St. Joseph's University: A Student-Centric Community

Saint Joseph's University (SJU), a private Jesuit university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a large student body. Founded in 1851, the university has experienced significant growth in recent years, particularly with its merger with the University of the Sciences in 2022 and the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences in 2024. As of 2023, the university had nearly 9,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, with 4,828 undergraduate students enrolled that year. The student body is diverse, with students from across the United States and international students from 57 nations. The university offers a wide range of academic programs and is recognised for its academic excellence, ranking highly in various categories by U.S. News & World Report.

Saint Joseph's University has around 9,000 students

Saint Joseph's University (SJU), a private Jesuit university, has around 9,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. The university was founded in 1851 by the Society of Jesus 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 university has expanded significantly over the years and now offers a wide range of academic programs. As of 2022, there were 134 undergraduate programs, 77 graduate programs, and 9 adult learner programs. The university also has four schools and colleges, providing students with diverse educational opportunities.

In addition to its main campus in Philadelphia, SJU has expanded its geographic footprint through mergers with other institutions. In 2022, SJU merged with the University of the Sciences, adding a campus in Philadelphia's University City and expanding its academic offerings in health and science. This merger brought new programs in fields such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, and physician assistant studies.

Another merger in 2024 with Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences added a third campus in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and further grew the student body, particularly in nursing and health programs. This expansion reflects the university's intentional growth strategy to enhance its academic programming and support services.

The university's student body is diverse, with students coming from various states, territories, and foreign countries. The retention rate is high, with about 86% of students returning for their sophomore year, and the university boasts a strong graduation rate of 76% within four years. The student-faculty ratio is 10:1, providing a supportive learning environment.

With its rich history, diverse academic offerings, and commitment to student success, Saint Joseph's University continues to be a leading educational institution, preparing its students for personal and professional excellence.

5,071 are traditional undergraduates

Saint Joseph's University (SJU) is a private Jesuit university with campuses in Philadelphia, Lower Merion Township, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The university was founded by the Society of Jesus in 1851 as Saint Joseph's College and is the seventh oldest Jesuit university in the United States.

As of 2023, SJU has 7,861 students, with 5,071 being traditional undergraduates. The student body is 55% female and 45% male, with students coming from all over the United States, with most from the Northeast, including Pennsylvania. The retention rate for Saint Joseph's is high, with about 86% of students returning for their sophomore year, and a six-year undergraduate retention rate of 83%. The student-faculty ratio is 10:1, and 76% of students graduate within four years.

The university offers over 134 undergraduate programs, with 86 majors and 76 minors across five schools and colleges: 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.

SJU provides a demanding yet supportive educational experience with a strong focus on academic excellence. The university's Jesuit identity and principles play a significant role in its branding and education, with a heavy emphasis on traditional liberal arts disciplines. The university's mascot, the Hawk, is one of the most decorated mascots in college sports, known for never stopping the constant flapping of its wings during basketball games, representing the university's battle cry, "The Hawk Will Never Die."

The university has seen recent growth and expansion, with mergers in 2022 and 2024 with the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences in Lancaster, respectively. These mergers have added new programs, expanded the student body, and increased the university's geographic footprint. The Class of 2028 is the largest incoming class in 10 years and the most diverse, with an increase of nearly 12% compared to the previous year.

The student body is 55% female

Saint Joseph's University (SJU) is a private Jesuit university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a student body that is 55% female. The university was founded in 1851 and has since grown to accommodate nearly 9,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. The female student population of 55% translates to approximately 4,950 women pursuing their academic goals at SJU. This gender distribution reflects the university's commitment to providing equitable opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds.

The female students at Saint Joseph's University benefit from a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters their academic and personal growth. The university offers a wide range of resources and support services tailored to the unique needs and challenges faced by women in higher education. This includes mentorship programs, women's centres, and gender-specific scholarships, ensuring that female students have the necessary tools and guidance to succeed in their chosen fields.

The 55% female student population at Saint Joseph's University contributes to a diverse and dynamic campus community. Women are represented across a variety of academic disciplines, including liberal arts, business, nursing, health and science, and education. The university's comprehensive approach to education empowers female students to explore a range of interests and develop their unique strengths, preparing them for a variety of career paths.

The female student body at Saint Joseph's University is also actively involved in extracurricular activities, athletics, and leadership roles on campus. The university encourages women to pursue their passions and develop their leadership skills through participation in student organisations, athletic teams, and community service initiatives. This holistic approach to education ensures that female students can thrive in all aspects of their university experience, building their confidence and equipping them with valuable skills for their future endeavours.

The gender distribution at Saint Joseph's University, with 55% of the student body being female, reflects the institution's commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment. The university recognises the importance of diversity and strives to provide a supportive community where women can pursue their academic and personal goals. This commitment to gender equality in higher education empowers female students to become leaders and change-makers, making a positive impact during their time at SJU and beyond.

The six-year graduation rate is 83%

Saint Joseph's University (SJU), a private Jesuit university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a six-year graduation rate of 83%. This rate is calculated based on the number of students who graduate within six years of enrolling and provides insight into the university's student outcomes and success.

The six-year graduation rate of 83% at Saint Joseph's University reflects the institution's commitment to academic excellence and student support. This rate surpasses the national average, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in helping students complete their undergraduate studies. It is a testament to the quality of education and resources provided by the university, contributing to its recognition as one of the best regional universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report.

The high graduation rate can be attributed to various factors, including the university's rigorous academic programs, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive support services. With over 150 undergraduate majors and minors to choose from, students can find their desired field of study. The university also boasts a strong faculty composed of leading experts in their respective fields, ensuring that students receive a top-notch education.

Additionally, Saint Joseph's University offers a range of support services to help students succeed. The university's first-year acceptance rate and retention rate are also notable factors, indicating a careful selection process and a supportive environment that encourages students to continue their studies. The university's focus on academic excellence and courageous exploration empowers students to pursue their academic goals.

The six-year graduation rate is a significant indicator of the success of Saint Joseph's University in educating and supporting its students. The rate surpasses the national average, highlighting the university's effectiveness in fostering student success and helping them achieve their academic goals. The combination of rigorous academics, a dedicated faculty, and a supportive community contributes to the high graduation rate, making Saint Joseph's University a top choice for many prospective students.

The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1

Saint Joseph's University (SJU) is a private Jesuit university with campuses in Philadelphia, Lower Merion Township, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The student-to-faculty ratio at SJU is 10:1, which is impressive for an institution with nearly 9,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. This ratio is a testament to the university's commitment to providing a high-quality, personalised education to its students.

The 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio means that, on average, there are ten students for every one faculty member at SJU. This ratio is an important indicator of the quality of education that a university offers. A lower student-to-faculty ratio generally suggests that students will benefit from more individual attention and support from their teachers. It also indicates that class sizes are likely to be smaller, fostering a more intimate and interactive learning environment.

At SJU, the student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 is made possible by the university's commitment to hiring and retaining a significant number of faculty members. As of 2022, 100% of tenure-track faculty members held terminal degrees in their respective fields, demonstrating the high calibre of the university's educators. This ratio also contributes to the university's impressive graduation and retention rates. The six-year undergraduate graduation rate is 83%, and the first-year student retention rate is 89%, which is 10% higher than the national average.

The benefits of the 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio extend beyond the classroom. With more faculty members available, students have increased opportunities for mentorship, research collaboration, and individualised guidance when exploring career paths or applying for internships and graduate programmes. This ratio also fosters a sense of community and engagement between students and faculty, contributing to a supportive and enriching educational experience at SJU.

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