Rooted in the Jesuit & Mercy traditions, the University of Detroit Mercy is a Catholic university that strives to nurture the intellectual, spiritual, ethical, and social development of their students. Challenge, support, and experiential learning are the staples of the University of Detroit Mercy's nationally recognized academic programs.

Students attending the University of Detroit Mercy can choose from approximately 100 programs in anything from architecture, psychology, and business to nursing, teacher education, and engineering. Some noteworthy programs and learning facilities on the University of Detroit Mercy campus are the Detroit Collaborative Design Center, the Dental Hygiene Program, the Developmental Psychology Program, and the National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education, which is part of the College of business Administration.

Aside from top-quality academics, there are plenty of cultural, recreational, and extra curricular activities to keep students busy. Located in Detroit, the University of Detroit Mercy's urban setting makes it a hotbed of commercial and industrial activity, as well as a culturally and intellectually stimulating atmosphere. On campus, there are over 65 clubs and organizations, and a number of recreational facilities. At the Grounds Coffeehaus, a student-run and student-managed campus coffeehouse, University of Detroit Mercy students can see live bands and comedians perform on a regular basis, as well as listen to poetry and relax with friends.