Keystone College: 80.7% Acceptance Rate

80.7%Acceptance

$17,850Tuition

870Students

41%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,976Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Keystone College

Keystone College builds its reputation on personalized attention and hands-on learning across its 870-student campus. The school excels in education and environmental science programs, drawing students who want close faculty relationships in a suburban Pennsylvania setting. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name rather than ID number. The college accepts 80.66% of applicants, welcoming students with an average SAT score of 1023.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $21,461 after aid, but graduates earn a median salary of $44,976 ten years after graduation. Nearly 89% of students take federal loans, graduating with a median debt of $26,000. Monthly loan payments average $276, which represents a significant portion of early-career earnings. Only 55% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.

Campus life centers around small-scale community involvement. The Giants compete in 13 NCAA Division III sports, with 297 student-athletes representing over one-third of enrollment. However, retention tells a concerning story - only 61% of freshmen return for sophomore year. The 41% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees, despite the supportive 96% employment rate for those who do graduate.

Academics & Faculty

Keystone College operates as a small liberal arts institution where students work closely with faculty in a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The college has built its reputation around education and environmental science programs that prepare students for careers in teaching and conservation. About 42% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the challenges many face at smaller colleges with limited resources. The school's environmental science program takes advantage of its rural Pennsylvania setting for hands-on fieldwork and research. Education majors benefit from extensive student teaching opportunities in local school districts. With only 870 students total, class sizes remain small and professors know students by name.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 32.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 42.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 41.2%
Retention Rate: 61.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,976
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$42,682
Special Education and Teaching.	Bachelor	$38,289
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$37,424
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$34,793
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$33,216
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$32,925
Social Sciences, Other.	Bachelor	$32,711
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Bachelor	$24,532
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$22,912
Education, Other.	Bachelor	$22,710

View all 51 programs →

Campus Life

Keystone's 270-acre campus sits in rural northeastern Pennsylvania, about two hours from Philadelphia and 90 minutes from Scranton. Students need serious winter gear for the snowy months that stretch from December through March. With housing capacity for just 394 students out of 870 total enrollment, about 45% of students live on campus in traditional residence halls.

The Giants compete in 13 NCAA Division III sports, with 297 student-athletes making up over a third of the student body. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and your weekend plans. Students often head to nearby Scranton for shopping and dining, or explore the Pocono Mountains for hiking and outdoor activities. Campus life revolves around tight-knit residence hall communities and athletic events. The environmental science program takes advantage of the surrounding forests and streams for hands-on fieldwork. Weekend activities include intramural sports, outdoor adventure trips, and casual gatherings in the residence halls where most students form lasting friendships.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 394 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Domestic Violence	0	0	6	0
Dating Violence	0	0	1	0

Climate & Weather

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

Student Demographics

Keystone draws primarily local students, with two-thirds coming from Pennsylvania. The college serves a working-class population, as nearly half qualify for Pell Grants. Students typically score around 1000 on the SAT, reflecting the school's mission to provide opportunities for first-generation college students. The even gender split suggests balanced programming beyond its traditional strengths in education. Many students choose Keystone for its small-town atmosphere and hands-on learning approach. The diverse student body includes significant Black and Hispanic representation, making it more inclusive than many rural Pennsylvania colleges.

Men: 49.9%
Women: 50.1%
White: 67.0%
Black: 14.7%
Hispanic: 7.8%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 66.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 44.8%

Location

Keystone College sits in La Plume, Pennsylvania, about 20 minutes north of Scranton in the state's northeastern region. The campus occupies 276 acres in the Pocono Mountains foothills, surrounded by forests and small towns rather than urban development. With 870 students spread across this rural setting, the college creates an intimate atmosphere where outdoor recreation and environmental studies thrive naturally. The nearest major metropolitan area, Philadelphia, lies roughly two hours southeast by car. This location appeals to students seeking a quiet, nature-focused college experience away from city distractions. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Keystone College with similar schools in the region.

Address: La Plume, Pennsylvania 18440-0200

Sickler Hall Keystone College Factoryville PA

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $44,976
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,560
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 55.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Keystone College?

Keystone College accepts 80.66% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 885 and 1160 on the SAT. This small liberal arts college in rural Pennsylvania focuses on providing opportunities rather than exclusivity.

How much does Keystone College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,461 annually after financial aid at Keystone College. Nearly 45% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need among the student body. Graduates typically leave with $26,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $276.

What is the student-faculty ratio like at Keystone College?

Keystone College maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 870 total students enrolled. This small size allows for personalized attention in programs like education and environmental science. The intimate campus setting supports close mentoring relationships between professors and students.

How successful are Keystone College graduates in finding employment?

Keystone College graduates achieve a 96% employment rate after completing their degrees. However, only 41.2% of students graduate within six years, reflecting challenges with retention. Those who do complete their programs earn a median salary of $44,976 ten years after graduation.

Where do students live at Keystone College?

Keystone College houses students in on-campus facilities that cost $12,400 annually for room and board. The college can accommodate 394 students in campus housing out of its 870 total enrollment. Two-thirds of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a close-knit community atmosphere.

Does Keystone College offer athletic scholarships?

Keystone College offers no athletic scholarships despite fielding 13 varsity sports teams in NCAA Division III. The Giants compete in the United East Conference with 297 total student-athletes. Division III athletics emphasize academic achievement and personal development over athletic scholarships.