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84.4%Acceptance
$52,309Tuition
3,589Students
81%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$74,652Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About University of Scranton

The University of Scranton produces graduates who go on to the highest levels of American politics, including President Joe Biden. This Jesuit Catholic university of 3,589 students sits in small-city Pennsylvania and has built a strong reputation for business and healthcare programs. The Jesuit tradition emphasizes both academic rigor and service to others, which shows in how the school prepares students for leadership roles.

Students pay an average net price of $30,528 after financial aid, which is less than the sticker price of over $70,000. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings hit $74,652, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable with monthly payments of $286. With a 96.1% employment rate, graduates find work quickly after finishing their degrees.

The school accepts 84% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1235, making it accessible to solid students who might not get into the most selective colleges. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know their students' names. About 60% of students come from outside Pennsylvania, creating a diverse geographic mix on the small campus. The 80.8% six-year graduation rate shows most students who start here finish their degrees.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Scranton is a Jesuit Catholic university with strong business and healthcare programs that attract students looking for career-focused education with personal attention. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know your name, which helps explain the solid 80.80% six-year graduation rate. As a Jesuit school, you'll take philosophy and theology courses regardless of your major, but the real draws are the well-regarded nursing, physical therapy, and business programs. The Jesuit emphasis on service learning means many classes include community work. Students here tend to be serious about academics but not cutthroat competitive, creating a supportive environment where 87.34% return for sophomore year.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
70.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
80.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
80.8%
Retention Rate
87.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$74,652
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $88,506
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $82,440
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $80,779
Finance and Financial Management Services. Master $79,450
International Business. Master $78,343
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Doctoral $73,697
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Master $67,101
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Master $66,821
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $63,997
Finance and Financial Management Services. Bachelor $62,260

View all 109 programs →

Campus Life

Scranton sits in northeastern Pennsylvania's mountains, about two hours from Philadelphia and New York City. You'll need heavy winter coats here, as snow blankets the campus from December through March. About 66% of the university's 3,589 students live on campus, creating a tight-knit community where you'll recognize faces walking between classes.

The campus centers around a quad surrounded by brick buildings, with the Jesuit tradition shaping daily rhythms. Many students attend Mass at the campus chapel, though it's not required. With 538 students playing 23 varsity sports and no athletic scholarships, sports feel more like passionate hobbies than high-pressure competitions. Students often head to nearby Montage Mountain for skiing in winter or hiking in fall. The small-city setting means most weekend fun happens on campus through residence hall events, intramural games, or trips into downtown Scranton. The student-faculty ratio of 13:1 means professors know your name, and you'll likely grab coffee with classmates between the library and academic buildings. Campus feels like a small town where everyone has a role to play.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
2,363 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1888

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Fondling 4 4 0 0
Rape 3 3 0 0
Stalking 3 3 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 1 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–35°F
July Avg
62°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
38.7"
Annual Snowfall
45.1"

Student Demographics

The University of Scranton draws students from across the country, with 60% coming from outside Pennsylvania, which shows the Jesuit school's national reputation extends well beyond its small city location. Women make up 57% of the student body, reflecting strong interest in the school's health sciences and education programs. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the Catholic university attracts middle-class families who value its combination of strong academics and affordable financial aid packages compared to other private schools.
Men
43.4%
Women
56.6%
White
74.2%
Black
3.6%
Hispanic
12.6%
Asian
3.4%
In-State Students
39.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
22.3%

Location

The University of Scranton sits in northeastern Pennsylvania, about 120 miles north of Philadelphia and 150 miles west of New York City. Scranton is a small city of about 76,000 people that was once a major coal mining and railroad center. The downtown area has been revitalizing with new restaurants and businesses, though it still shows its blue-collar industrial roots. The campus spreads across several blocks in the heart of the city, giving students easy access to internships and jobs at local hospitals, banks, and businesses. The Pocono Mountains are just 30 minutes away for outdoor activities. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare University of Scranton with similar schools in the region.
Address
Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510-4699
Pilarz Hall
Pilarz Hall
Scrantonrugby
Scrantonrugby
046CupolaSPietro
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After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$74,652
Median Earnings (5 years)
$75,323
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$47,400
Loan Repayment Rate
79.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Scranton?

University of Scranton accepts 84.35% of applicants, making it accessible for most qualified students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1150 and 1320 on the SAT. This Jesuit institution values well-rounded admissions that look beyond test scores.

How much does University of Scranton cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $30,528 after aid, lower than the $70,527 sticker price. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,968 on average. The median debt at graduation is $27,000, which is manageable given the strong career outcomes.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Scranton?

The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, ensuring small classes and personal attention from professors. With 3,589 total students, this creates an intimate learning environment. The Jesuit tradition emphasizes mentorship and developing the whole person.

What are the career outcomes for University of Scranton graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $74,652 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong career preparation. The employment rate reaches 96.1% within six months of graduation. The university's business and healthcare programs are particularly well-regarded by employers.

Where is University of Scranton located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania, providing an urban setting in a small city. Housing capacity serves 2,363 students, creating a residential community feel. The 87.34% retention rate shows most students are satisfied with their experience.

Does University of Scranton have any famous alumni?

President Joe Biden graduated from University of Scranton in 1965, making it one of the few universities to produce a U.S. President. The school was founded in 1888 and has deep roots in the local community. This Jesuit institution has consistently produced leaders in politics, business, and healthcare.