About Saint Joseph's University
Saint Joseph's University brings together 4,742 students in Philadelphia's active college scene. This Jesuit institution has built its reputation on rigorous business programs and competitive Division I basketball that puts it at the heart of Philadelphia's Big 5 rivalry. The university follows the Jesuit tradition of "magis" - always striving for more - which shaped notable graduates like former Philadelphia 76ers president Pat Croce and legendary sports broadcaster Jim McKay. Students benefit from small classes with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio in the heart of a major city.
The financial picture tells a compelling story about value. While sticker price reaches $68,130, students actually pay an average net price of $35,487 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $86,881 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $25,500 quite manageable with monthly payments around $270. The 96.3% employment rate shows strong career outcomes that justify the investment.
Saint Joseph's maintains its Catholic identity while serving a diverse student body that's 58% out-of-state. The Hawks compete in 16 Division I sports with nearly $8.6 million in athletic scholarships. Four out of five students graduate within six years, and 88% return after freshman year, suggesting students find what they're looking for on this urban campus.
The financial picture tells a compelling story about value. While sticker price reaches $68,130, students actually pay an average net price of $35,487 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $86,881 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $25,500 quite manageable with monthly payments around $270. The 96.3% employment rate shows strong career outcomes that justify the investment.
Saint Joseph's maintains its Catholic identity while serving a diverse student body that's 58% out-of-state. The Hawks compete in 16 Division I sports with nearly $8.6 million in athletic scholarships. Four out of five students graduate within six years, and 88% return after freshman year, suggesting students find what they're looking for on this urban campus.
Academics & Faculty
Saint Joseph's University operates as a Jesuit research institution where business programs anchor the academic reputation. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates small classes typical of Jesuit education's personalized approach. Students graduate at an 81% four-year rate, reflecting strong academic support systems. The Haub School of Business draws students seeking finance and marketing degrees with Philadelphia's corporate connections. Liberal arts programs emphasize critical thinking through the Jesuit tradition of intellectual rigor. The 87.95% retention rate indicates students find the academic environment engaging. Jesuit pedagogy focuses on developing the whole person, not just professional skills. Science and health programs benefit from research opportunities despite the university's primarily undergraduate focus.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 81.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 79.8%
- Retention Rate
- 88.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $86,881
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. | Master | $144,240 |
| Marketing. | Master | $103,078 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $91,744 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $86,550 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $84,653 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $67,473 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $64,196 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $63,997 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $62,818 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $61,630 |
Campus Life
The Jesuit campus sits on 114 acres in a residential Philadelphia neighborhood, giving students a true college bubble feeling while staying connected to the city. About 57% of undergraduates live on campus in residence halls that house 2,723 students total. Philadelphia winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while spring and fall offer perfect weather for studying on the quad.
Students embrace the Big 5 basketball rivalry that defines Philadelphia college sports. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates tight bonds between professors and their 4,742 students. Weekend life revolves around Hawk Hill, where students gather for basketball games and campus events. Many students venture into Center City Philadelphia, just 20 minutes away by train, for internships and nightlife. The Jesuit tradition emphasizes service, with students volunteering throughout Philadelphia neighborhoods. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social scenes. Instead, students bond over Hawks basketball games and the school's "Magis" philosophy of doing more for others. The 87.95% retention rate suggests most students find their place in this close-knit Catholic community.
Students embrace the Big 5 basketball rivalry that defines Philadelphia college sports. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates tight bonds between professors and their 4,742 students. Weekend life revolves around Hawk Hill, where students gather for basketball games and campus events. Many students venture into Center City Philadelphia, just 20 minutes away by train, for internships and nightlife. The Jesuit tradition emphasizes service, with students volunteering throughout Philadelphia neighborhoods. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social scenes. Instead, students bond over Hawks basketball games and the school's "Magis" philosophy of doing more for others. The 87.95% retention rate suggests most students find their place in this close-knit Catholic community.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,723 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1851
Campus Safety (2023)
17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–41°F
- July Avg
- 71°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 16.1"
Student Demographics
Saint Joseph's draws students who value the Jesuit tradition of academic rigor and service. The student body is 58% out-of-state, reflecting the university's national reputation for business and liberal arts programs. Women make up 54% of enrollment, drawn to strong programs in education, health sciences, and business. The campus serves a predominantly middle and upper-middle class population, with only 18% receiving Pell Grants. Students gravitate toward the close-knit community feel that comes with 4,742 total enrollment and a 10:1 student-faculty ratio.
- Men
- 46.1%
- Women
- 53.9%
- White
- 67.9%
- Black
- 6.2%
- Hispanic
- 9.3%
- Asian
- 10.2%
- In-State Students
- 42.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.2%
Location
Saint Joseph's University sits in Philadelphia, the nation's sixth-largest city with 1.6 million residents. The campus occupies 114 acres in the Overbrook section of West Philadelphia, about eight miles from Center City's skyscrapers and historic sites. Philadelphia's college-dense environment hosts over 300,000 students across dozens of institutions, creating a active academic atmosphere. The city offers strong museums, professional sports teams, and internship opportunities across finance, healthcare, and technology sectors. Students can easily access New York City, just 95 miles northeast, or Washington D.C., 140 miles south, by train or car. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Saint Joseph's University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19131-1395
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $86,881
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $87,323
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $49,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 79.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $270/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Saint Joseph's University?
Saint Joseph's University accepts 89% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1150-1330 on the SAT, reflecting the university's solid academic standards for this Jesuit institution.
How much does Saint Joseph's University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Saint Joseph's University is $35,487 after aid, lower than the $68,130 sticker price. About 28% of students receive institutional grants averaging $29,822, helping make this private Catholic education more accessible.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Saint Joseph's University?
Saint Joseph's University maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with 4,742 total students. This small class environment reflects the Jesuit tradition of personalized education and close mentorship between professors and students.
What are the career outcomes for Saint Joseph's University graduates?
Saint Joseph's graduates earn a median salary of $86,881 ten years after graduation with a 96.3% employment rate. The typical graduate leaves with $25,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $270, showing strong return on investment for this business-focused university.
Where is Saint Joseph's University located and what is campus life like?
Saint Joseph's sits in Philadelphia with housing for 2,723 students out of its 4,742 enrollment. The 88% retention rate suggests students enjoy the urban campus experience and the strong sense of community fostered by Jesuit values.
Does Saint Joseph's University have competitive Division I athletics?
Saint Joseph's competes in NCAA Division I with 467 total athletes across 16 varsity sports and $8.6 million in athletic scholarships. The Hawks basketball team is part of Philadelphia's strong Big 5 rivalry, creating intense local competition with schools like Villanova and Temple.
