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Holy Names University closed in 5/2023 (U.S. Department of Education IPEDS). The data on this page is historical and kept for reference.

Private nonprofit, 4-year

Holy Names University

Oakland, California

Acceptance rate

100.0%

2023

Peer median 77.9%

“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Holy Names University (HNU), located in Oakland, California, is a private Catholic institution that offers a unique blend of academic excellence and a supportive community environment. Founded in 1868 by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, the university has a rich history and a strong commitment to social justice, service, and the development of the whole person. The school’s motto, “All for the Greater Glory of God,” reflects its dedication to fostering a holistic educational experience that encourages students to engage in meaningful service and leadership in their communities.

The campus is known for its beautiful setting, with scenic views of the San Francisco Bay Area, providing students with an inspiring atmosphere for learning and personal growth. HNU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines such as business, education, psychology, and liberal arts, allowing students to pursue their passions and prepare for successful careers. The university prides itself on its low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship from a dedicated faculty. Additionally, HNU emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded education, encouraging participation in various extracurricular activities, including athletics, arts, and community service, which foster a vibrant campus culture. As an institution that values diversity, HNU cultivates an inclusive environment where students from different backgrounds can thrive academically and socially.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Holy Names University

Over the years, Holy Names University has experienced notable fluctuations in several significant metrics, particularly tuition fees, enrollment numbers, and graduation rates.

Firstly, the tuition costs for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students have shown a steady increase, reaching approximately $42,115 in 2023 from about $33,020 in 2014. This escalation of around 28% over the decade raises concerns regarding affordability for prospective students, especially given the rising student debt crisis in the United States. The continuous hike in tuition may deter potential applicants, especially those from lower-income backgrounds.

Next, the enrollment figures reveal a worrying trend. The number of undergraduate students has significantly decreased from 890 in 2013 to 564 in 2023. This decline of about 37% could be attributed to various factors, including rising tuition costs, changes in demographics, or shifting preferences towards other institutions. Such a decrease in enrollment can have a cascading effect on the university's finances and its ability to maintain diverse academic programs.

Moreover, the graduation rates for timely completion have shown a concerning drop, with only 27% of students graduating on time in 2023 compared to 30% in 2014. This decline in graduation rates could reflect academic or support system challenges within the university, which might further discourage new admissions if not addressed promptly.

Despite these challenges, the retention rate has remained relatively stable, hovering around 64% in 2023. This suggests that while fewer students are enrolling, those who do are finding enough value in the education to remain at the university.

In conclusion, the intertwined dynamics of rising tuition, declining enrollment, and fluctuating graduation rates pose significant challenges for Holy Names University. Addressing these issues with strategic initiatives could be vital for the institution's long-term sustainability and reputation in the competitive higher education landscape.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
San Jose, about 40 mi
Nearest international airport
Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK), about 6 mi
Oakland, California
City
Oakland, California
Address
3500 Mountain Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619-1699

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2023

Men
100.0%
Women
100.0%

In 2020: men 56.5%, women 66.8%.

Data insights

Analysis of Holy Names University Admission Trends

The admission data for Holy Names University reveals several notable trends over the years. One of the most striking observations is the fluctuation in acceptance rates for both male and female applicants. Over the years, the male acceptance rate started at approximately 63.2% in 2009, reaching as low as 39.7% in 2016, before recovering to an impressive 100% in 2023. This significant variation indicates a highly competitive admission environment, particularly in the mid-2010s when the number of applicants surged.
The female acceptance rate also showcases a similar pattern, starting at around 77.3% in 2009 and peaking at 96.1% in 2022, before achieving a perfect score in 2023. This consistent increase in female acceptance rates could reflect the university's commitment to promoting gender diversity, a trend observed across many higher education institutions in recent years.
Another important aspect is the number of enrollments and denials. While the number of students enrolled has generally been stable, the number of denials peaked dramatically in 2018 at 1,287, suggesting that the university received an exceptionally high number of applications that year. This influx may have been influenced by broader trends in higher education, such as the increasing emphasis on college degrees in the job market.
Overall, the data from Holy Names University illustrates a dynamic and evolving admission process marked by fluctuating acceptance rates and varying enrollment figures, reflecting broader trends in higher education access and competition.

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near Holy Names University:

  1. Stanford University - Ranked 3rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Stanford is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, known for its cutting-edge research and strong entrepreneurial spirit.

  2. University of California-Berkeley - With a rank of 15, UC Berkeley is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life, making it a leader in various fields of study.

  3. University of California-Los Angeles - Also ranked 15th, UCLA is known for its diverse student body and exceptional academic offerings, particularly in the arts and sciences.

  4. University of California-Davis - Ranked 28th, UC Davis excels in environmental science and agriculture, and is recognized for its commitment to sustainability.

  5. University of San Francisco - With a rank of 115, USF has a strong emphasis on social justice and community engagement, offering a unique educational experience in the heart of San Francisco.

  6. California State University-East Bay - Ranked 280th, this university focuses on providing accessible education and is known for its diverse programs catering to the needs of the local community.

These institutions provide a rich academic environment and numerous opportunities for collaboration and growth for students in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2018–2020

Liquor referrals
172
Drug referrals
42
Aggravated assault
13
Rape
4
Fondling
4
Dating violence
3

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Holy Names University

The crime data from Holy Names University over the years presents an interesting narrative regarding campus safety. Notably, there was a significant spike in crime rates in 2014 and 2015, with rates reaching approximately 31% and 33% respectively per 1,000 students. This period raised concerns about student safety, especially as the university grappled with incidents of gun arrests, drug-related offenses, and alcohol-related arrests.

However, a remarkable shift occurred starting in 2016, where crime rates dropped to around 9.5% per 1,000 students. This decline continued through the subsequent years, culminating in 2021, 2022, and 2023, where the crime rate was reported at zero. Such a drastic reduction suggests that the university may have implemented effective safety measures or programs that positively impacted the campus environment.

The absence of recorded offenses in recent years could be indicative of a more secure campus atmosphere, which is reassuring for current and prospective students. This trend aligns with broader national movements towards improving campus safety and supporting student well-being, reflecting successful interventions in crime prevention and awareness initiatives.

As we assess this data, it is crucial to maintain a focus on ongoing strategies to ensure the safety and security of students, as well as to address any potential underlying issues that may lead to future incidents. Such vigilance is essential for fostering a safe educational environment. For more information on calculating crime rates, please refer to this link: crime rate calculation method.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Holy Names University include Masayoshi Son (Founder and chairman of SoftBank Group), Luisa Moreno (Guatemalan-American labor and civil rights activist) and John Charles Wester (Catholic Archbishop of Santa Fe).

More alumni (4, by field)

Politics and law

  • Tim Stevenson 1945–

    Vancouver city councillor and minister

Science and academia

Arts and media

Sports

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.