DeSales University
About DeSales University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
DeSales University is a private Catholic university in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, in the Lehigh Valley. It offers programs in nursing, business, theater, and criminal justice, with a focus on Salesian values and character education.
Founded
1964
Location
Center Valley, Pennsylvania
Students
2,934
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
77.1%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
72.2%
Near national average
Tuition
$46,800
Per year
Avg Net Price
$31,643
After financial aid
SAT Average
1186
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$61,295
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
DeSales University accepts the majority of applicants at 77.1%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1186/ 1600
ACT Scores
26/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
72.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
83%
4-Year Grad
63%
6-Year Grad
69%
Teaching Quality
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
40.9%
$/Student
$11.7K
Class Size
Medium
63% of students graduate on time. That's above the national average, but researching academic support resources before you enroll is always a smart move.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$46,800
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$13,800
Books & Supplies
$1,485
Total Cost of Attendance
$62,745
After Financial Aid
$31,643
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$24,007
Receive Grants
23.8%
Take Loans
63.8%
The total cost of attendance runs about $62,745/yr, including $13,800 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $31,643.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at DeSales University fund their education.
While in School
23.8%
Get Grants
Free money
63.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$65,095
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,788
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$273/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,788 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $61K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends DeSales University.
Gender
63.6%
Female
36%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,128
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
806
Graduates
29.5%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
14.3%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 64% of the student body. 29.5% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
2,128
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
DeSales University fields 11 varsity teams with 398 student athletes, about 19% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III without football
Conference
MAC
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
398
19% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
53% / 47%
212
Men
186
Women
8
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of DeSales Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$61,295
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$79K
110 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$43K
55 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$58K
42 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$37K
37 grads
1yr Earnings
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
$125K
37 grads
4yr Earnings
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
$17K
32 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $53K at six years, $52K at eight, and $61K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about DeSales University
What is the acceptance rate at DeSales University?▾
How much does DeSales University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at DeSales University?▾
How much do DeSales University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.