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This school has merged

Salus University merged into Drexel University in 2025 (U.S. Department of Education IPEDS). The data on this page is historical and kept for reference.

Private nonprofit, 4-year

Salus University

Elkins Park, Pennsylvania

中文

About

Salus University, located in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, is a well-respected institution known for its strong focus on health sciences and allied health professions. Founded in 1919, the university has a rich history and is committed to fostering a learning environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of individuals and communities. Its mission revolves around preparing healthcare professionals who are not only proficient in their fields but also compassionate and dedicated to service. Salus University is particularly renowned for its Doctor of Optometry program, which is highly regarded nationally and internationally. The university also offers a range of other programs in fields such as audiology, public health, and physician assistant studies, contributing to a diverse and comprehensive educational landscape.

The campus culture at Salus University is vibrant and supportive, fostering a sense of community among students and faculty. The university's commitment to hands-on learning and interprofessional education prepares students for collaborative practice in the healthcare sector. Salus is also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern laboratories and clinical spaces, which enhance the educational experience. Additionally, the university emphasizes the importance of research and community engagement, encouraging students to participate in initiatives that benefit public health. With a strong network of alumni who have made significant contributions to their professions, Salus University continues to uphold its reputation as a leader in health education and professional practice.

Trends in Tuition, Enrollment, and Gender Ratio at Salus University

Salus University, a private institution, has experienced significant changes in tuition costs over the years, especially for graduate programs. From 2014 to 2024, the tuition for both in-state and out-of-state graduate students rose dramatically from $21,452 to $34,844, reflecting a substantial increase of approximately 62.4%. This trend is consistent with the broader national concern regarding rising higher education costs, which can deter prospective students and impact enrollment numbers.

Examining student enrollment, the number of graduate students has shown a gradual increase, growing from 973 in 2013 to 1,280 in 2021, before experiencing a slight decline to 1,165 in 2023. This fluctuation may indicate a competitive market for graduate education, where various factors such as tuition hikes, job market conditions, and program offerings influence student choices.

Moreover, the gender ratio among graduate students has shifted over the years, with female students consistently outnumbering their male counterparts. In 2013, the percentage of male graduate students was around 31.7%, whereas it has decreased to approximately 20.1% by 2023. This trend highlights an important shift in gender dynamics in graduate education, as more women pursue advanced degrees, potentially reflecting broader societal changes in educational attainment and career aspirations.

In conclusion, Salus University exemplifies the broader trends in higher education, with rising tuition costs influencing enrollment patterns and a notable shift in gender demographics among graduate students. These factors will be crucial for the university as it strategizes for future growth and development in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
Philadelphia, about 5 mi
Nearest international airport
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), about 15 mi
Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
City
Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
Address
8360 Old York Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027-6262

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

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

Students

1,106 students in 2025

Age distribution

Graduate students

Under 22
0.0%
22–24
27.8%
25–29
56.0%
30–34
8.2%
35 and over
8.0%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Salus University in 2023

The student population at Salus University in 2023 reveals intriguing insights into its demographic composition, particularly among graduate students. With a total of 1,165 graduate students, there is a notable gender disparity, as only 20.1% of these students are male, while a significant 79.9% are female. This skewed ratio highlights the growing trend of female representation in graduate programs, which has been observed across many universities in recent years.

Breaking down the racial and ethnic composition of the graduate student body, we can see that out of the total, 641 students identify as White. This accounts for approximately 55% of the graduate student population. The remaining demographics are not explicitly detailed, but it is crucial to consider how the diversity among graduate students might influence the academic environment and foster a multitude of perspectives in research and discussions.

This data aligns with broader educational trends where institutions are increasingly prioritizing inclusivity and diversity. The predominance of female students in graduate programs can also be attributed to various factors, such as the increasing encouragement for women to pursue higher education and advanced degrees in traditionally male-dominated fields.

As the academic landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to monitor how these demographic shifts impact future enrollment strategies and academic policies at Salus University and other institutions alike.

Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Salus University

The age distribution of students at Salus University for the year 2023 reveals significant trends in the demographics of both undergraduate and graduate populations. A prominent observation is the overwhelming presence of graduate students aged 22-24 and 25-29, indicating that younger adults are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees. Specifically, this age group accounts for a substantial portion of the total enrollment, with 79 male and 402 female graduate students aged 22-24, and 108 male and 398 female graduate students aged 25-29, which reflects a strong inclination towards further education among this demographic.

Moreover, the data shows a notable absence of male undergraduates in the younger age bracket (20-21), suggesting a potential trend where younger students may be opting to enter the workforce or pursue other avenues before entering college. This might correlate with broader societal shifts, as we have seen a rise in vocational training and alternative education paths gaining popularity in recent years.

In contrast, the number of graduate students decreases with age, with only a handful of students aged 30-34 and above, which may indicate that older individuals are either less inclined to pursue graduate education or face barriers such as work commitments and family responsibilities.

Overall, the data points to a shift in educational trends where younger students dominate graduate programs, while undergraduates do not reflect the same demographic vigor. This could have implications for future educational policies and support systems at Salus University, as they may need to cater to the diverse needs of both traditional and non-traditional students.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Graduate students9.6%

106 in 2025 · 7.8% in 2016

0% 7.5% 15% 2016: 7.8%2017: 5.3%2018: 7.2%2019: 7.9%2020: 8.4%2021: 7.7%2022: 8.2%2023: 8.8%2024: 10.1%2025: 9.6%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025

Data insights

Commentary on International Student Trends at Salus University

The data reveals some intriguing patterns regarding international students at Salus University, particularly within the graduate programs from 2004 to 2023. While there is a notable lack of information about undergraduate international students in most years, the graduate data provides a clearer picture.

In 2004, the percentage of international graduate students was significantly high at 21.33%, but this figure has seen a dramatic decline over the years, dropping to 8.76% by 2023. This decline raises questions about the university's appeal to international students. Factors that may influence these trends include changes in global mobility, visa policies, and the overall attractiveness of the academic programs offered.

The graduate student body has experienced fluctuations in international enrollment, with a peak of 163 international students in 2011 but a subsequent steep decline. This inconsistency could be attributed to various external factors, such as geopolitical tensions, changes in immigration laws, or shifts in the global education market.

Interestingly, the data shows a unique scenario in 2009, where international undergraduates constituted 100% of the total undergraduate population reported, though this seems more of an anomaly than a sustainable trend.

Overall, Salus University appears to be facing challenges in maintaining a diverse international student body, particularly at the graduate level. As other universities continue to attract a global audience, Salus might need to re-evaluate its strategies to enhance its appeal to prospective international students. The trends observed underscore the importance of adapting to the changing landscape of higher education and international student mobility.

Cost

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$69.6M

Tuition and fees
$46.0M66.0%
Investment return
$8.4M12.1%
Sales and services of educational activities
$4.1M5.9%
Government grants and contracts
$3.2M4.6%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.3M3.3%
Gifts and private grants
$1.6M2.3%
Other
$4.0M5.8%

Expenses$63.8M

Instruction
$25.5M40.0%
Institutional support
$13.2M20.7%
Public service
$9.5M14.9%
Student services
$4.5M7.1%
Academic support
$3.1M4.8%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.9M3.0%
Research
$1.5M2.3%
Scholarships
$1,000K1.6%
Other
$3.6M5.7%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

All faculty
$81,682peers $67,788
Professor
$118,137peers $85,183
Associate professor
$90,926peers $76,269
Assistant professor
$76,639peers $67,938
Instructor
$67,219peers $60,861

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 schools near Salus University:

  1. University of Pennsylvania - Ranked 6th in the 2024 US News rankings, this prestigious institution is known for its strong emphasis on research and a wide array of academic programs.

  2. Princeton University - With an impressive rank of 1, Princeton is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and distinguished faculty, making it one of the most prestigious Ivy League schools.

  3. Drexel University - Ranked 98th, Drexel is known for its co-operative education program, blending classroom learning with practical work experience.

  4. Temple University - This university ranks 89th and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, known for its commitment to accessibility and affordability.

  5. Villanova University - Ranked 67th, Villanova is recognized for its strong liberal arts education and vibrant campus life.

  6. Swarthmore College - With a high ranking of 4, Swarthmore is known for its rigorous academic programs and a strong commitment to the liberal arts.

These institutions represent a mix of comprehensive universities and liberal arts colleges, each contributing to a rich educational landscape in the area surrounding Salus University.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Statistics at Salus University

The crime statistics at Salus University present an interesting trend over the years. From 2013 to 2022, the data shows a remarkable record of zero incidents, suggesting a safe environment on campus. The only notable year is 2019, where three incidents were reported, leading to an average crime rate of 2.48 per 1000 students. This figure, while indicating a slight uptick in criminal activity, still reflects a relatively low crime rate when compared to many institutions nationwide.

The types of incidents recorded in 2019 were primarily related to gun arrests. This could highlight a need for increased awareness and preventive measures regarding gun-related issues, even in a relatively secure environment. The absence of recorded crimes in subsequent years, including 2020 through 2023, may suggest effective crime prevention strategies or a continued commitment to student safety.

It is essential to recognize that the data does not account for potential underreporting, which can occur in any institution. Furthermore, it is worth considering that external factors, such as local crime rates, societal changes, or campus policies, can significantly influence these statistics. Overall, Salus University appears to maintain a commendable safety record, providing a conducive environment for students to pursue their studies without the looming concern of campus crime.

For further understanding of crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Salus University include Rudy Van Gelder (Jazz recording engineer), Katja Koroleva (International soccer referee born in the Soviet Union) and James Beverly (Georgia state representative).

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.