Lancaster, PAprivate nonprofitsju.edu
Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster blends Jesuit tradition with career-focused health sciences in a tight-knit Pennsylvania setting. With an 81% acceptance rate and strong nursing programs, it attracts students seeking small classes and clinical training—though its $42K average cost demands serious financial planning. Graduates report solid mid-career salaries, especially in healthcare fields.
Saint Joseph's Lancaster campus maintains an accessible admissions profile, with an 81% first-year Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. ([6]). The middle 50% of admitted students boast weighted GPAs between 3.39–4.11 and SAT scores of 1190–1350 ([8]). While Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight., 86% of enrollees completed advanced coursework in high school ([8]).
The Lancaster campus specializes in healthcare education, with nursing, radiologic technology, and sonography as top majors ([15]). Programs blend Jesuit liberal arts with accelerated clinical training ([16]).
With 1,548 students ([24]), the Lancaster campus fosters a supportive atmosphere. The historic downtown location provides access to arts and clinical rotations ([22], [23]).
Healthcare graduates see strong returns:
Tuition sits at $42,478 annually ([28]), but 69% of first-years receive Need-based aidFinancial aid awarded based on your family's ability to pay, as measured by forms like the FAFSA, rather than on achievements. averaging $32,728 ([35]).
Saint Joseph's Lancaster merges Jesuit values with hands-on healthcare training in a small-city setting. Its clinical programs deliver strong ROI—nursing graduates outearn peers by 50% ([25], [26])—while maintaining the mentorship-focused culture Jesuit schools are known for ([16], [21]). The campus's integration with Lancaster's medical community gives students early professional connections ([22], [23]).