Chestnut Hill College logo

Chestnut Hill College

Accept Rate
79.13%
Grad Rate
59.3%
Enrollment
931
Avg SAT
995
Tuition
$39,410
Median Salary
$52,015
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Chestnut Hill College offers a close-knit, community-focused atmosphere where students are known by name, not just a student ID. The campus feels like a peaceful, green sanctuary nestled within the bustling city, fostering a strong sense of belonging and personalized attention from faculty.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

79.13%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

SAT data not available

Average: 995

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Admissions Tips

1. Highlight your involvement in community service or leadership roles in your application, as Chestnut Hill values students who contribute to a collaborative community. 2. Write a thoughtful 'Why Chestnut Hill?' essay that connects your academic interests (like Criminal Justice or Business) to the college's specific programs and mission.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
995
40080012001600

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

Academics & Majors

The college is recognized for its strong programs in Criminal Justice, Business, and Education, often integrating real-world experience into the curriculum. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, teaching quality is high, emphasizing mentorship and interactive learning over large lecture halls.

Popular Majors

Criminal Justice
19.9%
Business & Marketing
16.1%
Public Administration
15.2%
Biology & Biomedical
14%
Education
10.2%
Psychology
8.1%
Computer Science
3.8%
Communications
3%
Physical Sciences
1.7%
Social Sciences
1.3%
History
1.3%
Multidisciplinary Studies
1.3%

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

By The Numbers

59.3%
Graduation Rate
66.7%
Retention Rate
931
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
$39,410
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$29,944
After financial aid
Total Cost
$57,980
Cost of attendance/year
47.3%
Receive Pell Grants
73.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Philadelphia

Students have easy access to Philadelphia's rich history, arts, and culture, including the Liberty Bell, world-class museums, and vibrant neighborhoods like Center City and Manayunk. For fun, students often explore local coffee shops, attend concerts, or take advantage of the city's extensive public transit to visit restaurants and parks.

Local Rent Check

$1,451 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Philadelphia
Explore Philadelphia

Reality Check

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

$157,640
$0Est. 4 Years: $157,640

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($52,015):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is a designated safe zone with its own campus safety department and is located in a generally safe, residential neighborhood of Philadelphia. Students are advised to be aware of their surroundings, as with any urban environment, but the campus itself is well-patrolled and secure.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Personalized attention with a low student-to-faculty ratio
  • โœ“ Strong, career-focused programs in Criminal Justice and Business
  • โœ“ Beautiful, serene campus in a safe Philadelphia neighborhood
  • โœ“ Significant financial aid availability (47.3% Pell Grant rate)

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation (59.3%) and retention (66.7%) rates compared to national averages
  • โœ— Higher tuition cost before aid is applied
  • โœ— Smaller campus size may limit variety in student activities and clubs

Notable Alumni

Sister Mary Reap
Former President of Chestnut Hill College and a leader in higher education.
Linda Cliatt-Wayman
Renowned educator and principal known for transforming schools in North Philadelphia, featured in the documentary 'The Last Dance'.
John F. Smith
Former President and CEO of General Motors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chestnut Hill College is particularly well-known for its strong programs in Criminal Justice, Business & Marketing, and Education. It is also recognized for its commitment to the liberal arts and its foundation in the Sisters of Saint Joseph tradition, emphasizing service and community.

No, Chestnut Hill College has a relatively high acceptance rate of 79.13%, making it an accessible option for many applicants. While it's not highly selective, a complete application with strong essays and a clear interest in the college's community is still important.

Campus life is intimate and community-oriented, with a small enrollment of just 931 students. Students benefit from a close-knit environment where they can easily get involved in campus activities, and the urban setting of Philadelphia provides endless opportunities for off-campus exploration and internships.

The value depends on the student's major and financial aid package. With an average net price under $30,000 and median earnings of $52,015 after ten years, it can be a worthwhile investment, especially for students pursuing high-demand fields like business or criminal justice who take advantage of the college's career support.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Philadelphia Police Department Comcast Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) GlaxoSmithKline School District of Philadelphia
Smart Start Score
57

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,142
  • In-State Tuition $39,410
  • Zip Code 19118

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 42.1% โ™€ 57.9%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $29,944, the cost is significant but often lower than the sticker price due to financial aid, especially for the nearly half of students who receive Pell Grants. The 10-year median earnings of $52,015 suggest a moderate return on investment, making it a viable option for students in fields like business and criminal justice, though the ROI may vary by major.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Columbus College of

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 $39,410
Housing (12 mo) $17,412
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $64,022
With avg financial aid:
$29,944/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.