La Salle University

Nursing is the undisputed academic heavyweight here, with 142 degrees awarded annually—more than double any other program. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures all classes are taught by professors (no TAs), and 42 undergraduate majors span pragmatic fields like cybersecurity, criminal justice, and digital arts. The curriculum blends liberal arts with professional preparation, anchored by an AACSB-accredited business school. Nearly half (48%) of undergrads identify as first-generation?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. college students, shaping a scrappy, career-focused academic culture.

Urban but not overwhelming, La Salle’s campus skews commuter (65% live off-campus) but sustains activity through 120+ clubs and a dozen Greek organizations. Housing leans thematic, with options like the Signum Fidei Community for students committed to Lasallian service. The vibe is described as 'close-knit'—small classes foster relationships, though some note the social scene requires effort to access. At $15,590/year, campus housing costs are steep for the Northeast, likely driving the high off-campus numbers.

Here’s where La Salle punches above its weight: Georgetown research ranks its 10-year graduate earnings in the top 6% nationally, with lifetime ROI in the top 7%. The 58% six-year graduation rate lags behind national averages, but employed alumni outearn high school graduates by 68% weekly. Education majors earn modestly ($43k), while nursing and business graduates likely drive the strong ROI numbers. Retention is middling (69% of freshmen return).

Sticker price is steep, but La Salle discounts aggressively: the average 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. is $17,552 after aid, with freshmen receiving ~$30k in grants/scholarships. Merit awards range from $12k-$24k annually, and athletic scholarships are available for D1 athletes. The net price calculator suggests Pell Grants cover a significant portion for eligible students, though exact figures aren’t public.

La Salle defies expectations: a minimally selective school that delivers elite-tier ROI, a commuter-heavy campus with intentional living communities, and a nursing powerhouse within a liberal arts framework. Its value proposition is clear—accessible admissions, strong earnings outcomes, and a tight-knit, faculty-driven education—but it demands students who’ll proactively engage with its urban setting and Lasallian mission.