About DeSales University
DeSales University centers around the Catholic mission of helping students grow both academically and spiritually. This small college in Center Valley, Pennsylvania serves 2,113 students in a suburban setting about an hour north of Philadelphia. The school builds on the educational philosophy of St. Francis de Sales, emphasizing personalized attention with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. Students here tend to value close relationships with professors and a campus community where everyone knows your name. The university particularly draws students interested in health sciences, business, and liberal arts programs within a faith-based environment.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a private Catholic school. While the sticker price hits $44,800 for tuition, most students pay far less through financial aid. The average student pays $30,465 after aid, and families earning under $30,000 pay just $22,193. Graduates earn a median of $61,295 ten years after graduation, which helps justify the typical debt load of $25,788. With monthly loan payments around $273, most graduates can manage their debt while building careers.
The student body skews heavily female at 64.65% women, creating a campus culture that many describe as collaborative rather than competitive. About 350 students compete in 17 Division III sports as the Bulldogs, though athletic scholarships aren't available. The 71% six-year graduation rate reflects the close-knit support system that helps students finish their degrees.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a private Catholic school. While the sticker price hits $44,800 for tuition, most students pay far less through financial aid. The average student pays $30,465 after aid, and families earning under $30,000 pay just $22,193. Graduates earn a median of $61,295 ten years after graduation, which helps justify the typical debt load of $25,788. With monthly loan payments around $273, most graduates can manage their debt while building careers.
The student body skews heavily female at 64.65% women, creating a campus culture that many describe as collaborative rather than competitive. About 350 students compete in 17 Division III sports as the Bulldogs, though athletic scholarships aren't available. The 71% six-year graduation rate reflects the close-knit support system that helps students finish their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
DeSales University builds its academics around a Catholic liberal arts foundation with particularly strong programs in nursing, business, and theater arts. The school's 11:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know your name and can provide individual guidance. With 69% of students graduating in four years and 71% within six years, the personal attention clearly helps students stay on track. The university is especially known for its nursing program, which has excellent clinical partnerships in the Lehigh Valley, and its theater department, which attracts students from across the region. Most classes have fewer than 20 students, creating a collaborative environment where discussion and participation are expected rather than optional.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 37.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 69.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 71.0%
- Retention Rate
- 80.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $61,295
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $104,510 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $99,251 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $79,284 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,852 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $58,673 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $52,107 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $51,392 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $50,231 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
Campus Life
DeSales sits in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, about 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City. You'll need a good winter coat here since Pennsylvania winters bring snow and temperatures that regularly drop below freezing. The campus houses 1,160 students, which means about 55% of the 2,113 enrolled students live on campus.
With 64.65% women and 35.35% men, the student body skews female, partly because of strong programs in nursing and education. The Catholic identity shapes campus life but doesn't dominate it. Students often head to nearby Allentown for restaurants and shopping, or make weekend trips to Philadelphia when they want big city energy. On campus weekends revolve around the 17 varsity sports teams (350 total athletes compete in Division III), intramural games, and residence hall activities. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the small size means you'll recognize most faces walking across campus. Many students say it feels like a close community where making friends happens naturally.
With 64.65% women and 35.35% men, the student body skews female, partly because of strong programs in nursing and education. The Catholic identity shapes campus life but doesn't dominate it. Students often head to nearby Allentown for restaurants and shopping, or make weekend trips to Philadelphia when they want big city energy. On campus weekends revolve around the 17 varsity sports teams (350 total athletes compete in Division III), intramural games, and residence hall activities. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the small size means you'll recognize most faces walking across campus. Many students say it feels like a close community where making friends happens naturally.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,160 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1964
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–36°F
- July Avg
- 62°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 53.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 41.1"
Student Demographics
DeSales draws heavily from Pennsylvania and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic region, with 67% of students coming from in-state. The student body leans heavily female at nearly two-thirds women, reflecting the university's strong programs in nursing, education, and business fields that traditionally attract more women. As a Catholic institution founded by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, the school attracts students seeking a faith-based education with personal attention. The diverse mix includes significant Hispanic and Black populations, showing the university's commitment to serving students from different backgrounds in the Lehigh Valley area.
- Men
- 35.4%
- Women
- 64.7%
- White
- 70.4%
- Black
- 5.7%
- Hispanic
- 14.6%
- Asian
- 4.9%
- In-State Students
- 67.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.9%
Location
DeSales University sits in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, about 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City. The campus occupies 480 acres in the Lehigh Valley, a growing suburban region between Allentown and Bethlehem. This area blends small-town charm with easy access to major cities, making it popular with families and businesses. The Lehigh Valley offers shopping centers, restaurants, and outdoor activities in nearby state parks, while students can reach Philadelphia or New York for internships and cultural events in under two hours by car. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare DeSales University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Center Valley, Pennsylvania 18034-9568
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $61,295
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $64,490
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 71.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $273/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,788
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at DeSales University?
DeSales University admits 77% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1100-1280 on the SAT with an average of 1190.
How much does DeSales University cost after financial aid?
The average student pays $30,465 annually after aid at this Catholic university. About 64% of students take federal loans, graduating with a median debt of $25,788.
What is the student-faculty ratio at DeSales University?
DeSales maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio across its 2,113 students. The university is known for its strong business and health science programs with personalized attention in small classes.
How do DeSales University graduates perform in the job market?
DeSales graduates earn a median salary of $61,295 ten years after graduation with a 97% employment rate. The 71% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's focus on practical, career-oriented education.
Where is DeSales University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, housing 1,160 students in a large suburban setting. About 35% of students are men and 65% are women, with 67% coming from Pennsylvania.
Does DeSales University offer athletic scholarships?
DeSales competes in NCAA Division III and offers no athletic scholarships, as is standard for D-III schools. The Bulldogs field 17 varsity sports with 350 student-athletes across all programs.
