About Saint Peter's University
Saint Peter's University captured national attention when its basketball team made an improbable run to the top Eight in 2022, proving that this small Catholic institution with 1,939 students punches above its weight. The Jersey City campus has built a strong reputation for business programs while maintaining its Jesuit educational traditions. Notable graduates include former U.S. national soccer goalkeeper Shep Messing and television director Kevin Mahon.
The financial picture looks surprisingly good for a private Catholic university. Students pay an average net price of $12,973 after aid, despite the $41,054 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $57,815 ten years after graduation, while typical debt loads hit $20,500. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving working-class families. The monthly loan payment averages $217, manageable given post-graduation earning potential.
The student body is 40% male and 60% female, with Hispanic students making up the largest group at 41% of enrollment. Nearly all students come from New Jersey, creating a tight-knit community feel. With 249 student athletes competing across 12 Division I sports, the Peacocks maintain an active campus culture. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this urban setting.
The financial picture looks surprisingly good for a private Catholic university. Students pay an average net price of $12,973 after aid, despite the $41,054 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $57,815 ten years after graduation, while typical debt loads hit $20,500. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving working-class families. The monthly loan payment averages $217, manageable given post-graduation earning potential.
The student body is 40% male and 60% female, with Hispanic students making up the largest group at 41% of enrollment. Nearly all students come from New Jersey, creating a tight-knit community feel. With 249 student athletes competing across 12 Division I sports, the Peacocks maintain an active campus culture. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this urban setting.
Academics & Faculty
Saint Peter's University focuses on practical career preparation through its respected business programs and professional degree tracks. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students by name and provide hands-on mentorship. With 61.71% of students graduating in four years, the small Catholic university emphasizes close academic support rather than research prestige. The school's business curriculum connects directly to New York City's financial district just across the Hudson River. Students benefit from internship opportunities in nearby Manhattan while studying in smaller classes. The university's Catholic mission shapes its liberal arts foundation, but career-focused programs in business, education, and nursing drive most academic decisions.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 31.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 61.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.1%
- Retention Rate
- 71.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,815
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $81,886 |
| Insurance. | Master | $79,838 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $66,105 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $63,005 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| International Business. | Master | $57,318 |
| Education, General. | Master | $56,641 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $56,234 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $55,964 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $48,432 |
Campus Life
Saint Peter's sits on a compact urban campus just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, offering stunning views of the New York City skyline. Only 654 students can live in campus housing, meaning most of the 1,939 enrolled students commute from the surrounding Jersey City area. The 90% in-state student body reflects the school's deep local roots in this diverse, working-class city.
Winter coats are essential for navigating the Northeast weather from December through March. The small campus creates an intimate feel where the 11:1 student-faculty ratio translates into professors knowing students by name. Weekends often involve trips into Manhattan, which is accessible by PATH train in under 30 minutes. The Peacocks basketball team gained national attention during their recent March Madness run, creating rare moments of campus-wide excitement. With 59% women and a heavily Hispanic student population at 41%, Saint Peter's reflects Jersey City's multicultural character. Students frequently balance work and school, with many taking advantage of internship opportunities in nearby New York's financial district.
Winter coats are essential for navigating the Northeast weather from December through March. The small campus creates an intimate feel where the 11:1 student-faculty ratio translates into professors knowing students by name. Weekends often involve trips into Manhattan, which is accessible by PATH train in under 30 minutes. The Peacocks basketball team gained national attention during their recent March Madness run, creating rare moments of campus-wide excitement. With 59% women and a heavily Hispanic student population at 41%, Saint Peter's reflects Jersey City's multicultural character. Students frequently balance work and school, with many taking advantage of internship opportunities in nearby New York's financial district.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 654 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1872
Campus Safety (2023)
7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 24°–39°F
- July Avg
- 68°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 28.2"
Student Demographics
The student body reflects Saint Peter's mission as an accessible Catholic education in urban New Jersey. Nearly 60% of students are women, drawn largely to the university's strong business and health science programs. With over 40% Hispanic enrollment and 18% Black students, the campus mirrors Jersey City's diverse population. About 54% receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves working-class families seeking upward mobility. The fact that 90% come from New Jersey demonstrates Saint Peter's reputation as a regional anchor institution where local students can afford quality education close to home.
- Men
- 40.1%
- Women
- 59.9%
- White
- 24.3%
- Black
- 17.7%
- Hispanic
- 40.6%
- Asian
- 7.5%
- In-State Students
- 90.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 54.2%
Location
Saint Peter's University sits in Jersey City, New Jersey, directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan. The campus lies just minutes from New York City by PATH train, giving students immediate access to one of the world's major metropolitan areas. Jersey City itself has transformed into a bustling urban center with a growing tech and finance sector. The university's location offers the energy of city life while maintaining a distinct college community within the larger urban landscape. Students can intern in Manhattan's financial district or explore the diverse neighborhoods of both Jersey City and New York. Students considering colleges in New Jersey may also compare Saint Peter's University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Jersey City, New Jersey 07306-5997
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,815
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,520
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 49.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Saint Peter's University?
Saint Peter's admits 88.83% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. This Catholic university focuses on serving its diverse Jersey City community rather than being highly selective.
How much does Saint Peter's University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $12,973, which is lower than the $41,054 sticker price. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving working-class families in the New York metropolitan area.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Saint Peter's University?
Classes average 11 students per professor, ensuring personalized attention in this small university setting. The school is particularly known for its business programs and emphasizes close mentoring relationships.
What are the career outcomes for Saint Peter's University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $57,815 ten years after graduation, with a 92.2% employment rate. The typical graduate leaves with $20,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $217.
Where do most Saint Peter's University students come from?
About 90% of students are from New Jersey, creating a tight-knit local community. The student body is 40.59% Hispanic and 17.74% Black, reflecting Jersey City's diverse population.
Is Saint Peter's University known for athletics?
The Peacocks compete in NCAA Division I and made national headlines with their surprising run in the 2022 basketball tournament. The school awards $3.2 million in athletic scholarships across 12 varsity sports with 249 total athletes.
