Georgian Court University: Where Your Next Chapter Begins
At Georgian Court University, college is a time to discover what interests you, develop your talents, and prepare for what comes next. It’s about finding where you belong, believing in your potential, and becoming the person and professional you want to be while turning your dreams into a reality.
At GCU, students become part of a welcoming community where they can build confidence, make connections, and gain the knowledge and skills to reach their goals. Through academics, campus involvement, and career preparation, students have many ways to make the most of their time at Georgian Court.
As a Roman Catholic university, deeply rooted in the Mercy tradition, Georgian Court welcomes students from all religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. A Georgian Court education is grounded in the Mercy core values of respect, integrity, justice, compassion, and service. Inspired by the mission of the Sisters of Mercy, these values are reflected throughout academic and campus life.
Founded in 1908 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Georgian Court is Central and South Jersey’s only Catholic university, with a strong liberal arts core and a historic special concern for women. In 2026, Newsweek named Georgian Court one of the top 50 colleges for women nationally in its inaugural America’s Best Colleges for Women rankings.
Today, more than 1,800 students of all faiths and backgrounds pursue their goals through 30+ undergraduate majors and 25+ graduate programs. Georgian Court supports diversity and academic excellence while preparing students for ethical leadership and service.
GCU’s picturesque main campus in Lakewood, New Jersey, is located on the former George Jay Gould estate, a National Historic Landmark. Just minutes from the Jersey Shore and within reach of both Philadelphia and New York City, GCU gives students access to career resources, arts, culture, and the surrounding region.
Georgian Court also serves students through its Center for Professional Studies, GCU at Brookdale, and multiple online degree and certificate programs. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the University offers several ways for students to pursue their education on campus, close to home, or online.
GCU’s academic programs pair classroom learning with practical experience. Service learning, faculty-student research, international study, internships, and other hands-on experiences allow students to apply what they learn and prepare for their careers.
Jeff Carey ’27, a marketing major, has gained experience in his field through an internship at GCU, applying what he learns in the classroom to real projects.
“Working closely with professors, campus employees, and marketing professionals connected to our University, I was able to gain invaluable experience in my field of study that I otherwise may not have,” Jeff said.
Georgian Court truly prepared me to transition from student to professional,
That experience has also reinforced what first drew him to GCU. “I chose Georgian Court because of its small class sizes, scenic campus, and tight-knit community,” he said. “Choosing Georgian Court is making the choice to always have someone in your corner.”
Faculty are central to the GCU experience. Professors provide individualized support, serve as mentors, and help students develop the confidence and skills they need to move forward academically and professionally.
For Lizette Pelaez-Betancourt ‘22, who earned her Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) at GCU and returned to pursue her Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) through the Advanced Standing track, that support has continued from her undergraduate years into her graduate studies. She credits GCU’s faculty, learning environment, and commitment to service with helping shape her confidence, values, and approach to her career.
“Georgian Court truly prepared me to transition from student to professional,” Lizette said. “The faculty’s encouragement, the supportive learning environment, and the University’s commitment to service inspired me to become a more compassionate, confident, and resilient individual.”
Her experience also led her back to GCU for graduate school. “Georgian Court has given me invaluable knowledge, lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the foundation to continue making a positive impact in the lives of others.”
Campus life gives students additional ways to connect with the GCU community. The GCU Lions compete in 16 NCAA Division II sports as members of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC). Students can also take part in clubs and organizations, campus traditions, service, and leadership activities.
GCU continues to receive national recognition for student success and access. In 2026, Georgian Court was named to Phi Theta Kappa’s Transfer Honor Roll for the ninth consecutive year. GCU is one of only five New Jersey colleges and universities to appear on the Transfer Honor Roll every year since 2018.
Georgian Court also rose to #43 among Regional Universities North for Top Performers on Social Mobility in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, up 37 spots from #80 the previous year. The ranking recognizes colleges and universities for success in enrolling and graduating students who receive federal Pell Grants.
At Georgian Court University, students find a community where they can belong, believe in themselves, and become leaders equipped to serve others and shape their future.
