About Cedar Crest College
Students pay an average net price of $22,909 after financial aid, less than the $44,934 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $59,460 ten years after college, which provides solid returns on the investment. With typical debt loads of $27,000 and monthly payments of $286, most graduates can manage their loans while building careers in their chosen fields.
The student body is 93% women, reflecting the college's mission as a women's institution. Small classes with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensure personal attention from professors. The campus houses 440 students in residential facilities that foster close friendships. Cedar Crest competes in 11 Division III sports as the Falcons, giving student-athletes opportunities to continue playing while focusing on academics. The 77% retention rate suggests most students find the supportive community they're seeking.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 47.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 60.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 58.2%
- Retention Rate
- 76.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,460
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $64,406 |
| Education, General. | Master | $46,869 |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. | Certificate | $45,696 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,021 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $33,565 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $29,141 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,443 |
Campus Life
Only 440 students can live on campus, so about half commute from the surrounding Lehigh Valley area. Pennsylvania's four-season climate means packing both winter coats for snowy January mornings and shorts for warm September afternoons. The campus features historic stone buildings mixed with modern science facilities that support the college's well-known nursing and pre-med programs.
Weekends often center around the close-knit residential community and nearby Muhlenberg College for social events. Students frequently explore Allentown's growing arts district or take weekend trips to Philadelphia museums and concerts. The strong alumni network in healthcare and social work creates mentorship opportunities that extend well beyond graduation. Study groups are common given the collaborative academic culture that defines this women's college experience.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 440 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–38°F
- July Avg
- 64°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 33.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 7.4%
- Women
- 92.7%
- White
- 49.6%
- Black
- 9.2%
- Hispanic
- 17.2%
- Asian
- 3.0%
- In-State Students
- 72.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 38.6%
Location
- Address
- Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104-6196
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,460
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $62,081
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 55.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Cedar Crest College?
Cedar Crest College accepts 84.25% of applicants, making it accessible for most qualified students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 980-1230 on the SAT. This women's college focuses on creating a supportive environment for students pursuing nursing, social work, and science programs.
How much does Cedar Crest College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $22,909 annually, less than the full tuition of $44,934. Families earning less than $30,000 pay only $19,765 on average. Cedar Crest provides substantial institutional grants averaging $30,926 to nearly 20% of students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Cedar Crest College?
Cedar Crest maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 857 total students. This small size allows for personalized attention in the college's signature programs like nursing and social work. The intimate setting helps explain the college's reputation for mentoring women in traditionally male-dominated STEM fields.
What are the career outcomes for Cedar Crest College graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $59,460 ten years after graduation with a 96.7% employment rate. The typical graduate leaves with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286. Cedar Crest's focus on practical fields like nursing and social work contributes to strong job placement rates.
Where is Cedar Crest College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Allentown, Pennsylvania, housing 440 students on campus out of 857 total enrollment. With 76.69% of students returning each year, the campus creates a close-knit community atmosphere. The Falcons compete in 11 NCAA Division III sports with 128 student-athletes participating.
Is Cedar Crest College a women's college?
Yes, Cedar Crest is a women's college with 92.65% female students and only 7.35% male students. The college has historically focused on helping women in fields like science and healthcare. This single-gender environment allows Cedar Crest to tailor its nursing and STEM programs specifically for women's educational needs.
