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23.4%Acceptance
$64,701Tuition
7,005Students
92%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$100,423Earnings
#3 in PennsylvaniaPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Villanova University

Villanova trains future business leaders while maintaining its Catholic traditions on a 7,005-student campus in suburban Philadelphia. The Wildcats are best known for their top business school and championship basketball program that dominates the Big East Conference. Notable graduates include actor Bradley Cooper and NBA star Jalen Brunson, who exemplify the school's blend of academic excellence and competitive spirit.

Students pay an average net price of $44,876 after financial aid, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $16,914. Graduates earn a median of $100,423 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $25,874 manageable with monthly payments around $274. The investment pays off quickly with 96% employment rates and strong alumni networks in business and media.

The 23% acceptance rate reflects Villanova's selectivity, with admitted students averaging 1439 on the SAT. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment despite the university's research focus. Nearly 95% of freshmen return for sophomore year, and over 92% graduate within six years. The campus draws students nationwide, with only 17% coming from Pennsylvania, creating a diverse community united by school spirit and Catholic values.

Academics & Faculty

Villanova operates as a Catholic research university with particularly strong business and engineering programs. The Villanova School of Business consistently ranks among the top undergraduate business schools nationally, while the College of Engineering has built a solid reputation for producing industry-ready graduates. Students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentorship and personalized attention. The university's academic rigor shows in its impressive outcomes: 91.53% of students graduate in four years and 92.40% complete their degrees within six years. These high completion rates reflect both the quality of academic support and student preparation. Villanova combines rigorous academics with Catholic intellectual tradition, emphasizing ethics alongside technical skills.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Full-Time Faculty
63.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
91.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
92.4%
Retention Rate
95.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$100,423
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $165,766
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $109,095
Taxation. Master $100,740
Business/Managerial Economics. Bachelor $90,856
Finance and Financial Management Services. Master $88,198
Human Resources Management and Services. Master $80,218
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Bachelor $74,576
Civil Engineering. Master $73,949
Finance and Financial Management Services. Bachelor $73,579
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $73,052

View all 157 programs →

Campus Life

The Main Line suburb setting puts you 12 miles west of Philadelphia, close enough for internships but far enough for a true campus feel. With housing capacity for 5,400 students and total enrollment of 7,005, most undergraduates live on campus in a tight-knit community. Pennsylvania winters mean you'll need that coat from December through March, while spring brings perfect weather for studying on Mendel Field.

Basketball dominates campus culture during Big East season. Students pack the Pavilion wearing blue and white, creating one of college basketball's most electric atmospheres. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. Weekend social life revolves around dorm parties, Philadelphia trips, and tailgating before games. The Catholic identity shapes campus traditions like the St. Thomas of Villanova mass, but students of all backgrounds find their place. With 95% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, the combination of academic rigor and school spirit clearly works for most Wildcats.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
5,400 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1842

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Domestic Violence 418 417 0 0
Rape 66 63 0 0
Fondling 4 4 0 0
Stalking 5 2 0 0
Aggravated Assault 3 1 0 1
Burglary 4 1 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 1 0 0
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
22°–41°F
July Avg
66°–88°F
Annual Precipitation
50.7"
Annual Snowfall
25.3"

Student Demographics

Villanova draws ambitious students from across the nation, with 83% coming from out-of-state to pursue the university's strong business and engineering programs. The student body of 7,005 reflects the school's Catholic values while maintaining academic selectivity, with only 12% receiving Pell Grants. Women slightly outnumber men at 54%, partly due to strong nursing and liberal arts programs. Students typically come from affluent families who value the combination of rigorous academics and faith-based education that has defined this Main Line institution since 1842.
Men
46.1%
Women
53.9%
White
68.0%
Black
6.1%
Hispanic
10.9%
Asian
7.4%
In-State Students
16.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
11.6%

Location

Villanova sits in the affluent Main Line suburbs about 12 miles west of Philadelphia. The campus occupies 254 acres in one of Pennsylvania's wealthiest communities, where tree-lined streets and stone houses reflect old money traditions. Students can reach Center City Philadelphia by regional rail in 30 minutes for internships and nightlife. The surrounding area blends suburban comfort with easy city access. Only 16.71% of students come from Pennsylvania, drawing most from the Northeast corridor. The Main Line's reputation for exclusivity matches Villanova's selective 23.39% acceptance rate. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Villanova with similar schools in the region.
Address
Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085-1699
Oldnova
Oldnova
Corr Hall
Corr Hall
Villanova alumni hall
Villanova alumni hall

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$100,423
Median Earnings (5 years)
$98,831
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$64,700
Loan Repayment Rate
89.9%
Monthly Loan Payment
$274/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,874

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Villanova University?

Villanova University accepts 23.39% of applicants, making it highly selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1378 and 1500 on the SAT. This Catholic university draws top students who compete for spots in its well-known business programs.

How much does Villanova University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Villanova University is $44,876 after aid, though only 11.55% of students receive federal Pell Grants. Families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $16,914, while those earning over $110,000 pay around $60,637. The total sticker price reaches $82,697 including room and board.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Villanova University?

Villanova University maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with 7,005 total students. The school keeps 95.01% of freshmen for their sophomore year, reflecting strong academic support. This Augustinian institution emphasizes close mentorship between professors and students.

What do Villanova University graduates earn after college?

Villanova University graduates earn a median salary of $100,423 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 96.0% for recent graduates, with typical monthly loan payments of $274. Alumni like Bradley Cooper and NBA player Jalen Brunson represent the school's success across entertainment and sports.

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

Villanova University sits in suburban Philadelphia with housing for 5,400 students out of 7,005 total enrollment. The campus draws students from across the country, with only 16.71% coming from Pennsylvania. The Wildcats compete in 20 Division I sports in the Big East Conference, creating strong school spirit.

How successful is Villanova University's basketball program?

Villanova University fields 611 total athletes across 20 varsity sports with $17.3 million in athletic scholarships. The Wildcats basketball team competes in the strong Big East Conference and has built a national reputation. The program's success helps drive the intense rivalry with Georgetown University and strong alumni network.