Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary-Overbrook

Private · Moderately Selective · PA

School data & stats

TypePrivate

LocationPA · Northeast

SettingSuburban

Undergrads38

Student:faculty4:1

Outcomes

4-yr grad rate0%

6-yr grad rate41.7%

Drop-out rate41.7%

Study abroad—

Cost

In-state tuition$26k

Out-of-state tuition$26k

Application fee—

Community

Racial diversity26.3%

Gender diversity0%

International0%

IdentityRoman Catholic

Overview

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary is the Catholic seminary of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, with roots reaching back to 1832, making it one of the older Catholic seminaries in the country. Its historic Overbrook campus has long been a landmark of Catholic Philadelphia, and the seminary's core purpose is forming men for ordination to the priesthood.

Academics

Formation proceeds through sequential study in philosophy and then theology, following the standard structure used across Catholic seminary education, combined with spiritual formation, pastoral training, and community life specific to preparing men for parish ministry. It primarily serves seminarians sponsored by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and other dioceses rather than a general lay student body.

Worth knowing

As one of the country's older and larger diocesan seminaries, Saint Charles Borromeo has trained a significant share of the Philadelphia area's Catholic clergy, and its campus and chapel are notable architectural and historical landmarks within the archdiocese.

scs.edu ↗

Admissions

Acceptance rate100%

Enrolled mid-50%—

Test policynot used

Rec letters—

Deadlines (2026–27 cycle)

Applying