About Eastern University
Eastern University draws students seeking a Christian education that emphasizes social justice and global engagement. The American Baptist institution enrolls 1,978 students on its suburban Philadelphia campus. The university has built a reputation for combining faith with action, particularly through its programs in social work, education, and international development. Students often participate in urban ministry and community service initiatives that reflect the school's mission to transform lives and communities.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students typically pay $25,885 after aid, less than the $52,012 sticker price. However, graduates earn a median of $51,655 ten years after graduation, which may make the $25,000 in typical debt challenging to manage. Monthly loan payments average $265, and only 56.64% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.
The student body reflects the university's urban mission, with 28.21% Black students and 15.17% Hispanic students creating meaningful diversity. Women make up 60.47% of enrollment. The Eagles compete in 18 Division III sports with 536 total athletes. However, the 56% six-year graduation rate and 70.59% retention rate suggest some students struggle to complete their degrees, which prospective students should factor into their decision.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students typically pay $25,885 after aid, less than the $52,012 sticker price. However, graduates earn a median of $51,655 ten years after graduation, which may make the $25,000 in typical debt challenging to manage. Monthly loan payments average $265, and only 56.64% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.
The student body reflects the university's urban mission, with 28.21% Black students and 15.17% Hispanic students creating meaningful diversity. Women make up 60.47% of enrollment. The Eagles compete in 18 Division III sports with 536 total athletes. However, the 56% six-year graduation rate and 70.59% retention rate suggest some students struggle to complete their degrees, which prospective students should factor into their decision.
Academics & Faculty
Eastern University operates as a Christian liberal arts institution where faith intersects with academic rigor across diverse fields. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally, though the 57.6% four-year graduation rate suggests some students need extra time to complete their degrees. The university has built a strong reputation for its social work, business, and education programs, with many graduates entering ministry, nonprofit work, and public service careers. Students engage with coursework through a Christian worldview while developing critical thinking skills. The American Baptist affiliation shapes campus culture but doesn't limit academic exploration, as faculty encourage students to wrestle with complex social and ethical questions in their chosen fields.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 26.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 57.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 56.0%
- Retention Rate
- 70.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,655
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $78,785 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,355 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,402 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $51,273 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,022 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $47,930 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $45,852 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $41,193 |
Campus Life
Eastern's suburban campus sits 12 miles west of Philadelphia, giving students access to internships and cultural opportunities in the city. With housing for 960 students and total enrollment of 1,978, about half the student body lives on campus. The stone buildings and tree-lined walkways create a traditional college atmosphere in the Main Line suburbs.
Students bundle up for Pennsylvania winters, where snow and temperatures in the 20s are common from December through February. The 18 varsity sports teams keep 536 athletes busy year-round, creating a strong athletic culture despite being Division III. Weekend activities center around the campus community, with students attending basketball games in the gym or taking the train into Philadelphia for museums and nightlife.
The American Baptist heritage shows up in optional chapel services and a focus on service learning. With 60% women and a diverse student body that's 28% Black and 15% Hispanic, the campus reflects the school's urban mission roots. Most students are from Pennsylvania and the surrounding region, creating a tight-knit feel where professors know students by name.
Students bundle up for Pennsylvania winters, where snow and temperatures in the 20s are common from December through February. The 18 varsity sports teams keep 536 athletes busy year-round, creating a strong athletic culture despite being Division III. Weekend activities center around the campus community, with students attending basketball games in the gym or taking the train into Philadelphia for museums and nightlife.
The American Baptist heritage shows up in optional chapel services and a focus on service learning. With 60% women and a diverse student body that's 28% Black and 15% Hispanic, the campus reflects the school's urban mission roots. Most students are from Pennsylvania and the surrounding region, creating a tight-knit feel where professors know students by name.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 960 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1925
Campus Safety (2023)
9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–41°F
- July Avg
- 66°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 25.3"
Student Demographics
Eastern University draws students who value faith-based education with social justice roots. Women outnumber men by 3 to 2, reflecting strong programs in nursing, social work, and education. The campus brings together students from diverse racial backgrounds, with significant Black and Hispanic representation alongside white students. Most students come from Pennsylvania and surrounding states, drawn by the university's reputation for combining Christian values with urban engagement. Over one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to making Baptist-rooted education accessible to students from working-class families.
- Men
- 39.5%
- Women
- 60.5%
- White
- 39.4%
- Black
- 28.2%
- Hispanic
- 15.2%
- Asian
- 2.2%
- In-State Students
- 62.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.7%
Location
Eastern University sits in Saint Davids, Pennsylvania, roughly 15 miles west of Philadelphia. The suburban campus draws 62.90% of its students from within Pennsylvania, taking advantage of the school's proximity to the City of Brotherly Love. The Main Line area offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, with easy access to Philadelphia's internship opportunities and cultural attractions via regional rail. Saint Davids provides a quieter college environment while keeping urban resources within reach. The region features rolling hills, historic estates, and well-established communities that have long been home to educational institutions. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Eastern University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Saint Davids, Pennsylvania 19087-3696
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,655
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,587
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Eastern University?
Eastern University admits 63% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a Christian liberal arts institution. The school attracts students seeking a faith-based education in suburban Philadelphia.
How much does Eastern University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $25,885 annually, well below the full tuition of $37,420. The university provides need-based aid that keeps costs relatively consistent across income levels, with families earning under $75,000 paying around $23,000.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Eastern University?
Eastern maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio across its 1,978 enrolled students. The American Baptist-affiliated university emphasizes personal attention within its Christian academic framework.
What are the graduation outcomes at Eastern University?
Eastern graduates 57% of students within four years and 56% within six years. Alumni earn a median salary of $51,655 ten years after graduation, with a strong 94.5% employment rate.
Where is Eastern University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Saint Davids, Pennsylvania, a large suburban setting outside Philadelphia. With housing for 960 students and 18 varsity sports teams, Eastern offers a close-knit community experience rooted in Christian values.
How diverse is the student body at Eastern University?
Eastern enrolls a diverse student body with 39% White, 28% Black, and 15% Hispanic students. Women comprise 60% of enrollment, reflecting the university's appeal across different communities seeking Christian higher education.
