Mount St. Joseph University: 54.4% Acceptance Rate

54.4%Acceptance

$36,650Tuition

1,100Students

55%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$51,509Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Mount St. Joseph University

The Sisters of Charity founded Mount St. Joseph University in 1920 as a Catholic institution dedicated to educating the whole person. With 1,100 students on a suburban campus outside Cincinnati, the Mount has built its reputation around nursing, education, and business programs that blend academic rigor with service to others. The university's Catholic mission shapes campus culture while maintaining an acceptance rate of 54.35% that welcomes students with SAT scores averaging 1151.

Students pay an average net price of $16,135 after financial aid, making this private Catholic education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,509 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,827. The numbers suggest decent value, especially considering 97.9% of graduates find employment. Federal loans support 54.47% of students, with monthly payments averaging $284 after graduation.

The Lions compete in 17 NCAA Division III sports with 533 total athletes, creating a campus where nearly half the student body participates in varsity athletics. A 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this close-knit community. The 76.01% retention rate reflects students who find their fit, though the 54.70% six-year graduation rate suggests some struggle to finish.

Academics & Faculty

Mount St. Joseph University builds its academic reputation around nursing, education, and business programs rooted in Catholic values. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention that helps explain why 97.9% of graduates find employment. However, the 54.7% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees despite the small class sizes. The Sisters of Charity founded this institution with a mission to serve others, which still drives the curriculum today. Students benefit from close mentorship in professional programs that emphasize hands-on learning. The university's size allows professors to know students by name and provide individual guidance throughout their academic journey.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 96.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 52.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 54.7%
Retention Rate: 76.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $51,509
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Doctoral	$71,686
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$58,131
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$57,318
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Master	$42,123
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$40,821
Design and Applied Arts.	Bachelor	$36,941
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$33,993
Communication and Media Studies.	Bachelor	$33,281
Criminology.	Bachelor	$33,281
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$32,925

View all 66 programs →

Campus Life

Mount St. Joseph sits on a hillside campus just 15 minutes from downtown Cincinnati, giving students easy access to internships and entertainment while maintaining a quieter suburban feel. Only about 44% of students live on campus with a housing capacity of 486, creating a commuter-friendly environment where many students head home on weekends. Ohio winters require a good coat and boots, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for walking the tree-lined campus.

The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and story. With 1,100 students total, you'll recognize faces across campus and form close friendships quickly. The Catholic identity shapes campus life through service opportunities and community values, though students of all backgrounds feel welcome. Weekend activities often center around Cincinnati's attractions - Reds games, festivals, and the active Over-the-Rhine district. The 533 student-athletes competing in 17 Division III sports create school spirit without the pressure of athletic scholarships. Students frequently volunteer in Cincinnati's neighborhoods, continuing the Sisters of Charity tradition of serving others.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 486 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1920

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 22°–39°F
July Avg: 65°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.7"
Annual Snowfall: -1,542.4"

Student Demographics

Most Mount St. Joseph students come from Ohio, reflecting the university's strong reputation in the Cincinnati region. The student body is 70% in-state, showing deep local roots rather than national draw. Women slightly outnumber men, which aligns with the school's strength in nursing and education programs that traditionally attract more female students. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the Catholic institution serves middle-class families seeking affordable private education. The Sisters of Charity founding mission continues to attract students from diverse economic backgrounds who value the school's service-oriented Catholic identity.

Men: 47.5%
Women: 52.6%
White: 74.2%
Black: 12.5%
Hispanic: 4.8%
Asian: 0.6%
In-State Students: 70.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.3%

Location

Mount St. Joseph University sits in Cincinnati, Ohio's western suburbs. The campus is located about 15 minutes from downtown Cincinnati, giving students access to a major metropolitan area of 2.2 million people. Cincinnati offers professional sports teams, internship opportunities, and cultural attractions along the Ohio River. The university's suburban setting provides a quieter campus environment while maintaining urban connectivity. About 70% of students come from within Ohio, reflecting the school's regional draw. The surrounding area features rolling hills and historic neighborhoods typical of the Ohio River Valley. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Mount St. Joseph University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Cincinnati, Ohio 45233-1670

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $51,509
Median Earnings (5 years): $55,742
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 58.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $284/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,827

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Mount St. Joseph University?

Mount St. Joseph University accepts 54.35% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1068 and 1233 on the SAT, reflecting the Catholic university's commitment to accessible education while maintaining academic standards.

How much does Mount St. Joseph University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Mount St. Joseph University is $16,135, lower than the sticker price of $49,050. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,206 on average, demonstrating the institution's dedication to making Catholic education affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Mount St. Joseph University?

Mount St. Joseph University maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with only 1,100 total students. This small size allows for personalized attention in the university's signature programs like nursing and education, which have been strengths since the Sisters of Charity founded the school in 1920.

What are the career outcomes for Mount St. Joseph University graduates?

Mount St. Joseph University graduates earn a median salary of $51,509 ten years after graduation with a 97.9% employment rate. The typical graduate leaves with $26,827 in debt and monthly loan payments of $284, reflecting strong career preparation in practical fields.

Where is Mount St. Joseph University located and what is campus life like?

Mount St. Joseph University sits in suburban Cincinnati with housing for 486 students out of 1,100 total enrollment. The Lions compete in 17 NCAA Division III sports with 533 total athletes, creating a tight-knit community where nearly half the student body participates in athletics.

Does Mount St. Joseph University offer athletic scholarships?

Mount St. Joseph University provides $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution, following NCAA rules that prohibit athletic aid at this level. However, 26.82% of students receive institutional grants averaging $24,500, and the university's Catholic mission emphasizes need-based support over athletic performance.