About College of Our Lady of the Elms
Students pay an average net price of $21,436 after financial aid, making this Catholic education more accessible than the sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,540 ten years after graduation, with typical monthly loan payments of $265 on $25,000 in debt. The 96.7% employment rate shows employers value Elms graduates, though the financial return requires careful consideration given the debt load.
Women make up 71.29% of the student body, reflecting the college's historical roots and continued strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like nursing and education. The campus houses 402 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community where 76.22% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Athletes compete in 16 NCAA Division III sports, with 222 students balancing academics and athletics without athletic scholarships.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 36.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 69.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 64.7%
- Retention Rate
- 76.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,540
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Master | $82,440 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,410 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $46,790 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,250 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Bachelor | $23,456 |
Campus Life
Women make up 71% of students, reflecting the college's founding by the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1928. The strong Catholic identity shapes campus culture through service learning and social justice initiatives. Students bundle up for New England winters and enjoy mild springs along the Connecticut River valley. With 16 Division III sports teams and 222 student-athletes, games draw decent crowds despite the small size.
Weekends often center around Springfield for shopping and dining, since Chicopee itself is a quiet working-class city. The 78% in-state enrollment means many students go home on weekends, creating a commuter feel. Campus programming works to build community among the students who stay, often organizing trips to nearby colleges or cultural events in the Pioneer Valley.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 402 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–34°F
- July Avg
- 60°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 51.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 28.7%
- Women
- 71.3%
- White
- 45.9%
- Black
- 12.8%
- Hispanic
- 26.5%
- Asian
- 2.4%
- In-State Students
- 78.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 41.8%
Location
- Address
- Chicopee, Massachusetts 01013
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,540
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $67,610
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $45,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at College of Our Lady of the Elms?
College of Our Lady of the Elms accepts 91% of applicants, making admission highly accessible for most students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1070 and 1300 on the SAT. This Catholic liberal arts college founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph focuses on creating an inclusive community rather than exclusivity.
How much does College of Our Lady of the Elms cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $21,436 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $58,711. About 42% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving middle and lower-income families. Graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $265.
What is the student-faculty ratio at College of Our Lady of the Elms?
The college maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 951 total students enrolled. This small size allows for personalized attention in programs like nursing and education, which the school is particularly known for. The intimate Catholic liberal arts environment emphasizes close mentoring relationships between professors and students.
What are the career outcomes for College of Our Lady of the Elms graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $51,540 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 97% employment rate. The 65% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's focus on supporting students through completion. Many alumni enter healthcare and education fields, building on the college's strong nursing and teaching programs.
Where do students live at College of Our Lady of the Elms?
The college houses 402 students on campus, creating a close-knit residential community in suburban Chicopee, Massachusetts. With 78% of students coming from in-state, the campus feels like an extended Massachusetts family. The small size means most students know each other and build lasting friendships during their time there.
What makes College of Our Lady of the Elms unique as a women's college?
Women make up 71% of the student body, reflecting the college's historical mission as a women's institution founded by Catholic sisters. The student population is diverse, with 46% white students, 27% Hispanic, and 13% Black students. This diversity combined with Catholic values creates a supportive environment where women can develop leadership skills in their chosen fields.
