Chestnut Hill College
Chestnut Hill College is a private nonprofit university in Philadelphia, PA ranked #1277 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 931 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 79.1%. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Accounting and Related Services.
Day to day, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, 66.7% first-year retention, and 56.1% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $29,944, about $12,946 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -62.2%, roughly 147.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $45,221. That's about $1,533 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Chestnut Hill College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Chestnut Hill College graduates 56.1% of students within six years and keeps 66.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Chestnut Hill College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $39,410 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,550 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,300 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,594 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $57,980 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 47.3% of Chestnut Hill College students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $29,262 to $33,080 depending on family income. Use Chestnut Hill College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $32,638/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $33,080/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $45,221
- 10-Year Median Earnings $45,221
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $20,782
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 46.7%
- Employment Rate 83.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Chestnut Hill College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Chestnut Hill College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Chestnut Hill College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Chestnut Hill College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Chestnut Hill College graduates earn $45,221 median, the -62.2% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 931
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 66.7%
- Graduation Rate 56.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into Chestnut Hill College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Chestnut Hill College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 79.1%, Chestnut Hill College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 79.1% acceptance rate, Chestnut Hill College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Chestnut Hill College undergraduates. Human Services, General, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Criminal Justice and Corrections draw the most students.
- Human Services, General 17.4%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 11.6%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 10.5%
- Psychology, General 8.6%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 7.5%
- Biology, General 6.9%
See more majors
- Communication and Media Studies 4.1%
- Accounting and Related Services 4.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations $68,656
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $66,994
- 3. Criminal Justice and Corrections $57,839
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Communication and Media Studies $51,010
- 5. Psychology, General $50,832
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $49,272
- 7. Human Services, General $49,095
- 8. Security Science and Technology $46,079
- 9. Biology, General $37,675
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $68,473
- 2. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $66,197
- 3. Human Services, General (Master's Degree) $65,208
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $61,413
- 5. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $55,453
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $68,656—82% more than Biology, General ($37,675). Graduate: Special Education and Teaching programs lead with $68,473 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Chestnut Hill College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Human Services, General (Bachelor's Degree, 63 graduates)
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree, 58 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 42 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 38 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 31 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (39 programs)▼
- Human Services, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Psychology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Biology, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
- Security Science and Technology
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Human Resources Management and Services
- History
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Political Science and Government
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Chemistry
- International/Global Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Marketing
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Music
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- International Business
- Gerontology
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
Online Master's Degrees (9 programs)▼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Human Services, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Special Education and Teaching
- Education, General
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (3 programs)▼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Human Services, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (5 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Religious Education
- Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Special Education and Teaching
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 931
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 42.1%
- Female Students 57.9%
- Caucasian 30.2%
- Asian 1.8%
- Hispanic 13.2%
- Black 30.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 47.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Chestnut Hill College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Chestnut Hill College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Chestnut Hill College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Chestnut Hill College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Chestnut Hill College has a diverse student body, with 30.2% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Chestnut Hill College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Chestnut Hill College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Chestnut Hill College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -62.2% ROI. Ranked #1277 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $29,944 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $45,221 median earnings. With 56.1% graduating within six years and 66.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Chestnut Hill College's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1277 ranking, Chestnut Hill College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $29,944 annually, Chestnut Hill College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 66.7% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $20,961 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -62.2% ROI and $45,221 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $19,944+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Chestnut Hill College ranks #1277 of 1971 institutions, with 1537 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 56.1% six-year graduation rate sits 6.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 66.7% first-year retention is 10.1 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -62.2% return on investment is 147.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $45,221 run about 4% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $29,944 is roughly $10,045 higher than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 66.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 83.9% employment rate within three years sits 15.7 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $29,944 is about $10,045 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Philadelphia, PA, Chestnut Hill College operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B- from EDsmart. It appears at #1277 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (B-), Support (B), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (C+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 66.7% retention and 56.1% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is -62.2%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $29,944 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $57,980.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $28,036 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,782 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 47.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $45,221 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 4% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 83.9% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -62.2%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
79.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Chestnut Hill College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Philadelphia, PA 19118-2693
- Website www.chc.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$11.8M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate28.8%