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66.3%Acceptance
$43,810Tuition
1,252Students
66%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$52,410Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Chatham University

Chatham University built its reputation as a women's college before going coed in 2015, and that progressive spirit still defines campus culture today. The university enrolls 1,252 students in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood, where the historic Mellon mansion serves as the centerpiece of a tree-lined campus. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and professors know students by name. The school draws 68% of its students from Pennsylvania, creating a tight-knit community that values collaboration over competition.

Students pay an average net price of $25,717 after aid, making Chatham more affordable than many private universities. Graduates earn a median of $52,410 ten years after graduation, though they typically leave with $23,250 in debt. The monthly loan payment of $246 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. About 29% of students receive institutional grants averaging $27,330, helping bridge the gap between the $43,810 sticker price and what families can afford.

The student body remains 69% female, reflecting the university's historical roots and continued strength in fields like health sciences and education. With 22 varsity sports and 371 total athletes, nearly 30% of students compete at the NCAA Division III level. The 67% graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish, but the 96% employment rate shows strong career outcomes for those who do.

Academics & Faculty

Chatham University built its reputation as a women's college before going coeducational, maintaining strong programs in health sciences, environmental studies, and liberal arts. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally. With 66% of students graduating within four years, the small class sizes clearly help students stay on track. The university's sustainability focus permeates academics, from its well-known environmental science program to its status as one of the first universities to achieve carbon neutrality. Healthcare programs, particularly nursing and occupational therapy, draw students seeking hands-on clinical experience. The median earnings of $52,410 ten years after graduation reflect graduates' success in competitive fields.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
67.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
66.2%
Retention Rate
78.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$52,410
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Doctoral $126,504
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Master $91,744
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Doctoral $71,930
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $67,180
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $58,221
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Master $57,110
Accounting and Related Services. Master $48,432
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. Master $37,720
Biology, General. Master $35,982
Psychology, General. Master $34,526

View all 89 programs →

Campus Life

Chatham's 39-acre campus sits in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood, just minutes from downtown and the Strip District. You'll need a solid winter coat for Pittsburgh's snowy winters, though spring and fall offer perfect weather for walking between the Gothic Revival buildings. About 60% of students live on campus in residence halls that house 757 students total.

The small size means you'll recognize faces across the quad. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know your name and academic goals. Women make up 69% of the student body, creating a community known for collaboration over competition. The sustainability program draws environmentally minded students who organize campus gardens and recycling initiatives.

Weekends often mean exploring Pittsburgh's neighborhoods, catching Pirates games, or attending campus events in the historic Mellon Hall. The Presidents' Athletic Conference keeps 371 student-athletes busy with 22 varsity sports. Students frequently volunteer in Pittsburgh's diverse communities, building connections beyond campus. The urban setting provides internships and job opportunities, contributing to the strong 95.6% employment rate after graduation.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
757 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1869

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Fondling 3 2 0 0
Stalking 3 1 0 0
Rape 2 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
21°–37°F
July Avg
64°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
40.6"
Annual Snowfall
25.0"

Student Demographics

Chatham draws students who value small classes and personal attention, with its 10:1 student-faculty ratio creating an intimate academic environment. The student body is 69% female, reflecting the university's historical roots as a women's college and its strong programs in health sciences, education, and social work. Most students come from Pennsylvania and surrounding states, attracted by Chatham's reputation for sustainability leadership and career-focused programs. The 21% Pell Grant rate shows the school serves middle-class families seeking practical degrees that lead to stable employment in healthcare and education fields.
Men
31.2%
Women
68.8%
White
75.1%
Black
7.7%
Hispanic
5.8%
Asian
3.8%
In-State Students
68.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
21.1%

Location

Chatham University sits in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a major city of 300,000 people known for its steel industry heritage and three rivers. The campus occupies a historic neighborhood just minutes from downtown's cultural district and professional sports venues. Pittsburgh combines urban amenities with affordable living costs compared to coastal cities. The region offers internship opportunities in healthcare, technology, and finance sectors that have replaced traditional manufacturing. Students have access to major museums, professional theater, and a thriving food scene. The city's college-friendly atmosphere comes from hosting over 100,000 students across multiple universities. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Chatham University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15232

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$52,410
Median Earnings (5 years)
$59,327
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$35,700
Loan Repayment Rate
60.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$246/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Chatham University?

Chatham accepts 66.33% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The historic women's college, which went coed in 2015, attracts students with an average SAT score of 1165 who are drawn to its small class sizes and strong programs in health sciences and sustainability.

How much does Chatham University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $25,717 after aid, less than the full tuition of $43,810. The university provides institutional grants averaging $27,330 to 29.15% of students, helping make this Pittsburgh institution more affordable than its sticker price suggests.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Chatham University?

Chatham maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,252 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows the university to offer personalized attention in programs ranging from occupational therapy to creative writing, building on its tradition as a close-knit academic community.

What do Chatham University graduates earn after college?

Alumni earn a median salary of $52,410 ten years after graduation, with strong employment outcomes showing a 95.6% job placement rate. The university's focus on experiential learning and internships in Pittsburgh's growing tech and healthcare sectors helps prepare students for career success.

Where do most Chatham University students come from?

About 68.08% of students are Pennsylvania residents, with the student body being 68.77% women. The university's Shadyside campus attracts students who want the benefits of a major city while attending a small college known for its environmental leadership and historic Gothic architecture.

Does Chatham University have a strong sustainability program?

Chatham is nationally recognized as a leader in sustainability education and was among the first universities to achieve carbon neutrality. The Eden Hall Campus, a 388-acre sustainable living laboratory, houses the Falk School of Sustainability and Environment where students study renewable energy and environmental solutions.