Saint Joseph College was founded on February 20, 1928 by His Excellency Most Reverend Sofronio G. Hacbang, D.D. (1887-1937) Bishop of Calbayog Diocese to which the whole of Samar and Leyte canonically belonged. It was first named Instituto de San Jose. Its primary purpose was to offer Catholic education through which the Church could fulfill its work of evangelization. In June, 1928, the school welcomed its first elementary and secondary students whose classes were held in a provisional school building made of light materials. Two years after, the school got recognition from the government for the said courses.