About Chatham University
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
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
| Program | Level | Median 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 |
Campus Life
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
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public 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
- 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
- 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.