[4] The college was founded in 1972 and it was originally located within a religious school called Pro Deo University.

From 1985 to 1991, the university expanded and created programs in Art History, International Affairs and English Literature.

[9] John Cabot University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

[13] The Guarini Institute for Public Affairs provides lectures and events on world political and human rights themes.

[20][21][22] The Frank J. Guarini campus is a former convent with a main three-story building surrounded by terraces and courtyards.

The JCU Fitness Center, located inside the Gianicolo Residence Hall,[26] is open for students, faculty, and staff with a full array of free weights, machines, and open workout space, along with weekly classes in abs & legs, running, yoga, and kickboxing.

The JCU Athletic department also organizes trips and activities to locations such as Cinque Terre, Mount Circeo, or Sapri.