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Holy Family University

Accept Rate
74.22%
Grad Rate
59.5%
Enrollment
2,298
Avg SAT
1030
Tuition
$33,968
Median Salary
$62,235
Overall Grade
C+
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A-
Diversity
C+
Campus
A-
Aid

The Vibe Check

Holy Family University offers a close-knit, supportive atmosphere where students are known by name, not just by student ID. The urban campus feels like a tight community where faculty genuinely care about your success and personal growth. It's a place where you can build strong relationships while still having access to the opportunities of a major city.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

74.22%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 103075th Pctl
9501130
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Average: 21

Admissions Tips

["Highlight your commitment to service and community involvement in your application, as it aligns with the university's mission.","Since the average SAT is 1030, aim to be near or above this range to be a competitive applicant, though holistic review is used.","Demonstrate genuine interest by connecting your career goals in fields like education or health to Holy Family's specific programs during your interview or essay."]

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1030
40080012001600
School range: 950โ€“1130

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The university excels in career-focused programs, particularly in Health Professions, Education, and Criminal Justice. Classes are taught by accessible professors who prioritize undergraduate teaching over large lecture halls. Students have opportunities for hands-on learning through clinical placements, student teaching, and internships in the Philadelphia area.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
64.9%
Education
8.4%
Psychology
7.1%
Business & Marketing
6.9%
Biology & Biomedical
4.5%
Criminal Justice
3.5%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
1.5%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

59.5%
Graduation Rate
83.1%
Retention Rate
2,298
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$33,968
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$12,251
After financial aid
Total Cost
$38,965
Cost of attendance/year
39.7%
Receive Pell Grants
73.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Philadelphia

Students enjoy easy access to Philadelphia's world-class museums, sports arenas, and diverse food scene, from cheesesteaks to Reading Terminal Market. The campus is a short drive or train ride from Center City, making it easy to explore concerts, festivals, and historic sites on weekends.

Local Rent Check

$1,451 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Philadelphia
Explore Philadelphia

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$135,872
$0Est. 4 Years: $135,872

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($62,235):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Holy Family's campus is located in a quiet, residential neighborhood of Philadelphia with a visible security presence. The university has a campus safety team and clear protocols, but students should still practice urban awareness when traveling off-campus.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ High retention rate of 83.1% indicates strong student satisfaction and support services.
  • โœ“ Affordable net price makes it accessible for many students, especially with a high Pell Grant rate.
  • โœ“ Prime location in Philadelphia provides endless internship and career opportunities.
  • โœ“ Strong focus on in-demand majors like Health Professions and Education leads to good job outcomes.

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation rate of 59.5% is below the national average, which may be a concern for some.
  • โœ— Campus is more commuter-focused, which can make it harder to build a traditional residential college social life.
  • โœ— The average SAT score is below many national averages, which may not appeal to students seeking a highly selective academic environment.

Notable Alumni

Mary Jo Codey
Former First Lady of New Jersey and advocate for postpartum depression awareness.
Michele L. Cavanaugh
A highly decorated police officer and chief in the Philadelphia area, known for her leadership in law enforcement.
James J. McMahon, Jr.
A prominent attorney and former prosecutor who has held significant roles in the Bucks County legal system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Holy Family University is primarily known for its strong programs in Health Professions (especially nursing), Education, and Criminal Justice. It has a reputation for being a supportive, career-oriented institution with a Catholic mission that emphasizes community service and ethical leadership.

No, Holy Family University is not highly selective. With an acceptance rate of 74.22%, it is considered accessible to most applicants. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1030, and the university uses a holistic review process, considering essays, recommendations, and interviews.

Campus life is intimate and community-focused, with a student body of under 2,300. While it is a commuter-heavy school, there are active clubs, NCAA Division II athletics, and campus events to foster connection. Students often gather in the Student Center and participate in service-oriented activities sponsored by the university's mission.

For many students, yes. The average net price of $12,251 is significantly lower than the sticker price, and the 10-year median earnings of $62,235 provide a positive return on investment. The value is particularly strong for students pursuing licensed professions like nursing or teaching, where graduation leads directly to stable, well-paying careers.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals School District of Philadelphia City of Philadelphia GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
Smart Start Score
65

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 2,342
  • In-State Tuition $33,968
  • Zip Code 19114

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 28.8% โ™€ 71.2%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $12,251 after aid, Holy Family offers a strong value compared to its sticker tuition of nearly $34,000. The 10-year median earnings of $62,235 suggest a solid return on investment, especially for graduates in high-demand fields like nursing and education.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $33,968
Housing (12 mo) $17,412
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $58,580
With avg financial aid:
$12,251/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.