On January 12, 1880, St. Aloysius College (Autonomous) was established in Urban part of Mangaluru as a liberal arts college and preparatory school (now St. Aloysius College High School) on the same campus.

In 1882, the college was affiliated to Madras University, Chennai as a Secondary Grade College, in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Ancient History, and Logic. Later, the official inauguration of the college took place in 1885, under the rectorship of late Fr Willy.

On January 16, 1885, the college was shifted to its main building and it is a monumental attraction with a chapel dedicated to St Aloysius Gonzaga featuring some of the earliest examples of collegiate architecture in South India. In 1887, the college started the courses from first grade to senior first in Arts stream.

The college was re-affiliated to Karnatak University, Dharwad in 1958 and later in quick session it was again re-affiliated to the Mysore University, Mysuru.

At present, the college is affiliated to the Mangalore University, Mangaluru and it was recognized under by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under section 2(f) & 12(B) under Act, 1956.

It was accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with "A" Grade - (CGPA Score 3.62 on a 4 Point Scale in 3rd Cycle) on May 1, 2016.

It is co-educational Roman Catholic college and the college is managed by Mangalore Jesuit Educational Society (MJES).

The college conferred the 'autonomous' status in 2007 and it was also recognized & conferred the status as “College with Potential for Excellence (CPE)" by the University Grants Commission, New Delhi in 2006.

It was also conferred the status with "Star Status" by DBT, Govt. of India and the student's admission is done as per the Admission Criteria prescribed by the affiliating university and college rules & regulations.

At present, the college offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Arts, Science, Commerce, and Managment streams with various specializations.

It also offers Ph.D., PGD and add-on Certificate courses.

For some UG courses are under Choice Based Credit and Semester System (CBCSS) and PG courses are under Credit and Semester System (CSS) of the affiliating university. Therefore, the students should have to choose one honor (core) subject with two or more as subsidiary (elective) subjects for the specific undergraduate streams.

The college follows the university curricula and its faculty members contribute to curricula framing both at University and UGC levels. The norms & conditions of the university for admission to various courses are followed.

VISION

Empowering youth through excellence in education to shape a better future for humankind.

MISSION

St. Aloysius Institutions of the Mangalore Jesuit Educational Society Inspired by the person and mission of Jesus Christ, and guided by the motto "Lucet et Ardet" meaning "Shine to Enkindle" commit themselves to spread the light of knowledge and wisdom and to kindle the ardour of faith that does justice by forming men and women for others, who are :

• Academically accomplished
• Emotionally balanced.
• Morally upright
• Socially responsible
• Ecologically sensitive
• Professionally dedicated.

So that they are a powerful force for the transformation of the Society.