University of Saint Joseph logo

University of Saint Joseph

Hartford, CT Private ยท Urban www.usj.edu
Accept Rate
79.64%
Grad Rate
65.4%
Enrollment
825
Avg SAT
1100
Tuition
$45,908
Median Salary
$59,908
Overall Grade
C
B-
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
B
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The University of Saint Joseph offers a close-knit, supportive community where students feel seen and valued in a small, intimate urban campus setting. There's a strong sense of purpose driven by the university's mission and emphasis on service and ethical leadership. It feels like a place where you can build meaningful relationships with peers and professors while staying connected to the energy of Hartford.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

79.64%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 110075th Pctl
9601250
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Admissions Tips

Highlight your commitment to service and community involvement in your application essays, as this aligns with USJ's mission. Since the acceptance rate is 79.64%, ensure your GPA and coursework are strong, but don't hesitate to apply even if your test scores are just above the 1100 average. Clearly articulate your interest in one of their top majors, like Health Professions or Psychology, to show a focused academic path.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1100
40080012001600
School range: 960โ€“1250

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

Academics & Majors

USJ excels in high-demand fields like Health Professions, Psychology, and Business, offering strong professional preparation. The small class sizes foster hands-on learning and direct mentorship from faculty, ensuring personalized attention. Students gain practical experience through robust internship and clinical opportunities in the greater Hartford area.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
44.6%
Psychology
10.8%
Business & Marketing
9.1%
Public Administration
8.7%
Biology & Biomedical
6.9%
Family & Consumer Science
5.2%
Education
4.8%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
3%
Criminal Justice
3%
English & Literature
2.2%

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

By The Numbers

65.4%
Graduation Rate
85.7%
Retention Rate
825
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
$45,908
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$27,375
After financial aid
Total Cost
$56,786
Cost of attendance/year
36.1%
Receive Pell Grants
75.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Hartford

Students can take advantage of Hartford's cultural attractions, including the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, and minor league baseball games with the Hartford Yard Goats. The city offers diverse dining options, parks like Bushnell Park, and seasonal festivals. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Connecticut River and nearby hiking trails are easily accessible.

Local Rent Check

$1,319 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Hartford
Explore Hartford

Reality Check

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

$183,632
$0Est. 4 Years: $183,632

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($59,908):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a residential Hartford neighborhood and employs its own campus safety department with 24/7 patrols and emergency communication systems. While Hartford has urban crime, the campus itself is generally considered safe, and students are encouraged to use the university's safety services and be aware of their surroundings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong career-oriented programs in Health Professions and Psychology with excellent clinical and internship access in Hartford.
  • โœ“ High retention rate of 85.7%, indicating a satisfied and supported student body.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and strong faculty mentorship.
  • โœ“ Substantial financial aid makes the net price manageable for many families.

Cons

  • โœ— The small enrollment of 825 students may feel limiting for those seeking a large university social scene.
  • โœ— Tuition at $45,908 is high, requiring careful financial planning even with aid.
  • โœ— Being in an urban setting means campus life is more integrated with the city rather than a traditional residential college experience.

Notable Alumni

John G. Rowland
Former Governor of Connecticut who attended the university.
Patricia E. Canavan
Former United States Ambassador to Ireland.
Ellen Ash Peters
Former Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court.

Frequently Asked Questions

The University of Saint Joseph is particularly known for its highly-regarded programs in Health Professions, including nursing and allied health, as well as its strong Psychology and Education departments. It has a long-standing reputation for its commitment to experiential learning, community service, and social justice, rooted in its Catholic and Mercy tradition.

No, the University of Saint Joseph is not highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 79.64%. While a strong academic record is beneficial, the admissions process is holistic. Applicants with an average SAT score around 1100 and a solid GPA have a good chance of admission, especially if they demonstrate alignment with the university's mission.

Campus life at USJ is intimate and community-focused due to the small student body of 825. Students benefit from a supportive environment with easy access to faculty. While the campus is in an urban area, there are on-campus activities, clubs, and athletics (NCAA Division III), and students often engage with the cultural and social offerings of nearby Hartford.

For students pursuing careers in high-demand fields like health professions or psychology, the University of Saint Joseph can be a worthwhile investment. The average net price of $27,375 is more manageable than the sticker tuition, and the 10-year median earnings of $59,908 indicate a solid financial return. The strong retention and graduation rates also suggest that students are well-supported in completing their degrees.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Hartford Healthcare Yale New Haven Health Travelers Cigna State of Connecticut
Smart Start Score
66

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 909
  • In-State Tuition $45,908
  • Zip Code 06117

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 29.1% โ™€ 70.9%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $27,375, the cost is significantly lower than the sticker price, especially after financial aid for the 36.1% of students receiving Pell Grants. The 10-year median earnings of $59,908 suggest a solid return on investment, particularly for graduates in high-demand fields like health professions. For in-state students, the value is strong compared to other private institutions in the Northeast.

*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 $45,908
Housing (12 mo) $15,828
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $68,936
With avg financial aid:
$27,375/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.