Holy Family University
Holy Family University is a private nonprofit university in Philadelphia, PA ranked #115 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A, enrolling about 2,298 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 74.2%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.
Day to day, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 83.1% first-year retention, and 60.4% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $12,251, about $4,747 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 12.8%, roughly 72.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $55,285. That's about $11,597 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Holy Family University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Holy Family University graduates 60.4% of students within six years and keeps 83.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Holy Family 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 | $33,968 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,230 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,694 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,032 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $38,965 |
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 39.7% of Holy Family University students receive Pell Grants — in line with 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 $8,401 to $17,231 depending on family income. Use Holy Family University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $15,149/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $17,231/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $55,285
- 10-Year Median Earnings $55,285
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $21,175
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 63.1%
- Employment Rate 91.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Holy Family 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.
Holy Family University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Holy Family University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Holy Family University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Holy Family University graduates earn $55,285 median, the 12.8% 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 480-565
- SAT Math 470-565
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,298
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 83.1%
- Graduation Rate 60.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Holy Family University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Holy Family 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 74.2%, Holy Family 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 74.2% acceptance rate, Holy Family 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 950 and 1130 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Holy Family University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Psychology, General, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 50.3%
- Psychology, General 7.9%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 7.4%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 6.2%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 5.3%
- Accounting and Related Services 3.6%
See more majors
- Biology, General 2.8%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 2.3%
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. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $95,227
- 2. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $85,138
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $74,969
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services $67,590
- 5. Criminal Justice and Corrections $60,018
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $54,373
- 7. Psychology, General $44,624
- 8. Biology, General $44,567
- 9. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $31,518
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $123,725
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $112,251
- 3. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $80,014
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $68,256
- 5. Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (Master's Degree) $67,131
- 6. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $63,930
- 7. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $63,752
- 8. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $60,350
- 9. Education, General (Master's Degree) $58,924
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $58,544
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $95,227—202% more than Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($31,518). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $123,725 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Holy Family 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
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 237 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree, 77 graduates)
- Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree, 66 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 37 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree, 36 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 (30 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Psychology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Accounting and Related Services
- Biology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- English Language and Literature, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Mathematics
- Computer Programming
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Security Science and Technology
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- History
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Fire Protection
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Special Education and Teaching
- Graphic Communications
Online Master's Degrees (12 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Accounting and Related Services
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Security Science and Technology
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Online Doctoral Degrees (3 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (5 programs)â–¼
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Special Education and Teaching
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)â–¼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,298
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 28.8%
- Female Students 71.2%
- Caucasian 53.9%
- Asian 7.5%
- Hispanic 16.8%
- Black 14.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 39.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Holy Family University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Holy Family University's undergraduate population. Women make up 71.2% of the student body, while men represent 28.8%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Holy Family 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 Holy Family University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 71.2% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Holy Family 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 Holy Family University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Holy Family University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 12.8% ROI. Ranked #115 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $12,251 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $55,285 median earnings. With 60.4% graduating within six years and 83.1% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Holy Family University's Positioning
With a A grade and #115 ranking, Holy Family University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $12,251 annually, Holy Family University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 83.1% 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 $8,576 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 12.8% ROI and $55,285 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $2,251+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Holy Family University ranks #115 of 1971 institutions, with 131 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
- 60.4% six-year graduation rate sits 2.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 83.1% first-year retention is 6.3 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 12.8% return on investment is 72.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $55,285 run about 27% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $12,251 is roughly $7,648 lower than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 83.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.0% employment rate within three years sits 22.8 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- 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
EDsmart rates Holy Family University—a private nonprofit university in Philadelphia, PA—at A overall. It holds a #115 national ranking Grades by category break down as Completion B+, Support B+, Career Outcomes A-, and Affordability B+.
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.
83.1% of learners come back after year one while 60.4% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is 12.8%, 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 $12,251 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $38,965.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $26,714 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,175 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 39.7% 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 $55,285 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 27% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 91.0% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near 12.8%, 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
74.2% 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 Holy Family 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 Philadelphia, PA 19114-2009
- Website www.holyfamily.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$24.4M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate23.0%