Villanova University
About Villanova University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Villanova University is a private Catholic university in Villanova, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. It is the oldest and largest Catholic university in Pennsylvania, known for its business, engineering, nursing, and law programs, and its passionate basketball culture.
Founded
1842
Location
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Students
9,975
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
27%
Very selective
Graduation Rate
91.9%
Above national average
Tuition
$67,776
Per year
Avg Net Price
$43,756
After financial aid
SAT Average
1460
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$100,423
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
About 4 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$80
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
Villanova University accepts 27% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1460 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
1460/ 1600
ACT Scores
33/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
91.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
95.1%
4-Year Grad
88%
6-Year Grad
91%
Teaching Quality
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
63.1%
$/Student
$21.4K
Class Size
Small
88% of students graduate on time, and with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$67,776
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$17,694
Books & Supplies
$710
Total Cost of Attendance
$84,793
After Financial Aid
$43,756
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$17,823
Receive Grants
12%
Take Loans
35%
The total cost of attendance runs about $84,793/yr, including $17,694 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $43,756.
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 Villanova University fund their education.
While in School
12%
Get Grants
Free money
35%
Take Loans
Must repay
$110,409
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,874
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$274/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,874 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $100K 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 Villanova University.
Gender
53.8%
Female
46%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
6,938
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3,037
Graduates
12.6%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
3.7%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (54% women, 46% men).
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
6,938
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Main Line Philadelphia location is beautiful and safe
- +Strong alumni network, especially in business and finance
- +Augustinian values create strong community
- +Easy train access to Center City Philadelphia
Cons
- -Suburban setting lacks urban energy
- -Student body can feel homogeneous
- -Catholic identity may not suit everyone
- -Main Line cost of living is high
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Villanova University fields 14 varsity teams with 744 student athletes, about 11% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Big East
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
14
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
744
11% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
50% / 50%
370
Men
374
Women
9
Men's Teams
11
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Villanova Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$100,423
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Finance and Financial Management Services
$82K
253 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$86K
195 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$52K
167 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$47K
115 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$67K
112 grads
1yr Earnings
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
$77K
109 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $85K six years out, climb to $76K by year eight, and reach $100K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Villanova University
What is the acceptance rate at Villanova University?▾
How much does Villanova University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Villanova University?▾
How much do Villanova 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.