Calumet College of St. Joseph

Calumet College of St. Joseph is a private, Catholic, coeducational institution located in Whiting, Indiana, situated in the Calumet Region of Northwest Indiana and near Chicago. It is sponsored by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood (C.PP.S.), a Roman Catholic religious congregation, and grounds its mission in the Catholic intellectual and social tradition. The university offers career-focused degrees in fields like criminal justice, nursing, and business, emphasizing a practical, liberal arts education designed to serve the working professionals and diverse communities of the surrounding metropolitan area. Its commitment to social justice and service is central to its educational philosophy.

The university was founded in 1951 by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood as Calumet Center, initially operating as an extension of Saint Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Indiana. Its primary purpose was to provide educational opportunities to the children of the predominantly industrial Calumet Region, particularly veterans returning from the Korean War who sought higher education. It became an independent degree-granting institution in 1973 and adopted the name Calumet College of St. Joseph. Throughout its history, the university has remained committed to serving a non-traditional and working-class student body, evolving its programs to meet the vocational needs of the regional economy while steadfastly maintaining its Catholic mission and identity.

This university is a unique, community-focused institution that successfully blends the Catholic intellectual tradition with practical, career-oriented learning. By adhering to its founding mission of providing accessible, high-quality education to the diverse and working communities of Northwest Indiana and metropolitan Chicago, the university serves as a vital engine for regional development and social mobility. Its strong emphasis on social justice, service learning, and ethical professional preparation ensures that its graduates are not only skilled employees but also morally engaged citizens prepared to contribute positively to their professions and communities.