
DeSales University
School Overview
DeSales University is located in Center Valley, PA, 18034, set within a suburban environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #283 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.
DeSales University has an acceptance rate of 77%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 1090-1260 and ACT scores of 27-28. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.4. Applications are due by Aug. 1, so students should plan their materials well in advance.
With just 2,172 undergraduates, DeSales University provides an intimate academic setting where small class sizes and close faculty mentorship are central to the student experience. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 57% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 64%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.
The most popular fields of study at DeSales University include Health Professions and Related Programs (27% of students, median early-career salary: $81,838), Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (25% of students, median early-career salary: $60,190), and Sports Teams (N/A of students). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.
The published tuition and fees are $48,300 per year. Room and board adds approximately $14,200. However, the average net price after financial aid is $28,928, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $39,597 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with DeSales University's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.
Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. DeSales University combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether DeSales University is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.
Academics & Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- SAT Range: 1090-1260
- ACT Range: 27-28
- High School GPA: 3.4
- Graduation Rate (4yr): 64%
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:01
- Classes Under 20: 57%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,172
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree
Cost & Financial Aid
- Tuition & Fees: $48,300
- Food & Housing: $14,200
- Annual Cost: $28,928
- Avg Need-Based Aid: $39,597
- Application Deadline: Aug. 1
Official Website
College Rankings
- #283 National Universities
- #480 Nursing
- #308 Top Performers on Social Mobility
Popular Majors
DeSales University Online Bachelor's Program
DeSales University, based in Center Valley, PA 18034-9568, offers an online bachelor's program that allows students to earn an accredited degree without relocating or leaving their current employment. The program delivers its curriculum through a modern digital learning platform, with recorded lectures, interactive assignments, and virtual collaboration tools that replicate the engagement of an on-campus experience.
Tuition is structured at $595 per credit hour, giving students a transparent and predictable way to budget their educational investment. The program currently enrolls 336 online students, a figure that speaks to both the demand for flexible education and the program's ability to deliver on its academic promises. Admissions follow a rolling deadline, meaning students can apply at any time and begin their studies when ready — an ideal structure for those whose timelines don't align with traditional academic calendars.
From the program: DeSales University is dedicated to holding the quality of all courses, regardless of delivery method, to the highest standards. The quality and content of an online course is identical to its traditional counterpart — the outcomes and goals of online courses are unchanged in comparison to traditional courses. However, the teaching and learning tools are different, opening up many new collaborative opportunities. Faculty present instruction uniquely suited to maximize the learning environment.
What Students Gain
Students enrolled in DeSales University's online program gain more than a credential — they develop practical skills and professional knowledge that translate directly into career advancement. The asynchronous format means coursework can be completed around work schedules, family responsibilities, and other commitments, removing the barriers that prevent many qualified individuals from pursuing higher education. The per-credit pricing model means you only pay for the courses you take each term, allowing you to control the pace and cost of your degree simultaneously. DeSales University provides online students with the same academic standards, faculty expertise, and institutional resources as its on-campus programs, ensuring that your degree carries the same weight with employers and graduate schools. Support services — including academic advising, technical help, and career counseling — are available to distance learners throughout their enrollment, from orientation through commencement.
Cost & Enrollment
- Tuition/Credit: $595.0
- Online Enrollment: 336
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Program Type: Bachelor's
Online Program Contact
- Director of Admissions: Leslie Bartholomew
- Phone: (610) 282-1100
- Email: adultstudies@desales.edu
- Application Website →
- Program Website →
- Admissions Website →