University of Saint Joseph
University of Saint Joseph has an acceptance rate of 78.6%, annual tuition of $47,278, average net price of $27,989, and a national rank of #1536 (Grade C+), with a 63.8% six-year graduation rate, about 838 undergraduates, and median earnings of $52,053 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of Saint Joseph is a private nonprofit university in West Hartford, CT. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Social Work.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, and 82.1% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -578.6%, roughly 138.8 points below typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is University of Saint Joseph Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Saint Joseph graduates 63.8% of students within six years and keeps 82.1% 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 University of Saint Joseph'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 | $47,278 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,426 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,626 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $59,900 |
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 32.6% of University of Saint Joseph students receive Pell Grants — slightly 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 $24,563 to $31,958 depending on family income. Use University of Saint Joseph's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $27,701/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $31,958/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $52,053
- 10-Year Median Earnings $52,053
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $24,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 60.6%
- Employment Rate 13.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Saint Joseph 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.
University of Saint Joseph vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Saint Joseph's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Saint Joseph's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Saint Joseph graduates earn $52,053 median, the -53.5% 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 440-610
- SAT Math 410-560
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 838
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 82.1%
- Graduation Rate 63.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into University of Saint Joseph
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Saint Joseph 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 78.6%, University of Saint Joseph 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 78.6% acceptance rate, University of Saint Joseph 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 850 and 1170 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Saint Joseph undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Social Work, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 38.3%
- Social Work 11.7%
- Psychology, General 9.2%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.8%
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services 6.3%
- Biology, General 5.3%
See more majors
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Ser 4.9%
- Public Health 4.4%
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 $91,862
- 2. Social Work $60,647
- 3. Psychology, General $56,721
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $141,168
- 2. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $133,012
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $118,211
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $73,865
- 5. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $72,789
- 6. Education, General (Master's Degree) $71,433
- 7. Nutrition Sciences (Master's Degree) $66,323
- 8. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $65,924
- 9. Biology, General (Master's Degree) $65,070
- 10. Social Work (Master's Degree) $64,650
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $91,862—62% more than Psychology, General ($56,721). Graduate: Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration programs lead with $141,168 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Saint Joseph. 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
- Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree, 105 graduates)
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree, 66 graduates)
- Social Work (Master's Degree, 58 graduates)
- Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree, 51 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree, 44 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
- Social Work
- Psychology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Biology, General
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Public Health
- Accounting and Related Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- English Language and Literature, General
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Public Policy Analysis
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Philosophy
- International/Global Studies
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Computer Science
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
Online Master's Degrees (16 programs)â–¼
- Special Education and Teaching
- Social Work
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Biology, General
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Education, General
- Gerontology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (7 programs)â–¼
- Special Education and Teaching
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (3 programs)â–¼
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 838
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 31.4%
- Female Students 68.6%
- Caucasian 59.3%
- Asian 6.2%
- Hispanic 18.5%
- Black 10.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 32.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Saint Joseph's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Saint Joseph's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Saint Joseph 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 University of Saint Joseph, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 68.6% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Saint Joseph 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 University of Saint Joseph, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Saint Joseph offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -53.5% ROI. Ranked #1536 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $27,989 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $52,053 median earnings. With 63.8% graduating within six years and 82.1% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: University of Saint Joseph's Positioning
With a C+ grade and #1536 ranking, University of Saint Joseph competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $27,989 annually, University of Saint Joseph charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 82.1% 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 $19,592 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -53.5% ROI and $52,053 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $17,989+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: University of Saint Joseph ranks #1536 of 6101 institutions, with 1162 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
- 63.8% six-year graduation rate sits 1.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 82.1% first-year retention is 5.3 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -53.5% return on investment is 138.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $52,053 run about 19% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $27,989 is roughly $10,592 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 82.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 13.5% employment rate within three years sits 54.7 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $27,989 is about $10,592 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 32.6% trails the national share by 6.5 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of Saint Joseph, a private nonprofit university in West Hartford, CT, secures a C+ grade in our latest review. It stands at #1536 among 6101 schools Completion earns B+, Support B+, Career Outcomes D+, 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 82.1% of first-year students return, and roughly 63.8% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -53.5% for this program.
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 $27,989 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $59,900.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $31,911 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $24,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 32.6% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $52,053 at the median. This is roughly 19% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 13.5%.
The ROI comes in near -53.5%, 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
78.6% 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 University of Saint Joseph 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of Saint Joseph's acceptance rate?
University of Saint Joseph's acceptance rate is 78.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of Saint Joseph cost?
At University of Saint Joseph, listed tuition and fees are $47,278 per year, and the average net price after aid is $27,989. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of Saint Joseph's ranking?
University of Saint Joseph ranks #1536 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of Saint Joseph's graduation rate?
At University of Saint Joseph, the six-year graduation rate is 63.8%, and first-year retention is 82.1%.
What are University of Saint Joseph's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of Saint Joseph report median earnings of $52,053 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of Saint Joseph's student population?
University of Saint Joseph enrolls about 838 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address West Hartford, CT 06117
- Website www.usj.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$46.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate25.2%