About Misericordia University
Misericordia University builds careers in healthcare and education through hands-on learning that Catholic values guide. The university enrolls 1,632 students in suburban Dallas, Pennsylvania, where nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy programs dominate the academic landscape. Students know professors personally with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The school earned its reputation by placing graduates directly into professional roles, particularly in Pennsylvania's healthcare systems.
Students pay an average net price of $24,829 after financial aid, making this Catholic education surprisingly affordable for middle-class families. Graduates earn a median of $64,313 ten years after graduation, while typical student debt sits at $26,973. The math works in students' favor with monthly loan payments averaging just $286. Nearly 74% of students take federal loans, but the strong earning potential in healthcare fields makes repayment manageable.
Women make up 64% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in traditionally female-dominated healthcare professions. The Cougars field 20 varsity sports in NCAA Division III, engaging 610 student-athletes who balance academics with competition. With a 98.5% employment rate, Misericordia delivers on its promise to launch professional careers.
Students pay an average net price of $24,829 after financial aid, making this Catholic education surprisingly affordable for middle-class families. Graduates earn a median of $64,313 ten years after graduation, while typical student debt sits at $26,973. The math works in students' favor with monthly loan payments averaging just $286. Nearly 74% of students take federal loans, but the strong earning potential in healthcare fields makes repayment manageable.
Women make up 64% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in traditionally female-dominated healthcare professions. The Cougars field 20 varsity sports in NCAA Division III, engaging 610 student-athletes who balance academics with competition. With a 98.5% employment rate, Misericordia delivers on its promise to launch professional careers.
Academics & Faculty
Misericordia University operates as a Catholic institution focused on health professions and liberal arts. The school gained national recognition for its nursing and physical therapy programs, which consistently rank among the top in Pennsylvania. Students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention in clinical settings and laboratories. The university's 72% four-year graduation rate reflects strong academic support systems. Occupational therapy and speech-language pathology programs attract students seeking hands-on healthcare training. Small class sizes allow professors to mentor students through demanding coursework in the sciences. The institution emphasizes service learning that connects classroom theory with real-world healthcare applications.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 72.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.2%
- Retention Rate
- 79.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,313
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $105,465 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $96,775 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $73,597 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $72,022 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,377 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $57,318 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $55,338 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $47,650 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $41,565 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,007 |
Campus Life
Misericordia sits in the suburbs of Dallas, Pennsylvania, about 20 minutes from Wilkes-Barre and two hours from Philadelphia. With housing capacity for 848 students out of 1,632 total enrollment, roughly half the student body lives on campus. You'll need a good winter coat here in northeastern Pennsylvania, where snow is common from December through March.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. With 63.97% women and strong programs in health sciences, the campus has a nurturing, service-oriented culture rooted in its Catholic mission. Twenty varsity sports keep 610 student-athletes busy, while NCAA Division III competition means athletics focus on participation rather than scholarships. Weekends often center around campus events, trips to nearby Ricketts Glen State Park for hiking, or exploring the Wyoming Valley region. The close-knit community of 1,632 students means you'll quickly find your group, whether through residence halls, academic programs, or the many student organizations that reflect the university's emphasis on mercy and service.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. With 63.97% women and strong programs in health sciences, the campus has a nurturing, service-oriented culture rooted in its Catholic mission. Twenty varsity sports keep 610 student-athletes busy, while NCAA Division III competition means athletics focus on participation rather than scholarships. Weekends often center around campus events, trips to nearby Ricketts Glen State Park for hiking, or exploring the Wyoming Valley region. The close-knit community of 1,632 students means you'll quickly find your group, whether through residence halls, academic programs, or the many student organizations that reflect the university's emphasis on mercy and service.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 848 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1924
Campus Safety (2023)
15 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 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
Misericordia draws students who value close relationships and Catholic values in their education. The student body is roughly two-thirds women, reflecting the university's strong health sciences programs where women traditionally enroll at higher rates. Most students come from Pennsylvania and nearby states, giving the campus a tight-knit regional feel. The school attracts middle-class families seeking quality education at a manageable cost. Students here tend to be career-focused, particularly those pursuing nursing, physical therapy, and other health professions that form the university's academic backbone.
- Men
- 36.0%
- Women
- 64.0%
- White
- 81.0%
- Black
- 5.0%
- Hispanic
- 6.6%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 68.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.0%
Location
Misericordia University sits in Dallas, Pennsylvania, about 20 miles from Wilkes-Barre and 100 miles from Philadelphia. The campus occupies 123 acres in Pennsylvania's Wyoming Valley, a region known for its Pocono Mountains proximity and former coal mining heritage. Dallas itself is a quiet suburban community that serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation areas. The university draws 68.64% of its students from Pennsylvania, creating a regional feel on campus. The setting offers small-town charm while remaining accessible to larger cities like Scranton, just 15 miles away. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Misericordia University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Dallas, Pennsylvania 18612-1098
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,313
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $65,867
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $45,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,973
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Misericordia University?
Misericordia University accepts 88.71% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The Catholic university focuses on health sciences programs and values academic preparation over highly selective admissions.
How much does Misericordia University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $24,829 after aid, less than the full tuition of $38,370. Graduates leave with a median debt of $26,973, which is manageable given the strong employment outcomes in healthcare fields.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Misericordia University?
The university maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring small class sizes and personalized attention. This close-knit academic environment supports the hands-on learning required for the school's well-known nursing and health science programs.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Misericordia University?
Graduates achieve a 98.5% employment rate and earn a median salary of $64,313 ten years after graduation. The university's strong connections to healthcare employers and focus on practical training create excellent career opportunities for students.
Where is Misericordia University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in suburban Dallas, Pennsylvania, with housing capacity for 848 students among the 1,632 total enrollment. The university fields 20 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III, creating an active campus community despite its smaller size.
Is Misericordia University known for any particular programs?
The university has built its reputation primarily around health sciences education, reflecting its Catholic mission of service to others. With women comprising 63.97% of students, it attracts many future healthcare professionals seeking quality preparation for nursing, physical therapy, and related fields.
