Susquehanna University
Susquehanna University is a private nonprofit university in Selinsgrove, PA ranked #451 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 2,163 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 81.4%. Students most often pursue Finance and Financial Management Services and Accounting and Related Services.
Day to day, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 86.3% first-year retention, and 81.7% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $28,819, about $11,821 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -55.3%, roughly 140.6 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $51,535. That's about $7,847 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Susquehanna University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Susquehanna University graduates 81.7% of students within six years and keeps 86.3% 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 Susquehanna University'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 | $59,850 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $16,100 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,850 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $75,410 |
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 24.9% of Susquehanna University students receive Pell Grants — below 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 $19,757 to $33,866 depending on family income. Use Susquehanna University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $24,190/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $33,866/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $51,535
- 10-Year Median Earnings $51,535
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $27,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 81.6%
- Employment Rate 80.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Susquehanna University 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.
Susquehanna University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Susquehanna University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Susquehanna University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Susquehanna University graduates earn $51,535 median, the -55.3% 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 560-660
- SAT Math 540-640
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 21-29
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,163
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 86.3%
- Graduation Rate 81.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Susquehanna University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Susquehanna University 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 81.4%, Susquehanna University 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 81.4% acceptance rate, Susquehanna University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1100 and 1300 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Susquehanna University undergraduates. Communication and Media Studies, Biology, General, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Communication and Media Studies 11.6%
- Biology, General 8.2%
- Psychology, General 6.7%
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies 6.1%
- Marketing 6.1%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 4.8%
See more majors
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 4.4%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 3.1%
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. Finance and Financial Management Services $91,637
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $81,585
- 3. Marketing $76,231
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Biology, General $68,030
- 5. Design and Applied Arts $63,532
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $55,441
- 7. Communication and Media Studies $53,967
- 8. Psychology, General $53,053
- 9. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $52,169
- 10. Business Administration, Management and Operations $51,350
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Finance and Financial Management Services grads earn $91,637—78% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($51,350). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Susquehanna University. 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
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 71 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 50 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 41 graduates)
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 37 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 37 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 (50 programs)▼
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Marketing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Publishing
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Political Science and Government
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- English Language and Literature, General
- Design and Applied Arts
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Sociology
- Mathematics
- Economics
- History
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Public Policy Analysis
- Music
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Education, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Physics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Chemistry
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Anthropology
- International Business
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Philosophy
- Special Education and Teaching
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Physical Sciences, Other
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Journalism
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Business/Corporate Communications
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Education, General
- Curriculum and Instruction
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,163
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 43.0%
- Female Students 57.0%
- Caucasian 77.8%
- Asian 1.5%
- Hispanic 6.6%
- Black 7.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 24.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Susquehanna University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Susquehanna University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Susquehanna University 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 Susquehanna University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 77.8% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 24.9% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Susquehanna University 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 Susquehanna University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Susquehanna University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -55.3% ROI. Ranked #451 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $28,819 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $51,535 median earnings. With 81.7% graduating within six years and 86.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Susquehanna University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #451 ranking, Susquehanna University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $28,819 annually, Susquehanna University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 86.3% 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 $20,173 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -55.3% ROI and $51,535 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $18,819+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Susquehanna University ranks #451 of 1942 institutions, with 1265 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
- 81.7% six-year graduation rate sits 19.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 86.3% first-year retention is 9.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -55.3% return on investment is 140.6 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $51,535 run about 18% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $28,819 is roughly $8,802 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 86.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 80.1% employment rate within three years sits 11.9 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $28,819 is about $8,802 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 24.9% trails the national share by 9.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Selinsgrove, PA, Susquehanna University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B+ from EDsmart. It appears at #451 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion A, 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.
About 86.3% of first-year students return, and roughly 81.7% finish within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -55.3%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
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 $28,819 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $75,410.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $46,591 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $27,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 24.9% 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 $51,535 six years after enrollment. That sits about 18% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 80.1% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -55.3%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
81.4% 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 Susquehanna University 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 Selinsgrove, PA 17870-1025
- Website www.susqu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$204.4M