Cedar Crest College
Acceptance rate
84.1%
2025
Peer median 77.9%
Tuition per year
$46,314
$59,720 with room and board
Peer median $34,392
Undergraduates
870
Student-faculty ratio 9:1
Peer median 13 : 1
Graduation rate
53.6%
4-year; 6-year rate 62.4%
Peer median 44.6%
“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Cedar Crest College, located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is a distinguished liberal arts women's college that has been empowering women through education since its founding in 1867. The college's mission is to foster a diverse and inclusive community that promotes intellectual growth, leadership, and social responsibility. With a focus on holistic development, Cedar Crest emphasizes the importance of academic excellence, personal integrity, and civic engagement, encapsulated in its guiding principle: "Dare to be." The college offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with notable strengths in health sciences, business, and arts and humanities, providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for success in their chosen fields.
The campus of Cedar Crest College is set on a picturesque 84-acre site, featuring modern facilities surrounded by beautiful gardens and wooded areas, which contribute to a serene learning environment. The college invests significantly in its resources, offering state-of-the-art laboratories, a well-equipped library, and diverse athletic facilities that encourage students to engage in physical fitness and sports. The vibrant campus life is enriched by a variety of student organizations, cultural events, and leadership opportunities, allowing students to cultivate lifelong friendships and develop essential skills. Cedar Crest College is committed to supporting its graduates, who have a strong track record of successful employment in various industries, thanks to the college's robust career services and extensive alumni network. Many Cedar Crest graduates have gone on to achieve remarkable success in their fields, contributing positively to society and inspiring future generations of women leaders.
Tuition Trends and Graduation Rates at Cedar Crest College
Cedar Crest College, a private institution, has seen a consistent increase in tuition fees over the years, reflecting a broader trend in higher education. From 2014 to 2024, in-state undergraduate tuition rose from $33,000 to $44,934, representing a significant increase of approximately 36%. This upward trajectory in costs is concerning, particularly as it may deter prospective students from enrolling, especially those from lower-income backgrounds who may struggle to afford such expenses without substantial financial aid.
Despite the rising tuition, the graduation rates have fluctuated markedly. The percentage of students graduating on time (within 100% of the expected duration) was at its lowest in 2021 at 37.24% but rebounded to 54.71% in 2023. This improvement suggests that recent initiatives or support systems may have positively influenced student retention and success. However, the disparity in graduation rates over the years raises questions about the consistency of educational quality and student support services.
Moreover, examining the student retention rates reveals a decline from 82.32% in 2018 to 72.62% in 2023. This trend may correlate with the rising tuition costs, as students who feel financially burdened may be more likely to leave the institution. A focus on enhancing retention strategies could be essential for the college to maintain its student population and ensure that students are able to complete their degrees.
In summary, while Cedar Crest College has seen improvements in graduation rates, the rising tuition costs and declining retention rates highlight significant challenges. Addressing these issues could help the college provide a more supportive environment for its students, fostering both academic success and financial accessibility.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Midsize city
- Nearest major city
- In Allentown
- Nearest international airport
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), about 50 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Elizabeth Meade (President)
- Phone
- 6106064666
- City
- Allentown, Pennsylvania
- Address
- 100 College Drive, Allentown, PA 18104-6196
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 0.0%, women 61.5%.
Data insights
Analysis of Cedar Crest College Admission Trends
The admission data for Cedar Crest College over the years reveals significant fluctuations in acceptance rates and enrollment numbers. Notably, the acceptance rate for female applicants varied widely, with a noticeable peak in 2023 at approximately 84.7%, while the male acceptance rate showed a decline to about 3.9% in 2021, making it one of the most competitive years for male applicants.
The data indicates a consistent increase in the number of students enrolled, particularly from 2009 to 2023, which points to the college's growing attractiveness. The enrollment peaked in 2023 with 133 new students, despite a high number of denials in previous years, suggesting that Cedar Crest is increasingly selective in its admissions process.
Moreover, the data shows a concerning trend in the denial of applications, particularly in 2011 and 2021, where over 800 applicants were denied admission. This could reflect a broader trend in higher education where institutions are becoming more selective, possibly due to an increasing number of applications and a focus on maintaining or improving institutional rankings.
As the college navigates these trends, it is essential to consider how the evolving landscape of higher education, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and changing student demographics, will influence future admission strategies. The fluctuating acceptance rates may also indicate shifts in the college's priorities, perhaps focusing more on holistic review processes or diversifying the student body. Overall, Cedar Crest College's admissions data underscores the complexities and challenges faced by higher education institutions today.
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Health Specialty2 programs—
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Test Scores
SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.
Data insights
Trends in Student Admissions at Cedar Crest College
The data from Cedar Crest College showcases a notable trend in the admissions landscape over the years, particularly in the SAT and ACT scores. From 2007 to 2023, there has been a gradual decline in the percentage of students submitting standardized test scores, with the most significant drop occurring in 2022 and 2023, where only 33% and 17% of admitted students, respectively, submitted SAT scores. This shift reflects a broader national trend where many colleges and universities are moving towards test-optional policies, emphasizing a more holistic review process for applicants.
Moreover, the score ranges for both the SAT and ACT exams have shown fluctuations, with a general decrease in the lower quartile scores over time. For instance, the 25th percentile SAT reading scores dropped from 480 in 2007 to 520 in 2023, while the upper quartile scores have also seen a slight uptick, indicating that while the overall pool of test-takers may be changing, those who perform well are maintaining or improving their scores.
This evolving admissions landscape raises questions about equity and access in higher education. As Cedar Crest College adapts to these changes, it highlights the importance of considering diverse measures of student potential beyond standardized testing. The decline in submission rates may favor students from varied backgrounds who may not have had the resources to excel in standardized tests but possess strong academic and personal qualifications. Overall, Cedar Crest College's admissions data reflects a significant shift in higher education towards inclusivity and a more comprehensive understanding of student capabilities.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 8 in 10
1,362 applicants in 2025, 84.1% admitted
1,145 admitted 217 not admitted Yield 13.5%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Occupational Therapy/Therapist · Doctoral26 (0% international)
- Criminology · Master's12 (0% international)
- Education, General · Master's11 (0% international)
- Art Therapy/Therapist · Master's10 (0% international)
- Nurse Anesthetist · Doctoral10 (0% international)
- Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies, General · Master's10 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Trends at Cedar Crest College
The graduation data from Cedar Crest College for 2023 reveals significant trends in various fields of study, particularly in health-related disciplines. The Registered Nursing program stands out with 95 graduates at the bachelor's level, indicating a strong interest and need for nursing professionals amidst ongoing healthcare challenges. This aligns with national trends where nursing remains a critical area due to the increasing demand for healthcare services.
Moreover, the data shows that the master's programs in Education and Humanities have produced 24 and 22 graduates respectively, reflecting a robust commitment to developing educators and scholars in these essential fields. The presence of international students in these programs, although limited, signifies Cedar Crest's appeal as a global educational institution.
Interestingly, the Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia has ten graduates, showcasing Cedar Crest's capacity to contribute to advanced practice nursing and specialty training. This is particularly relevant as healthcare systems globally are emphasizing the need for highly trained professionals capable of delivering specialized care.
On the other hand, fields like Business Administration and Psychology produced minimal graduates at the bachelor's level, which may suggest a need for reevaluation of these programs to enhance their attractiveness or relevance in the current job market.
Overall, Cedar Crest College appears to be successfully positioning itself as a leader in health-related education, while also fostering the development of future educators and scholars. The data serves as a valuable reflection of societal needs and the college's strategic direction in meeting those demands.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | - | |||
| Nuclear Medical Technology/Technologist. | - | |||
| Community Health and Preventive Medicine. | - | |||
| Art Therapy/Therapist. | - | |||
| Occupational Therapy/Therapist. | - | |||
| Nursing Education. | - | |||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $93,248-$107,631 | |||
| Nurse Anesthetist. | $93,248-$107,631 | |||
| Family Practice Nurse/Nursing. | $93,248-$107,631 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | $60,964 | |||
| Special Education and Teaching, General. | - | |||
| Secondary Education and Teaching. | - | |||
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology. | - | |||
| Political Science and Government, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |||
| Accounting. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $38,554 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies, General. | $57,346 | |||
| Human Nutrition. | $57,346 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - | |||
| Writing, General. | - | |||
| Creative Writing. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - | |||
| Molecular Genetics. | - | |||
| Human/Medical Genetics. | - | |||
| Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology. | - | |||
| Neuroscience. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic Science and Technology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | - | |||
| International/Globalization Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | - | |||
| Art/Art Studies, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | - | |||
| Mass Communication/Media Studies. | - | |||
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Studies. | - |
Students
1,290 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 9:91 · Freshman retention 71.0%
- Continuing undergraduates 579
- First-year undergraduates 155
- Graduate students 420
- Transfers and others 136
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (870)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Analysis of Student Composition at Cedar Crest College in 2023
The student demographic data for Cedar Crest College in 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the composition of the student body. A significant number of undergraduate freshmen, totaling 133 students, are exclusively female, reflecting a striking 100% female representation. This trend is indicative of the college's commitment to women's education and empowerment, aligning with the institution's mission of fostering female leadership.
For undergraduate upperclassmen, there are 700 students, with a male representation of approximately 6.4%. This low percentage suggests that Cedar Crest continues to attract a predominantly female student body at the undergraduate level, which is consistent with historical patterns observed in many women's colleges across the United States.
The data on transfer students shows a total of 100, with 14% being male. This indicates a slight increase in male representation among transfer students compared to upperclassmen, suggesting that there may be more diverse student backgrounds in this category.
Graduate students account for 371 individuals, with a male representation of 14.6%. The higher percentage of male graduate students compared to undergraduates may reflect broader trends in graduate education, where fields such as business or STEM often attract more male students.
Overall, the data reflects Cedar Crest College's unique position as an institution dedicated to women's education while also adapting to changing demographics in higher education. The ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all students, regardless of gender, will be crucial in shaping the future landscape of the college.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Cedar Crest College
The age composition of students at Cedar Crest College reveals a diverse and primarily younger demographic, particularly among undergraduates. The data indicates that the majority of undergraduate females (approximately 98.8%) fall within the 18-24 age range, with a peak in the 20-21 category. This reflects a common trend in higher education, where young adults transition directly from high school to college.
Interestingly, the age group of 22-24 shows a significant number of graduate students, with both males and females contributing to a total of 29 in this category. This highlights the increasing trend of older students pursuing higher degrees, possibly as a response to the evolving job market that often requires advanced education for career advancement.
The representation of students aged 25 and older, while smaller, demonstrates the college's appeal to non-traditional students. The presence of students in their 30s and 40s indicates a commitment to lifelong learning, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced world where skills need to be continuously updated.
Moreover, the data shows a notable gender disparity, particularly among undergraduates, where females vastly outnumber males. This aligns with broader statistics in higher education, where female enrollment has consistently surpassed that of males in many institutions.
Overall, Cedar Crest College's age demographics reflect both the traditional college experience and the growing trend of older, diverse learners who are reshaping the landscape of higher education. This blend of ages and backgrounds enriches the educational environment, fostering a multifaceted learning community.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
55 in 2025 · 5.4% in 2016
6 in 2025 · 0.5% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Cedar Crest College
The data on international student enrollment at Cedar Crest College presents an intriguing glimpse into the changing landscape of higher education over nearly two decades. Starting in 2004, the number of international undergraduates was minimal, with only two students enrolled, reflecting an early stage of the institution's global outreach. Over the years, there has been a notable increase in the international undergraduate population, peaking in 2017 with 147 students, which accounted for over 10% of the total undergraduate enrollment. This growth highlights the college's efforts to attract a diverse student body.
However, the trend appears to have taken a downturn post-2017, with a gradual decline in the number of international undergraduates, dropping to 46 students in 2023. This decline coincides with broader trends in U.S. higher education, where many institutions face challenges such as changing immigration policies, increased competition from universities abroad, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the graduate side, the data is sporadic, but we see a modest international presence, with a peak of three international graduate students in the years where data is available. The fluctuating numbers suggest that while Cedar Crest College has made strides in international recruitment, it faces ongoing challenges in maintaining these numbers.
Overall, the data underscores the importance of strategic planning and outreach in sustaining international student enrollment. As the global education landscape evolves, Cedar Crest College may need to reassess its strategies to ensure it remains an attractive destination for international students.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$59,720
- Undergraduate tuition
- $46,314
- Room and board
- $13,406
- Graduate tuition
- $14,971
Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose 30% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 25%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$41.9M
Expenses$37.6M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Colonial States Athletic Conference
Colonial States Athletic Conference: basketball, cross country
| NCAA Division III without football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | - | 23 |
| Soccer | - | 22 |
| Field Hockey | - | 20 |
| Lacrosse | - | 18 |
| Softball | - | 16 |
| Swimming | - | 15 |
| Basketball | - | 13 |
| Volleyball | - | 11 |
| Wrestling | - | 10 |
| Tennis | - | 9 |
| Cross Country | - | 8 |
| NCAA Division III without football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Field Hockey | - | 23 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | - | 20 |
| Lacrosse | - | 17 |
| Soccer | - | 17 |
| Volleyball | - | 14 |
| Basketball | - | 13 |
| Softball | - | 13 |
| Swimming | - | 12 |
| Tennis | - | 12 |
| Wrestling | - | 12 |
| Cross Country | - | 7 |
| NCAA Division III without football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | - | 21 |
| Field Hockey | - | 18 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | - | 17 |
| Lacrosse | - | 16 |
| Softball | - | 16 |
| Swimming | - | 15 |
| Volleyball | - | 11 |
| Basketball | - | 8 |
| Tennis | - | 7 |
| Cross Country | - | 7 |
| Wrestling | - | 7 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Lehigh UniversityBethlehem · 7.4 mi
U.S. News #44
-
Lafayette CollegeEaston · 18.0 mi
Liberal Arts #30
-
Villanova UniversityVillanova · 39.1 mi
U.S. News #42
-
Bryn Mawr CollegeBryn Mawr · 40.1 mi
Liberal Arts #31
-
Haverford CollegeHaverford · 41.6 mi
Liberal Arts #26
-
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia · 47.1 mi
U.S. News #7
-
Swarthmore CollegeSwarthmore · 47.9 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Princeton UniversityPrinceton · 48.1 mi
U.S. News #2
-
Franklin and Marshall CollegeLancaster · 56.2 mi
Liberal Arts #34
Data insights
Here are some notable schools surrounding Cedar Crest College:
-
Muhlenberg College - Ranked 70th in the 2024 US News, Muhlenberg College is a liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on the performing arts and its vibrant campus community.
-
Lehigh University - With a rank of 47, Lehigh University is a comprehensive university that offers a blend of liberal arts and engineering programs, making it a well-rounded institution for various academic pursuits.
-
Lafayette College - Ranked 30th, Lafayette College is a private liberal arts college that emphasizes a strong foundation in the liberal arts, alongside opportunities for research and community engagement.
-
Haverford College - This prestigious liberal arts college is ranked 21st and is known for its rigorous academic programs, commitment to social justice, and a strong honor code.
-
Swarthmore College - Ranked 4th, Swarthmore College is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country, offering a challenging academic environment and a focus on social responsibility.
-
University of Pennsylvania - As one of the Ivy League schools, ranked 6th, the University of Pennsylvania is renowned for its research output and diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines.
These schools offer a variety of academic experiences and are well-regarded in their respective fields, making them important institutions in the area surrounding Cedar Crest College.
Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Cedar Crest College
The crime data from Cedar Crest College reveals fluctuations in the average number of incidents per 1,000 students from 2013 to 2023. Notably, there was a significant spike in 2018, where the average reached 16.11 incidents per 1,000 students. This peak raises questions about the underlying causes, such as changes in campus safety policies, increased awareness, or perhaps a rise in actual incidents.
In contrast, the years following 2018 showed a decline, with 2021 recording the lowest rate at 2.23 incidents per 1,000 students. This suggests that the college may have implemented effective measures to enhance campus safety, or that the student body may have adjusted their behaviors in response to previous high crime rates.
The data also highlights specific crime categories, such as drug and alcohol-related arrests, domestic violence, and theft. In particular, the prevalence of drug-related arrests can often correlate with broader societal issues, such as substance abuse trends among college students, which have been widely reported in recent years.
Overall, while crime rates at Cedar Crest College seem to have stabilized in recent years, the spikes and subsequent reductions highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and proactive measures in ensuring student safety. The trend underscores the need for ongoing dialogue about campus security and student welfare in light of evolving societal challenges. For a detailed understanding of crime rates calculation, refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Cedar Crest College include Dorothy Page (1930s B movie actress, The Singing Cowgirl), Judy McGrath (Television executive) and Jane Amsterdam (Former magazine and newspaper editor).
-
Dorothy Page 1904–1961
1930s B movie actress, The Singing Cowgirl
-
Judy McGrath 1952–
Television executive
-
Jane Amsterdam 1951–
Former magazine and newspaper editor
-
Jane S. Baker 1945–
Former Pennsylvania House of Representatives member
-
Suzanne Fisher Staples 1945–2022
Children's book writer
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.