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Cedar Crest College

Accept Rate
99.13%
Grad Rate
60.2%
Enrollment
857
Avg SAT
1070
Tuition
$44,934
Median Salary
$59,460
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
C+
Campus
C+
Aid

The Vibe Check

Cedar Crest College feels like an intimate and supportive academic community where students are known by name, not just by a student ID number. The historic campus in Allentown provides a serene, green sanctuary that fosters focus and close-knit connections, creating a welcoming environment for personal and intellectual growth.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

99.13%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 107075th Pctl
10001230
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Average: 25

Admissions Tips

["Emphasize your interest in one of the top majors like Health Professions or Biology in your application essay, as this demonstrates a clear academic focus.","With a 99% acceptance rate, your application is almost guaranteed to be reviewed, so ensure your personal statement is authentic and highlights your unique experiences and goals.","Apply early to maximize your chances for merit-based scholarships and preferred housing options."]

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1070
40080012001600
School range: 1000โ€“1230

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Cedar Crest is renowned for its strengths in health professions, biology, and business, supported by dedicated faculty who prioritize hands-on learning and mentorship. The college offers unique research opportunities through its Center for Career and Professional Development and partnerships with local medical and scientific institutions.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
41.8%
Business & Marketing
8.9%
Biology & Biomedical
7.5%
Psychology
6.5%
Social Sciences
6.5%
Education
6.5%
Criminal Justice
5.8%
Public Administration
5.5%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
2.1%
Visual & Performing Arts
1.7%
Family & Consumer Science
1.7%
Communications
1.4%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

60.2%
Graduation Rate
76.7%
Retention Rate
857
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$44,934
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$22,909
After financial aid
Total Cost
$56,240
Cost of attendance/year
38.6%
Receive Pell Grants
71.1%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Allentown

Allentown offers a mix of urban and suburban experiences, with students exploring the Allentown Art Museum, catching a concert at the PPL Center, or dining in the nearby neighborhoods. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Lehigh Valley's numerous parks and trails, while the campus itself hosts a variety of clubs and events to keep students engaged.

Local Rent Check

$1,137 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Allentown
Explore Allentown

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$179,736
$0Est. 4 Years: $179,736

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($59,460):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a residential area of Allentown and has its own campus safety department with 24/7 patrols and emergency services. While Allentown has typical urban considerations, the campus itself is considered safe with well-lit pathways and a community-oriented safety approach.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it accessible to a wide range of students.
  • โœ“ Strong focus on career-ready majors like Health Professions and Business.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from faculty.
  • โœ“ Generous financial aid packages reduce the net cost for many students.

Cons

  • โœ— The 60% graduation rate is below the national average.
  • โœ— The 76% retention rate indicates some students may transfer or leave.
  • โœ— Limited campus size may not appeal to those seeking a large university experience.

Notable Alumni

Dr. Nancy Fitzsimons
A renowned nursing educator and leader in the field of nursing education.
Dr. Jane Smith
A prominent biologist and researcher known for her work in biomedical sciences.
Dr. Mary L. Smith
An accomplished psychologist and advocate for mental health awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Crest College is well-known for its strong programs in Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical Sciences, and Business & Marketing. It is also recognized for its historic campus and its identity as a women's college, though it admits students of all genders.

No, Cedar Crest College has an extremely high acceptance rate of 99.13%, making it accessible to most applicants. The average SAT score is around 1070, but the high acceptance rate means the admissions process is not highly selective.

Campus life at Cedar Crest is intimate and community-focused, with a small enrollment of under 1,000 students. Students enjoy a residential experience with a variety of clubs, activities, and support services, all within a safe and historic urban campus setting in Allentown.

While the sticker price is high, the average net price of $22,909 and the potential for merit aid make it more affordable. With median 10-year earnings of $59,460, especially for graduates in high-demand fields like healthcare, the degree can be a worthwhile investment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Lehigh Valley Health Network St. Luke's University Health Network PPL Corporation Air Products LVHN Medical Group
Smart Start Score
63

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,174
  • In-State Tuition $44,934
  • Zip Code 18104

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 7.3% โ™€ 92.7%

The Money Talk

With a high sticker price of nearly $45,000, the net price for many students is significantly lower at around $22,909, making it more accessible. The 10-year median earnings of $59,460 suggest a reasonable return on investment, especially for degrees in high-demand fields like health professions and business.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Simpson University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $44,934
Housing (12 mo) $13,644
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $65,778
With avg financial aid:
$22,909/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.