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67.0%Acceptance
$52,000Tuition
1,970Students
71%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$61,860Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Moravian

About Moravian University

Moravian University traces its roots to 1742, making it one of America's oldest institutions of higher education. This private liberal arts university enrolls 1,970 students in the small city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The school maintains strong ties to its Moravian religious heritage while offering a full liberal arts education. With a 67% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 1157, Moravian attracts solid students seeking personalized attention in a historic setting.

Students pay an average net price of $29,843 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $68,635. Graduates earn a median of $61,860 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $26,793 manageable with monthly payments around $284. The 77% loan repayment rate suggests most alumni handle their financial obligations successfully. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $26,159.

The student body is predominantly female at 64% and mostly in-state residents at 70%. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and professors know their students personally. The Greyhounds compete in 19 NCAA Division III sports with over 500 student-athletes. The 81% retention rate indicates most first-year students find their footing and stay through graduation.

Academics & Faculty

Moravian University operates as a private liberal arts institution where small classes define the academic experience. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and provide individualized attention throughout their studies. The university maintains strong programs in nursing, business, and education that consistently place graduates in competitive positions. About 70% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the supportive environment and engaged faculty mentorship. As one of America's oldest colleges, founded in 1742, Moravian blends traditional liberal arts education with practical career preparation. The small size allows students to work closely with professors on research projects and receive personalized academic guidance that larger universities cannot match.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
70.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
71.1%
Retention Rate
81.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$61,860
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $64,659
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $40,821
Music. Bachelor $35,600
Fine and Studio Arts. Bachelor $35,060
Psychology, General. Bachelor $29,685
Sociology. Bachelor $26,353

View all 65 programs →

Campus Life

Moravian's compact campus sits in historic Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, just 60 miles north of Philadelphia. About 62% of students live on campus in residence halls that house 1,227 students total. Winter coats are essential here, Pennsylvania winters bring snow and temperatures that regularly drop below freezing from December through February.

The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. With only 1,970 students total, you'll recognize faces across campus quickly. The Greyhounds compete in 19 Division III sports, drawing 502 student-athletes who balance academics with competition in the Landmark Conference. Women outnumber men 64% to 36%, creating a female-majority campus culture.

Weekends often center around the historic downtown Bethlehem area, where students explore local restaurants and shops within walking distance. The school's Moravian heritage, dating to 1742, influences campus traditions and the close-knit community feel. Philadelphia and New York City are both accessible for day trips, but most social life happens on campus or in the surrounding small city of 75,000 residents.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
1,227 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1742

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 4 4 0 0
Fondling 4 3 0 0
Dating Violence 2 2 0 0
Burglary 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
21°–38°F
July Avg
64°–86°F
Annual Precipitation
47.4"
Annual Snowfall
33.1"

Student Demographics

The student body draws heavily from Pennsylvania, with 70% coming from in-state, reflecting Moravian's strong regional reputation in the Lehigh Valley. Women make up nearly two-thirds of enrollment, typical for liberal arts colleges with robust education and health science programs. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves middle-class families seeking quality education at a manageable cost. The diverse mix includes substantial Hispanic representation at 18%, while the Moravian Church heritage attracts students seeking a values-centered education rooted in service and community engagement.
Men
36.2%
Women
63.8%
White
65.7%
Black
5.7%
Hispanic
17.9%
Asian
2.4%
In-State Students
69.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
26.8%

Location

Moravian University sits in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, about 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City. The historic steel town of 75,000 residents has transformed from its industrial past into a college-friendly community. Bethlehem's downtown area features restored colonial architecture and the famous SteelStacks arts campus built on former Bethlehem Steel grounds. The city straddles the Lehigh River in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley region. With 69.63% of students coming from in-state, many arrive already familiar with the area's mix of suburban neighborhoods and small-city amenities. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Moravian University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018-6650
Moravian College Bethlehem Gates 2521px
Moravian College Bethlehem Gates 2521px

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$61,860
Median Earnings (5 years)
$62,564
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$42,600
Loan Repayment Rate
77.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$284/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,793

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Moravian University?

Moravian University accepts 67% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1060 and 1253 on the SAT. This historic institution, founded in 1742, draws students who appreciate its small liberal arts environment.

How much does Moravian University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $29,843 after financial aid, well below the $68,635 sticker price. About 27% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic diversity. The median debt load of $26,793 is manageable compared to many private colleges.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Moravian University?

Moravian maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,970 total students. This intimate setting reflects the Moravian Church's emphasis on personal attention and community. The small class sizes help explain the strong 81% freshman retention rate.

What do Moravian University graduates earn after college?

Moravian graduates earn a median salary of $61,860 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 96.4%, showing strong job market success. These outcomes reflect the university's practical liberal arts approach and close alumni networks.

Where is Moravian University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a small city known for its historic charm and steel industry heritage. With housing for 1,227 students and 19 varsity sports teams, campus life centers around the close-knit community. Women make up 64% of the student body, creating a collaborative academic atmosphere.

Is Moravian University really one of America's oldest colleges?

Founded in 1742, Moravian University ranks among the oldest higher education institutions in the United States. The school began as a seminary for the Moravian Church, which emphasized education and missionary work. This 280-year history shows in the university's continued focus on service and personal growth.