About Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
The Rock has built its reputation on teacher training, health sciences, and small-town college football pride. This public full university enrolls 6,728 students in rural western Pennsylvania, where NFL Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams once roamed the gridiron before his legendary career. The 74% acceptance rate welcomes students with mid-range test scores, while the education and health programs consistently place graduates in Pennsylvania schools and hospitals. Students here know everyone on campus, and football Saturdays define the social calendar.
Money-wise, Pennsylvania residents pay an average net price of $19,524 after aid, while graduates earn a median $53,032 within ten years. The typical monthly loan payment hits $265, manageable given that 97% of graduates find employment. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,762 net price, making this an affordable path to a four-year degree. The $25,000 median debt load stays reasonable compared to earnings potential.
The student body skews heavily in-state at 90%, creating tight-knit Pennsylvania connections that last beyond graduation. With 475 athletes competing in 13 Division II sports, The Rock maintains its athletic identity while the 20:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name. The 66% four-year graduation rate reflects the supportive environment that helps working-class students finish strong.
Money-wise, Pennsylvania residents pay an average net price of $19,524 after aid, while graduates earn a median $53,032 within ten years. The typical monthly loan payment hits $265, manageable given that 97% of graduates find employment. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,762 net price, making this an affordable path to a four-year degree. The $25,000 median debt load stays reasonable compared to earnings potential.
The student body skews heavily in-state at 90%, creating tight-knit Pennsylvania connections that last beyond graduation. With 475 athletes competing in 13 Division II sports, The Rock maintains its athletic identity while the 20:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name. The 66% four-year graduation rate reflects the supportive environment that helps working-class students finish strong.
Academics & Faculty
Slippery Rock University built its reputation as a full public university with particularly strong programs in education and health sciences. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means students get reasonable access to professors, though class sizes can be larger than at smaller colleges. About 66% of students graduate within four years, which reflects the university's focus on practical, career-oriented programs rather than purely academic pursuits. The education program has long been a cornerstone, preparing teachers for Pennsylvania schools. Health science majors benefit from hands-on training and clinical partnerships. Students here typically choose Slippery Rock for its affordability and direct pathways to careers in teaching, healthcare, and public service rather than graduate school preparation.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 88.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 66.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.9%
- Retention Rate
- 81.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,032
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $67,660 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,749 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $60,213 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $59,124 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $52,289 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $46,673 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $46,217 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $45,145 |
| Mathematics. | Master | $44,021 |
Campus Life
Pack a heavy winter coat for Slippery Rock's Pennsylvania winters, where snow blankets the small college town 60 miles north of Pittsburgh. About 42% of the 6,728 students live on campus in residence halls that house 2,800 students. The compact campus creates a tight-knit community where you'll recognize faces walking between classes.
The Rock's football games draw massive crowds for Division II athletics, with 475 student-athletes competing across 13 varsity sports. Weekends revolve around tailgating and cheering on teams in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. With 90% of students from Pennsylvania, the campus feels like an extended hometown gathering. Students often venture to nearby Grove City for shopping or make the hour drive to Pittsburgh for internships and nightlife. The small-town setting means campus events like homecoming and spring carnival become the main social highlights. Greek life and intramural sports fill the social calendar when winter keeps everyone indoors. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, creating a supportive academic environment despite the mid-sized enrollment.
The Rock's football games draw massive crowds for Division II athletics, with 475 student-athletes competing across 13 varsity sports. Weekends revolve around tailgating and cheering on teams in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. With 90% of students from Pennsylvania, the campus feels like an extended hometown gathering. Students often venture to nearby Grove City for shopping or make the hour drive to Pittsburgh for internships and nightlife. The small-town setting means campus events like homecoming and spring carnival become the main social highlights. Greek life and intramural sports fill the social calendar when winter keeps everyone indoors. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, creating a supportive academic environment despite the mid-sized enrollment.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 2,800 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Statutory Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–35°F
- July Avg
- 58°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 37.6"
Student Demographics
Students come primarily from Pennsylvania families, with 90% choosing to stay close to home for college. The Rock attracts middle-class families who value affordable education, as shown by the 28% Pell Grant rate. Women slightly outnumber men, reflecting strong programs in education and health sciences that traditionally draw more female students. Most students are white and from small Pennsylvania towns, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The student body appreciates Division II athletics and small-town college life over big-city distractions.
- Men
- 45.0%
- Women
- 55.0%
- White
- 83.8%
- Black
- 4.2%
- Hispanic
- 3.4%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 90.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.1%
Location
Slippery Rock sits 50 miles north of Pittsburgh in western Pennsylvania's rural landscape. The town of 3,600 residents revolves around the university, creating a classic college town atmosphere where students make up nearly two-thirds of the population. Rolling hills and farmland surround the campus, offering a stark contrast to Pennsylvania's urban centers. The nearest shopping and entertainment beyond campus requires a drive to nearby Grove City or Butler. With 90% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with Pennsylvania's small-town character before arriving. The remote setting means campus life dominates the social scene for the university's 6,728 students. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Slippery Rock University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057-1383
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,032
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,417
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 72.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania?
Slippery Rock admits 74.33% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 960-1160 on the SAT, reflecting the university's focus on accessible education for Pennsylvania students.
How much does Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $19,524 annually after aid is applied. The university keeps costs reasonable with in-state tuition at just $10,507, though only 28.09% of students receive need-based Pell Grants.
What academic programs is Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania known for?
The university has built a strong reputation in education and health sciences programs. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio and 81.49% retention rate, students find solid academic support in this comprehensive public university setting.
What do graduates of Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania earn after college?
Alumni earn a median salary of $53,032 ten years after graduation, with a strong 97.2% employment rate. About 66% of students graduate within four years, and graduates typically manage monthly loan payments of $265.
Where is Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in the small town of Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, housing 2,800 students on campus out of 6,728 total enrollment. The campus attracts 90.02% Pennsylvania residents who appreciate the close-knit college town atmosphere.
Does Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania have strong athletics?
The Rock competes in NCAA Division II with 13 varsity sports and 475 student athletes. The football program has particular tradition and pride, with the university awarding $1,334,468 in athletic scholarships across all sports.
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