Acceptance Rate
77%
Avg. SAT
1260
75th percentile
“Catholic university blending Salesian spirituality with standout theater and TV production training on a pastoral Pennsylvania campus.”
Center Valley, PA
Location
Nestled on 480 rolling acres in the Lehigh Valley, DeSales offers a serene, suburban escape about an hour from Philadelphia and New York City. This setting suits students wanting a peaceful study environment away from urban bustle, with easy access to internships in nearby Allentown or Bethlehem. Tradeoffs include cold, snowy winters that keep you indoors more than you'd like, and a high tuition around $41,000 that demands careful financial planning, though the area's moderate cost of living helps offset expenses.
Photo Gallery
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
With around 2,800 undergrads, expect approachable faculty who know your name, though popular health programs fill quickly and demand solid grades to advance. Introductory classes stay under 30 students, avoiding the packed lectures of larger schools. A tradeoff comes in limited breadth for niche majors outside core areas like business, communications, and sciences.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
2,166 undergrad • 806 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
White
71%
Black / African American
5%
Hispanic / Latino
13%
Asian
5%
Other / Multi-racial
6%
Campus Life
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
The social scene leans wholesome, with service trips and game nights over rowdy parties, though Greek life exists modestly. Traditions include the annual fall festival honoring the school's patron saint. Challenges involve a quieter atmosphere that might feel isolating if you crave big-city energy, plus Pennsylvania's variable weather disrupting outdoor plans.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Middle Atlantic Conferences
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$20,084
$30K – $48K
$21,089
$48K – $75K
$23,521
$75K – $110K
$28,651
$110K+
$30,880
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA to unlock grants, scholarships, and federal loans.
Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
83%
4 Years Graduation Rate
57%
6 Years Graduation Rate
64%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$61,295
83% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at DeSales University and return in the fall. 57% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 64% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
57%
4-5 years
7%
6-8 years
2%
Non-grad
34%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$41,100
Acceptance
77%
Undergrads
2,166
4-Year Grad Rate
57%
Endowment
$58M
Center Valley, PA 18034-9568