Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

45.7%Acceptance

$31,866Tuition

1,548Students

67%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$69,731Earnings

#19 in PennsylvaniaPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences trains the next generation of healthcare professionals in Lancaster County's rural setting. The college enrolls 1,548 students who focus entirely on nursing, medical, and allied health programs. Nearly 88% of students are women, reflecting the demographics of healthcare fields. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in clinical and laboratory settings. This Catholic institution draws almost exclusively from Pennsylvania, with 96% of students coming from in-state. Students face significant financial commitments, with an average net price of $37,208 annually. However, the investment typically pays off through strong healthcare job prospects. Graduates earn a median of $69,731 ten years after graduation, while carrying relatively manageable debt loads of $17,500. Monthly loan payments average just $186, making the debt burden reasonable given healthcare salaries. The college delivers on its career promises with a remarkable 99.5% employment rate after graduation. The 67% six-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of health sciences programs. Students commit to rigorous coursework that prepares them for immediate entry into Pennsylvania's healthcare workforce, where demand for qualified professionals continues growing.

Academics & Faculty

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences builds careers in healthcare through specialized nursing, medical, and allied health programs. Students work closely with faculty in a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, getting the hands-on attention essential for mastering clinical skills. The college's focus shows in its outcomes: 99.5% of graduates find employment, with median earnings reaching $69,731 ten years after graduation. However, the 67% six-year graduation rate reflects the rigorous nature of health science programs, where students must master both classroom theory and clinical practice. Women make up 87.73% of enrollment, typical for nursing and allied health fields. The Catholic mission emphasizes service-oriented healthcare careers.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 85.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 62.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 67.0%
Retention Rate: 65.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $69,731
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Career)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$67,180
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$58,931
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$53,358
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$50,856

View all 18 programs →

Campus Life

Women make up nearly 88% of the student body, creating a campus dominated by future nurses and healthcare professionals. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know your name and track your clinical progress. Lancaster sits about 70 miles west of Philadelphia, offering a mix of Amish farmland and suburban amenities without big-city distractions.

Pennsylvania winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while summers bring humid heat that makes the air-conditioned simulation labs feel like a refuge. Students spend weekends studying for rigorous nursing exams or exploring Lancaster's outlet shopping and Pennsylvania Dutch attractions. The 96% in-state enrollment creates a tight-knit community where many students already know each other from high school. Campus life revolves around clinical rotations and study groups rather than traditional college parties. Most social activities center on program cohorts, as students bond over shared struggles with anatomy courses and early-morning hospital shifts. The Roman Catholic foundation influences campus culture, though the focus remains squarely on healthcare preparation rather than religious observance.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	0	0	98	0
Domestic Violence	0	0	5	0
Rape	0	0	1	0
Robbery	0	0	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–38°F
July Avg: 62°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 85.7"
Annual Snowfall: 42.2"

Student Demographics

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences draws primarily local students, with 96% coming from Pennsylvania. Women make up nearly nine in ten students, reflecting the college's heavy focus on nursing and healthcare programs that traditionally attract female students. The student body shows meaningful diversity, with students of color representing nearly 40% of enrollment. About three in ten students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation college students and working-class families seeking stable healthcare careers. This Catholic institution has built a strong regional reputation for producing job-ready health professionals.

Men: 12.3%
Women: 87.7%
White: 61.4%
Black: 12.5%
Hispanic: 17.1%
Asian: 5.4%
In-State Students: 96.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 30.2%

Location

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences sits in Lancaster, about 70 miles west of Philadelphia. The college occupies a rural-fringe setting in Pennsylvania's Amish country, where rolling farmland meets small-town charm. Lancaster County blends agricultural heritage with growing healthcare infrastructure, creating natural clinical partnerships for nursing and health science students. The area offers a quieter pace than major metropolitan areas while maintaining access to diverse patient populations across urban and rural settings. With 96.49% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with Pennsylvania's healthcare landscape. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $69,731
Median Earnings (5 years): $77,179
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $48,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 72.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $186/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $17,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences?

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences accepts 45.7% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1135. This specialized health sciences college draws students primarily focused on nursing and allied health careers, making it moderately selective for its niche programs.

How much does Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $37,208, with tuition set at $31,866 for all students regardless of residency.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences?

The college maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its 1,548 enrolled students. This Catholic institution specializes in hands-on health sciences education, with programs designed to prepare students for direct entry into healthcare careers.

How much do Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median of $69,731 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 99.5% employment rate. The college's focus on practical health sciences training translates into strong job prospects in Pennsylvania's healthcare sector, where 96.49% of students originate.

What is the graduation rate at Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences?

The four-year graduation rate stands at 62.57%, with 67% completing their degrees within six years. The college's retention rate of 65% reflects the demanding nature of health sciences programs that prepare students for careers in nursing and medical fields.

What is the gender breakdown at Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences?

Women comprise 87.73% of the student body, while men make up just 12.27%. This dramatic gender split reflects the college's concentration in nursing and allied health programs, fields that traditionally attract more female students.

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About This Data

Statistics on this page come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS (2023–24 data year), with climate normals from NOAA and campus safety figures from Clery Act reports. CampusGuide does not estimate or adjust reported figures. Read our full methodology.