Seton Hall University: 75.1% Acceptance Rate

75.1%Acceptance

$51,370Tuition

5,924Students

72%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$70,196Earnings

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

About Seton Hall University

Seton Hall builds business leaders and healthcare professionals just 14 miles from Manhattan's financial district. This Catholic research university enrolls 5,924 students on a suburban campus that feels both college-traditional and career-connected. The business and nursing programs have earned national recognition for placing graduates in competitive New York area positions. Notable alumni include Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito and ESPN's Dick Vitale, reflecting the school's reach into both law and sports media.

Students pay an average net price of $28,921 after financial aid, despite the $51,370 sticker price. Graduates earn a median salary of $70,196 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $22,750 manageable with monthly payments around $241. The 94.2% employment rate shows employers value Seton Hall credentials. Nearly 30% of students receive institutional grants averaging $29,443.

The Pirates compete in the Big East Conference, giving students Division I basketball excitement in a league that includes Villanova and Georgetown. With 85% of freshmen returning for sophomore year and a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, the academic environment balances personal attention with research opportunities. The student body is 56% female and diverse, with 48% students of color creating a community that reflects the broader New York metropolitan area.

Academics & Faculty

Seton Hall operates as a Catholic research university with particularly strong reputations in business and nursing programs. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, while the 71.5% six-year graduation rate reflects decent but not strong student success. Business students benefit from the school's proximity to New York City's financial sector, creating valuable internship and job opportunities. The nursing program is highly regarded and competitive within the region. The Stillman School of Business draws recruiters from major corporations. With 85% of students returning for sophomore year, most find the academic environment supportive. The Catholic mission infuses many programs with service learning components and ethical frameworks that shape the educational experience.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 91.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 71.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 71.5%
Retention Rate: 85.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $70,196
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Doctoral	$111,435
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies.	Master	$101,406
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$96,539
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Master	$92,885
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Master	$81,702
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Doctoral	$78,343
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$75,706
Human Resources Management and Services.	Master	$75,518
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$74,576
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$72,693

View all 105 programs →

Campus Life

Seton Hall's South Orange campus sits just 14 miles from Manhattan, making weekend trips to New York City a regular part of student life. About 44% of the 5,924 students live in campus housing, creating a residential feel despite the proximity to the city. New Jersey winters require a solid coat and boots, while spring and fall offer perfect weather for walking the tree-lined campus.

The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where professors know your name. Students often gather in the renovated student center or grab coffee before heading to internships in nearby Newark or Manhattan. Basketball games draw passionate crowds to the Prudential Center, where the Pirates compete in the Big East Conference. With 274 student-athletes across 14 varsity sports, school spirit runs high during basketball season. Weekend options range from campus events to exploring NYC's endless opportunities. The Catholic identity shapes campus culture through service programs and community involvement, though students of all backgrounds feel welcome in this diverse environment where 26.79% of students are Hispanic.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 2,606 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1856

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Fondling	3	3
Burglary	4	1
Dating Violence	3	0
Domestic Violence	2	1
Stalking	2	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0
Aggravated Assault	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 24°–39°F
July Avg: 68°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.4"
Annual Snowfall: 28.2"

Student Demographics

Seton Hall draws heavily from New Jersey and the broader New York metropolitan area, with 65% of students coming from in-state. The student body reflects the region's diversity, with significant Hispanic and Black enrollment alongside a white plurality. Women outnumber men by a notable margin, largely driven by the university's acclaimed nursing program. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the Catholic institution's commitment to serving middle-class families alongside more affluent students. This mix creates a community rooted in the Northeast corridor's urban and suburban Catholic traditions.

Men: 44.1%
Women: 55.9%
White: 43.7%
Black: 11.6%
Hispanic: 26.8%
Asian: 9.8%
In-State Students: 65.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 30.3%

Location

South Orange sits 14 miles west of Manhattan, placing Seton Hall University within easy reach of New York City's internship and career opportunities. The suburban campus occupies 58 acres in Essex County, where tree-lined streets and historic homes create a classic college town atmosphere. Students can catch a direct train to Penn Station in just 30 minutes, making weekend trips to the city common. The area blends residential charm with academic energy, as multiple colleges call this region home. With 65% of students coming from within New Jersey, many are already familiar with the state's proximity to major metropolitan areas. Students considering colleges in New Jersey may also compare Seton Hall University with similar schools in the region.

Address: South Orange, New Jersey 07079-2697

Presidents Hall of Seton Hall University

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $70,196
Median Earnings (5 years): $76,204
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $48,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 69.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $241/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Seton Hall University?

Seton Hall accepts 75% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private Catholic university. Students typically need SAT scores between 1230-1390 to be competitive. The school values both academic achievement and alignment with its Catholic mission.

How much does Seton Hall University cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $28,921 after aid, lower than the $51,370 sticker price. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, and institutional grants average $29,443. Students graduate with a median debt of $22,750, which is reasonable for a private university.

What is Seton Hall University known for academically?

Seton Hall is well-known for its business and nursing programs, which benefit from proximity to New York City job markets. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention in these competitive fields. As a Catholic research university, it combines rigorous academics with values-based education.

What are the career outcomes at Seton Hall University?

Graduates earn a median salary of $70,196 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong job placement in the New York metro area. The employment rate reaches 94.2% within six months of graduation. The school's location and alumni network, including figures like Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, open doors in business and professional fields.

Where is Seton Hall University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in South Orange, New Jersey, a large suburban setting just 14 miles from Manhattan. With 2,606 housing spaces for 5,924 students, about 44% live on campus. The Pirates compete in NCAA Division I Big East athletics with 14 varsity sports.

Does Seton Hall University have notable alumni in entertainment?

Yes, Seton Hall has produced several entertainment industry stars, most Richie Sambora, guitarist for Bon Jovi. ESPN personalities Dick Vitale and Bob Ley are also graduates, reflecting the school's strong communications programs. These alumni demonstrate the university's reach beyond traditional Catholic university careers into media and entertainment.