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University of Scranton

Scranton, PA Private ยท Urban Est. 1888 www.scranton.edu
Accept Rate
84.35%
Grad Rate
80.3%
Enrollment
3,589
Avg SAT
1237
Tuition
$52,309
Median Salary
$74,652
Overall Grade
C
B+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The University of Scranton offers a warm, close-knit Jesuit community feel where students are known by name, not just by student ID. It feels like a classic college town experience with a strong sense of tradition and school spirit, balanced by the supportive, family-like atmosphere of a smaller campus.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

84.35%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 123775th Pctl
11501320
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2675th Pctl
2530
1122436

Admissions Tips

1. Emphasize your commitment to service and community involvement in your application essay, as Scranton values students who align with its Jesuit mission of 'men and women for others.' 2. Submit a strong 'Why Scranton?' supplemental essay that connects your academic and career goals to specific programs like the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program or the renowned Kania School of Management.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1237
40080012001600
School range: 1150โ€“1320

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

Academics & Majors

Scranton is renowned for its strong business, health professions, and biology programs, supported by a rigorous Jesuit curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and ethics. Students benefit from highly engaged faculty who prioritize teaching and mentorship, with ample opportunities for undergraduate research and hands-on learning in modern facilities.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
24.1%
Health Professions
18.3%
Biology & Biomedical
14.2%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
7.6%
Communications
5.7%
Criminal Justice
4.5%
Social Sciences
3.9%
Psychology
3.8%
Education
3.1%
Computer Science
2.8%
Public Administration
2.4%
History
2.2%

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

By The Numbers

80.3%
Graduation Rate
87.3%
Retention Rate
3,589
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
$52,309
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$30,528
After financial aid
Total Cost
$67,795
Cost of attendance/year
22.3%
Receive Pell Grants
64.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Scranton

Students enjoy a mix of outdoor activities, exploring downtown Scranton's growing food and arts scene, and attending local festivals like the Lackawanna County Coal Crackers. On campus, life revolves around Division III athletics, club activities, and strong Greek life and service organizations, with easy access to the Pocono Mountains for hiking and skiing.

Local Rent Check

$854 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Scranton
Explore Scranton

Reality Check

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

$209,236
$0Est. 4 Years: $209,236

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($74,652):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus itself is generally considered safe with 24/7 campus security and a well-lit, compact layout. The surrounding Scranton area has typical city concerns but is largely manageable, with the university located in a residential neighborhood close to downtown.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong, supportive Jesuit community with personalized attention from faculty
  • โœ“ High graduation and retention rates indicating student satisfaction and success
  • โœ“ Robust internship and career placement opportunities, especially in business and healthcare
  • โœ“ Beautiful, traditional campus with a vibrant student life and Division III athletics

Cons

  • โœ— High sticker price and net cost compared to public institutions
  • โœ— Located in a smaller city, which may offer fewer urban amenities than major metros
  • โœ— Can feel like a 'bubble' for students seeking a highly diverse or politically charged environment

Notable Alumni

Joseph R. Biden Jr.
46th President of the United States (attended for two years before transferring to the University of Delaware)
John C. O'Malley
Former CEO of Merrill Lynch and a prominent figure in finance
James H. Douglas III
Retired United States Army four-star general who served as the 20th Commander of U.S. Transportation Command

Frequently Asked Questions

The University of Scranton is known for its strong academic programs in business, health professions, and biology, all rooted in a Jesuit educational tradition that emphasizes ethics, service, and leadership. It is also recognized for its high graduation and retention rates, as well as its vibrant campus community and commitment to undergraduate research.

With an acceptance rate of 84.35%, the University of Scranton is generally considered accessible, though not a guaranteed admission. The middle 50% SAT range is approximately 1160-1320, so applicants with strong academic records and test scores near or above the average of 1237 have a very good chance of admission.

Campus life is active and community-oriented, with over 100 clubs and organizations, a strong Greek life presence, and enthusiastic support for Division III athletics. Students enjoy a traditional residential experience with numerous campus events, service opportunities, and a close-knit atmosphere that fosters lifelong friendships.

For many students, the investment is worthwhile due to the strong ROI, with median 10-year earnings of $74,652 and excellent career outcomes in high-demand fields. The combination of generous financial aid (lowering the net price) and high post-graduation success rates makes it a competitive value among private universities.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Geisinger Health System The University of Scranton Amazon IBM Medtronic
Smart Start Score
79

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

University Facts

  • Founded 1888
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 3,751
  • In-State Tuition $52,309
  • Zip Code 18510

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 43.4% โ™€ 56.6%

The Money Talk

While the sticker price is high at over $52,000 in tuition, the average net price of $30,528 and strong financial aid packages make it more accessible for many families. The 10-year median earnings of $74,652 suggest a solid return on investment, particularly for graduates entering high-demand fields like business and healthcare.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with The Catholic University

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 $52,309
Housing (12 mo) $10,248
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $69,757
With avg financial aid:
$30,528/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.