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94.3%Acceptance
$35,570Tuition
1,966Students
58%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$67,416Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About La Salle University

La Salle University builds on nearly 160 years of Catholic liberal arts tradition in Philadelphia, serving 1,966 students. The school has earned recognition for strong business and nursing programs alongside its full liberal arts curriculum. Notable graduates include Basketball Hall of Fame player Tom Gola and U.S. national soccer team captain Michael Bradley. With a 94% acceptance rate, La Salle welcomes students who might not fit the profile at more selective institutions.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $21,409 after aid, well below the $52,160 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $67,416 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $25,000 reasonable. Monthly loan payments average $265, which most graduates can handle given the strong employment rate of 95%.

Women make up nearly 65% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment. The diverse campus includes 40% white students, 25% Black students, and 20% Hispanic students. As Division I Explorers competing in the Atlantic 10 Conference, La Salle fields 15 varsity sports with 346 student-athletes. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this urban setting.

Academics & Faculty

La Salle builds its academic reputation on Catholic liberal arts education with particularly strong business and nursing programs. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally in this full university setting. However, the 59.75% four-year graduation rate suggests students often need extra time to complete degrees. La Salle's business school attracts many students seeking careers in Philadelphia's corporate sector. The nursing program benefits from clinical partnerships throughout the city's extensive hospital network. With 1,966 students, classes remain intimate enough for meaningful professor interaction. The Catholic intellectual tradition emphasizes ethics and service alongside professional preparation. Students explore diverse fields while developing critical thinking skills rooted in Lasallian values.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Full-Time Faculty
44.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
59.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
57.9%
Retention Rate
69.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$67,416
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $111,992
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $84,100
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. Doctoral $72,510
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $70,642
Marketing. Master $67,164
Accounting and Related Services. Master $66,821
Finance and Financial Management Services. Master $64,990
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. Master $59,011
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $56,415
Finance and Financial Management Services. Bachelor $55,512

View all 120 programs →

Campus Life

Philadelphia winters require heavy coats and boots, with snow common from December through March. The campus sits in Germantown, about 20 minutes by car from Center City Philadelphia's restaurants and internships. With housing capacity for 1,700 students but total enrollment of 1,966, most undergraduates live on campus, creating a tight-knit community feel.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles. Women make up 64.90% of the student body, reflecting strong nursing and education programs that draw female students. Campus diversity stands out with 24.57% Black students and 20.30% Hispanic students, making it one of the more diverse Catholic universities in the region. Weekend life centers around Division I basketball games against Atlantic 10 rivals like Saint Joseph's University in the heated Big 5 rivalry. Students often head downtown for Phillies games or explore the city's food scene. The Catholic identity shapes campus culture without being overwhelming, and the Explorers nickname reflects the school's emphasis on discovery and personal growth.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
1,700 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1863

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 9 0 0 17
Dating Violence 3 3 0 0
Robbery 0 0 0 3
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 2
Fondling 1 1 0 0
Burglary 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
27°–41°F
July Avg
71°–89°F
Annual Precipitation
50.7"
Annual Snowfall
16.1"

Student Demographics

La Salle draws heavily from Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, with nearly two-thirds of students staying close to home. The student body is diverse, with white students comprising less than 40% of enrollment and significant Black and Hispanic populations reflecting the city's demographics. Women outnumber men nearly two to one, largely due to the university's strong nursing and education programs. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing La Salle's commitment to serving working-class families. This mix creates a campus where local students from diverse backgrounds pursue practical career preparation rooted in Catholic values.
Men
35.1%
Women
64.9%
White
39.8%
Black
24.6%
Hispanic
20.3%
Asian
5.1%
In-State Students
64.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
32.6%

Location

La Salle sits in Philadelphia, the nation's sixth-largest city with 1.6 million residents. The campus occupies 133 acres in the northwest section of the city, about 10 miles from Center City's downtown core. Philadelphia offers students access to major employers in healthcare, finance, and technology sectors. The city hosts over 100 colleges and universities, creating a active student population of roughly 300,000. Students can explore historic neighborhoods, professional sports teams, and extensive public transit connecting them to internships and cultural attractions. The campus provides an enclosed feel within the urban environment. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare La Salle University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19141-1199
College Hall (La Salle University)
College Hall (La Salle University)
WTP B22 Audrey 1
WTP B22 Audrey 1
WTP B23 Audrey 2
WTP B23 Audrey 2

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$67,416
Median Earnings (5 years)
$71,334
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$45,200
Loan Repayment Rate
65.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at La Salle University?

La Salle University accepts 94.25% of applicants, making it an accessible option for most students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1050 and 1268 on the SAT, reflecting the university's commitment to serving a diverse range of academic backgrounds.

How much does La Salle University cost after financial aid?

Students at La Salle University pay an average net price of $21,409 after financial aid, less than the full tuition of $35,570. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically carry $25,000 in debt with monthly loan payments of $265.

What are the strongest academic programs at La Salle University?

La Salle University is known for its Catholic liberal arts education with particularly strong business and nursing programs. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in these competitive fields that prepare students for high-demand careers.

How do La Salle University graduates perform in the job market?

La Salle University graduates earn a median salary of $67,416 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 94.8% employment rate. However, the 57.90% six-year graduation rate suggests that persistence through degree completion is crucial for achieving these positive outcomes.

What is campus life like at La Salle University?

La Salle University's Philadelphia campus houses 1,700 students and fields 15 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division I. The student body of 1,966 is diverse, with 64.90% women and strong representation from Black and Hispanic communities totaling nearly 45% of enrollment.

Does La Salle University have a notable athletics program?

La Salle University competes in the Atlantic 10 Conference with 346 total athletes across 15 varsity sports, earning the nickname "Explorers." The program awards over $6.6 million in athletic scholarships and has produced notable alumni like Basketball Hall of Fame player Tom Gola and U.S. soccer captain Michael Bradley.