Exploring La Salle University's Student Population

La Salle University is a private Catholic liberal arts institution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The university was founded in 1863 and has since grown to a total undergraduate enrollment of about 3,947, as of 2018. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education rooted in the Lasallian tradition, which prioritises faith, service, and community. La Salle University's student body is diverse, with students from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and the university is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Undergraduate enrollment at La Salle University

La Salle University is a private, Catholic university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1863, the university has a long history and is committed to providing a well-rounded education. The student body is diverse, with students of color constituting about 50% of the undergraduate population. Additionally, about 45% of the undergraduates receive Pell Grants.

The university offers a wide range of academic programs for undergraduates, with 38 fields of study and pre-professional programs. Among the most popular majors at La Salle University are Nursing and Marketing. The university also offers various extracurricular opportunities, including over 175 clubs and organizations on campus. These include academic clubs, honor societies, and sports teams.

La Salle University's undergraduate enrollment reflects its appeal to students seeking a comprehensive education in a diverse and engaging campus environment. The university's focus on academic excellence and student development contributes to its reputation as a leading educational institution.

La Salle University's ranking

La Salle University is a private Catholic liberal arts institution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 1863. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,426 students (as of Fall 2023), a 133-acre urban campus, and offers 38 undergraduate fields of study and pre-professional programs. La Salle University's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges ranks it #231 out of 436 National Universities.

The university has received numerous recognitions and rankings from leading publications and organizations. Here are some of the rankings and recognitions:

• Money Magazine ranked La Salle as one of America's best colleges, considering graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries, and more.
• Forbes ranked La Salle in the top 60% of national universities based on return on investment, average student debt levels, and outcomes for graduates.
• Washington Monthly placed La Salle in the top third and top 50% of colleges in the Northeast for providing the "Best Bang in the Buck." They also ranked highly in other categories, such as service, social mobility, and earnings gap ranking.
• Niche.com, a website that helps first-time college students research colleges, ranked La Salle within the top 25% of best-value colleges in America, best colleges for nursing, most diverse colleges, and best colleges for business.
• Payscale.com listed La Salle as one of the top colleges with the highest-paid graduates, including being in the top 15% for salary earnings 20 years after graduation.
• US News & World Report ranked multiple La Salle graduate programs in its 2024 Best Graduate Schools report, including a notable jump of 31 spots for the part-time MBA program.

Tuition fees and affordability

La Salle University is a private Catholic liberal arts institution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The university was founded in 1863 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,426 (as of Fall 2023). The campus is spread across 133 acres, and the university follows a semester-based academic calendar.

The tuition fees for the 2025-26 academic year for full-time students are $34,270, with an average room and board expense of $15,590. The total comprehensive cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses, is estimated to be higher than the tuition fees.

The average net price for full-time, first-time undergraduate students paying in-state or in-district tuition and receiving grant or scholarship aid is $24,763. This net price is calculated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state, local, or institutional grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. La Salle University offers various financial aid options, including federal, state, and institutional grants, scholarships, and loans. The average federal grant aid per year is $4,627, while the average state grant aid is $23,241. Additionally, the university offers full-tuition merit scholarships for select first-year students and a $5,000 scholarship for students dedicated to community service.

The cost of attendance varies for in-state and out-of-state students. In-state tuition is charged to students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements, while out-of-state tuition is for those who do not. Room and board costs are calculated based on the number of students living on or off campus, with or without family. La Salle University also has a tuition payment plan available, and students can contact the financial aid office for more information.

The university provides a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with 38 undergraduate fields of study and pre-professional programs. Nursing and marketing are among the most popular majors. The university also offers accelerated bachelor's to master's programs and various graduate certificates.

La Salle University aims to provide a well-rounded and diverse education, with students of color constituting approximately 50% of the student body. The student-to-faculty ratio is not specified, but the university ensures that all faculty-taught classes have no teaching assistants.

Student demographics and diversity

La Salle University is a diverse and inclusive Catholic liberal arts institution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The university is committed to providing a well-rounded education and currently has about 175 clubs and organizations on campus.

La Salle University has a total undergraduate enrollment of about 3,947 students, with a gender distribution of about 37% male and 63% female students. The university's student body is diverse, with students of color constituting around 50% of the student population. The university also has a notable percentage of first-generation college students, with approximately 25% of students being the first in their family to pursue a degree.

La Salle's student population includes a mix of traditional-aged undergraduates and older students pursuing graduate studies. The largest demographic group consists of students under the age of 18 and those within the 18-19 age bracket. The university also attracts a significant number of students in the 25-29 and 30-34 age ranges, particularly females pursuing graduate studies.

La Salle has a history of promoting gender equality and was the first Catholic university in the country to offer gender-neutral housing. The university also has a strong LGBTQ+ community and is known as an LGBTQ-friendly Catholic university.

In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, La Salle has made strides towards inclusivity, but the majority of first-year students identify as white. The university recognizes the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive community and continues to work towards enhancing representation across all demographics, especially for underrepresented groups.

The university has a diverse range of academic programs, with 38 undergraduate fields of study and pre-professional programs. Nursing and marketing are among the most popular majors, and the university also offers accelerated bachelor's to master's programs. La Salle's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity is further demonstrated by its decision to decrease tuition by 29% in 2016, making it more affordable for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Student life and extracurriculars

La Salle University is a Catholic liberal arts institution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,426 (fall 2023). The gender distribution is 33.8% male students and 66.2% female students, with 32% of the students living in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 68% living off campus.

La Salle University offers a plethora of extracurricular activities and clubs for students to engage in. With over 120 clubs and organizations on campus, students can find opportunities to pursue their interests and broaden their experiences. These include academic clubs, honour societies, common interest groups, and cultural awareness initiatives.

Athletics and Sports

La Salle University is part of the NCAA Division I and offers 17 NCAA Division I sports teams, known as the La Salle Explorers. The university has a strong athletic presence, with 16 student athletes having appeared in the Olympics since 1948, three of whom earned gold medals. Club sports are an integral part of student life, with men's and women's teams in various sports, including baseball, ice hockey, lacrosse, rugby, and soccer. The Independence Blue Cross Fitness Center, a 3,000-square-foot facility, is also available for students interested in health and wellness.

Community Service and Support Services

Community service is a key aspect of student life at La Salle, with various initiatives that students and faculty participate in, living out the Lasallian values. The university also provides extensive support services to enhance students' overall experience. This includes the Student Wellness Services, consisting of the Student Counseling Center, the Student Health Center, and the Substance Abuse and Violence Education Center, ensuring support for students' mental and physical well-being.

Student Organizations and Greek Life

La Salle University supports a diverse range of student organizations, with a focus on advocacy, outreach, and cultural awareness. Students can explore their interests through various groups, such as academic clubs, common interest groups, and Greek life.

Campus Life and Housing

The university offers housing options for students, with 32% of students living in college-affiliated housing. On-campus housing is available for all unmarried students, including apartments for single students and special housing for disabled students.

Philadelphia as a Campus

Located in Philadelphia, the fifth-largest city in the US, students at La Salle have access to a rich historical and cultural environment. Philadelphia offers various experiences, from culinary delights like cheesesteaks to sporting events and art museums. The city is also home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, providing opportunities for aspiring professionals.

Frequently asked questions