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76.7%Acceptance
$57,400Tuition
2,120Students
74%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$61,723Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Evangelical Lutheran

About Susquehanna University

Susquehanna University sits in small-town Pennsylvania with 2,120 students who get to know their professors well in classes that average 13 students per faculty member. This liberal arts college has strong ties to the Lutheran church but welcomes students from all backgrounds. The school emphasizes hands-on learning and study abroad programs that send students around the world. With 76.69% of applicants getting in and an average SAT of 1184, Susquehanna attracts solid students who want personal attention from faculty.

The sticker price of $57,400 for tuition looks steep, but most families pay much less. The average student pays $26,539 after financial aid, and families making under $48,000 often pay less than $20,000. Graduates earn a median of $61,723 ten years after college with typical debt of $27,000. That debt translates to monthly payments of $286, which most graduates can handle given their earning power.

The River Hawks compete in 23 Division III sports with 574 total athletes, meaning about one in four students plays varsity sports. Women make up 56.56% of students, and 58.64% come from Pennsylvania. The 73.18% retention rate suggests some students transfer out, but 74.88% of those who stay graduate in four years.

Academics & Faculty

Susquehanna is a liberal arts college where students get broad exposure to different fields before specializing, which means you'll take classes outside your major in areas like science, humanities, and social sciences. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know your name and can provide individual attention during office hours. The school is particularly known for its business program and strong music conservatory, which draws talented musicians from across the region. With a 74% four-year graduation rate, most students finish on time, though the 73% retention rate suggests some students transfer after their first year to find a better fit elsewhere.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
64.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
74.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
74.1%
Retention Rate
73.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$61,723
Carnegie Classification
Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $58,221
International Business. Bachelor $54,661
Finance and Financial Management Services. Bachelor $47,846
Marketing. Bachelor $46,478
Business/Corporate Communications. Bachelor $44,170
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. Bachelor $43,426
Communication and Media Studies. Bachelor $39,927
Design and Applied Arts. Bachelor $39,369
Sociology. Bachelor $38,289
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $37,424

View all 55 programs →

Campus Life

Susquehanna sits in small-town Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, about two hours from Philadelphia and three from New York City. With housing capacity for 2,092 students and total enrollment of 2,120, nearly everyone lives on campus, creating a tight-knit community where you'll recognize faces across the quad. Pennsylvania winters mean you'll need a good coat from November through March, but spring and fall offer beautiful weather for walking between the red-brick Georgian buildings.

Weekends revolve around campus life since Selinsgrove is a quiet college town. With 574 student athletes competing in 23 Division III sports, games draw solid crowds, especially for basketball and football. The school's Lutheran heritage shows in its community service focus, though it welcomes students of all backgrounds. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life like at larger schools. Students often head to nearby Lewisburg for restaurants or catch shuttles to bigger cities for weekend trips. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and often join students for lunch in the dining halls.
Setting
Town-Distant
Housing Capacity
2,092 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1858

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Dating Violence 9 7 0 0
Fondling 5 4 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 1 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 1 0 0
Rape 1 1 0 0
Stalking 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
19°–38°F
July Avg
61°–85°F
Annual Precipitation
83.0"
Annual Snowfall
29.3"

Student Demographics

Susquehanna draws students who want a close-knit liberal arts experience without leaving Pennsylvania. With 59% of students coming from in-state, the university has built a strong regional reputation among families who value its Lutheran heritage and personal attention. The student body leans female at 57%, which reflects the school's strength in education, business, and liberal arts programs that traditionally attract more women. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves middle-class families looking for an affordable private college option in central Pennsylvania.
Men
43.4%
Women
56.6%
White
77.3%
Black
6.6%
Hispanic
7.4%
Asian
1.7%
In-State Students
58.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
23.9%

Location

Susquehanna University sits in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, a small town about 60 miles north of Harrisburg and 150 miles northwest of Philadelphia. This central Pennsylvania location puts students in a classic college town surrounded by rolling farmland and the Susquehanna River valley. With 2,120 students, the university makes up a significant part of this community of about 5,400 residents. The town-distant setting means students get a quiet, focused environment without being completely isolated from larger cities. The area offers outdoor activities along the river and access to Pennsylvania's rural charm, while still being within driving distance of major metropolitan areas. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Susquehanna University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania 17870-1025
Missionary Institute - Selinsgrove Hall by M.R. Hemperley circa
Missionary Institute - Selinsgrove Hall by M.R. Hemperley circa
Drawing of the Susquehanna Female College, circa
Drawing of the Susquehanna Female College, circa
Susquehanna-university-graduation-common-history
Susquehanna-university-graduation-common-history

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$61,723
Median Earnings (5 years)
$59,913
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$40,200
Loan Repayment Rate
81.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Susquehanna University?

Susquehanna University accepts 76.69% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1088 and 1280 on the SAT. This Lutheran-affiliated liberal arts college draws students who value small class sizes and close faculty relationships.

How much does Susquehanna University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Susquehanna University is $26,539, lower than the sticker price of $57,400. Students from families earning under $48,000 pay even less, with net prices around $17,536-$20,251. The school provides substantial institutional grants averaging $40,914 to help make attendance affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Susquehanna University?

Susquehanna University maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 2,120 students. This small liberal arts environment emphasizes close mentorship and personalized attention. The school is known for its strong programs in business, communications, and the sciences.

What are the career outcomes for Susquehanna University graduates?

Susquehanna University graduates earn a median salary of $61,723 ten years after graduation with a 96.3% employment rate. The typical graduate leaves with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286. The school's career services and alumni network help students transition successfully into their chosen fields.

Where is Susquehanna University located and what is campus life like?

Susquehanna University sits in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, a small town setting that creates a close-knit campus community. With housing capacity for 2,092 students, nearly all undergraduates live on campus. The River Hawks compete in 23 NCAA Division III sports with 574 total athletes participating.

Does Susquehanna University have a strong athletic program?

Susquehanna University fields 23 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III as part of the Landmark Conference. With 574 total athletes, about 27% of the student body participates in varsity athletics. As a Division III school, Susquehanna offers no athletic scholarships but emphasizes the student-athlete experience and academic excellence.