Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia

Rooted in the Jesuit liberal arts tradition, SJU pairs a rigorous core curriculum with standout professional programs. Top majors include Biomedical Sciences (5%), Special Products Marketing (5%), Biology (4%), and Accounting (3%). The university is particularly recognized for its Haub School of Business, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant, and Risk Management programs. Accelerated undergraduate tracks and interdisciplinary options cater to career-focused students, while the liberal arts foundation emphasizes ethics and diversity. Faculty-student collaboration is a hallmark, with small class sizes (average 14:1 student-faculty ratio) fostering mentorship.

• Notable programs: Law, Nursing, Health Sciences
• Curriculum: 45+ undergraduate majors with flexibility for dual degrees

Life on Hawk Hill balances tradition and modern engagement. With 47% of students living on campus, housing costs average $10,330/year, and 49% rate dorm quality as "great." The social atmosphere thrives via 90+ student organizations, including club sports, academic societies, and service groups. Campus amenities feature racquetball courts, saunas, and a tight-knit community where 64% praise the dorms' social vibe. Off-campus, Philadelphia's cultural and internship opportunities are a 20-minute train ride away. Key stats:

• Housing: 53% live off-campus after freshman year
• Clubs: Ranging from Model UN to intramural sports
• Vibe: Jesuit-inspired service ethos meets Philly hustle

SJU delivers strong ROI: 79% graduate within six years (well above the national average), and alumni earn $87,323 median salaries five years post-graduation—91% higher than typical college grads. The Career Development Center reports that 94% of graduates are employed or in grad school within a year. High-earning fields include finance (Haub School grads average $60K starting salaries) and healthcare. The university's Philadelphia connections fuel internships at Comcast, Vanguard, and major hospitals.

• Earnings: $62,886 one year out; $87,323 at five years
• Grad school: 20% pursue advanced degrees, often in law or health sciences

At $55,380 sticker price, SJU offsets costs with robust aid: 95% of undergrads receive grants or scholarships, averaging $30,721 annually. Need-based federal Pell Grants cover $5,680 for 20% of students. The 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. calculator estimates $36,392 actual cost after aid for most families. Merit scholarships reward academic achievement, with awards up to full tuition for top applicants. Payment plans and work-study (15% participation) ease the burden.

• Average aid package: $41,086
• Discount rate: 62% of students receive institutional aid

SJU merges Jesuit values with pragmatic professional training, creating graduates who excel in Philly's job market while prioritizing ethical leadership. Its 79% graduation rate—defying the norm for less-selective privates—reflects strong student support. The campus buzzes with Hawk pride (mascot: The Hawk that never stops flapping), and alumni loyalty runs deep. Unique perks:

• Philly adjacency: Internships at 90+ Fortune 500s in the region
• Accelerated programs: Combine undergrad and grad degrees in 5 years
• Jesuit network: Global connections with 27 other Jesuit universities

For students seeking a mid-sized university with big-city opportunities and a community feel, SJU punches above its weight.