Overview
DeSales University, situated in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, is a private Catholic institution founded in the Salesian tradition, emphasizing a supportive and vibrant community atmosphere infused with the values of St. Francis de Sales. The university is notable for its flexible academic options, offering traditional, online, and hybrid programs. It holds significant rankings, such as #1 as the Best Four-Year College/University by Lehigh Valley Business and #50 in the Physician Assistant Program by U.S. News & World Report. Furthermore, it is ranked #2 for the Safest College Campuses in Pennsylvania by Niche.
Key Leadership
President: Rev. James J. Greenfield, OSFS
- Role: President of DeSales University
- Background: An alum of DeSales University, class of ’84, and the first alumnus to assume the presidency. He has played a pivotal role in enhancing transformative learning opportunities both within and outside the classroom.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: 610-282-1100 x1860
- Email: Tammy.Feverston@desales.edu (Executive Assistant)
Administrative Team:
- Marc Albanese: Vice President for Campus Environment
- Office: Buckley Center, Phone: 610-282-1100 x1213
- Carolyn Steigleman: Vice President of Marketing and Communications
- Office: 226 Brisson Hall, Phone: 610-282-1100 x2167
- Wendy Hinton, M.S.: Vice President for Institutional Advancement
- Office: 111 Chappuis Hall, Phone: 610-282-1100 x1857
Academic Programs and Campus Life
Academic Programs
DeSales University offers a broad range of degrees including undergraduate, master's, and professional practice doctorates. The admission process integrates standardized test scores, such as SAT (average score of 1,190) and ACT (average score of 27), maintaining a high acceptance rate of 78.58% and a yield of 15.54%. The university accepts dual credits, advanced placement credits, and credits for life experiences, underscoring a flexible learning environment.
Campus Life
- Performing Arts: The School of Performing Arts features Act 1 Productions, providing students opportunities to engage deeply in theatre, dance, and TV/film.
- Athletics: DeSales Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division III with participation in the Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Conference (MAC) and the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC).
- Facilities: The campus includes housing with a dormitory capacity of 1,160 and typical annual meal plan charges of $7,100. In line with its strategic initiatives, there are plans to construct a $7M welcome center spearheaded by Marc Albanese.
- Special Learning Opportunities: These include ROTC, study abroad programs, evening/weekend college, and teacher certification programs.
Enrollment and Outcomes
- Total Enrollment: 2,919 students
- Undergraduates: 2,149
- Graduates: 770
- Online Student Population: 629
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11 to 1
- Average Faculty Salary: $79,575
Financial Information
For the 2023-2024 academic year, undergraduate tuition is $44,800, while graduate tuition is $22,960. The university provides substantial financial aid, with an average amount of $25,046, demonstrating its focus on accessible education.
Recent Developments
Highlighted by the achievements of graduates like Joseph Marlin ’13, involved in lunar missions with Firefly Aerospace, DeSales University showcases innovation and engagement. Collaboration with institutions such as Lycoming College for an accelerated nursing program further exemplifies its community involvement and breadth of offerings.
Contact Information
- Address: 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034
- Phone: 610-282-1100
- Website: [DeSales University](https://www.desales.edu/)
Competitor Landscape
DeSales University operates amidst a diverse array of competitors ranging from prestigious institutions like MIT, Imperial College London, and Harvard University to regional peers such as Saint Vincent College, Chestnut Hill College, and Arcadia University. This competitive positioning emphasizes DeSales' distinctive strengths in flexible learning pathways, substantial financial support, and an enriching campus life.
