Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Center Valley, Pennsylvania |
| Online | desales.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Religious Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
DeSales University, located in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, offers a suburban learning environment nestled in the Lehigh Valley, with proximity to the major metropolitan area of Philadelphia. Established in 1964 and originally known as Allentown College of Saint Francis de Sales, the institution was renamed DeSales University in 2001. The campus spans over 400 acres and features Georgian colonial-style architecture. DeSales University presents a moderately selective admissions process and provides undergraduate and graduate programs with notable emphasis on health and nursing, business, and criminal justice. The university's Division III athletic teams, known as the Bulldogs, compete primarily in the Middle Atlantic Conferences. Housing is available on campus, with a variety of options including traditional dormitories, suites, and apartments for its student body.
In the most recent statistical year 3,662 prospective students applied, and 2,826 were granted admission. Of those admitted 509 enrolled in the school. 2,307 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 684 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $41,100 plus fees of $1,500. DeSales University is ranked 262 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
DeSales University is rated within the top 34% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for DeSales University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#262 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#195 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#23 in Best Colleges in Pennsylvania
#21 in Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania
#324 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#24 in Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1100/1280 |
| ACT | 23/29 |
| GPA | 3.39 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,468 |
| Other Fees | $1,500 |
| Room and Board | $13,500 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,706 |
| Total One Year Cost | $61,274 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 29% |
| Health Professions | 19% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 11% |
| Biology | 5% |
| Communication | 5% |
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