A skyline shows several tall buildings, clustered together near the river.

The Heights & Beyond

Step outside your residence hall into a walkable, welcoming neighborhood. Then hop downtown for concerts, internships, pro games, or a new favorite restaurant in Cleveland’s vibrant city core.

Experience the best of both worlds at JCU: A beautiful suburban campus with easy access to a major metropolitan area.

John Carroll University is proud to call University Heights — known locally as “The Heights” — home. Our welcoming neighborhood offers the comfort and community of a suburban setting, with tree-lined streets, local restaurants, and easy access to everything you need.

Just 10 minutes away, downtown Cleveland adds another dimension to the JCU experience — world-class arts and culture, professional sports, major internships, and career opportunities. At JCU, the city isn’t a backdrop—it’s built into your education. You’ll learn from industry leaders right in your classrooms. You’ll tackle challenges alongside local organizations. You’ll serve, intern, co-op, and graduate with experiences that matter and a network that opens doors.

During your time at JCU, we hope you’ll come to enjoy Cleveland as much as we do. If you’re like a lot of Blue Streaks, you might even make it home after graduation!

Gateway North

Located at the front of JCU's campus, this community provides students with everything they need — dining, coffee, banking, a pharmacy, and more. In the coming years, JCU will expand on this area to add a specialty grocer and upper-class housing.

Van Aken District

Just down the street from our campus, the Van Aken District offers students a place to shop, hangout, or grab a bite to eat.

Coventry

Coventry is a cultural hub just minutes from campus. JCU students frequent this area for ethnic foods, unique shops, and more.

Little Italy

Known for some of the best eats in the Cleveland area, Little Italy is an authentic way to experience Italian cuisine and culture just minutes from campus.

About Cleveland

Cleveland is home to fast-growing start-ups, multiple Fortune 500 companies, renowned research and healthcare facilities, and mission-driven organizations. It's in the top 5% of metropolitan areas in the U.S. for young professionals with a college degree, according to The Wall Street Journal, and has been ranked as a top 10 foodie destination in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure.

#2 Largest theater district in the U.S.
#8 Best U.S. city for college graduates (ADP Research Institute)
#15 Most affordable large metropolitan city (LBM Journal)
33K+ Acres of recreational and protected land in nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Seven students pose with the red lettering outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; it spells out, "Long Live Rock.

Arts & Culture

You might have heard: Cleveland Rocks. In addition to the renowned Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, you’ll find the country’s second largest theater district at Playhouse Square, world-class museums, and many cultural and historic sites.

Five students walk together on a sidewalk; a ballpark and downtown buildings are visible in the background.

Sports & Recreation

Cleveland is home to three professional sports teams: the Browns, Cavaliers, and Guardians. There’s plenty of places to golf, boat, fish, hike, and bike. Plus, find thrills at the famed Cedar Point amusement park in nearby Sandusky.

Three students sit on the grass and read their textbooks, smiling at each other; buildings stand in the background.

Nature & Outdoors

Great Lakes. Great Location. Cleveland boasts eight lakefront parks, 18 nature reserves, and 100+ hiking trails. And it’s also the gateway city to the stunning Cuyahoga Valley National Park, full of woods, waterfalls and wildlife.

Three students at a cafe share laughs over ice cream, view through the window.

Shopping & Dining

Ranked a top foodie city by Travel + Leisure magazine, Cleveland offers culinary experiences for every appetite, from food trucks and fine dining to brewpubs and bakeries. You’ll also find plenty of malls, outlets, and unique boutiques.

Three young people smile at the camera while holding gardening tools against an orange wall with vines.

Learning & Service Opportunities

Our proximity to downtown Cleveland gives your access to prime internship, research, and career opportunities. JCU’s Center for Service and Social Action has connections with 80+ nonprofit organizations in and around the city.

Arts & Culture

You might have heard: Cleveland Rocks. In addition to the renowned Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, you’ll find the country’s second largest theater district at Playhouse Square, world-class museums, and many cultural and historic sites.
Sports & Recreation

Cleveland is home to three professional sports teams: the Browns, Cavaliers, and Guardians. There’s plenty of places to golf, boat, fish, hike, and bike. Plus, find thrills at the famed Cedar Point amusement park in nearby Sandusky.
Nature & Outdoors

Great Lakes. Great Location. Cleveland boasts eight lakefront parks, 18 nature reserves, and 100+ hiking trails. And it’s also the gateway city to the stunning Cuyahoga Valley National Park, full of woods, waterfalls and wildlife.
Shopping & Dining

Ranked a top foodie city by Travel + Leisure magazine, Cleveland offers culinary experiences for every appetite, from food trucks and fine dining to brewpubs and bakeries. You’ll also find plenty of malls, outlets, and unique boutiques.
Learning & Service Opportunities

Our proximity to downtown Cleveland gives your access to prime internship, research, and career opportunities. JCU’s Center for Service and Social Action has connections with 80+ nonprofit organizations in and around the city.

“One aspect I was looking for in a college was making sure there were things to do on OR off campus. JCU's location near Cleveland checked that box for me. I could experience the city and all it had to offer, but also drive 20 minutes to see Chagrin Falls.”

Annie Smith

Shoppers browse food vendors at an indoor market, with the US flag visible in the background.

More to Explore: Guides to Cleveland

Destination Cleveland, the area’s official visitor’s bureau, offers a robust guide to the city and broader region. In the Student Guide to Cleveland, JCU tour guides give their top recommendations for what to see and do, from lunch spots to local parks. We encourage you to explore both.

Visit Destination Cleveland