Chestnut Hill College

CHC structures its 60+ majors and minors around six interdisciplinary Academic Centers, with particularly strong programs in Education (including dual majors with Special Education), Business Administration, and Human Services. The college boasts an enviable 10:1 student-faculty ratio, though freshman retention rates lag slightly at 67%. Popular majors include:

• Human Services (most popular)
• Business Administration & Management
• Psychology
• Biology

Notably, the Education Center offers a Pre-K to Grade 4 dual major with Special Education (Pre-K to Grade 12), reflecting CHC's Catholic emphasis on service-oriented careers.

Life at CHC revolves around its 75-acre garden campus and tight-knit community where 80% of first-years live on campus. The student body is 58.4% female, with 47% identifying as racially diverse and 33% first-generation college students. Key aspects:

• 65+ student clubs and activities, with active Latinx cultural programming
• Dry campus with strict substance policies (including dorm enforcement)
• Instagram shows a lively calendar of events like McCaffery Lounge gatherings
• Athletics compete in NCAA Division II (Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference)

The college promotes a "home away from home" vibe through robust residence life and student engagement teams.

CHC reports a 60% six-year graduation rate (per 2023-24 data), with women graduating at higher rates than men (62% vs. 51%). Alumni outcomes show:

• Median earnings: $55,964 (slightly below national average for private colleges)
• Early career earnings: ~$34,000 (reflecting service-oriented majors)
• Pell Grant recipient graduation rate: On par with overall rate at 60%

The college's small endowment ($23.4M) limits financial resources, but its focus on practical majors like business and education leads to steady employment outcomes.

With a net price of $27,970-$28,588 after aid, CHC is moderately priced for a private college. Financial highlights:

• Average merit scholarship: $24,000/year for first-years
• Average aid package: $24,855 (covering most tuition for recipients)
• Net price calculator available for personalized estimates

While the college meets an average of 70% of demonstrated need, families should note that the $23.4M endowment limits full-need coverage compared to wealthier institutions.

Chestnut Hill College carves a distinctive niche as a small, mission-driven Catholic college that combines:

1. Philadelphia access with a suburban campus feel (75 garden-filled acres) 2. Interdisciplinary centers that break down silos between majors 3. Diverse community (47% students of color) with strong first-gen?First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. support 4. Hands-on programs like aviation science and dual education certifications

It's ideal for students seeking a close-knit, values-oriented environment where they can design practical career paths—especially in education, human services, and business—without the cutthroat competition of larger urban universities.