educational piece but also because of the people I encountered there.”

    • Danielle Badillo ’10
  • “I loved the professors, I loved the classwork, and I loved the homework at JPCatholic. You won’t just be handed a diploma and shown to the exit; you’re going to be taught the necessary tools in order to succeed out there.”

    • Dean Young ’15
  • “JPCatholic provided me with two fantastic things: a network of great, talented, driven friends and mentors, and classes that gave me some hard skills and the knowledge of how to organize and work creatively with people.”

    • Matt Salisbury ’11