Lackawanna College
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
- 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)
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
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | $33,312-$37,942 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $19,972 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Technology/Technician. | $69,818 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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%
- Continuing undergraduates 1,243
- First-year undergraduates 401
- Transfers and others 567
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,211)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
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.
6 in 2025 · 0.1% in 2016
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
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
Expenses$34.9M
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.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 114 | - |
| Baseball | 48 | - |
| Basketball | 21 | 17 |
| Soccer | 13 | 13 |
| Softball | - | 15 |
| Volleyball | - | 12 |
| Wrestling | 6 | 2 |
| Other Sports | - | - |
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 124 | - |
| Baseball | 39 | - |
| Soccer | 24 | 14 |
| Basketball | 17 | 11 |
| Softball | - | 18 |
| Wrestling | 9 | 1 |
| Volleyball | - | 9 |
| Other Sports | - | - |
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 128 | - |
| Baseball | 44 | - |
| Soccer | 18 | 14 |
| Basketball | 15 | 11 |
| Softball | - | 18 |
| Wrestling | 13 | - |
| Volleyball | - | 9 |
| Other Sports | - | - |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Binghamton UniversityVestal · 49.4 mi
U.S. News #73
-
Lafayette CollegeEaston · 54.5 mi
Liberal Arts #30
-
Muhlenberg CollegeAllentown · 56.9 mi
Liberal Arts #62
-
Lehigh UniversityBethlehem · 57.5 mi
U.S. News #44
-
DeSales UniversityCenter Valley · 62.1 mi
U.S. News #262
-
Bucknell UniversityLewisburg · 71.0 mi
Liberal Arts #29
-
Cornell UniversityIthaca · 83.2 mi
U.S. News #14
-
Ursinus CollegeCollegeville · 84.9 mi
Liberal Arts #91
-
Montclair State UniversityMontclair · 85.0 mi
U.S. News #156
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Lackawanna College:
-
Wilkes University - Ranked 269, Wilkes University is a comprehensive university known for its strong emphasis on professional programs and a supportive learning environment.
-
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.
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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.
-
Lehigh University - Ranked 47, Lehigh University is a prestigious research university recognized for its engineering, business, and liberal arts programs.
-
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.
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Princeton University - Ranked 1, Princeton is another Ivy League institution famous for its rigorous academics, distinguished faculty, and beautiful campus.
-
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.
-
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.
Peer median 0.0 · all 47 private mixed baccalaureate/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 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).
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Lorenzo Taliaferro 1991–2020
NFL running back drafted by the Baltimore Ravens
-
Kevin White 1992–
Former NFL wide receiver
-
Gale H. Stalker 1889–1985
Republican US Representative from New York
-
Mike Balogun 1983–
Former NFL linebacker turned professional boxer
-
Mark Glowinski 1992–
Former professional football guard
-
Bryant McKinnie 1979–
Former NFL offensive tackle and two-time All-American
-
Bob Mellow 1943–
Pennsylvania state senator from 1971 to 2010
-
Jermaine Eluemunor 1994–
NFL offensive tackle
-
Ji'Ayir Brown 2000–
NFL safety for the San Francisco 49ers
More alumni (4, by field)
Sports
-
Jaquan Brisker 1999–
NFL safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers
-
Emanuel Ubilla 1986–
Professional point guard basketball player
-
Donald Jones 1987–
Former NFL wide receiver
-
Colbie Young
Wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals
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.