Holy Family University

Private · Moderately Selective · PA

School data & stats

TypePrivate

LocationPA · Northeast

SettingUrban

Undergrads2,464

Student:faculty14:1

Outcomes

4-yr grad rate42.1%

6-yr grad rate60.9%

Drop-out rate22.3%

Study abroad—

Cost

In-state tuition$35k

Out-of-state tuition$35k

Application fee—

Community

Racial diversity49.4%

Gender diversity69.3%

International2.4%

IdentityRoman Catholic

Overview

Holy Family University is a Catholic university in Northeast Philadelphia, founded by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. It serves a strongly local, commuter-heavy student population, with many students from the surrounding Philadelphia neighborhoods and suburbs. The university's motto, teneor votis, roughly "I am bound by my vows," reflects a service-oriented mission that shapes a practical, close-knit campus culture rather than a traditional residential one.

Academics

Nursing and education are the university's core programs, both long-standing and closely tied to regional hospital and school-district demand. Business and criminal justice also draw significant enrollment. Class sizes are small, and the university's teaching model favors direct faculty contact over large lecture formats.

Campus & student life

Most students commute from the Philadelphia area rather than living on campus, which gives Holy Family a quieter, less traditionally residential social scene than many small Catholic colleges. Athletics compete at the NCAA Division II level.

Worth knowing

The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth's founding mission still shows up in the university's emphasis on service and practical vocation, particularly in nursing and education, its two anchor programs.

holyfamily.edu ↗

Admissions

Acceptance rate71%

Enrolled mid-50%SAT 910–1150

Test policyoptional

Rec letters0

Deadlines (2026–27 cycle)

AdmissionRolling

Applying