
Immaculata, PAprivate nonprofitwww.immaculata.edu/
Immaculata University, a small Catholic institution in Pennsylvania, offers a personalized education with a strong emphasis on service and leadership. Known for its accessible admissions (85-88% acceptance rate) and robust financial aid (98% of students receive aid), it provides a tight-knit community where undergraduates benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Its nursing and business programs stand out, though its 62% graduation rate suggests mixed outcomes.
Immaculata University is decidedly not selective, with Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. hovering between 85-88% across multiple reporting sources. The university admits most applicants who complete actionable applications, with 2,205 admissions from 2,571 applications in 2024. SAT/ACT scores are optional, though submitted scores typically fall in the mid-range (SAT scores around the 50th percentile, ACT 26–28). Early action plans are available, but there’s no early decision binding option. Notably, 98% of students receive financial aid, softening the sticker price for most.
With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, Immaculata emphasizes personalized attention and undergraduate research. Popular majors include nursing (allied health professions) and business administration, though the university offers over 60 programs. The College of Undergraduate Studies integrates service opportunities and internships, while graduate programs focus on flexibility for working adults. Notably, the nursing program reports strong post-graduation outcomes, with alumni earning a median salary of $75,701 a decade after enrollment.
Campus life leans commuter-heavy (58% live off-campus), but the university fosters engagement through clubs, traditions, and Division III athletics. Events like pre-finals stress-relief gatherings (“Good food, good vibes”) and service projects reflect its Catholic identity. Student reviews highlight a close-knit, if quiet, community, with leadership opportunities in clubs ranging from academic societies to niche interest groups. Housing is limited, with only 42% of students in university-affiliated residences.
Immaculata’s 6-year graduation rate sits at 62% (per federal data), though internal sources cite 69%. Pell Grant recipients graduate at a slightly lower rate (61%). Alumni outcomes vary by program: nursing graduates report strong earnings, while broader institutional data shows 21% of students transfer out before completing degrees. The university touts career-ready skills, but outcomes may depend heavily on program choice and student engagement.
Sticker price hits $46,064, but the 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 $29,499 after aid. All full-time undergraduates qualify for merit scholarships ($6,500 to full tuition), and Need-based aidFinancial aid awarded based on your family's ability to pay, as measured by forms like the FAFSA, rather than on achievements. is widespread. The average freshman award is $13,000, with 98% of students receiving some form of assistance. The university actively promotes its net price calculator to demystify costs, though students should note that loans (not just grants) factor into these estimates.
Immaculata’s small size and Catholic mission create a supportive, values-driven environment—ideal for students seeking close faculty mentorship and service-learning. Its nursing program’s strong earnings potential (median $75K after 10 years) is a bright spot, though the middling graduation rate suggests it works better for self-directed students. The near-universal financial aid makes it accessible, but the commuter vibe means campus energy isn’t a given. For those who thrive in tight communities, it’s a solid choice—especially for healthcare and business tracks.