
Saint Joseph's University (SJU), founded in 1851, is a private Jesuit university in Philadelphia, Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It is the seventh oldest Jesuit university in the United States and the sixth largest university in Philadelphia. As of Fall 2023, Saint Joseph's University enrolled 7,861 students, with 5,036 traditional undergraduates and 2,373 graduate and professional students. The university has experienced growth in recent years, with the Class of 2028 being the most diverse in its history. Saint Joseph's University offers a range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and campus facilities to its students, making it a vibrant and attractive educational institution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Philadelphia, Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. |
| Year founded | 1851 |
| Founder | Society of Jesus |
| Type of university | Private Jesuit university |
| Number of students | 7,861 as of Fall 2023 |
| Number of undergraduate students | 5,036 as of Fall 2023 |
| Number of graduate and professional students | 2,373 as of Fall 2023 |
| Number of programs | 162 undergraduate programs, 84 graduate programs, and 9 degree-completion and post-baccalaureate programs |
| Number of campuses | 3 (Brooklyn, Long Island, and Online) |
| Number of campus locations | 4 (125 acres in western Philadelphia, 24 acres in University City, 23 acres in Lancaster, and 32 acres in Long Island) |
| Student-faculty ratio | 10:1 for undergraduate programs, 7:1 for graduate programs |
| First-year acceptance rate | 83% |
| Six-year undergraduate graduation rate | 83% |
| First-year student retention rate | 89% |
| Number of centers and institutes | 14 |
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What You'll Learn

Saint Joseph's University has nearly 9,000 students
Saint Joseph's University (SJU) is a private Jesuit university in Philadelphia, Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The university was founded by the Society of Jesus in 1851 as Saint Joseph's College. Saint Joseph's University has nearly 9,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students in over 162 undergraduate programs, 84 graduate programs, and 9 degree-completion and post-baccalaureate programs. It is the seventh oldest Jesuit university in the United States and the sixth largest university in Philadelphia.
The university has campuses in Philadelphia, University City, and Lancaster. The Lancaster Campus was acquired in 2024 after a merger with the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences. The Philadelphia campus spans 125 acres, the University City campus covers 24 acres, and the Lancaster campus covers 23 acres.
Saint Joseph's University offers a wide range of academic programs, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the Erivan K. Haub School of Business, the School of Education and Human Development, the School of Health Professions, and the School of Nursing and Allied Health. The university is known for its strong academic reputation and focus on academic excellence, with a six-year undergraduate graduation rate of 83% and a first-year student retention rate of 89%.
In addition to its academic offerings, Saint Joseph's University also provides a variety of extracurricular activities and organizations, including 20 NCAA Division I athletic programs, 30 clubs and intramural sports, national fraternities and sororities, a student-run newspaper and radio station, and various centres and institutes such as the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support. The university's mascot, the Hawk, represents the university's battle cry, "The Hawk Will Never Die."
With nearly 9,000 students, Saint Joseph's University provides a diverse and vibrant community for its students, empowering them to pursue their academic and career goals. The university's high graduation and retention rates reflect its commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience.
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The student body is 55% female and 45% male
Saint Joseph's University (SJU), a private Jesuit university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a student body that is 55% female and 45% male. As of Fall 2023, the university enrolled 7,861 students, with 5,036 traditional undergraduates and 2,373 graduate and professional students. The student-faculty ratio is 10:1 for undergraduate programs and 7:1 for graduate programs, with an average class size of 25.
The university has a strong focus on academic excellence and courageous exploration, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It is consistently ranked among the best regional universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report and has been recognised for its innovative approach to education.
With a high retention rate of 89%, the university has a strong sense of community and a diverse student body. The Class of 2028 is the most ethnically diverse in the university's history, with students from 27 states and territories, as well as 13 foreign countries.
Saint Joseph's University provides a well-rounded educational experience, with a variety of extracurricular activities, athletic programs, and student organisations. It has a proud history and tradition, with its colours, crimson and grey, adopted in the 1890s, and its mascot, the Hawk, recognised as one of the most decorated mascots in college sports. The university's network of over 110,000 alumni is a testament to its reputation and impact.
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The student-faculty ratio is 10:1 for undergrads
Saint Joseph's University (SJU), a private Jesuit university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offers a high-quality education to its students. The university has a strong focus on academic excellence and courageous exploration, empowering its students to follow their own paths. With a student-faculty ratio of 10:1 for undergraduate programs, Saint Joseph's provides a personalised educational experience for its students.
The student-faculty ratio at Saint Joseph's University reflects the university's commitment to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment. With one faculty member for every ten undergraduate students, students can expect close mentorship and guidance from their professors. This ratio allows for more interactive and intimate class discussions, fostering a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere.
The benefits of the student-faculty ratio at Saint Joseph's University extend beyond the classroom. With a lower student-to-faculty ratio, students have increased access to their professors, making it easier to seek academic advice, career guidance, or research opportunities. This close mentorship can also facilitate stronger letters of recommendation, which can be invaluable for graduate school or job applications.
Additionally, the student-faculty ratio contributes to a sense of community within the university. With a smaller student-to-faculty ratio, it becomes easier for faculty members to get to know their students personally, creating a more tight-knit and supportive academic environment. This sense of community can enhance the overall university experience and foster a network of alumni who remain connected to the university long after graduation.
The student-faculty ratio is an important consideration when choosing a university, and Saint Joseph's 10:1 ratio for undergraduate programs indicates a dedication to academic excellence and student success. This ratio allows for more individualised attention and support, contributing to the university's high retention and graduation rates. It also encourages a collaborative and engaging learning environment, fostering a well-rounded educational experience for its students.
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The six-year undergraduate graduation rate is 83%
Saint Joseph's University (SJU), a private Jesuit university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a six-year undergraduate graduation rate of 83% as of 2025. This rate reflects the percentage of students who complete their undergraduate studies and graduate from the university within six years of their initial enrolment.
The university has a strong focus on academic excellence and courageous exploration, offering a diverse range of academic programmes to its students. As of Fall 2023, SJU enrolled 7,861 students, including 5,036 traditional undergraduates and 2,373 graduate and professional students. The university's retention rate is also impressive, with about 89% of students returning for their second year of study.
SJU provides a well-rounded education with a foundational liberal arts core and strong professional programmes. The university is comprised of five schools and colleges, offering various undergraduate and graduate programmes. The College of Arts and Sciences, the Erivan K. Haub School of Business, the School of Education and Human Development, the School of Health Professions, and the School of Nursing and Allied Health, all contribute to the university's comprehensive academic offerings.
In addition to its academic reputation, SJU is known for its vibrant campus life and extra-curricular activities. With 20 NCAA Division I athletic programmes, 30 clubs and intramural sports, and fitness programmes, students have numerous opportunities to get involved. The university also boasts national fraternities and sororities, a student-run newspaper and radio station, a debating society, and more.
The university's strong reputation and academic offerings have resulted in a record number of first-year applications for the Class of 2028, making it the largest incoming class in 10 years and the most diverse in the university's history. With a high graduation rate, excellent retention rate, and a network of over 110,000 alumni, SJU provides a supportive and enriching environment for its students to thrive and succeed in their academic and professional endeavours.
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The university has three campuses
Saint Joseph's University (SJU), a private Jesuit university, has three campuses in Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Lower Merion Township, and Lancaster. The university was founded in 1851 as Saint Joseph's College and is the seventh oldest Jesuit university in the United States. It is also the sixth largest university in Philadelphia.
The Lancaster Campus was acquired in 2024 after a merger with the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences. This campus does not offer on-campus housing. The University City Campus in Philadelphia offers residence halls for first-year students, while sophomores can choose to live in campus houses or apartments.
The university has expanded its geographic footprint through mergers with other institutions, such as the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia in 2022. This growth strategy has contributed to an increase in first-year applications, with a record-breaking number received in 2024.
In addition to its Pennsylvania campuses, Saint Joseph's University also has a presence in New York through its Brooklyn and Long Island campuses. The Brooklyn campus is located in the diverse and cultural city of Brooklyn, providing easy access to world-renowned institutions and attractions in nearby Manhattan. The Long Island Campus is situated on the South Shore of eastern Long Island, just minutes away from the Great South Bay, Long Island MacArthur Airport, and several beaches.
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2023, St. Joseph's University enrolled 7,861 students.
St. Joseph's University has nearly 9,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. 5,036 of these are traditional undergraduates.
The student-faculty ratio is 10:1 for undergraduate programs and 7:1 for graduate programs, with an average class size of 25.
The overall first-year acceptance rate is 83%.
St. Joseph's University has campuses in Philadelphia, Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The university also has Brooklyn, Long Island, and Online campuses.











































