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74.9%Acceptance
$45,908Tuition
825Students
70%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$59,908Earnings
#19 in ConnecticutPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About University of Saint Joseph

The University of Saint Joseph started as a women's college in 1932 and has evolved into a coeducational Catholic institution known for its strong health sciences programs. With 825 students on a small city campus in West Hartford, this university has built a reputation particularly in nursing and pharmacy. The school maintains its Catholic heritage while serving a diverse student body that's 71% female, reflecting its historical roots.

Students pay an average net price of $27,375 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of nearly $61,000. Graduates earn a median of $59,908 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable with monthly payments around $286. The return on investment looks solid, with 97.7% of graduates finding employment and strong earning potential in health-focused careers.

The intimate learning environment shows in the 9:1 student-faculty ratio, and 86% of freshmen return for their sophomore year. While 74% of students receive federal loans, the school's focus on practical, career-oriented programs in healthcare means graduates enter fields with stable job prospects. The Blue Jays compete in 16 NCAA Division III sports, with 278 student-athletes participating across various teams.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Saint Joseph built its reputation on health sciences, particularly nursing and pharmacy programs that prepare students for high-demand careers. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and provide individualized attention throughout their academic journey. This small Catholic university maintains its focus on practical, career-oriented education rooted in service values. The 69.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many health science majors face with rigorous coursework and clinical requirements. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities in state-of-the-art labs and clinical partnerships with nearby Hartford hospitals. The school's nursing program consistently produces graduates who pass licensing exams at rates above national averages.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
9:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
65.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
69.7%
Retention Rate
85.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$59,908
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. Doctoral $121,072
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $98,974
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $70,705
Education, General. Master $58,582
Special Education and Teaching. Master $54,676
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. Certificate $53,358
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $52,941
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. Master $51,899
Student Counseling and Personnel Services. Master $48,432
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. Master $46,478

View all 79 programs →

Campus Life

West Hartford provides a classic New England college town setting just minutes from downtown Hartford. The 84-acre campus houses 398 students, meaning roughly half the student body lives on campus in a tight-knit residential community. Connecticut winters require heavy coats and boots, while fall brings stunning foliage that makes the campus particularly photogenic.

With 71% women and strong health science programs, the Blue Jays create a collaborative academic environment where students often study together in small groups. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, not ID number. Weekend life centers around the residence halls and nearby West Hartford Center, where students frequent local cafes and shops. The NCAA Division III sports programs draw decent crowds, with 278 student-athletes competing across 16 sports. Hartford's cultural attractions and internship opportunities sit just 15 minutes away, but many students prefer the suburban campus bubble. The Catholic identity shapes campus traditions and service opportunities, though students of all backgrounds find community here.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
398 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1932

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–36°F
July Avg
65°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
42.8"
Annual Snowfall
38.6"

Student Demographics

Women make up 71% of the student body at this Catholic university, reflecting its origins as a women's college and continued strength in nursing and health sciences. The school draws 88% of students from Connecticut, showing deep roots in the local community. More than one-third receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves working-class families seeking professional healthcare careers. The diverse student population includes significant Hispanic and Black enrollment, reflecting West Hartford's demographics and the school's commitment to accessible Catholic education for first-generation college students.
Men
29.1%
Women
70.9%
White
59.3%
Black
10.4%
Hispanic
18.2%
Asian
5.7%
In-State Students
88.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
36.1%

Location

West Hartford sits just five miles west of Hartford, Connecticut's capital city. The university operates in a small city setting with 60,000 residents that blends suburban comfort with urban accessibility. West Hartford Center offers upscale shopping and dining within walking distance of campus, while downtown Hartford provides internships and job opportunities in insurance, healthcare, and government sectors. The area attracts college students with its New England charm and proximity to both Boston and New York City, each about two hours away. Connecticut's central location puts students within reach of major East Coast cities while maintaining a quieter academic environment. Students considering colleges in Connecticut may also compare University of Saint Joseph with similar schools in the region.
Address
West Hartford, Connecticut 06117
Gate of University of Saint Joseph
Gate of University of Saint Joseph

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$59,908
Median Earnings (5 years)
$68,425
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$43,100
Loan Repayment Rate
60.7%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Saint Joseph?

University of Saint Joseph accepts 74.85% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1070-1275 on the SAT, reflecting the school's focus on health sciences programs that attract career-focused students.

How much does University of Saint Joseph cost after financial aid?

The average net price at University of Saint Joseph is $27,375, lower than the sticker price of $45,908. Students typically graduate with $27,000 in debt and make monthly loan payments of $286, which is manageable given the school's strong health sciences programs.

What is University of Saint Joseph known for academically?

University of Saint Joseph maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in its signature programs. The school built its reputation on nursing, pharmacy, and health sciences, reflecting its Catholic mission of service and its origins as a women's college founded in 1932.

What are the career outcomes for University of Saint Joseph graduates?

University of Saint Joseph graduates earn a median salary of $59,908 ten years after graduation with a strong 97.7% employment rate. The school's 69.70% six-year graduation rate reflects its focus on health professions that require rigorous preparation and clinical training.

Where is University of Saint Joseph located and what is campus life like?

University of Saint Joseph sits in West Hartford, Connecticut, enrolling just 825 students in a small city setting. With housing for 398 students and 16 NCAA Division III sports teams, the Blue Jays create an intimate campus community where 70.91% of students are women, reflecting the school's historical roots.

Does University of Saint Joseph still maintain its Catholic identity?

University of Saint Joseph remains a Roman Catholic institution that evolved from its 1932 founding as a women's college. While 88.11% of students come from in-state Connecticut, the school now admits men and women who are drawn to its mission-driven approach to health sciences education.