
Saint Davids, PAprivate nonprofiteastern.edu
Eastern University, a Christian liberal arts institution in Saint Davids, Pennsylvania, operates with a near-open admissions policy (91% acceptance rate) and a focus on practical, faith-integrated education. Known for its nursing program and flexible online options for working adults, it offers a tight-knit campus life where 73% of students live on campus. While its graduation rates lag behind national averages, the school reports strong post-grad employment figures for those who persist.
Eastern University is one of the least selective four-year institutions in the region, accepting 91% of applicants according to multiple sources. The average admitted student scores between 1010-1190 on the SAT or 19-24 on the ACT. With rolling admissions and an August 1 deadline, the process prioritizes accessibility over exclusivity. About 2,500 of the 2,738 accepted students typically enroll, suggesting most admitted students view EU as a safety school.
Nursing dominates the academic landscape—about 40 degrees are awarded annually in Registered Nursing, making it the most popular major. Business Administration and Early Childhood Education round out the top three programs. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills through what the university calls 'real-world performance production,' particularly in the arts. Distinguished faculty include published authors and award-winners, though the institution leans heavily into online education for working adults seeking associate or bachelor's degrees.
A residential campus where 73% of students live in university housing, EU fosters community through multicultural organizations and a busy Student Activities Board that plans performances, movies, and dances. The small size (under 3,000 undergraduates) creates an intimate environment where talent shows and musical performances become focal points. While Niche reviews mention adequate but unremarkable dining and housing, the school promotes its 'inclusive, welcoming campus' through diversity scholarships and cultural programming.
Graduation rates tell two stories: the official 150% rate (6 years for bachelor's degrees) sits at 60%, below national averages, but the 4-year rate of 51% places EU in the top 40% of institutions. For those who graduate, outcomes appear strong—96.4% of 2024 survey respondents reported being employed or in graduate school. This suggests the school struggles with retention but delivers for persistent students, particularly in nursing where licensure exams and clinical placements likely boost employability.
With a sticker price of $57,358 including room and board, EU relies heavily on discounts—100% of students receive some form of grant aid, averaging $16,422 annually. The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests most families pay significantly less than the published rate, with school-specific grants averaging $13,626. This aggressive discounting reflects the challenges of recruiting students to a mid-tier private college in a competitive regional market.
Eastern University carves a niche by combining evangelical Christian identity with pragmatic career preparation, particularly in healthcare. Its near-open admissions policy creates unusual diversity for a faith-based school, while the 73% residential rate fosters stronger community than most commuter-friendly institutions. The nursing program's dominance gives it a regional reputation in healthcare education, though the low graduation rates suggest students should carefully assess their likelihood of persisting.