Clarks Summit University: 65.2% Acceptance Rate

65.2%Acceptance

$32,400Tuition

331Students

54%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,818Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Baptist

About Clarks Summit University

This small Christian liberal arts university in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains region serves just 331 students. The Baptist-affiliated school emphasizes biblical integration across all academic programs. Students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships. The suburban campus draws students from across the region, with 45% coming from Pennsylvania.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $21,873 after aid, below the $32,400 sticker price. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating substantial need-based aid. However, graduates earn a median of $38,818 ten years after graduation, creating potential challenges for debt repayment. Monthly loan payments average $191, though 73% of borrowers successfully repay their loans. The employment rate reaches 94.5%, suggesting strong job placement despite modest earnings.

Retention tells an important story about student satisfaction. Only 63% of freshmen return for sophomore year, and just 54% complete their degree within six years. The student body is predominantly white at 80%, with growing Hispanic enrollment at 8%. Campus housing accommodates 558 students, creating a residential community atmosphere despite the university's small size.

Academics & Faculty

Clarks Summit University operates as a Christian liberal arts institution where faith integration shapes every academic discipline. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and can provide mentoring that extends beyond coursework. With 331 total students, classes remain intimate and discussion-focused rather than lecture-heavy. The university emphasizes biblical studies, education, and ministry preparation as core academic strengths. However, the 54% six-year graduation rate suggests students face challenges completing their degrees on time. The Christian liberal arts model means students take courses in theology alongside their major requirements. Faculty often serve as spiritual mentors as well as academic advisors. This approach appeals to students seeking both intellectual growth and faith development in a close-knit community setting.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 59.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 54.2%
Retention Rate: 62.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,818
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Theological and Ministerial Studies.	Master	$58,673
Bible/Biblical Studies.	Master	$46,321
Theological and Ministerial Studies.	Bachelor	$42,682
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$26,353
Bible/Biblical Studies.	Bachelor	$25,709

View all 40 programs →

Campus Life

This small Baptist university sits in the Pocono Mountains region, about 10 miles north of Scranton. With just 331 students enrolled, you'll know most of your classmates by name. The campus houses 558 students, meaning nearly everyone lives on campus and forms tight-knit residential communities. Pennsylvania winters demand heavy coats and snow boots, while mild summers make outdoor activities popular.

The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic goals personally. Chapel attendance is part of the weekly rhythm, reflecting the university's Baptist foundation. Students often gather in residence halls for Bible studies and prayer groups. Weekend activities center around campus events, outdoor recreation in the surrounding mountains, and trips to nearby Scranton for shopping or dining. The close-knit community means campus traditions like homecoming and spiritual emphasis weeks draw nearly universal participation. With 80% of students identifying as white and strong Christian values shaping daily life, the culture appeals to students seeking faith-integrated education in a family-like environment.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 558 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–35°F
July Avg: 62°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 38.7"
Annual Snowfall: 45.1"

Student Demographics

Clarks Summit draws a tight-knit community of 331 students who value Christian education in a small-town setting. The student body splits almost evenly between Pennsylvania residents and those from other states, reflecting both local Baptist church connections and the university's broader evangelical appeal. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to making Christian higher education accessible to working-class families. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students personally. White students comprise the majority at 80%, though the campus includes growing Hispanic and Black populations.

Men: 50.8%
Women: 49.2%
White: 80.1%
Black: 5.1%
Hispanic: 8.2%
Asian: 1.8%
In-State Students: 45.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 48.5%

Location

Clarks Summit sits in northeastern Pennsylvania, just 10 miles north of Scranton. The suburban setting houses 331 students in a region known for its rolling hills and proximity to both New York City and Philadelphia. The Pocono Mountains provide outdoor recreation opportunities within driving distance. This part of Pennsylvania blends small-town character with access to larger metropolitan areas. Nearly 55% of students come from out of state, drawn to the Baptist university's intimate campus atmosphere. The surrounding area offers typical suburban amenities while maintaining a quiet, residential feel that complements the school's close-knit community of fewer than 350 students. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Clarks Summit University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania 18411-1250

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,818
Median Earnings (5 years): $40,211
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 72.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $191/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $18,034

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Clarks Summit University?

Clarks Summit University accepts 65.20% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. This Baptist Christian university draws students seeking a faith-based liberal arts education in Pennsylvania's suburbs.

How much does Clarks Summit University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Clarks Summit University is $21,873, lower than the $32,400 sticker price. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, and the school offers institutional grants averaging $19,782 to help make Christian education more accessible.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Clarks Summit University?

Clarks Summit University maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 331 total students enrolled. This intimate learning environment allows for personalized attention and close mentoring relationships that are hallmarks of small Christian colleges.

What are the job prospects for Clarks Summit University graduates?

Graduates achieve a 94.5% employment rate, though median earnings of $38,818 ten years after graduation reflect the university's focus on ministry and service-oriented careers. The 54.20% six-year graduation rate is typical for small Christian institutions where students often balance academic and spiritual formation.

Where is Clarks Summit University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in the large suburban setting of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, with housing capacity for 558 students. The retention rate of 62.90% suggests students appreciate the close-knit Baptist community atmosphere, though some may find the small size limiting.

How diverse is the student body at Clarks Summit University?

The student population is 80.06% white with growing Hispanic representation at 8.16% and Black students comprising 5.14%. With 45.16% of students coming from Pennsylvania, the university draws heavily from the regional Baptist community while maintaining an even gender split of roughly 50-50.