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66.4%Acceptance
$39,450Tuition
1,437Students
59%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$53,843Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Caldwell University

Caldwell University built its reputation on close-knit Catholic education and hands-on professional training. The 1,437 students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention in nursing, business, and education programs. This suburban New Jersey campus attracts students who want the intimacy of a small university with the diversity of the greater New York metropolitan area.

The financial picture reveals a school working hard to stay accessible. Students pay an average net price of $21,188 after aid, well below the $39,450 sticker price. Graduates typically earn $53,843 ten years after graduation, making the median debt load of $25,000 manageable with monthly payments of $265. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving working-class families.

The student body brings remarkable diversity to this small Catholic campus. Hispanic students make up 30.62% of enrollment, while Black students represent 18.30%. The Cougars compete in NCAA Division II with 280 student-athletes across 12 sports. With a 72.97% retention rate and 90.56% of students staying in-state, Caldwell serves as an anchor for New Jersey families seeking quality Catholic education close to home.

Academics & Faculty

Caldwell University built its reputation around professional programs that prepare students for immediate career success. The school excels in nursing, business, and education, drawing students who want hands-on training in high-demand fields. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and provide personalized guidance through challenging coursework. The 63.54% four-year graduation rate reflects the university's Catholic mission of supporting students through completion. Small class sizes mean nursing students get extensive clinical experience and education majors receive individual mentoring during student teaching. Business programs emphasize practical skills and internship opportunities in the New York metropolitan area.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
63.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
58.7%
Retention Rate
73.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$53,843
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $72,134
Special Education and Teaching. Master $59,124
Curriculum and Instruction. Master $55,512
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $55,286
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. Master $48,041
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $47,260
English Language and Literature, General. Bachelor $40,485
Social Sciences, General. Bachelor $38,289
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Bachelor $37,568
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $37,568

View all 64 programs →

Campus Life

Caldwell University sits 20 miles west of Manhattan in suburban New Jersey, close enough for weekend trips to the city but far enough to maintain a quiet campus atmosphere. With just 1,437 students enrolled, you'll recognize faces across the 70-acre campus. About 42% of students live in on-campus housing, creating a tight-knit residential community where the 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name.

The diverse student body reflects the surrounding area, with 30.62% Hispanic students and 18.30% Black students contributing to a multicultural campus environment. New Jersey winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while humid summers call for lighter clothing. Students often head to nearby parks for outdoor activities or take advantage of the proximity to New York City for internships and entertainment. The Catholic identity shapes campus life through service opportunities and community values, though the 66.37% acceptance rate attracts students from various backgrounds seeking small-school personal attention.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
607 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1939

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Domestic Violence 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–37°F
July Avg
63°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
0.0"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Caldwell draws primarily local students, with 91% coming from New Jersey. The student body reflects the university's Catholic mission of serving diverse communities, with significant Hispanic and Black enrollment alongside white students. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to making education accessible to working-class families. Women outnumber men by a 60-40 margin, largely due to strong nursing and education programs that traditionally attract female students. This mix creates a tight-knit campus where first-generation college students often find mentorship and support.
Men
40.6%
Women
59.4%
White
23.0%
Black
18.3%
Hispanic
30.6%
Asian
3.6%
In-State Students
90.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
45.9%

Location

Caldwell University sits in Caldwell, New Jersey, just 20 miles west of Manhattan. The campus occupies 70 acres in a suburban setting that balances small-town feel with big-city access. Students can reach New York City by train in under an hour, making internships and cultural opportunities readily available. The surrounding area offers typical suburban amenities without the intensity of urban living. Nearly 91% of students come from within New Jersey, reflecting the school's strong regional appeal. The location provides a quiet study environment while keeping major metropolitan resources within reach. Students considering colleges in New Jersey may also compare Caldwell University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Caldwell, New Jersey 07006-6195

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$53,843
Median Earnings (5 years)
$56,473
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$36,100
Loan Repayment Rate
52.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Caldwell University?

Caldwell University accepts 66.37% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1010 and 1320 on the SAT. This Catholic university in New Jersey draws heavily from the tri-state area for its diverse student body.

How much does Caldwell University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,188 annually after aid, less than the $39,450 sticker price. Nearly 46% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving middle and lower-income families. Graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt, which translates to monthly payments of $265.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Caldwell University?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 13:1 among the 1,437 enrolled students. This small Catholic university emphasizes personalized attention in its strong nursing, business, and education programs. The intimate class sizes help explain the school's focus on practical, career-oriented learning.

What are the graduation outcomes at Caldwell University?

The four-year graduation rate reaches 63.54%, while 58.70% complete their degrees within six years. Graduates earn a median salary of $53,843 ten years after enrollment, with a strong 93.2% employment rate. The school's career-focused programs help students transition successfully into the workforce.

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

The campus sits in suburban Caldwell, New Jersey, housing 607 students in on-campus facilities. With 280 student athletes competing in 12 NCAA Division II sports as the Cougars, athletics play a notable role in campus culture. The student body is 59.43% female and diverse, with significant Hispanic and Black populations.

Does Caldwell University serve a diverse student population?

The student body is remarkably diverse, with 30.62% Hispanic students, 18.30% Black students, and only 23.03% White students. This diversity reflects the school's location in the New York metropolitan area, with 90.56% of students coming from New Jersey. The Catholic university has built a reputation for welcoming students from varied backgrounds since its founding in 1939.