Gratz College: 158 Students

158Students

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24Jewish

About Gratz College

Gratz College specializes in Jewish studies and Hebrew language education as America's oldest independent Jewish institution of higher learning. This graduate college in suburban Philadelphia enrolls just 158 students, creating an intimate academic environment focused on Jewish scholarship and culture. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in programs that prepare educators, rabbis, and Jewish community leaders.

Only 0.79% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting most students either pay out of pocket or receive alternative funding sources. The extremely low Pell Grant recipient rate of 0.79% indicates the student body comes primarily from higher-income families. Federal loan usage sits at just 0.79%, reflecting the specialized nature of the institution and its targeted student population.

The student body is entirely female based on current enrollment data, which reflects the college's focus on specific Jewish educational programs. Founded in 1895, Gratz has deep roots in Jewish-American education and maintains its mission of preserving and transmitting Jewish knowledge. The suburban Philadelphia location provides access to one of America's significant Jewish communities while maintaining a focused academic atmosphere. Students here aren't looking for a traditional college experience but rather specialized training in Jewish studies and education.

Academics & Faculty

Gratz College specializes in Jewish studies, Hebrew language education, and teacher preparation for Jewish educational institutions. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentorship in this graduate-focused environment. Students pursue advanced degrees in Jewish education, Jewish studies, and Hebrew language instruction. The college trains educators for Jewish day schools, synagogues, and community centers across the country. With 158 students total, classes remain small and discussion-based. The curriculum emphasizes both academic rigor and practical application in Jewish communal settings. Faculty members are scholars and practitioners who work closely with students on research projects and thesis work. This specialized focus attracts students committed to Jewish education and scholarship.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 23.3%
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Campus Life

Gratz College operates as a specialized graduate institution with just 158 students focused on Jewish studies and Hebrew education. The campus sits in Melrose Park, roughly 10 miles northwest of Philadelphia, putting you within easy reach of the city's cultural offerings and internship opportunities. Pennsylvania winters require a good coat, with temperatures often dropping below freezing from December through February.

The student body consists entirely of women, creating a unique academic environment centered on Jewish scholarship and Hebrew language mastery. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll work closely with professors who are often practicing rabbis or accomplished Jewish studies scholars. Most students commute to campus rather than live in dorms, reflecting the school's graduate-focused mission and many students' existing family obligations.

Weekend activities often revolve around Jewish community events in the greater Philadelphia area. The school's connection to local synagogues and Jewish organizations provides networking opportunities. Nearly 79% of students receive financial aid, though the specialized nature of the programs means career paths typically lead to Jewish education, community leadership, or rabbinical studies.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1895

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 26°–41°F
July Avg: 69°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 45.0"
Annual Snowfall: 16.1"

Student Demographics

Gratz College draws students exclusively committed to Jewish education and Hebrew language study. The student body of 158 consists entirely of women, reflecting the college's focus on training Jewish educators and community leaders in traditionally female-dominated roles. Nearly 80% of students receive financial aid, indicating the school serves those pursuing mission-driven careers in Jewish education rather than high-paying fields. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio enables intensive mentorship in specialized programs. Students typically come from Jewish communities seeking advanced training in Hebrew pedagogy, Jewish studies, and community education leadership.

Men: 0.0%
Women: 100.0%
White: 88.0%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 0.0%
Asian: 0.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 0.8%

Location

Gratz College sits in Melrose Park, Pennsylvania, about 10 miles north of downtown Philadelphia. The school operates in the suburbs of one of America's largest metropolitan areas. Melrose Park is part of Montgomery County, known for its mix of residential neighborhoods and proximity to major urban centers. The Philadelphia region offers extensive cultural resources, including numerous museums, historic sites, and Jewish cultural institutions that complement the college's specialized mission. With only 158 students enrolled, Gratz maintains an intimate academic environment while benefiting from access to the broader Philadelphia educational and cultural landscape. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Gratz College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Melrose Park, Pennsylvania 19027

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body like at Gratz College?

Gratz College serves 158 students in an all-women's environment focused on Jewish scholarship. The student body is 88% white, reflecting its specialized mission as a Jewish graduate institution that has trained educators and scholars since 1895.

How much financial aid do students receive at Gratz College?

Less than 1% of students receive financial aid at Gratz College, with an equally low percentage taking federal loans. This suggests most students either have family support or the specialized graduate programs attract students who can afford the tuition for this niche Jewish studies education.

What is the academic experience like at Gratz College?

Students enjoy a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in their Jewish studies coursework. The college operates on a semester system and specializes in Hebrew language education and Jewish scholarship, preparing graduates for careers in Jewish education and community leadership.

Where is Gratz College located?

The college sits in Melrose Park, Pennsylvania, a large suburban setting outside Philadelphia. This location provides access to one of America's most historic Jewish communities while maintaining the focused academic environment needed for intensive graduate study.

Does Gratz College admit male students?

Gratz College currently enrolls 100% women among its 158 students. This all-women's environment is unusual among Jewish institutions and creates a unique academic community focused on developing female leaders in Jewish education and scholarship.

What makes Gratz College unique in Jewish education?

Founded in 1895, Gratz College claims to be America's oldest independent college of Jewish studies. The institution has maintained its specialized focus on Hebrew language and Jewish studies for over 125 years, training generations of Jewish educators and community leaders.