At John Adams, I’ve learned more
in the past few months than
I’ve learned in my entire lifetime!
I think that’s how college should be.
~ Mahayla B.
Is JAC education “anti-career”?
No. It is pre-career.
We focus on forming judgment, reasoning, and independence — qualities that precede any meaningful career, particularly leadership roles.
Why not accreditation? Isn’t that risky?
Accreditation enforces standardization.
John Adams College educates for originality.
Historically, many of the most influential educational environments operated outside prevailing norms. We accept short-term risk in exchange for long-term fidelity to our mission.
Will my student be employable?
Yes — and more importantly, adaptable.
Employers consistently value graduates who can think independently, communicate clearly, and learn quickly. Many of our graduates are becoming entrepreneurs, but others will pursue law, graduate study, policy, and leadership roles.
Is this elitist?
No. It is selective by aim and effort, not by pedigree.
Students from any background can thrive here if they possess curiosity, grit, and seriousness of purpose.
Isn’t this too much reading?
Yes — intentionally.
Deep thinking requires deep familiarity with great ideas. There is no shortcut.
Do you have more on accreditation?
John Adams College graduates have been accepted into graduate programs at Columbia, Rutgers, Ralston, Ashland, and Antioch Universities. Graduates have also received fellowships at The Spectator World in Washington DC and Encounter Books in New York City. No, we are not accredited, but our students are proving the value of our education.
John Adams is licensed by the State of Utah to issue college degrees. This report from the prestigious Heritage Foundation explains the problems with the existing accreditation system and why JAC has chosen not to seek accreditation.
For a more complete answer, read our article on JAC and understanding accreditation.
What is a “classical” or “classical liberal arts” curriculum?
Our classical liberal arts education is designed to instill universal, timeless principles to guide you through life. You will learn how to think, not what to think. You will learn directly from original sources, applying the wisdom of the past to the problems of today and tomorrow. Through rigorous analysis and discussions, you will also hone critical thinking and communication skills to understand, support, or counter any assumption. You will gain a deep understanding of the world, the history of how our society evolved, and the originally intended role of government in a free society. Above all, you will discern your own role in the world and the difference you can make!
Is JAC a religious college?
We affirm what every one of our Founding Fathers noted: virtuous and moral people are necessary to maintain liberty. Therefore, JAC teaches from a Biblical/Judeo-Christian framework. That said, while JAC respects religious traditions underlying our curriculum, we do not promote or endorse any particular denomination – nor are we affiliated with one.
JAC is a private college incorporated and registered under the laws of the state of Utah.
Why do JAC students study the classics instead of textbooks like other colleges?
Textbooks give you brief overviews of facts but tend to be slanted towards the authors’ worldview rather than the original writers’ viewpoints. JAC removes the “middle man.” You will fully experience great minds – such as Plato, Sydney, or Montesquieu – by actually reading their words. What better way to encounter and understand the ideas that have shaped history?
What will classes be like at John Adams College? What is the Socratic Method?
Classes at John Adams College are small and intimate, with 10 to 20 students. Courses are Socratic discussions based on assigned readings. You will come prepared to participate with questions, comments, and ideas stemming from the class readings (while also adding knowledge and insights from other classes). This is why our classes are longer, in 2-3-hour blocks once or twice a week, which promotes deeper discussions and understanding. We typically sit around a table, where we can more easily communicate and share insights and epiphanies. After just a little practice, you will be prepared to join in the conversation with both instructors and other students.
Can I get government-backed student loans and grants
to attend JAC?
John Adams College, like Hillsdale and others, will not accept any government funding in order to remain independent, enabling us to keep focused on our classical liberal arts education. (Accepting government subsidies also means accepting government rules and regulations that may obscure our mission.) To offset federal aid, incoming students are encouraged and expected to apply for a wide array of scholarships, both achievement- and needs-based. Most JAC students receive substantial scholarship aid. Further information is readily available upon request.
How does JAC differ from other colleges?
John Adams College is not here to earn research grants from the government or NGOs. We are not here to enforce the “publish or perish” mantra on our faculty. We are not here to ensure huge paychecks for a bloated administration. Instead, we are here to meet every student’s desire to gain a great education. That is why we only want students who WANT a great education!
Will JAC accept other schools’ credits? Will they accept JAC credits?
Yes, if you demonstrate comprehension and fluency for the material in a JAC course (after taking a similar course elsewhere), we will gladly transfer credit. We will also provide documentation to other colleges for all your JAC coursework. We will not award “life experience” credit without formal CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) scores or similar documentation.
If I participate in dual enrollment at JAC as a senior in high school, what is tuition?
All current tuition details are listed on our tuition page.
Also, please check out our paragraph Educational Options for high school-aged students” on our Homeschool Helps page.
Does John Adams College grant degrees?
The College has been authorized for operation and awarded degree-granting powers by the State of Utah. Right now, we offer a Bachelor of Arts degree as well as a Master’s of Arts degree.
Is John Adams a brick-and-mortar or online college?
John Adams is a brick-and-mortar college with an online capability for those who live too far away to attend in person. We are located in Provo, Utah. Learning happens best in person, but attending class online is a great option for those who need it.
Will a John Adams College degree give me the
training I need for a job?
JAC gives our students the ultimate in job training. Our goal is to train the minds of our students, equipping them to excel in any area of interest and preparing them for any career they want to pursue. Throughout their education at John Adams, students practice problem-solving, deep thinking, communication, diplomacy, and leadership skills, to name a few. For graduation, JAC requires two practica, or internships, that give students practical experience in their area of interest. Major CEOs and business leaders agree, and now actively seek employees who have the skills to relate, communicate, and problem-solve. If you want to walk out of school with a razor-sharp skill set that sets you apart from others – and helps you in every field – come join us!
Does John Adams College have student housing?
Currently, JAC does not have the facilities to offer student housing. However, you will find multiple apartment accommodations close by in Provo and Orem. We are also conveniently located near buslines and a Frontrunner station for those living farther away. We also offer assistance for our student body with help finding roommates of other JAC students.
Can JAC graduates be accepted to graduate schools?
John Adams College graduates have been accepted into graduate programs at Columbia, Rutgers, Ralston, Ashland, and Antioch Universities. Graduates have also received fellowships at The Spectator World in Washington DC and Encounter Books in New York City.
Graduate schools care far more about test scores than they do about which school students attended. For example, a student who studies hard and “aces” the LSAT or GMAT (measured against all other candidates nationwide) still possesses higher odds of acceptance than one with mediocre scores from an historic college. Many unaccredited schools have sent students to prestigious graduate schools. John Adams’s curriculum has been developed with this goal in mind.
What does JAC cost?
For the first five years of its existence, John Adams College offered exceptionally low tuition. But JAC is no longer new and unproven. John Adams graduates have a 100% acceptance rate into the grad programs of their choice, including Columbia, Ralston, and Ashland. Our students are graduating, entering their chosen fields, making names for themselves, and showing the world what a classical liberal arts-educated graduate can do. Additionally, we have businesses signing up to offer job interviews for our graduates. We believe our tuition reflects the value of a JAC education.
Have a different question? We have an answer!