St. John’s University in New York was founded in 1870 as a college established by the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul at the invitation of Joseph Lovelyn, the first Bishop of Brooklyn, with the aim of providing Catholic intellectual and moral education to the youth of New York. St. John’s Baptist College was established, and its first classroom building was completed in September 1870. The institution received the right to grant university degrees in 1906 and admitted its first female student in 1913. It relocated from Brooklyn to Queens in 1955 and is one of the largest Catholic universities in the United States. How to Customize and Create an American University Diploma
Campus Location and Transportation
St. John’s University’s main campus is situated on a 100-acre (0.41 square kilometer) campus in Queens, featuring expansive green lawns, historic stone archways and pavilions, and newly constructed student housing. It is just a few minutes’ drive from the heart of Manhattan. Our “idyllic” campus allows students to experience traditional college community life while remaining close to all the resources New York City has to offer. In addition to the main campus in Queens, St. John’s University has campuses in Manhattan and Staten Island, as well as overseas campuses in Rome, Paris, and Limerick—all of which benefit students across all campuses.
Academic Strengths and Program Rankings
St. John’s University excels in numerous academic fields and has produced a large number of industry leaders. To better illustrate its academic strengths, please see the table below:
| Academic Disciplines | Affiliated School | US News 2026 Rankings | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance Studies | School of Risk Management, Insurance, and Actuarial Science | Ranked 11th in the U.S. | One of the top risk management and insurance programs in the U.S. |
| Pharmacy | School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | Ranked 60th in the U.S. | Well-known in the Eastern U.S.; graduates frequently enter hospitals and pharmaceutical companies |
| Law | Law School | Ranked 74th in the U.S. | Renowned in the field of bankruptcy law |
| Physical Therapy | College of Health Sciences | Ranked 79th in the U.S. | Practice-oriented clinical training system |
| Audiology | College of Health Sciences | Ranked 53rd in the U.S. | A leading program in speech and hearing health |
In addition, the Peter Tobin School of Business’s undergraduate program jumped from 147th to 109th place, while its finance program ranked 45th in the nation, reflecting the university’s continued progress in the field of business.
Employment Rates and Post-Graduation Outcomes
Thanks to its prime location, extensive corporate partnerships, and the university’s longstanding commitment to career development, students at St. John’s University in New York City gain a competitive edge in the job market. Within six months, 90.9% of the Class of 2024 had secured employment or begun pursuing graduate degrees. They were hired by major employers such as Accenture, IBM, PwC, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Newhall Hospital, and Novartis, or were admitted to universities including Harvard, Columbia, and Cornell.
Why Is It So Popular?
St. John’s University may not be the largest university, but it is certainly one worth exploring for every parent and student. With academic opportunities, internships, and employment, as well as countless clubs and a wide variety of sports—including the Big East Conference team recognized by the National Basketball Association—every student feels a sense of belonging here. Additionally, in the U.S. Social Mobility Rankings, St. John’s University ranks 49th.
