Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary-Overbrook

75.0%Acceptance

$25,023Tuition

41Students

44%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$55,225Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary-Overbrook

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary serves as the primary training ground for Catholic priests in the Philadelphia region. This specialized institution enrolls just 41 students on its suburban campus outside Philadelphia. The seminary focuses exclusively on preparing men for ordination and lay ministry within the Roman Catholic Church. With a 75% acceptance rate, the school maintains selective but accessible admissions for those called to religious service.

Students face a total cost of attendance around $42,386, though the average net price climbs to $38,775. Only 12.5% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the seminary's unique funding model where many students receive sponsorship from their dioceses. Graduates earn a median of $55,225 ten years after completion. While this salary reflects the modest compensation typical of religious vocations, it represents meaningful work serving Catholic communities rather than maximizing earnings.

The seminary maintains an intimate learning environment with a 4:1 student-faculty ratio. All students are male, reflecting Catholic Church requirements for priesthood. The student body is 68% white and 22% Hispanic, with 60% coming from Pennsylvania. Despite rigorous spiritual and academic demands, the school achieves a perfect 100% retention rate, though only 44% complete their degrees within six years as many discern different paths during formation.

Academics & Faculty

This Catholic seminary focuses exclusively on preparing men for the priesthood and lay ministry within the Roman Catholic Church. Students pursue degrees in philosophy, theology, and pastoral studies designed specifically for religious vocations. The 4:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors can closely mentor each of the 41 seminarians. The 54.84% four-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of seminary formation, which combines rigorous academic study with spiritual development and pastoral training. All coursework centers on Catholic doctrine, scripture, church history, and practical ministry skills. The curriculum prepares graduates to serve as priests, deacons, or lay ministers throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and beyond.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 4:1
Full-Time Faculty: 95.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 54.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 44.4%
Retention Rate: 100.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $55,225
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Transfer)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Theological and Ministerial Studies.	Master	$54,644

View all 8 programs →

Campus Life

The Overbrook campus houses all 41 seminarians who live together in a close-knit residential community just 10 miles west of Philadelphia. With a 4:1 student-faculty ratio, daily life revolves around small theology classes, prayer services, and formation activities that prepare men for Catholic priesthood. Students wake early for morning prayer and Mass before attending rigorous academic coursework in philosophy, theology, and pastoral ministry.

The suburban setting on Philadelphia's Main Line provides a contemplative atmosphere while keeping Center City accessible by train. Pennsylvania winters require heavy coats and boots, while humid summers call for lighter clothing during outdoor activities. The 100% retention rate reflects the intensive discernment process that shapes seminary life. Weekends blend study and service, with seminarians often participating in parish assignments throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The all-male environment fosters brotherhood through shared meals, recreational activities, and spiritual direction. Despite the $38,775 average net price, only 12.50% receive financial aid, as many dioceses sponsor their seminarians' education and formation.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 246 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 24°–39°F
July Avg: 66°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.8"
Annual Snowfall: 25.3"

Student Demographics

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary draws men exclusively, reflecting its mission to train Catholic priests and lay ministers. The student body of 41 seminarians comes primarily from Pennsylvania and the broader Mid-Atlantic region, with strong ties to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Hispanic students make up more than one-fifth of enrollment, mirroring the growing diversity within American Catholicism. Most students come from middle-class families, with only 13% receiving Pell Grants. The seminary attracts men who have already discerned a calling to religious life, creating an intensely focused academic community centered on theological study and spiritual formation.

Men: 100.0%
Women: 0.0%
White: 68.3%
Black: 2.4%
Hispanic: 22.0%
Asian: 2.4%
In-State Students: 60.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 12.5%

Location

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary sits in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, about 10 miles west of Philadelphia. The campus occupies 100 acres in this affluent Main Line suburb, where tree-lined streets and historic estates define the landscape. Students have easy access to Philadelphia's cultural attractions and internship opportunities while enjoying a quieter residential setting. The seminary's Gothic Revival architecture stands out among the area's mix of colonial and Victorian homes. Wynnewood Station provides direct rail service to downtown Philadelphia in under 30 minutes. The Main Line region hosts several strong colleges and universities, creating an academic atmosphere throughout the suburban corridor. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary with similar schools in the region.

Address: Wynnewood, Pennsylvania 19096

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $55,225
Median Earnings (5 years): $55,147

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary-Overbrook?

The seminary accepts 75% of applicants, reflecting its mission-driven admissions process focused on religious vocation rather than purely academic competition. With only 41 students enrolled, the school carefully evaluates candidates' commitment to priesthood and ministry in the Catholic Church.

How much does Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary-Overbrook cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $38,775 annually despite tuition of $25,023. Only 12.5% of students receive financial aid, as many seminarians receive support directly from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for their priestly formation.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary-Overbrook?

The seminary maintains a 4:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring intensive mentorship crucial for priestly formation. This exceptionally low ratio allows for personalized theological education and spiritual direction that traditional universities cannot provide.

What are the graduation outcomes at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary-Overbrook?

The four-year graduation rate stands at 54.84%, while the six-year rate drops to 44.4%. Graduates earn a median salary of $55,225 ten years after completion, reflecting the unique career path of Catholic priesthood and ministry work.

Where do students live at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary-Overbrook?

The seminary houses students in on-campus facilities with a capacity of 246, far exceeding the current enrollment of 41. The retention rate reaches 100%, indicating strong community bonds essential for seminary life and priestly formation.

Is Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary-Overbrook exclusively for men?

Yes, 100% of students are male, as the seminary specifically trains men for Catholic priesthood in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The student body is 68.29% white and 21.95% Hispanic, with 60% coming from Pennsylvania to serve local parishes.