Assumption University

Assumption offers 47 majors, with business (6%), nursing (5%), and biology (5%) among the most popular. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio enables close mentorship, and the curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and hands-on learning through internships and research. Notably, 94.6% of students graduate within four years—well above the national average—thanks to structured advising and a focus on retention. The catalog touts 'rigorous academic preparation,' particularly in liberal arts core requirements.

Life here revolves around campus residency (85% of students live on campus, with housing guaranteed all four years) and Worcester’s subdued urban energy. The suburban 180-acre campus fosters tight-knit communities, with RAs on every residence hall floor. Sports are a notable outlet—Assumption competes in Division II—but the vibe leans more toward low-key camaraderie than Greek life (only 22% live off-campus). Traditions emphasize Catholic identity, like annual service projects.

The numbers impress: 96% employment within a year, a $122K median alumni salary, and a 74% six-year graduation rate (93% for Pell Grant recipients). Top sectors include healthcare (21.9%), education (18.1%), and business. The Wall Street Journal ranked Assumption for value-added salary outcomes, crediting its career-prep focus. However, earnings vary sharply by major—history grads earn ~$30K, while business and economics alumni fare significantly better.

At $53,420 sticker price, Assumption isn’t cheap, but 99% of students receive aid, with an average package of $45,310. The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. drops to $29,072–$34,740 after scholarships and grants. The school awards $50M annually in aid, heavily subsidizing costs for middle-income families. Notably, the net price calculator suggests aid often covers ~40% of tuition, making it more affordable than peers like Holy Cross.

Assumption punches above its weight with strong ROI (96% employment, $122K median salary) and a high-touch, Catholic-inflected liberal arts model. The 11:1 ratio and four-year graduation rate (94.6%) reflect a commitment to student success, while test-blind admissions widen access. It’s a rare blend: moderately selective yet delivering elite-level outcomes, especially for students who thrive in a close-knit, residency-heavy community.