About Marywood University
Marywood University brings Catholic values to higher education in northeastern Pennsylvania's largest city. The university enrolls 1,821 students on a campus where the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary have shaped academic life since 1915. Students benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships. The school has built a strong reputation for health sciences, education, and liberal arts programs that emphasize social justice and service learning.
Students pay an average net price of $22,222 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median salary of $55,817 ten years after graduation, which helps explain the solid 68% loan repayment rate. Students typically graduate with $26,186 in debt and face monthly loan payments of $278. The employment rate reaches 95.6%, suggesting strong career preparation and alumni networks in the region.
The student body tilts heavily female at 65%, reflecting the university's historical roots and strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like nursing and education. About 73% of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a tight-knit community feel. The Pacers compete in NCAA Division III with 375 student-athletes across 20 varsity sports, though academics clearly take priority over athletics at this teaching-focused institution.
Students pay an average net price of $22,222 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median salary of $55,817 ten years after graduation, which helps explain the solid 68% loan repayment rate. Students typically graduate with $26,186 in debt and face monthly loan payments of $278. The employment rate reaches 95.6%, suggesting strong career preparation and alumni networks in the region.
The student body tilts heavily female at 65%, reflecting the university's historical roots and strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like nursing and education. About 73% of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a tight-knit community feel. The Pacers compete in NCAA Division III with 375 student-athletes across 20 varsity sports, though academics clearly take priority over athletics at this teaching-focused institution.
Academics & Faculty
Marywood builds its academic reputation around health sciences, education, and the arts, reflecting its Catholic liberal arts foundation. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom environments where professors know students personally. This close mentorship helps explain the solid 73.79% four-year graduation rate. The university particularly excels in nursing, music therapy, and architecture programs that blend hands-on learning with theoretical knowledge. Students benefit from small seminar-style classes rather than massive lectures. The school's emphasis on service learning connects academic work to real-world applications. Faculty often become mentors who guide students through internships and career planning. This personalized approach attracts students who thrive in collaborative, supportive academic environments.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 37.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 73.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 72.5%
- Retention Rate
- 84.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,817
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $103,412 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Doctoral | $86,867 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,164 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $65,238 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,995 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Master | $57,318 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $54,252 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $48,432 |
| Architecture. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. | Master | $46,790 |
Campus Life
Marywood's 115-acre campus sits in Scranton, a small city about two hours from both New York City and Philadelphia. Winter coats are essential here, as northeastern Pennsylvania sees significant snow and cold temperatures from December through March. The campus houses 865 students, representing about 47% of the total enrollment of 1,821.
The Gothic Revival architecture creates a traditional college atmosphere, anchored by the distinctive Administration Building. With women making up 64.63% of the student body, the campus has a female-majority environment. Students gather in the student center between classes, taking advantage of the 11:1 student-faculty ratio that makes professors highly accessible. Weekends often center around the 20 NCAA Division III athletic programs, where 375 students compete as Pacers. The Catholic identity shapes campus life through service opportunities and spiritual programs, though students of all backgrounds find community here. Many students venture into downtown Scranton for restaurants and entertainment, while outdoor enthusiasts explore the nearby Pocono Mountains for hiking and skiing.
The Gothic Revival architecture creates a traditional college atmosphere, anchored by the distinctive Administration Building. With women making up 64.63% of the student body, the campus has a female-majority environment. Students gather in the student center between classes, taking advantage of the 11:1 student-faculty ratio that makes professors highly accessible. Weekends often center around the 20 NCAA Division III athletic programs, where 375 students compete as Pacers. The Catholic identity shapes campus life through service opportunities and spiritual programs, though students of all backgrounds find community here. Many students venture into downtown Scranton for restaurants and entertainment, while outdoor enthusiasts explore the nearby Pocono Mountains for hiking and skiing.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 865 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1915
Campus Safety (2023)
9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–35°F
- July Avg
- 62°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 45.1"
Student Demographics
Marywood draws primarily Pennsylvania students who value its Catholic identity and personal attention. The student body is roughly two-thirds women, reflecting the university's strong programs in health sciences, education, and social work. About three in ten students receive Pell Grants, showing Marywood's commitment to serving middle-class families seeking affordable Catholic education. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio attracts students who want close mentorship from professors. Most undergraduates come from within Pennsylvania, giving Marywood a tight regional reputation among families who prioritize faith-based learning and career preparation.
- Men
- 35.4%
- Women
- 64.6%
- White
- 78.5%
- Black
- 2.6%
- Hispanic
- 10.3%
- Asian
- 2.5%
- In-State Students
- 73.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.2%
Location
Marywood University sits in Scranton, Pennsylvania, a small city of about 76,000 residents in the northeastern part of the state. The campus lies roughly 120 miles northwest of New York City and 130 miles north of Philadelphia. Scranton anchors Pennsylvania's Coal Region, where former mining communities have transformed into service-based economies. The city gained pop culture recognition as the fictional setting for "The Office," though the real Scranton offers students internships in healthcare, education, and regional businesses. With 73.41% of students coming from in-state, many arrive familiar with the area's working-class roots and tight-knit community feel. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Marywood University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Scranton, Pennsylvania 18509-1598
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,817
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,402
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 68.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $278/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,186
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Marywood University?
Marywood University accepts 80.76% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private Catholic institution. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1030-1200 on the SAT, with an average of 1115.
How much does Marywood University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $22,222 annually after aid, less than the $55,920 sticker price. About 78% of students take federal loans, graduating with a median debt of $26,186.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Marywood University?
Marywood maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio across its 1,821 students, ensuring small class sizes. The university is known for its personalized attention and strong programs in health sciences and education.
What are the career outcomes for Marywood University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $55,817 ten years after graduation, with a 95.6% employment rate. The university's 73% graduation rate reflects its supportive Catholic environment in Scranton.
Where do most Marywood University students live?
The campus houses 865 students in residence halls, serving a student body that is 73% from Pennsylvania. Women make up nearly 65% of enrollment, typical for this nurturing Catholic institution.
Does Marywood University offer athletic scholarships?
Marywood provides $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution, focusing instead on academic merit aid. The Pacers field 20 varsity sports teams with 375 total athletes competing in the Atlantic East Conference.
