Harcum College
Tuition per year
$32,000
$44,000 with room and board
Peer median $16,071
Undergraduates
908
Student-faculty ratio 6:1
Peer median 16 : 1
Graduation rate
38.8%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 40.1%
Peer median 56.2%
“Peers” are all 108 private associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Harcum College, located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, is a well-regarded institution known for its commitment to providing quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment. Established in 1913, Harcum College has a rich history and tradition of academic excellence. The college offers a variety of associate degree programs, certificates, and continuing education opportunities, emphasizing a hands-on approach to learning. With small class sizes, students benefit from personalized attention from faculty members who are experienced in their respective fields, ensuring a high level of academic support and mentorship.
The college's campus is equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas, which contribute to a vibrant student life. Harcum College promotes a strong sense of community, encouraging students to engage in various extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations that enhance their educational experience. The college is also known for its athletics program, providing students with opportunities to participate in sports and fitness, fostering teamwork and school spirit. Graduates from Harcum College have a strong track record of success in their respective careers, thanks to the institution's focus on practical skills and real-world applications. Overall, Harcum College stands out as a nurturing environment that prepares students for future challenges and opportunities.
Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at Harcum College
Harcum College presents a significant trend regarding tuition fees over the years. From 2014 to 2024, the tuition for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students rose from $20,660 to $29,900, marking an increase of approximately 45%. This consistent rise in tuition reflects a larger national trend where college costs have been rising, making higher education less accessible for many students. The growing financial burden on students can affect enrollment and ultimately the institution's diversity and academic performance.
Enrollment figures reveal a concerning decline in undergraduate student numbers, from 1,627 in 2014 to just 910 in 2023. This represents a drop of nearly 44%. Such a decline could be attributed to increasing tuition costs, competition from other institutions, and changing demographics or preferences among prospective students. A declining enrollment can impact the college's financial stability and may lead to a reduction in course offerings and faculty positions.
The gender ratio among undergraduates has remained relatively stable, with female students consistently outnumbering male students. In 2023, females constituted approximately 82% of the undergraduate population. This trend aligns with national statistics indicating a higher enrollment of women in higher education, raising concerns about gender disparities in academic fields traditionally dominated by men.
Graduation rates, although fluctuating, show a modest recovery towards the end of the analyzed period. The on-time graduation rate increased to about 20% in 2023, a notable rise from just 8% in 2014. This improvement could indicate enhanced support services and academic resources aimed at increasing student success. However, the overall graduation rates still suggest that many students struggle to complete their degrees within the expected timeframe, highlighting the need for improved retention strategies and academic advising.
In conclusion, the data from Harcum College illustrates the challenges and opportunities faced by the institution in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. Addressing rising tuition costs, declining enrollment, gender disparities, and graduation outcomes will be crucial for the college's future success and sustainability.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- Philadelphia, about 10 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), about 10 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Jon Jay DeTemple Ph.D (President)
- Phone
- 6105254100
- City
- Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
- Address
- 750 Montgomery Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010-3476
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Harcum College
The graduation data from Harcum College in 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the distribution of degrees across various fields. Notably, the Associate Degree program in Child Care Provider/Assistant stands out with 37 graduates, indicating a robust interest in early childhood education. This may reflect the increasing societal emphasis on quality childcare and education, especially in light of recent discussions around childhood development and parental support initiatives.
In the health-related programs, Registered Nursing reported 33 graduates, which underscores the ongoing demand for nursing professionals amid a healthcare workforce shortage exacerbated by the pandemic. The absence of international students in this program highlights a potential area for growth in attracting global talent to meet domestic healthcare needs.
Conversely, the data indicates a complete lack of graduates in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate programs across all disciplines, which could raise questions about the institution's offerings or the academic pathways available to students. This might suggest a focus on associate programs, which are vital for community engagement and workforce readiness, but may limit students seeking advanced degrees.
The performance in sectors like Marketing and Business Administration also indicates a gap, as no graduates were reported. This could be attributed to shifting job market demands, where skills in digital marketing and e-commerce are increasingly prioritized.
Overall, while the graduation numbers show a successful output in specific vocational areas, the absence of higher degree graduates raises considerations for Harcum College’s strategic focus moving forward, particularly in expanding its academic portfolio to meet evolving industry needs.
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 | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | - | |
| Dental Assisting/Assistant. | $70,822 | |
| Dental Hygiene/Hygienist. | $70,822 | |
| Occupational Therapist Assistant. | $51,630 | |
| Physical Therapy Assistant. | $51,630 | |
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | $69,726 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician. | - | |
| Histologic Technology/Histotechnologist. | - | |
| Clinical/Medical Social Work. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $90,788 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider/Assistant. | $36,435 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Health. | - | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant. | $43,080 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Human Services, General. | $37,552 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |
| Retailing and Retail Operations. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Sport and Fitness Administration/Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. | - | |
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion/Apparel Design. | $26,962 | |
| Interior Design. | $26,962 | |
| Graphic Design. | $26,962 |
Students
908 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 19:81 · Freshman retention 49.7%
- Continuing undergraduates 510
- First-year undergraduates 152
- Transfers and others 246
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (908)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Harcum College Student Demographics in 2023
In 2023, Harcum College displayed a diverse student body, particularly highlighting the gender distribution among various categories of students. The data reveals that the proportion of female students is notably high across all classifications. For instance, among the new undergraduate students, 69.6% are female, while the returning undergraduate students show an even greater female dominance at 84.4%. This trend continues with transfer students, where 87.1% of the population is female.
Such a demographic split may reflect broader societal trends regarding gender enrollment in higher education, where females are increasingly pursuing academic opportunities. This shift is significant, considering the historical underrepresentation of women in various fields.
Moreover, the representation of different ethnic groups remains an important aspect of the college's diversity. While specific figures for ethnic breakdowns among returning and transfer students are not available, the new undergraduate cohort includes a range of backgrounds. This diversity not only enriches the learning environment but also prepares students for a globalized workforce.
The presence of a small number of male students, particularly among returning and transfer groups, raises questions about retention and recruitment strategies aimed at attracting male students. Colleges nationwide are grappling with similar challenges as they strive for balanced gender representation.
Overall, Harcum College's demographics in 2023 reflect a commitment to inclusivity, yet they also highlight areas for potential improvement to ensure that all students, regardless of gender or background, feel represented and supported in their academic journeys.
Demographic Trends in Harcum College's Student Age Composition
The data from Harcum College reveals a distinctive age distribution among its student body, highlighting the predominance of younger students. The largest age demographic, comprising students aged 18-19, includes 43 male undergraduates and 123 female undergraduates, illustrating a significant gender disparity where females outnumber males by nearly threefold in this group. This trend continues into the 20-21 age bracket, where there are 49 male undergraduates compared to 112 female undergraduates.
As students progress into the older age groups, particularly those aged 25-29, the number of females remains notably high at 142, while male representation is limited to 25. This shift may reflect broader societal trends where women increasingly pursue higher education, potentially influenced by changing career expectations and the need for advanced qualifications in competitive job markets.
Interestingly, as we examine older age categories, the number of male students decreases further, with only 9 males aged 30-34 and 7 males aged 35-39. The data captures an interesting dynamic, with a minimal presence of graduate students, indicating that the institution may have a stronger focus on undergraduate education.
The presence of older students, such as those aged 50-64 and over 65, remains marginal, suggesting that Harcum College may primarily cater to younger students or that older individuals might face barriers in accessing higher education. Overall, the demographic data offers insight into Harcum College's educational environment and highlights the ongoing importance of supporting diverse age groups in academia, particularly as society evolves towards inclusivity in education.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 108 private associate's colleges in the U.S.
78 in 2025 · 3.8% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Harcum College
The data on international student enrollment at Harcum College reflects significant fluctuations over the years, particularly in the undergraduate sector. From 2004 to 2023, the total number of undergraduate students increased from 542 to 910, yet the percentage of international students has seen notable variations. The proportion of international students rose from a mere 1.48% in 2004 to a peak of 6.70% in 2023, indicating a growing interest in Harcum College among international applicants.
The years 2015 to 2017 marked a particularly notable uptick, with international student representation increasing from 3.84% to 5.10%. This boom may be attributed to various factors, including improved recruitment strategies and the rising global demand for quality education in the United States. However, the subsequent decline in 2021, where the percentage dropped to 1.39%, reflects the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted international travel and student mobility.
By 2022 and 2023, there was a resurgence, with the proportion of international students reaching 3.82% and then further increasing to 6.70%. This recovery could signal a renewed interest in studying abroad as restrictions eased and institutions adapted to new educational environments.
Overall, the trends suggest that Harcum College is becoming an increasingly attractive option for international students, although external factors such as global health crises and geopolitical events can greatly influence these numbers. As the college continues to navigate these challenges, fostering a diverse student body will likely remain a key focus.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$44,000
- Undergraduate tuition
- $32,000
- Room and board
- $12,000
Peer median tuition + room and board $24,872 · all 108 private associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 45% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 32%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$35.3M
Expenses$25.1M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 108 private associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
| Other | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 24 | 21 |
| Basketball | 14 | 15 |
| Volleyball | 12 | 11 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 7 | 7 |
| Cross Country | 3 | 3 |
| Other | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 34 | 21 |
| Basketball | 26 | 27 |
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 15 | 5 |
| Volleyball | - | 9 |
| Other | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 24 | 14 |
| Basketball | 14 | 14 |
| Volleyball | - | 17 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 8 | 4 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Bryn Mawr CollegeBryn Mawr · 0.3 mi
Liberal Arts #31
-
Haverford CollegeHaverford · 1.2 mi
Liberal Arts #26
-
Villanova UniversityVillanova · 1.7 mi
U.S. News #42
-
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia · 8.1 mi
U.S. News #7
-
Swarthmore CollegeSwarthmore · 8.4 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Lehigh UniversityBethlehem · 40.5 mi
U.S. News #44
-
Princeton UniversityPrinceton · 41.3 mi
U.S. News #2
-
Lafayette CollegeEaston · 47.1 mi
Liberal Arts #30
-
Franklin and Marshall CollegeLancaster · 53.2 mi
Liberal Arts #34
Data insights
In the vicinity of Harcum College, several notable institutions provide a diverse range of educational opportunities. Here are some highlighted schools:
-
Swarthmore College - Ranked 4th in the 2024 US News rankings, Swarthmore is a prestigious liberal arts college known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to social responsibility.
-
Haverford College - With a rank of 21, Haverford is another highly regarded liberal arts college that emphasizes academic excellence and a close-knit community.
-
University of Pennsylvania - As a major research university, Penn is ranked 6th and offers a broad array of programs across various fields, combining liberal arts education with professional training.
-
Villanova University - Ranked 67th, Villanova is known for its strong programs in business, law, and the liberal arts, along with a vibrant campus life.
-
Drexel University - With a rank of 98, Drexel is recognized for its cooperative education program, allowing students to gain valuable work experience while studying.
These schools represent a mix of liberal arts colleges and universities, each contributing to the rich educational landscape surrounding Harcum College.
Peer median 0.0 · all 108 private associate's colleges 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 Rates at Harcum College
The crime statistics from Harcum College over the years reveal some interesting trends. In 2013, the average number of infractions per 1,000 students was 3.46, which indicates a relatively low level of reported incidents. However, the numbers surged in 2014, peaking at 7.62 per 1,000 students, a significant increase that raises concerns about campus safety during that year.
Following 2014, there was a notable fluctuation in crime rates. The year 2015 saw a decline to 5.42, but the numbers rose again in 2020 to 8.95, likely influenced by the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which might have impacted student behavior and campus dynamics. Interestingly, the years following 2020 showed a marked decrease in infractions, with 2022 reporting an exceptionally low rate of just 0.60 per 1,000 students.
The data indicates that incidents such as gun arrests and drug-related offenses were present but fluctuated over the years. For instance, the number of drug-related arrests can often be higher in college settings due to the prevalence of substance use among students. The drop in crime rates in recent years could suggest improved campus safety measures or changes in student behavior.
Overall, while Harcum College has experienced fluctuations in crime rates, the significant drop in recent years may reflect positively on the institution's efforts to enhance safety and promote a secure learning environment. It will be crucial for the college to maintain these improvements and continue monitoring the factors that contribute to crime on campus. For more insights on crime rate calculations, refer to this link.
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.