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98.2%Acceptance
$39,410Tuition
931Students
56%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$52,015Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Chestnut Hill College

Chestnut Hill College attracts students seeking personalized attention in a Catholic liberal arts environment. With just 931 students, the school has built its reputation around strong education and nursing programs that prepare graduates for service-oriented careers. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name, not just ID number. This small Philadelphia college draws primarily from Pennsylvania, with 67% of students staying in-state for their education.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $29,944 after aid, but graduates earn a median of $52,015 ten years after graduation. Most students borrow money, with typical debt loads reaching $26,389 and monthly payments of $280. The college accepts 98% of applicants, making admission accessible but graduation more challenging. Only 56% of students complete their degree within six years, suggesting academic rigor or financial pressures derail some students.

The student body reflects Philadelphia's diversity, with 30% white students and 30% Black students creating a multicultural campus environment. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic need among the student population. The Griffins compete in 16 Division II sports, offering athletic opportunities for 356 student-athletes across various programs.

Academics & Faculty

Chestnut Hill College built its reputation as a small Catholic liberal arts institution with particularly strong education and nursing programs that prepare students for service-oriented careers. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally and provide individualized attention. However, the 56% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees despite this close support. The college's liberal arts foundation means students explore diverse subjects before specializing, fostering critical thinking and communication skills valued by employers. Education majors benefit from extensive field experience in Philadelphia schools, while nursing students train in state-of-the-art simulation labs before clinical rotations.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Full-Time Faculty
31.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
59.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
56.1%
Retention Rate
66.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$52,015
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Special Education and Teaching. Master $50,022
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Bachelor $48,041
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Master $47,781
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $46,478
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $43,240
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. Doctoral $42,682
Human Services, General. Master $40,896
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. Master $39,369
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Bachelor $37,568
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $32,925

View all 68 programs →

Campus Life

Chestnut Hill sits in northwest Philadelphia, giving students access to a major city while maintaining a quiet, tree-lined campus feel. With housing capacity for 478 students and total enrollment of 931, about half the student body lives on campus. Philadelphia winters require a good coat, with snow common from December through March, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for walking the compact campus.

The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress personally. With 57.89% women and strong diversity (29.97% Black students, 13.21% Hispanic), the campus reflects Philadelphia's multicultural character. Weekend life centers around the 16 varsity sports teams, with many of the 356 student-athletes competing in NCAA Division II. Students often venture into Philadelphia proper for internships, cultural events, or just city exploration. The Catholic identity shapes campus life through service opportunities and community values, though the 98.19% acceptance rate means the college welcomes students from many backgrounds and faith traditions.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
478 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
22°–41°F
July Avg
66°–88°F
Annual Precipitation
50.7"
Annual Snowfall
25.3"

Student Demographics

Students at Chestnut Hill College reflect Philadelphia's diverse population, with the student body evenly split between Black and white students. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the Catholic institution's commitment to serving working-class families. The 58% female enrollment aligns with the college's strength in education and nursing programs, which traditionally attract more women. Two-thirds of students come from Pennsylvania, indicating strong ties to the local community. This demographic mix supports the college's mission of providing accessible Catholic education to first-generation college students from the greater Philadelphia area.
Men
42.1%
Women
57.9%
White
30.2%
Black
30.0%
Hispanic
13.2%
Asian
1.8%
In-State Students
67.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
47.3%

Location

Chestnut Hill College sits in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, placing students directly in America's fifth-largest city. The campus occupies the Chestnut Hill neighborhood, known for its tree-lined streets and historic architecture about 20 minutes from Center City. Philadelphia offers 1.5 million residents access to strong museums, professional sports teams, and countless internship opportunities. The city's rich history includes Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell just miles from campus. Students can easily reach New York City in under two hours by train. The Northeast Corridor provides quick access to Washington D.C. and Boston for weekend trips or job opportunities. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Chestnut Hill College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19118-2693
CHChalls
CHChalls

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$52,015
Median Earnings (5 years)
$53,896
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$33,800
Loan Repayment Rate
46.7%
Monthly Loan Payment
$280/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,389

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Chestnut Hill College?

Chestnut Hill College accepts 98.19% of applicants, making it accessible to nearly all students who apply. The school focuses on providing opportunities for students who might benefit from a supportive Catholic liberal arts environment rather than maintaining highly selective admission standards.

How much does Chestnut Hill College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $29,944 annually after aid, less than the full tuition of $39,410. About 47% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many students from lower-income families who benefit from substantial financial assistance.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Chestnut Hill College?

The student-faculty ratio is 10:1, allowing for small classes and personalized attention from professors. With just 931 total students, this Catholic liberal arts college maintains an intimate academic environment where students can develop close relationships with faculty.

What are the graduation rates at Chestnut Hill College?

The four-year graduation rate is 59.32%, while the six-year rate reaches 56.10%. Alumni earn a median salary of $52,015 ten years after graduation, reflecting the school's emphasis on practical programs like education and nursing that lead to stable careers.

Where do students live at Chestnut Hill College?

Campus housing accommodates 478 students, representing about half of the total enrollment of 931. The retention rate of 66.67% suggests that while some students find their fit at this small Catholic college, others may transfer to larger institutions or different academic environments.

Does Chestnut Hill College have strong athletics programs?

The Griffins compete in NCAA Division II with 16 varsity sports and 356 total athletes. The college awards $1,611,173 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating significant investment in sports programs that complement the school's academic mission as a Catholic liberal arts institution.