DeSales University

7/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Center Valley, PA
3.0 2 reviews

#25 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

2,972

Location Center Valley, Pennsylvania
Website desales.edu
Type Private 4 Year
Setting Large Suburban
Religious Affiliation Roman Catholic

Best Colleges Rank

#322

Size Small
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

DeSales University is a private Catholic institution situated in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, approximately 60 miles north of Philadelphia in the Lehigh Valley region. The campus spans 500 acres of suburban landscape and features a mix of traditional and modern architecture, including the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts. Founded in 1964 as Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, the institution achieved university status in 2001. DeSales maintains selective admission standards and is recognized for its programs in nursing, business, and performing arts, with its theater program being particularly notable through its partnership with the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. The university operates as a primarily residential campus, with most first-year students living in one of six traditional residence halls.

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Ratings

DeSales University is rated within the top 37% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10.

Overall Rating

7 out of 10
Academics

7 out of 10
Resources

7 out of 10
Outcomes

7 out of 10
Value

6 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for DeSales University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

Best Colleges in the U.S.

#322
Best Private Colleges in the U.S.

#238
Best Colleges in Pennsylvania

#27
Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania

#25
Best Value Colleges in the U.S.

#404
Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania

#37

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Average

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1090/1260
ACT (enrolled mid-50) 27/28
GPA 3.39

Acceptance Rate

77.1%

Applications Due Aug 1, 2027
Enrollment Rate 16.7%
Application Fee $0

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$46,800

Costs for DeSales University
Fee		Cost
Tuition		$46,800
Books and Supplies		$1,485
Other Fees		$1,800
Room and Board		$13,800
Budget for Other Expenses		$3,477
Total One Year Cost		$67,362

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$51,100 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

69% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at DeSales University are Business, Health Professions, and Visual and Performing Arts. 29% of students major in Business, 19% in Health Professions, and 11% in Visual and Performing Arts.