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Why did the Jesuit order become strongly involved in education?

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Engraving by Lucas Vorsterman after Peter Paul Rubens showing St. Ignatius of Loyola with a halo, hands clasped in prayer before a crucifix and open book. — St. Ignatius of Loyola Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish theologian who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1534. The Jesuit order received official papal approval in 1540 and became a key player in the Counter-Reformation of the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Society of Jesus, founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola, was not originally established as a teaching order. In fact, Ignatius was initially hesitant about placing his companions in colleges as educators of youth.12

However, the order became deeply involved in education as a core component of the Counter-Reformation, a period during which the Roman Catholic Church prioritized the education of the faithful and the training of capable clergy. Over time, Ignatius recognized the significant value of the educational apostolate and dedicated his later years to building a school system that would eventually define the order.12

The Jesuits' success in this field was driven by their efficient training of teachers and the implementation of the Ratio studiorum, an elaborate plan of studies that provided an authoritarian, uniform structure for their colleges. These institutions grew rapidly, expanding from one college in 1548 to hundreds by the mid-18th century, as they were favored for their rigorous academic standards and competitive classroom techniques.1