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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Lackawanna College

Scranton, Pennsylvania · www.lackawanna.edu

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Tuition per year

$18,400

$30,510 with room and board

Peer median $15,149

Undergraduates

2,211

Student-faculty ratio 21:1

Peer median 14 : 1

“Peers” are all 47 private mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Lackawanna College, located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is a well-respected institution known for its commitment to providing a personalized and student-centered education. Established in 1894, the college offers a diverse range of programs, including associate degrees in fields such as business, healthcare, and technology, catering to the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students. One of the key characteristics of Lackawanna College is its emphasis on experiential learning, which allows students to engage in hands-on experiences that enhance their academic knowledge and prepare them for the workforce. The college's faculty is dedicated and experienced, often bringing real-world expertise into the classroom, which enriches the learning experience for students.

The campus environment at Lackawanna College is vibrant and supportive, fostering a strong sense of community among students. The college encourages participation in extracurricular activities, including athletics, performing arts, and various student organizations, allowing students to develop leadership skills and build lasting friendships. Additionally, the college's location in Scranton provides students with access to numerous internship and employment opportunities in the region, helping them to gain valuable experience and enhance their career prospects upon graduation. With a focus on student success and a rich campus culture, Lackawanna College continues to be a popular choice for those seeking a quality education in a nurturing environment.

Trends in Tuition, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates

The data from Lackawanna College reflects significant trends in tuition costs, student enrollment, and graduation rates that merit discussion. Over the years, there has been a consistent increase in tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. For instance, tuition rose from approximately $12,990 in 2014 to $17,950 in 2024, marking a substantial increase of approximately 38.5% over the decade. This rise in tuition is indicative of broader trends in higher education, where tuition costs have been escalating, often outpacing inflation and wage growth, making college increasingly unaffordable for many families.

In parallel, student enrollment figures present a mixed picture. The number of undergraduate students saw a notable increase from 1,454 in 2014 to a peak of 2,043 in 2021, before declining slightly to 1,868 in 2023. This oscillation in enrollment may reflect the changing perceptions of college value, particularly in light of rising costs and economic uncertainties accentuated by the pandemic.

Graduation rates also shed light on the institution's effectiveness in supporting student success. The timely graduation rate for undergraduates improved from 18.4% in 2013 to 28.1% in 2017, suggesting that enhanced support systems or academic programs may have been implemented during this period. However, the overall graduation rates remain relatively low, emphasizing the challenges that students face in completing their degrees, which could be exacerbated by financial burdens.

Moreover, the retention rate saw a remarkable spike to 100% in 2020, which appears anomalous and may warrant further investigation. This retention trend, combined with fluctuating enrollment numbers, could indicate a need for improved retention strategies that address the unique challenges faced by students, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In summary, the interplay between rising tuition costs, fluctuating enrollment, and graduation rates at Lackawanna College reflects broader challenges in the higher education landscape, emphasizing the urgent need for institutions to adapt and provide affordable, accessible education that supports student success.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Small city
Nearest major city
In Scranton
Nearest international airport
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), about 90 mi
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Jill Murray (President)
Phone
5709617810
City
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Address
501 Vine St, Scranton, PA 18509-3206

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate4026 international (1.5%)
Bachelor's990 international (0.0%)
Top 8 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other
29
Business Administration and Management, General
25
Criminal Justice/Police Science
24
Accounting
10
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
4
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
4
Hospitality Administration/Management, General
2
Health/Health Care Administration/Management
1

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduate Demographics at Lackawanna College

The graduation data from Lackawanna College for 2023 reveals intriguing trends across various fields of study. Notably, the Mental and Social Health Services program stands out with 42 bachelor’s degree graduates, alongside a significant number of associate degree completions (33). This indicates a strong interest in mental health, which aligns with the increasing societal awareness surrounding mental health issues post-pandemic.

Business Administration appears to be another popular choice, producing 25 bachelor’s degree graduates. However, the lack of international students graduating in this field may suggest a need for enhanced recruitment strategies to attract a more diverse student body. It is also noteworthy that the Registered Nursing program has a modest output with 6 bachelor’s degree graduates and 20 associate degree graduates, reflecting the persistent demand for healthcare professionals in the workforce.

Interestingly, while several fields have produced graduates at the associate and bachelor levels, there is a conspicuous absence of postgraduate degrees across most disciplines, particularly in health-related and business sectors. This raises questions about the pathways available for students aspiring to advance their education further.

Moreover, the data reveals that international students only contributed minimally to the graduation numbers, with just one international bachelor’s degree graduate in Mental and Social Health Services. This could indicate either a lack of international outreach or a potential area for growth, given the global emphasis on diversity and inclusion in education.

Overall, the data reflects a college that is responding to workforce needs, particularly in health services, while also highlighting opportunities for improvement in international student recruitment and graduate-level programs. The emphasis on practical, career-oriented education appears to be a successful strategy for Lackawanna College, but broadening its appeal and offerings could enhance its educational impact further.

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

Health professionshas 166 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.-
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.-
Occupational Therapist Assistant.-
Physical Therapy Assistant.-
Surgical Technology/Technologist.$69,498
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician.$69,498
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other.$31,662-$34,615
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.-
Businesshas 154 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Business/Commerce, General.-
Business Administration and Management, General.$31,669-$42,348
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other.$31,669-$42,348
Accounting.$45,075
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.-
Hospitality Administration/Management, General.-
Homeland security has 71 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Criminal Justice/Police Science.$33,312-$37,942
Liberal arts has 66 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$19,972
Computer and information sciencehas 20 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Engineering technologieshas 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Petroleum Technology/Technician.$69,818
Culinary has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Baking and Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef.$36,065
Culinary Arts/Chef Training.$36,065

Students

2,211 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 39:61 · Freshman retention 83.3%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,211)

White
1,230 · 55.6%
Hispanic
357 · 16.1%
Black
280 · 12.7%
Unknown
216 · 9.8%
Two or more races
75 · 3.4%
Asian
38 · 1.7%
International
6 · 0.3%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
10.8%
18–19
28.4%
20–21
18.9%
22–24
12.8%
25 and over
29.2%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Lackawanna College in 2023

The student demographics at Lackawanna College for the year 2023 reveal a diverse composition across various categories of students. Among undergraduate freshmen, there are 441 students, with a relatively balanced gender distribution: 51.9% male and 48.1% female. This indicates a slight male majority, which is common in many college environments, particularly among freshmen.

In contrast, the undergraduate seniors show a significantly different gender ratio, with only 36.1% male and 63.9% female, highlighting a trend that could be reflective of broader societal shifts in education where more females are pursuing and completing higher education degrees. This trend is supported by national data that suggests women are increasingly outpacing men in college enrollment and graduation rates.

The transfer student population consists of 257 individuals, again displaying a female majority at 61.5%, with males making up 38.5%. The consistent patterns of female predominance in both the senior and transfer categories suggest a potential area for further investigation into the factors contributing to these trends, as well as the long-term implications for gender representation in various academic fields.

Finally, the overall student body includes a small contingent of graduate students, numbering 68, with a gender distribution of 39.7% male and 60.3% female. This adds to the narrative of increasing female representation as students progress through their academic careers.

Overall, the demographic data from Lackawanna College illustrates an evolving educational landscape, with discernible shifts in gender ratios among various student classifications. Understanding these trends is essential for institutions aiming to foster inclusive environments and address the specific needs of their diverse student populations.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Lackawanna College

The age composition of students at Lackawanna College reveals intriguing insights into the demographics of the student body. The majority of undergraduate students fall within the 18-21 age range, comprising 48% of total male students and 45% of total female students. This trend aligns with national statistics showing that a significant portion of college students are traditionally aged, reflecting the standard post-secondary education pathway.

Interestingly, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment among students aged 22 and older, particularly in the undergraduate male category, which decreases to approximately 14%. Conversely, female students in the same age bracket maintain a higher representation, indicating a potential trend where women may be more likely to pursue education later than their male counterparts.

The data also highlights the presence of non-traditional students, particularly among those aged 25-34. This group, while smaller, indicates that the college is accommodating individuals returning to education, which is consistent with the growing trend of adult learners seeking further qualifications or career changes.

Moreover, the absence of graduate male students in the age categories suggests a possible gap in advanced education opportunities or interests among men in this age group. In contrast, the female graduate population remains present, particularly in the 22-24 age range, which may imply an increasing trend of women pursuing higher education.

Overall, the age distribution at Lackawanna College reflects broader societal patterns in education, highlighting both traditional and non-traditional pathways and raising questions about gender differences in educational pursuits.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 47 private mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.3%

6 in 2025 · 0.1% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.1%2017: 0.5%2018: 0.4%2019: 0.4%2020: 1.1%2021: 0.2%2022: 0.3%2023: 0.3%2024: 0.5%2025: 0.3%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Lackawanna College

The data on international student enrollment at Lackawanna College over the years highlights several noteworthy trends. In 2008, the institution had a modest international student population, with only 2 out of 1502 undergraduates, which equates to a mere 0.13%. This figure remained low for several years, with a slight increase in 2013 when the percentage peaked at 0.39% due to a rise in the number of international students to 6.

The most significant growth occurred in 2020, where the number of international undergraduates surged to 21, resulting in an impressive 1.05% of the total undergraduate population. This spike could potentially be attributed to various factors such as increased recruitment efforts, the global rise in interest in American higher education, or perhaps a response to the COVID-19 pandemic that saw many institutions pivoting to attract international talent even amidst travel restrictions.

However, this growth was not maintained in the following years. By 2023, the percentage of international students dropped back down to 0.32%, with just 6 students out of 1868. This fluctuation indicates that while there may be periods of interest and recruitment success, sustaining a consistent international presence remains a challenge.

Overall, the international student enrollment data at Lackawanna College reflects broader trends in higher education, where institutions must continually adapt to changing global dynamics, market demands, and competition in attracting students from abroad. The college's journey illustrates both the potential for growth in international enrollment and the challenges in maintaining that growth over time.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$30,510

Undergraduate tuition
$18,400
Room and board
$12,110
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $26,585 · all 47 private mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 30% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 46%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$38.0M

Tuition and fees
$28.2M74.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$3.8M9.9%
Investment return
$2.2M5.9%
Government grants and contracts
$1.9M4.9%
Gifts and private grants
$1.6M4.3%
Other
$256K0.7%

Expenses$34.9M

Instruction
$11.2M32.1%
Institutional support
$8.5M24.4%
Student services
$7.4M21.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$4.1M11.7%
Academic support
$2.8M8.1%
Other
$831K2.4%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 47 private mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$39,963peers $53,290
Professor
$54,031peers $57,277
Associate professor
$48,717peers $56,206
Assistant professor
$41,649peers $55,077
Instructor
$33,100peers $52,928

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
NJCAA Division II MENWOMEN
Football114-
Baseball48-
Basketball2117
Soccer1313
Softball-15
Volleyball-12
Wrestling62
Other Sports--
2024
NJCAA Division IIMENWOMEN
Football124-
Baseball39-
Soccer2414
Basketball1711
Softball-18
Wrestling91
Volleyball-9
Other Sports--
2023
NJCAA Division IIMENWOMEN
Football128-
Baseball44-
Soccer1814
Basketball1511
Softball-18
Wrestling13-
Volleyball-9
Other Sports--

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Lackawanna College:

  1. Wilkes University - Ranked 269, Wilkes University is a comprehensive university known for its strong emphasis on professional programs and a supportive learning environment.

  2. Misericordia University - With a ranking of 227, Misericordia University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is noted for its commitment to service and community engagement.

  3. Binghamton University - This renowned university holds a rank of 73 and is part of the State University of New York system. Binghamton is well-regarded for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  4. Lehigh University - Ranked 47, Lehigh University is a prestigious research university recognized for its engineering, business, and liberal arts programs.

  5. Cornell University - As a member of the Ivy League, Cornell University is ranked 12 and is known for its diverse academic offerings and commitment to research and innovation.

  6. Princeton University - Ranked 1, Princeton is another Ivy League institution famous for its rigorous academics, distinguished faculty, and beautiful campus.

  7. Rutgers University-New Brunswick - With a ranking of 40, Rutgers University is the State University of New Jersey and offers a wide array of programs across various disciplines.

  8. Vassar College - A highly regarded liberal arts college, Vassar is ranked 16 and is known for its strong emphasis on the humanities and social sciences.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are excellent choices for students considering their options near Lackawanna College.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 47 private mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Drug referrals
85
Liquor referrals
64
Weapons referrals
13
Dating violence
3
Motor vehicle theft
2
Drug arrests
2

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

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Lackawanna College

The crime rates at Lackawanna College over the past decade reveal a fluctuating trend, with notable peaks and valleys that warrant attention. In 2013, the average crime rate was at its highest, with 5.26 incidents per 1,000 students. This figure declined significantly over the next few years, reaching a low of 1.17 in 2021. The drop in crime during this period could be attributed to various factors such as enhanced campus security measures, community engagement initiatives, or simply a reduction in reported incidents.

However, the data shows a resurgence in crime rates in 2022, climbing back up to 4.07 per 1,000 students, followed by a slight decrease to 2.57 in 2023. The increase in 2022 may be reflective of broader societal issues, including those related to the post-pandemic environment, which have affected college campuses nationwide.

When examining the specific types of offenses, the data indicates a consistent absence of serious violent crimes such as murder or rape, which is a positive sign for campus safety. However, there are still concerns regarding incidents related to gun possession and drug-related arrests. The presence of such offenses, even at lower levels, suggests that ongoing vigilance and proactive measures are necessary to ensure student safety.

In conclusion, while Lackawanna College has experienced fluctuations in its crime rates, the overall trend shows potential improvements in campus safety. Continuous efforts to address and mitigate crime will be crucial in maintaining a secure environment for all students. For further information on calculating crime rates, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Lackawanna College include Lorenzo Taliaferro (NFL running back drafted by the Baltimore Ravens), Kevin White (Former NFL wide receiver) and Gale H. Stalker (Republican US Representative from New York).

More alumni (4, by field)

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.