Calumet College of St. Joseph: A Comprehensive Overview

Calumet College of St. Joseph (CCSJ) stands as a private Catholic institution offering a range of academic programs and a values-based education. This article delves into the history, academics, campus life, admissions, costs, and outcomes associated with CCSJ, providing a comprehensive overview for prospective students, current students, alumni, and anyone interested in learning more about the institution.

History and Founding

Calumet College of St. Joseph traces its roots back to 1951 when St. Joseph's College of Rensselaer, Indiana, established an extension center in Lake County, Indiana, known as the Calumet Center. Initially, courses were held in borrowed classrooms at Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond and St. John the Baptist Church in Whiting.

In 1960, a significant milestone was reached when the Board of Control authorized the expansion of the two-year extension into a four-year, degree-granting college. This pivotal decision marked CCSJ as the first college in the Calumet Region to offer baccalaureate degrees. Subsequently, St. Joseph's College Calumet Campus relocated to a former furniture store in East Chicago, which served as the institution's primary building for 15 years and later became the Administration Building.

Throughout the 1960s, the East Chicago Campus experienced considerable growth. Additional buildings were acquired or donated along Indianapolis Boulevard and Olcott Avenue, providing space for classrooms, offices, a library, laboratories, a theater, a communications center, and student recreational facilities.

In the summer of 1971, the college underwent a name change, becoming St. Joseph Calumet College. It officially separated from St. Joseph's College. Over time, the institution evolved into Calumet College of St. Joseph, solidifying its identity as a distinct and independent institution of higher learning.

Read also: Understanding PNW's Tuition Costs

Academic Profile

CCSJ is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers master’s, bachelor’s, and associate’s degrees across various fields. The college emphasizes a values-based approach rooted in the Catholic tradition, grounding students in the importance of social justice, service, and community.

The college delivers its academic programs at its campus in Whiting, Indiana. The student-faculty ratio at Calumet College of St. Joseph is 11:1, allowing committed faculty to connect with students through small class sizes and individualized attention.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For the academic year, the undergraduate tuition at Calumet College of Saint Joseph is $21,500, which is less than the national average for Masters Colleges and Universities. After taking grants and loans into account, the average net price for students is $17,377. In 2023, 94% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, while 59% received aid through loans.

Academic Programs and Special Programs

Calumet College of St. Joseph offers a range of academic programs, with the most common bachelor's degree concentration being Criminal Justice - Safety Studies. The college also provides several special programs, including:

Academic remediation
Distance learning program
Double major option
Independent study
Learning disabilities services
Advanced Placement credit
Accelerated degree program
Honors program
Cooperative (work-study) program
Internships
Summer session for credit
Part-time undergraduate degree programs

Campus Life

Located blocks from Lake Michigan and minutes from downtown Chicago, CCSJ offers a vibrant and stimulating learning environment. The campus spans 50 acres and provides a wireless computer network.

Student Enrollment and Demographics

In 2023, Calumet College of Saint Joseph had a total enrollment of 674 students, with 452 enrolled full-time and 222 part-time. The student population is diverse, with the following racial and ethnic composition:

34% Hispanic or Latino
28.5% White
28% Black or African American
2.97% Two or More Races
1.19% Asian
0.445% American Indian or Alaska Native

Athletics

The Calumet College of St. Joseph (CCSJ) athletic teams are called the Crimson Wave. CCSJ competes in 17 intercollegiate varsity sports, including men's baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, soccer, sprint football, track & field, and volleyball; women's basketball, bowling, cross country, soccer, softball, track & field, and volleyball; and co-ed cheerleading and competitive dance.

Admissions and Outcomes

Calumet College of Saint Joseph has a test-optional admissions policy. In 2014, the acceptance rate was 33.8%. CCSJ has an overall enrollment yield of 70.1%, representing the number of admitted students who enrolled.

Graduation and Retention Rates

In 2023, 14% of students completed their program within 100% "normal time." The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Calumet College of Saint Joseph was 40%.

Graduates

In 2023, 191 degrees were awarded across all undergraduate and graduate programs. The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients was hispanic or latino (70 degrees). The most specialized majors at Calumet College of Saint Joseph are Protective Services, Public Administration and Social Service, and Psychology.

Read also: Phoenix Suns' New Center

Financial Overview

Calumet College of Saint Joseph has an endowment valued at nearly $5.3M. In 2023, the college had a total salary expenditure of 14.1M.

Notable Alumni and People

Calumet College of St. Joseph has produced several notable alumni, including:

Carmen Lomellin, an American diplomat of Mexican heritage from East Chicago, Indiana.
Eddie Melton, an Indiana State Senator.
Michael Puente, a Northwest Indiana Reporter for WBEZ 91.5.
Dan Stevenson Sr, a former member of the Indiana House of Representatives.
Ron Tabaczynski, a former member of the Indiana House of Representatives.

tags: #calumet #college #of #saint #joseph #overview