Here at the Mount, we mean it when we say it’s about something much bigger than any of us. Grounded in the vision of its founders, the Sisters of Charity, an MSJ education is based on an interdisciplinary liberal arts and professional curricula emphasizing values, integrity and social responsibility. We consistently live a culture of ethics and service in everything we do, and we are here to help serve your personal journey in an interconnected world. 

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Mission, Vision Values

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Mount St. Joseph University is a Catholic academic community grounded in the spiritual values and vision of its founders, the Sisters of Charity. The University educates its students through interdisciplinary liberal arts, and professional curricula emphasizing values, integrity, and social responsibility. 

Members of the MSJ Community embrace:

  • Excellence in academic endeavors
  • The integration of life and learning
  • Respect and concern for all persons
  • Diversity of cultures and beliefs
  • Service to others.

Read more here.

History & Heritage

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Mount St. Joseph University, established by the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, opened its doors to the first 20 students in 1920 as the first Catholic university for women in Southwestern Ohio.

With the growth of student enrollment, the Sisters of Charity made plans to develop property at the intersection of Delhi and Neeb roads, and opened a new campus in the fall of 1962. In 1986, the University was formally declared coeducational. The University, though incorporated under a Board of Trustees in 1972, remains a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Charity.

Today, the University serves a diverse coeducational student population of undergraduate and graduate students. Read more here.

Sponsorship Transition

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 In September 2022, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati announced they are concluding sponsorship of their five ministries, including Mount St. Joseph University. This decision stems from shifting demographics: the congregation has transitioned from approximately 1,600 Sisters in 1960 to fewer than 200 today. While the Sisters remain deeply committed to the Mount’s mission, these realities necessitate a change in administrative structure.

In response, the Mount is actively exploring future Catholic sponsorship options. The Board of Trustees is firmly committed to preserving the University’s Catholic identity and, as of April 2023, has resolved to pursue only those sponsorship models that ensure the institution remains a Catholic university following this transition. Read more here.

University Fast Facts

12:1 Student-to-faculty ratio
100% 2024-25 first-time, full-time undergraduates received scholarships/grants
98.6% Positive career outcomes rate

Personalized Attention

Our 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio keeps the focus on you. Small classes enable one-on-one work with faculty to develop your unique strengths. Friendly staff provides resources for academic, wellness, and career growth, enriching your mind, body, and soul.

Career Readiness

Our cooperative and experiential education builds confidence for professional success. Nearly one-third of co-op students receive full-time offers from employers. Explore co-op opportunities.

Serving the Common Good

Since 1920, founded by the Sisters of Charity, we've made serving students and community our core mission. As a nationally recognized institution, we live a culture of ethics and service in everything we do.


Cultivating the Whole Person

Our interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum challenges you to connect diverse subjects beyond your major. Robust majors, double majors, and minors prepare you for success. Learn more about academics and programs.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mount

  How do I contact Mount St. Joseph University?
Go to the directory for department-specific contact information, including e-mail addresses and phone numbers. Go to contact us to send a general comment.

 

  Where is the Mount Located?
The Mount is in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the suburb of Delhi Township. The address is 5701 Delhi Road, Cincinnati, OH 45233-1670.
  How do I get to campus?

The Mount is approximately 10 minutes from downtown Cincinnati. See location for more information.

 

  Where can I stay when I visit the Mount?
Nearby hotels offer special rates for Mount guests. Visit location for more information.
  When was the Mount founded?

The Mount was founded in 1920 by the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. About the University has the whole story.

  What is the mission of the University?
Mount St. Joseph University is a Catholic academic community with a mission to educate and inspire students. You can also read our full mission statement
  Is the Mount accredited?
The Mount holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
  How do I apply to the Mount?
Go to the admission section of this site for information.
  What academic programs are available?
The Mount emphasizes academic quality in its undergraduate degree programs and graduate degree programs.
  What are accelerated programs?
The Mount has accelerated degree programs for the convenience of students combining career and family with education.
  What is the academic calendar at the Mount?
Courses follow a semester schedule in the fall and spring. Two sessions of classes are offered during the summer. Go to catalogs & course schedules or the calendar for details.
  What is the enrollment?
The Mount currently has 2,300 students. Go to the about the University section for current information about the Mount.
  What are the class sizes at the Mount?
The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. The Mount emphasizes personalized attention with high-quality faculty interaction.
  What community service programs are available at the Mount?
Community outreach and service learning are integral to the Mount’s mission of social responsibility and service to others.
  How many student organizations are at the Mount?
Student activities include more than 40 clubs and organizations as well as athletics and recreation programs.

LOCATED IN CINCINNATI, OH

Take a virtual tour of our campus at Mount St. Joseph University

Close-Knit Campus, Big City Access

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The Cincinnati region, a tri-state area that includes Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana, is a cultural and economic powerhouse that’s on the rise; a dynamic place fueled by dreamers, doers, innovators, and makers. Cincinnati, the Queen City, is a diverse, active convergence of big city amenities and Midwest hospitality - all just 15 minutes from the Mount’s safe, secure campus.

Career Readiness

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The Council of Independent Colleges reports that 80 percent of employers value a broad liberal arts and sciences foundation for all students. At the Mount, we prioritize career readiness and personal growth, defining success one student at a time. Our Career Center helps you develop the leadership and professionalism to serve others, ensuring preparation for real world settings.

Beyond the Campus

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Mount St. Joseph University enhances the quality of life in Cincinnati and beyond through service, arts, and community programs. While preparing students for professional careers, the Mount emphasizes the importance of living as productive citizens and ethical leaders. We are dedicated to the greater good, ensuring our community members are ready and able to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

Accommodations

For families visiting from out of town, we offer a convenient list of preferred area hotels. We've curated these accommodations to ensure a comfortable stay, making your visits to see your child at the Mount as easy and enjoyable as possible. Find all the details and plan your next visit below. Preferred Hotels:

Accommodations

  Check Out Our Offerings

Courtyard by Marriott Cincinnati Airport

3990 Olympic Blvd
Erlanger KY, 41018

 

Mount offers a preferred rate with The Courtyard by Marriott Cincinnati Airport with a special MSJ discount rate available. The rate offers 20 percent off Retail or Best Available Rates online on select rooms (not including blackout dates) for 2025-2026. Guests can call the Marriott Reservation Center at 888-236-2427, which is available 24 hours a day to speak to a reservation agent and provide them with the company name to receive the discounted rate for the hotel. 

Mount St. Joseph University Discounted Rate at Courtyard by Marriott Cincinnati Airport

Hotel Celare Cincinnati Midtown

310 Straight Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45219

 

The Mount has a second hotel partner with a special MSJ discount rate available, the Hotel Celare Cincinnati Midtown. This boutique Marriott property is not far from Nippert Stadium, and is located two miles from Downtown. The rate will be at $159 for 2025-2026 with a few blackout dates.

Mount St. Joseph University Discounted Rate at Hotel Celare Cincinnati Midtown

Explore the Mount

University Leadership

University Leadership

University Leadership

University Leadership at Mount St. Joseph University

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Mount Moments

Mount Moments

Mount Moments

Mount Moments at Mount St. Joseph University

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Campus Icons & Traditions

Campus Icons & Traditions

Campus Icons & Traditions

Campus Icons & Traditions at Mount St. Joseph University

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Campus Facilities

Campus Facilities

Campus Facilities

Facilities at Mount St. Joseph University

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