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72.8%Acceptance
$47,290Tuition
5,077Students
69%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$75,482Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Adelphi University

Adelphi University has built its reputation around three signature programs that consistently place graduates in competitive careers. The university enrolls 5,077 students on a suburban campus in Garden City, where nursing students train in state-of-the-art simulation labs. Education majors benefit from partnerships with local Long Island school districts. The performing arts program draws students who want serious training without the cutthroat atmosphere of Manhattan conservatories.

Students pay an average net price of $28,348 after financial aid, making this private education more accessible than the sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median of $75,482 ten years after graduation, which easily covers the typical monthly loan payment of $265. With median debt of $25,000, most students find their Adelphi investment pays off within a few years of entering their careers.

Women make up 66.22% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like nursing and education. The 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, not just ID number. The Panthers compete in 23 Division II sports, giving student-athletes a chance to play competitively while focusing on academics first.

Academics & Faculty

Adelphi builds its academic reputation around three core strengths: nursing, education, and performing arts. The university's nursing program consistently ranks among New York's most respected, preparing graduates for high-demand healthcare careers. Education majors benefit from extensive field placements in Long Island schools, while the performing arts program draws students seeking conservatory-level training within a university setting. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentoring relationships that many larger universities cannot provide. However, the 68.9% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees. Small class sizes and personalized attention help explain why 95.1% of graduates find employment shortly after graduation.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Full-Time Faculty
29.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
68.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
68.9%
Retention Rate
83.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$75,482
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $111,563
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $90,625
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $70,296
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Certificate $59,417
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. Doctoral $59,169
Special Education and Teaching. Master $59,124
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. Master $58,912
Finance and Financial Management Services. Bachelor $57,995
Special Education and Teaching. Certificate $57,318
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. Master $56,641

View all 103 programs →

Campus Life

Garden City sits 20 miles east of Manhattan, giving Adelphi students easy access to NYC internships and cultural attractions via the Long Island Rail Road. With housing for just 1,260 students and total enrollment of 5,077, roughly 25% of students live on the tree-lined suburban campus. The majority commute from Long Island and surrounding areas, creating a different social active than residential colleges.

Long Island winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for the campus quad. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, especially important in signature programs like nursing and education. Women make up 66% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like social work and health sciences. Weekend life revolves around the nearby Roosevelt Field mall, one of the largest shopping centers on the East Coast, plus easy train rides to Manhattan beaches and nightlife. The Panthers compete in 23 Division II sports, though athletic culture takes a backseat to academics and professional preparation.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
1,260 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1896

Campus Safety (2023)

42 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Dating Violence 11 6 0 0
Rape 4 4 0 0
Stalking 4 3 0 0
Burglary 2 2 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 1 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 0
Fondling 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
26°–39°F
July Avg
66°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
46.6"
Annual Snowfall
19.2"

Student Demographics

Women make up two-thirds of the student body at Adelphi, reflecting the university's strength in nursing, education, and social work programs that traditionally attract more female students. About 85% come from New York, showing the school's solid regional reputation on Long Island and in the metro area. Nearly 30% receive Pell Grants, indicating Adelphi serves many middle-class families seeking quality programs without top price tags. The diverse student population includes significant Hispanic, Asian, and Black representation, mirroring the demographics of nearby Nassau County communities.
Men
33.8%
Women
66.2%
White
43.5%
Black
9.3%
Hispanic
21.3%
Asian
12.9%
In-State Students
85.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
29.4%

Location

Garden City sits on Long Island, just 20 miles east of Manhattan. The campus occupies 75 acres in Nassau County, where median household income exceeds $120,000. This suburban setting attracts 85% in-state students who appreciate the proximity to New York City internships and cultural opportunities. The area features tree-lined streets, upscale shopping at Roosevelt Field mall, and easy train access to Penn Station. Garden City maintains a quiet, residential character despite being part of the greater New York metropolitan area. The Long Island Rail Road provides direct connections to Manhattan in under 45 minutes. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Adelphi University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Garden City, New York 11530-0701
Levermore Hall
Levermore Hall
Adelphi University Graduation
Adelphi University Graduation
Adelphi University Quad
Adelphi University Quad

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$75,482
Median Earnings (5 years)
$76,438
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$49,400
Loan Repayment Rate
68.9%
Monthly Loan Payment
$265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Adelphi University?

Adelphi accepts 72.78% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1210. The university draws primarily from New York with 85.14% of students coming from in-state. This accessibility reflects Adelphi's mission as a teaching-focused institution that values diverse academic backgrounds.

How much does Adelphi University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $28,348 despite a sticker price of $47,290 for tuition. Nearly 30% of students receive Pell Grants, and the university provides institutional grants averaging $28,826. Graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $265.

What academic programs is Adelphi University known for?

Adelphi built its reputation on nursing, education, and performing arts programs with a student-faculty ratio of 12:1. The university maintains small class sizes that support hands-on learning in professional fields. Women comprise 66.22% of the student body, reflecting the popularity of traditionally female-dominated programs like nursing and education.

What are the career outcomes for Adelphi University graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $75,482 ten years after graduation with a 95.1% employment rate. The 68.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the practical, career-focused nature of many programs. Alumni benefit from proximity to New York City job markets while studying in the quieter Garden City suburb.

Where is Adelphi University located and what is campus life like?

The Garden City campus houses 1,260 students and offers 23 varsity sports as part of NCAA Division II competition. Room and board costs $20,028 annually on the suburban Long Island campus. The Panthers compete in the Northeast 10 Conference with 417 total student-athletes receiving $3.9 million in athletic scholarships.

How diverse is the student body at Adelphi University?

The 5,077 students represent a diverse community with 43.49% White, 21.31% Hispanic, 12.86% Asian, and 9.30% Black students. This demographic mix reflects the university's Long Island location and commitment to serving first-generation college students. The retention rate of 83.05% suggests students find a supportive community despite the diversity of backgrounds.