Cheyney University of Pennsylvania: $10,904 Tuition

$10,904Tuition

721Students

16%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,837Earnings

Public4-yearLiberal ArtsData: 2023-24HBCU

About Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

Cheyney University carries the profound distinction of being America's oldest historically black institution of higher education, founded in 1837. This public HBCU serves 721 students in a rural setting outside Philadelphia. The university has weathered significant challenges in recent decades while maintaining its commitment to educating students who might not otherwise access higher education. Women make up 66% of the student body, and 86% of students are Black.

The financial picture tells a complex story. Students pay an average net price of $9,837 after aid, with those from families earning under $48,000 paying even less. However, graduates face serious earnings challenges, with median income just $37,837 ten years after graduation. Students typically graduate with $21,785 in debt and monthly loan payments of $231. Only 22% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans, suggesting financial strain for many alumni.

Academic outcomes present the university's greatest challenge. Just 16% of students graduate within six years, and the retention rate sits at 68%. These low completion rates, combined with modest post-graduation earnings, raise questions about whether students are getting the support they need to succeed. The university operates five varsity sports programs with 42 total athletes.

Academics & Faculty

Cheyney University holds the distinction of being America's oldest historically black institution of higher education, tracing its roots to 1837. The university operates as a full institution offering undergraduate programs across liberal arts, sciences, and professional fields. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention from professors. However, the academic environment presents significant challenges, as reflected in the 16% six-year graduation rate and 68% freshman retention rate. Cheyney is particularly known for its teacher education programs and social work, continuing its historical mission of preparing African American educators and community leaders. The university serves a predominantly Black student body, with 86% of its 721 students identifying as African American.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 50.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 15.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 16.2%
Retention Rate: 68.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,837
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$35,060
Sociology.	Bachelor	$33,138

View all 31 programs →

Campus Life

Cheyney sits in rural southeastern Pennsylvania, about 25 miles west of Philadelphia. Winter coats are essential from December through March, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for the tree-lined campus. With housing capacity at 772 students and total enrollment at 721, nearly every student can live on campus if they choose. The small size creates an intimate atmosphere where the 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name.

Weekend life revolves around campus activities and trips to nearby West Chester or Philadelphia. With only 42 student athletes across 5 varsity sports, the Wolves don't dominate campus culture like at larger schools. Instead, students gather for cultural events celebrating the university's distinction as America's oldest HBCU, founded in 1837. The predominantly Black student body (85.85%) creates a close-knit community where 68.23% of students return for their sophomore year. Many students come from Pennsylvania (83.49%), contributing to the family-like atmosphere that defines daily life at this historic institution.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 772 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1837

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Rape	1	1
Domestic Violence	1	0
Stalking	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 19°–39°F
July Avg: 63°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.9"
Annual Snowfall: 30.5"

Student Demographics

The student body of 721 reflects Cheyney's role as Pennsylvania's flagship HBCU, with 85.85% Black enrollment and 83.49% in-state students. The strong local draw stems from its historic mission to educate African American students in the region. Women make up two-thirds of enrollment, aligning with the university's emphasis on education and social work programs. With 41.03% receiving Pell Grants, Cheyney continues serving first-generation college students and families seeking affordable higher education within Pennsylvania's state system.

Men: 33.7%
Women: 66.3%
White: 1.0%
Black: 85.9%
Hispanic: 2.5%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 83.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 41.0%

Location

Cheyney sits in rural southeastern Pennsylvania, about 25 miles west of Philadelphia. The campus occupies 275 acres in Chester County's rolling farmland and wooded hills. With just 721 students, the university creates an intimate atmosphere in this small community setting. The rural-fringe location offers a peaceful environment for studying while maintaining access to Philadelphia's internship and job opportunities. The area blends historic Pennsylvania charm with easy highway access to major metropolitan areas. Housing capacity of 772 beds means most students can live on campus in this close-knit environment. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Cheyney University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Cheyney, Pennsylvania 19319-0200

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,837
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,530
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $23,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 21.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $231/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,785

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body like at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania?

Cheyney enrolls 721 students, with women making up 66.30% of the student body. As America's oldest historically black institution of higher education, the university serves a predominantly African American student population (85.85%) with 83.49% of students coming from Pennsylvania.

How much does Cheyney University of Pennsylvania cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,837 after aid, with families earning under $75,000 paying even less. The university keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition at $10,904 and total attendance costs of $22,020 including room and board.

What are the graduation rates at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania?

Cheyney has a 16.20% six-year graduation rate and retains 68.23% of first-year students. Despite these challenges, 93.9% of graduates find employment, earning a median salary of $37,837 ten years after graduation.

What is the academic environment like at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania?

Classes are small with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention. Founded in 1837, Cheyney carries deep historical significance as the first HBCU and maintains its commitment to education access with 41.03% of students receiving Pell Grants.

Where is Cheyney University of Pennsylvania located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in rural Cheyney, Pennsylvania, with housing capacity for 772 students. Athletic programs are limited with just 5 varsity sports and 42 total athletes competing as the Wolves, reflecting the university's intimate scale.

Is Cheyney University of Pennsylvania affordable for low-income students?

Families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of just $10,536, while those earning $30,000-$48,000 pay even less at $8,962. Graduates leave with a median debt of $21,785 and monthly loan payments of $231, though the loan repayment rate is challenging at 21.78%.