Non-Profit Private
Accredited ·
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
44.1% Acceptance Rate
Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
44.1%Acceptance Rate
1135Avg SAT
$41,566Annual Cost
$69,731Grad Salary
30.2%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
44.1%
Avg SAT
1135
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
SAT Middle 50%
1095–1165
Need-Based Aid
30.2% receive Pell
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, located in Lancaster, is a specialized institution focused exclusively on healthcare education. Founded in 1903 and affiliated with Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, the college offers programs in nursing, allied health, and healthcare administration. The campus features state-of-the-art simulation labs, including a virtual hospital environment with high-fidelity patient manikins. With a 7:1 student-faculty ratio in clinical courses, students receive exceptional hands-on training. The college boasts exceptional NCLEX pass rates and 100% job placement for many programs.
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences takes pride in its direct connection to a major healthcare system, providing students with clinical experiences throughout their education. The curriculum emphasizes interprofessional education, preparing students for team-based healthcare delivery. Recent expansions include new science labs and collaborative learning spaces. The college's focused mission, hospital affiliation, and strong graduate outcomes make it a top choice for healthcare education in Central Pennsylvania.
Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster Acceptance Rate
Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster is 44.1%. This means that 44 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 44.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at PA College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster (PA College) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into PA College Without SAT or ACT?
Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster Average SAT Score: 1135
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster is 1135 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1135 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1135 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1165 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1095, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at PA College. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1135 | 1095 | 1165 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1095 then you are below most of the admitted students at PA College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1165 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster (PA College) with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster (PA College) are good but the admission staff at PA College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for PA College
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At PA College, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Target the 75th Percentile
Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.
Demonstrated Interest
Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.
The 'Breadth' Factor
Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.
Humanize the Transcript
Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.
Scholarship Tip: Applying Early Action (EA) at this level often increases your priority for institutional grants and honors college consideration.
PA College Profile
Full Name
Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster (PA College)
City
Lancaster
State
Pennsylvania
ZIP Code
17601
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Is a PA College Degree Worth It?
Getting into PA College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. PA College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at PA College is $63,100 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.28%.
How much does a degree from PA College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster is $41,566. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster is much less than this.
30.2% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 55.6 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to PA College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist PA College as your choice in the form.
How much does a PA College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $69,731. An average PA College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | 1137 | 24 |
| Augustana College | Rock Island, IL | 1133 | 25 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
Degree Programs at PA College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
First Professional Degree Programs
Professional Certificate Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster →
Frequently Asked Questions About PA College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $69,731 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $41,566 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
30.2% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster is 44.1% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Admission to Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1135 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1095–1165.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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