Mount St. Joseph University logo

Mount St. Joseph University

Cincinnati, OH Private ยท Suburban www.msj.edu
Accept Rate
56.52%
Grad Rate
52.9%
Enrollment
1,100
Avg SAT
1068
Tuition
$36,650
Median Salary
$51,509
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Mount St. Joseph University feels like a close-knit, supportive community where students are known by name, not just a student ID. The suburban campus offers a peaceful, green environment that encourages collaboration and personal growth, fostering a strong sense of belonging among its students.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

56.52%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 106875th Pctl
8801083
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2475th Pctl
1724
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your commitment to service and community involvement in your application, as MSJU values students who are engaged and compassionate. With an acceptance rate of 56.52%, aim for an SAT score around 1068 or higher to be a competitive applicant, and ensure your GPA reflects a strong academic record.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1068
40080012001600
School range: 880โ€“1083

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

Academics & Majors

MSJU is recognized for its strong programs in Health Professions, Education, and Business, emphasizing hands-on learning and practical application. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from dedicated faculty, while research opportunities, particularly in the sciences and allied health, are accessible to undergraduates.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
29.1%
Education
18.6%
Business & Marketing
15%
Biology & Biomedical
6.8%
Visual & Performing Arts
6.4%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
3.6%
Multidisciplinary Studies
3.6%
Psychology
3.2%
Social Sciences
2.3%
Communications
2.3%
Public Administration
2.3%
Computer Science
1.8%

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

By The Numbers

52.9%
Graduation Rate
76%
Retention Rate
1,100
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
$36,650
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$16,135
After financial aid
Total Cost
$43,932
Cost of attendance/year
27.3%
Receive Pell Grants
54.5%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Cincinnati

Cincinnati offers a vibrant mix of professional sports, a renowned zoo and botanical garden, and a bustling riverfront with parks and entertainment. Students can explore diverse neighborhoods, enjoy a thriving food scene, and visit cultural landmarks like the Cincinnati Museum Center and Music Hall.

Local Rent Check

$919 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Cincinnati
Explore Cincinnati

Reality Check

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

$146,600
$0Est. 4 Years: $146,600

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($51,509):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The university is located in a quiet, safe suburban neighborhood with a campus security team that is highly visible and responsive. Students generally feel secure on campus, though standard precautions are always recommended.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Small class sizes and personalized faculty attention
  • โœ“ Strong, career-focused programs in health sciences and education
  • โœ“ Affordable private education with a low average net price
  • โœ“ Safe, suburban campus environment with a strong sense of community

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation and retention rates are below national averages
  • โœ— Limited on-campus social scene compared to larger urban universities
  • โœ— Smaller undergraduate enrollment may offer fewer niche programs

Notable Alumni

Sister Rose Ann Fleming
Notable educator and former president of Mount St. Joseph University who oversaw significant campus growth and academic expansion.
Jim Borgman
Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist and illustrator for the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Dr. G. David H. Jones
Distinguished physician and community health advocate with contributions to medical education in the Cincinnati area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mount St. Joseph University is particularly known for its strong programs in Health Professions, Education, Business & Marketing, and Biology. The university emphasizes experiential learning, community service, and a mission-driven approach rooted in its Catholic, Mercy identity.

Mount St. Joseph University has an acceptance rate of 56.52%, making it a moderately selective institution. While not highly competitive, applicants are advised to have a solid academic record, with an average SAT score of around 1068, to strengthen their application.

Campus life at MSJU is intimate and community-oriented, with a tight-knit student body of about 1,100 undergraduates. Students enjoy a safe suburban setting with opportunities for involvement in clubs, athletics, and service projects, though the social scene is quieter and more centered on campus activities than large city nightlife.

Given the average net price of $16,135 and a 10-year median earnings of $51,509, MSJU offers a potentially strong return on investment, especially for students pursuing high-demand fields like nursing or education. The value is enhanced by the personalized education and career preparation, though outcomes can vary by major.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Mercy Health Cincinnati Public Schools Procter & Gamble Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Smart Start Score
56

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 1,502
  • In-State Tuition $36,650
  • Zip Code 45233

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 47.4% โ™€ 52.5%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $16,135, MSJU provides a private education at a cost comparable to many public institutions, especially for in-state students. The 10-year median earnings of $51,509 suggest a solid return on investment, particularly for graduates in high-demand fields like healthcare and education.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

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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 $36,650
Housing (12 mo) $11,028
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $54,878
With avg financial aid:
$16,135/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.