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Saint Peter's University

Jersey City, NJ Private Non-profit ยท Urban www.saintpeters.edu
Accept Rate
90.53%
Grad Rate
61.7%
Enrollment
1,939
Avg SAT
1060
Tuition
$41,054
Median Salary
$57,815
Overall Grade
C+
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
A+
Aid

The Vibe Check

Saint Peter's University offers a close-knit, Jesuit-inspired community feel where students are recognized by name and supported personally. The urban campus in Jersey City creates a dynamic energy, blending historic architecture with a modern, diverse student body. It feels like a place where you can build strong relationships while being immersed in a bustling city environment.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

90.53%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

SAT data not available

Average: 1060

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Average: 23

Admissions Tips

When applying, highlight your commitment to service and community engagement, as this aligns with the university's Jesuit values. Be sure to showcase your interest in their top programs like Business or Health Professions in your personal essay. Since the acceptance rate is high, ensure your application is complete and submitted early to demonstrate your strong interest.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1060
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

Saint Peter's is recognized for its strong programs in Business, Health Professions, and its Jesuit tradition of liberal arts education. The university emphasizes practical learning and offers small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention from dedicated faculty. Students have access to research opportunities and internships, leveraging the university's location in the New York metropolitan area.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
24.7%
Health Professions
11.9%
Psychology
11.3%
Biology & Biomedical
10.2%
Computer Science
8.7%
Criminal Justice
7.4%
Social Sciences
6.4%
Education
5.9%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
3.6%
Communications
2.6%
English & Literature
1.3%
Mathematics & Statistics
1.1%

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

By The Numbers

61.7%
Graduation Rate
71.6%
Retention Rate
1,939
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
$41,054
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$12,973
After financial aid
Total Cost
$50,052
Cost of attendance/year
54.2%
Receive Pell Grants
33.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Jersey City

Students enjoy Jersey City's vibrant scene with easy access to Manhattan via the PATH train for endless entertainment and internship opportunities. On weekends, students explore local spots like Lincoln Park for sports, the waterfront for views, or the many cafes and restaurants in the surrounding neighborhoods. The campus itself hosts numerous clubs and events, fostering a strong social life.

Local Rent Check

$2,025 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Jersey City
Explore Jersey City

Reality Check

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

$164,216
$0Est. 4 Years: $164,216

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($57,815):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a residential part of Jersey City and has its own campus safety department with patrols and emergency systems. While Jersey City has urban areas, the campus itself is generally considered safe, but students should always be aware of their surroundings like in any city.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it accessible to a wide range of students.
  • โœ“ Prime location in Jersey City offers direct access to New York City internships and career opportunities.
  • โœ“ Strong sense of community with small class sizes and personalized faculty attention.
  • โœ“ Significant financial aid available, with an average net price much lower than tuition.

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation and retention rates are lower than the national average for private universities.
  • โœ— Sticker price for tuition is high, though net price is lower after aid.
  • โœ— Campus size is relatively small, which may feel limiting for those seeking a large university experience.

Notable Alumni

Eugene O'Neill
Famous American playwright and Nobel laureate in Literature, who briefly attended Saint Peter's College (pre-university name).
Danny DeVito
Academy Award-winning actor and filmmaker, who attended Saint Peter's College before transferring.
Shaquille O'Neal
NBA Hall of Famer and sports analyst, who graduated with a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from the university in 2012.

Frequently Asked Questions

Saint Peter's University is known for its Jesuit, Catholic identity that emphasizes a strong liberal arts foundation, ethics, and service to others. It is particularly recognized for its strong programs in Business, Health Professions, and Psychology, all situated within a diverse and intimate learning environment.

No, Saint Peter's University is not considered hard to get into. The acceptance rate is 90.53%, indicating that the majority of applicants are admitted. However, a complete and thoughtful application that aligns with the university's mission is still important for admission and scholarship consideration.

Campus life at Saint Peter's is community-focused and intimate, with a student body of just under 2,000. Students can get involved in a variety of clubs, NCAA Division I athletics (the Peacocks), and community service initiatives. The urban location in Jersey City means students have easy access to city amenities, while the campus itself provides a supportive and close-knit home base.

For many students, Saint Peter's University can be a worthwhile investment. While the sticker price is over $41,000, the average net price is just $12,973 after financial aid. With a 10-year median earnings of $57,815 for graduates and the advantage of its location near New York City, the degree offers a strong potential return on investment, particularly for students who take full advantage of internships and career services.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Jersey City Medical Center Goldman Sachs New York-Presbyterian Hospital
Smart Start Score
62

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private Non-profit
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 2,568
  • In-State Tuition $41,054
  • Zip Code 07306

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 40.1% โ™€ 59.9%

The Money Talk

With a high Pell Grant rate of 54.2%, the university demonstrates a strong commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds. The average net price of $12,973 is significantly lower than the sticker price, making it a more accessible option for many families. Given the 10-year median earnings of $57,815, the return on investment appears solid, especially considering the lower effective cost for most students.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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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 $41,054
Housing (12 mo) $24,300
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $72,554
With avg financial aid:
$12,973/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.