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$17,950Tuition
1,837Students
38%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$41,000Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Lackawanna College

Lackawanna College has built its reputation as a hands-on training ground for students seeking practical career preparation. The 1,837 students on this small Scranton campus focus heavily on programs like criminal justice, culinary arts, and healthcare that lead directly to employment. This private college maintains a 100% retention rate, suggesting students find what they're looking for once they arrive. The school's roots trace back to 1912, when it began as a business college serving northeastern Pennsylvania's working families.

Students pay an average net price of $24,449 after financial aid, with 58% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $41,000 ten years after starting college, while carrying typical debt of $18,075. The monthly loan payment of $192 represents a manageable burden given the strong employment rate of 95.1%. Most students come from Pennsylvania families seeking affordable career training without the premium price of larger universities.

The Falcons compete in 12 varsity sports through the NCCAA, with 316 total athletes receiving $668,639 in athletic scholarships. Women make up 60% of the student body, while the campus reflects Pennsylvania's diversity with significant Black and Hispanic populations. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally in this close-knit environment.

Academics & Faculty

Lackawanna College focuses on career-oriented programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly. The school is known for its practical approach to education, emphasizing hands-on training in fields like criminal justice, healthcare, and business. With a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger than at typical small colleges, which means less individualized attention. The 37.7% graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face completing their programs. However, the college maintains a 95.1% employment rate for graduates, showing its programs align well with local job market needs. Students here prioritize getting job-ready skills over traditional liberal arts education.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
22:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
38.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
37.7%
Retention Rate
100.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,000
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians. Associate $54,996
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Certificate $43,426
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $42,123
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $37,208
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $24,808
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. Associate $17,437

View all 45 programs →

Campus Life

Lackawanna College sits in the heart of Scranton, a working-class city in northeastern Pennsylvania known for its blue-collar roots and as the setting for The Office. The campus houses just 313 students, meaning only about 17% of the 1,837 enrolled students live on campus. Most students commute from the surrounding area, with 87% coming from Pennsylvania.

Winter coats are essential here. Scranton sees cold, snowy winters and mild summers typical of the Northeast. The small campus creates a tight-knit feel among residential students, though the commuter-heavy population means weekends can feel quiet. Students often head to nearby shopping areas or take the two-hour drive to Philadelphia or New York City for entertainment. The college emphasizes career preparation over traditional college social life. With 316 students competing in 12 varsity sports as the Falcons, athletics provide some campus energy. The student body is diverse, with 51% White students and significant Black (16%) and Hispanic (19%) populations. Most students work while attending, reflecting the school's practical, workforce-focused mission.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
313 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1912

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

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

Student Demographics

Lackawanna College draws primarily local students, with 87% coming from Pennsylvania. The school serves a working-class population, as nearly 60% receive Pell Grants for low-income families. Women make up the majority at 60%, reflecting strong programs in healthcare and education that traditionally attract female students. The diverse student body includes significant Black and Hispanic populations alongside white students. This mix creates a community-focused environment where first-generation college students and career changers pursue practical degrees that lead directly to employment in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Men
39.9%
Women
60.1%
White
51.4%
Black
16.1%
Hispanic
19.1%
Asian
1.3%
In-State Students
86.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
58.1%

Location

Lackawanna College sits in Scranton, Pennsylvania, about 120 miles north of Philadelphia and 150 miles west of New York City. The city of 76,000 residents sits in the heart of the Pocono Mountains region. Scranton built its identity around coal mining and manufacturing, giving the area a strong working-class character. The region offers outdoor recreation with hiking trails, lakes, and ski resorts within driving distance. Nearly 87% of students come from Pennsylvania, reflecting the college's regional draw. Downtown Scranton features historic architecture and local businesses that serve the community. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Lackawanna College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Scranton, Pennsylvania 18509-3206

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,000
Median Earnings (5 years)
$43,390
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$28,900
Loan Repayment Rate
37.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$192/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,075

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student-faculty ratio at Lackawanna College?

The student-faculty ratio at Lackawanna College is 22:1, which is higher than many private colleges. This reflects the school's focus on providing accessible career-oriented education in northeastern Pennsylvania. With 1,837 students enrolled, classes tend to be practical and professionally focused.

How much does Lackawanna College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Lackawanna College is $24,449, with 58.14% of students receiving financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $23,309 after aid. The school keeps costs relatively manageable for a private institution, with graduates carrying a median debt of $18,075.

What is the graduation rate at Lackawanna College?

Lackawanna College has a 6-year graduation rate of 37.70% and maintains a 100% retention rate from first to second year. The school serves many first-generation college students and focuses on career preparation rather than traditional liberal arts education. Graduates earn a median salary of $41,000 ten years after enrollment.

Does Lackawanna College offer athletic scholarships?

Yes, Lackawanna College awards $668,639 in athletic scholarships across 12 varsity sports with 316 total athletes. The Falcons compete in the NCCAA and athletics play a significant role in campus life. Nearly 17% of the student body participates in varsity athletics, which is unusually high for a school of this size.

Where do Lackawanna College students live on campus?

Lackawanna College has housing capacity for 313 students, which covers about 17% of the 1,837 total enrollment. Room and board costs $12,110 annually for on-campus living. Most students commute from the Scranton area, as 86.91% of students are Pennsylvania residents.

Is Lackawanna College a four-year institution?

Yes, Lackawanna College is classified as a 4-year private nonprofit institution, though it began as a junior college when founded in 1912. The school has evolved to offer bachelor's degrees while maintaining its practical, career-focused mission. With a 95.1% employment rate after graduation, it emphasizes job readiness over traditional academic pursuits.