Seton Hill University
Acceptance rate
79.5%
2025
Peer median 77.9%
Tuition per year
$42,944
$57,166 with room and board
Peer median $34,392
Undergraduates
1,501
Student-faculty ratio 13:1
Peer median 13 : 1
Graduation rate
58.4%
4-year; 6-year rate 71.6%
Peer median 44.6%
“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Seton Hill University, located in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, is a distinguished institution known for its commitment to liberal arts education and a strong emphasis on personal growth and development. Established in 1885, Seton Hill is rooted in the Catholic tradition and promotes a vibrant community where diversity and inclusivity are celebrated. The university's mission emphasizes the importance of fostering critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and a lifelong love of learning among its students. Seton Hill's motto, "Hazard Yet Forward," reflects its spirit of resilience and the pursuit of excellence, encouraging students to embrace challenges and strive for their goals.
The campus is home to modern facilities that support a wide array of academic programs, including notable degrees in the fields of arts, sciences, education, and business. Seton Hill offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on experiential learning and hands-on opportunities. The faculty is dedicated and highly qualified, often engaging in research and community service, which enriches the learning experience for students. In addition to academic excellence, Seton Hill promotes a strong sense of community through various student organizations, athletic programs, and cultural events, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. The university's graduates find success in diverse career paths, supported by a robust alumni network that offers mentorship and job placement assistance. This blend of academic rigor, community engagement, and personal development makes Seton Hill University a unique and enriching place for students to thrive.
Analysis of Significant Trends at Seton Hill University
Seton Hill University, a private institution, has experienced notable trends in tuition costs and student outcomes over the past decade. One prominent issue is the continuous rise in tuition fees. From 2014 to 2024, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students has increased from $30,300 to $41,414, reflecting a growth of approximately 37%. This escalation in costs is a concern for many families, as it may lead to increased student debt and limit access for prospective students, particularly in a climate where student loan burdens are a hot topic of discussion.
Additionally, the graduation rates have shown a positive trajectory, with on-time graduation rates rising from about 39% in 2013 to nearly 55% in 2023. This increase suggests that the university has made effective strides in supporting students through to their graduation, which in turn may enhance the institution's reputation and attractiveness to potential students.
Retention rates have also seen a slight improvement, maintaining above 78% for most years, peaking at approximately 85% in 2018. High retention rates indicate a favorable learning environment and satisfaction among students, which can contribute to the overall success and stability of the university.
Another noteworthy aspect is the gender ratio among students, particularly in the graduate program, where female students consistently outnumber male students, reflecting broader trends in higher education where women are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees. This demographic shift may shape the university's future programs and initiatives to better cater to its student population.
In summary, while Seton Hill University faces challenges related to rising tuition, its improvements in graduation and retention rates, alongside notable gender dynamics, present a complex but optimistic picture of its current and future landscape.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- Pittsburgh, about 25 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), about 40 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Roman Catholic
- President
- Mary Finger (President)
- Phone
- 7248342200
- City
- Greensburg, Pennsylvania
- Address
- 1 Seton Hill Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601
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 70.1%, women 79.2%.
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Trends at Seton Hill University
Seton Hill University has demonstrated notable fluctuations in its admission rates over the years, reflecting broader trends in higher education. The data reveals that the acceptance rates for both male and female applicants have varied significantly, with male acceptance rates peaking at approximately 74.6% in 2021 and dropping to around 33.9% in 2017. This drastic decline could indicate a heightened competition for spots at the university, potentially influenced by a growing applicant pool or changes in the university's admission policies.
Similarly, female acceptance rates have generally remained higher but have also shown variability, with a peak of about 82.1% in 2023. This is indicative of Seton Hill’s commitment to maintaining a diverse student body, especially given its historical focus on women’s education.
The total enrollment has fluctuated as well, with the highest number of enrollments reaching 424 in 2018. This suggests a strong interest in the university during that period, possibly reflecting its reputation and the quality of programs offered.
An important observation is the consistently high number of denied applicants compared to enrollments. In 2023, for instance, 578 applicants were denied admission, suggesting a highly selective process. The deferred admissions also highlight a strategic approach by the university to manage its applicant pool effectively.
Overall, these trends underscore the competitive nature of college admissions today and the need for prospective students to present strong applications, as institutions like Seton Hill University adapt to changing demographics and educational demands.
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
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Health Specialty1 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
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 36% submitted SAT, 7% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted
Data insights
Analysis of Seton Hill University Admission Scores Over the Years
Seton Hill University's admission data reveals interesting trends in standardized test scores and submission rates from 2011 to 2023. Notably, the percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores has remained consistently high, hovering around 92-94%. This indicates a strong reliance on SAT scores among prospective students, reflecting a broader trend in higher education where standardized tests play a critical role in the admissions process.
In terms of performance, it is evident that the scores have shown a gradual increase over the years. For instance, the 25th percentile score for the SAT reading and math sections improved from a range of 450-560 in the early 2010s to 520-620 by 2023. This upward trajectory may suggest an increase in the overall academic preparedness of applicants, possibly influenced by educational reforms, increased access to preparatory resources, or changes in the demographics of the applicant pool.
Interestingly, the number of students submitting scores decreased significantly in 2023, with only 48% of admitted students providing their SAT scores. This could signal a shift in the university's admissions policy, potentially leaning towards a more holistic review process that places less emphasis on standardized testing. This aligns with a national trend where many institutions are moving toward test-optional policies, reflecting a growing recognition of diverse student backgrounds and a broader definition of merit.
Overall, Seton Hill University's data illustrates a dynamic landscape in college admissions, emphasizing the evolving role of standardized testing and the importance of adapting to the needs of a diverse student body.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 8 in 10
2,911 applicants in 2025, 79.5% admitted
2,315 admitted 596 not admitted Yield 14.3%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Physician Assistant · Master's44 (0% international)
- Business Administration and Management, General · Master's42 (0% international)
- Creative Writing · Master's32 (3% international)
- Physical Therapy/Therapist · Doctoral29 (0% international)
- Art Therapy/Therapist · Master's14 (0% international)
- Business Analytics · Master's11 (27% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Seton Hill University
The graduation data from Seton Hill University for 2023 reveals some intriguing insights into the trends in various fields of study. Notably, the Physician Assistant program, both the direct and pre-physician assistant tracks, is a significant highlight. The direct Physician Assistant program graduated 52 students at the master's level, while the pre-physician assistant program saw 29 students complete their bachelor’s degree. This indicates a growing interest and commitment to careers in healthcare, which aligns with the national trend of increasing demand for healthcare professionals.
In contrast, the Business Administration and Management program did not produce any bachelor graduates, which may raise questions about the program's appeal or the competitive job market in this field. The absence of international bachelor graduates in this program could suggest a need for reevaluation of curriculum or marketing strategies to attract students.
Interestingly, the data shows a strong emphasis on master's programs, particularly in healthcare, which could reflect a strategic focus by the university on areas with high employment potential. Despite the increase in advanced degree graduates, there remains a lack of diversity in fields, as many artistic programs did not yield any graduates, indicating a potential mismatch between student interests and university offerings.
Overall, these graduation numbers highlight the shifting landscape of higher education priorities, particularly the emphasis on health sciences, while also pointing to areas where improvements can be made to better serve student aspirations and market 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. | - | |||
| Orthodontics/Orthodontology. | - | |||
| Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | - | |||
| Physician Assistant. | $105,464 | |||
| Pre-Art Therapy. | - | |||
| Pre-Physician Assistant. | - | |||
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | - | |||
| Art Therapy/Therapist. | $29,255-$44,207 | |||
| Music Therapy/Therapist. | $29,255-$44,207 | |||
| Physical Therapy/Therapist. | $29,255-$44,207 | |||
| Dietetics/Dietitian. | - | |||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $42,124-$66,501 | |||
| Risk Management. | $42,124-$66,501 | |||
| Accounting. | - | |||
| Finance, General. | - | |||
| Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General. | $48,888 | |||
| Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Education and Teaching, General. | $46,539 | |||
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | $42,742 | |||
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | $42,742 | |||
| Music Teacher Education. | - | |||
| Reading Teacher Education. | - | |||
| Education, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - | |||
| Creative Writing. | $44,432 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport and Fitness Administration/Management. | $35,075 | |||
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | $35,075 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Humanities. | - | |||
| Data Science, General. | - | |||
| Business Analytics. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | $38,378 | |||
| Forensic Science and Technology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - | |||
| Biochemistry. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | - | |||
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | - | |||
| Information Technology Project Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - | |||
| Mathematics, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Relations and Affairs. | - | |||
| Political Science and Government, General. | - | |||
| Sociology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Services, General. | - | |||
| Social Work. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication, General. | - | |||
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion/Religious Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish Language and Literature. | - |
Students
1,927 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 36:64 · Freshman retention 80.9%
- Continuing undergraduates 1,110
- First-year undergraduates 330
- Graduate students 426
- Transfers and others 61
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,501)
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Seton Hill University in 2023
The demographic data for Seton Hill University in 2023 reveals interesting insights into the composition of its student body. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 386, where females constitute a significant majority at 62.2%, indicating a trend of higher female enrollment in recent years. Similarly, among undergraduate juniors, the female percentage is even more pronounced at 65.6%, with a total enrollment of 1,152 students. This pattern suggests that the institution may be particularly appealing to female students, potentially reflecting broader societal trends towards female empowerment in higher education.
Undergraduate transfer students, numbering 77, show a notable female dominance of 80.5%. This could imply that female students are more likely to seek transfer opportunities, perhaps in pursuit of specialized programs or better fit at different institutions.
Graduate students, totaling 361, also exhibit a higher female ratio at 65.9%, reinforcing the trend seen in undergraduate populations. The persistent female majority across all categories may point to effective recruitment strategies by the university that resonate particularly well with female prospects.
In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, the data indicates a significant representation of white students, particularly among undergraduates. This racial composition warrants further exploration, as higher education institutions strive to foster inclusive environments that reflect the multicultural fabric of society.
Overall, the gender ratios and student numbers at Seton Hill University underscore the importance of understanding demographic trends in shaping future educational policies and community initiatives.
Age Composition of Students at Seton Hill University in 2023
The age distribution of students at Seton Hill University reveals a predominantly young demographic, with the majority of undergraduates aged between 18 and 21 years. This aligns with national trends in higher education, where younger students typically make up a significant portion of the student body. Specifically, students aged 18-19 constitute a remarkable 36.4% of the total student population, highlighting the university's appeal to traditional college-age students.
As we progress into the 20-21 age bracket, we see a slight decline in male enrollment, yet female enrollment remains robust, indicating a growing trend of women pursuing higher education. The combined representation of students under 24 years old illustrates a youthful atmosphere that often fosters vibrancy and engagement in campus activities.
However, there is a noticeable drop in enrollment as students reach the 22-24 age range, with only 16.1% of total students falling within this category. This decline continues as students age, suggesting potential barriers for non-traditional students or those returning to education later in life. The limited representation of students over 30 further emphasizes a gap in diversity, particularly in age.
In conclusion, while Seton Hill University attracts a large number of young students, it may benefit from initiatives aimed at increasing enrollment among older demographics, which would enrich the educational experience and promote a more diverse and inclusive environment.
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.
0 in 2025 · 2.2% in 2016
0 in 2025 · 1.8% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Seton Hill University
The data on international student enrollment at Seton Hill University reveals some interesting trends over the years. From 2004 to 2019, the percentage of international undergraduate students fluctuated between 1.42% and 2.99%, indicating a generally low but slightly increasing interest in the university among international applicants. The peak enrollment of 56 international undergraduates in 2015 corresponds to the highest percentage of 2.99%, suggesting that particular year might have had favorable conditions or recruitment strategies that appealed to international students.
In contrast, the graduate program has consistently shown a lower proportion of international students, peaking at 3.59% in 2005. This trend is concerning, as it indicates that the graduate program may not be as attractive to international students compared to the undergraduate program. The sharp decline in 2021, where only one international undergraduate student was enrolled, raises questions regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and changing global dynamics on international education.
It's noteworthy that the recent years, particularly 2023, show a modest recovery with 2.34% of undergraduates being international students. However, the graduate program still lags behind with only 1.66% international enrollment. This disparity might signal the need for the university to enhance its outreach and support mechanisms for prospective international graduate students.
Overall, while there are signs of recovery and slight growth in international student numbers, Seton Hill University must continue to adapt its strategies to attract and retain more international students across both undergraduate and graduate programs. This is vital not only for the university's diversity but also for enriching the educational environment.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$57,166
- Undergraduate tuition
- $42,944
- Room and board
- $14,222
- Graduate tuition
- $17,714
Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose 32% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 34%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$69.5M
Expenses$63.5M
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 · Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference: football, basketball, baseball, cross country
| NCAA Division II with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 86 | 69 |
| Football | 122 | - |
| Soccer | 60 | 39 |
| Lacrosse | 49 | 37 |
| Basketball | 23 | 24 |
| Baseball | 46 | - |
| Softball | - | 28 |
| Wrestling | 28 | - |
| Volleyball | - | 21 |
| Tennis | - | 13 |
| Equestrian | - | 13 |
| Golf | - | 11 |
| NCAA Division II with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 79 | 76 |
| Football | 113 | - |
| Lacrosse | 60 | 43 |
| Soccer | 50 | 49 |
| Baseball | 52 | - |
| Basketball | 23 | 22 |
| Wrestling | 30 | - |
| Softball | - | 27 |
| Volleyball | - | 18 |
| Tennis | - | 14 |
| Equestrian | - | 11 |
| Golf | - | 7 |
| NCAA Division II with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 86 | 90 |
| Football | 115 | - |
| Soccer | 50 | 42 |
| Lacrosse | 51 | 37 |
| Baseball | 47 | - |
| Basketball | 18 | 20 |
| Wrestling | 29 | - |
| Softball | - | 27 |
| Volleyball | - | 19 |
| Tennis | - | 13 |
| Equestrian | - | 11 |
| Golf | - | 7 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Chatham UniversityPittsburgh · 21.7 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh · 22.3 mi
U.S. News #14
-
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh · 22.8 mi
U.S. News #59
-
Duquesne UniversityPittsburgh · 24.5 mi
U.S. News #156
-
Washington and Jefferson CollegeWashington · 37.3 mi
Liberal Arts #91
-
Robert Morris UniversityMoon Township · 37.3 mi
U.S. News #219
-
West Virginia UniversityMorgantown · 51.2 mi
U.S. News #227
-
Juniata CollegeHuntingdon · 82.1 mi
Liberal Arts #91
-
The Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park · 95.1 mi
U.S. News #55
Data insights
Here are some notable universities near Seton Hill University:
-
Carnegie Mellon University - Ranked 24th in the 2024 US News rankings, Carnegie Mellon is a prestigious research university known for its strong emphasis on technology, arts, and business.
-
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - With a ranking of 67, the University of Pittsburgh is a large public university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It is especially known for its health sciences and research initiatives.
-
Duquesne University - Ranked 151st, Duquesne is a private Catholic university in Pittsburgh known for its law, business, and health science programs.
-
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - This university ranks 60th and offers a comprehensive range of programs and is well-known for its vibrant campus life and strong alumni network.
-
Chatham University - Ranked 209th, Chatham is a private university focusing on liberal arts and sustainability, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
Washington & Jefferson College - A liberal arts college ranked 89th, it emphasizes personalized education and offers a strong sense of community.
These institutions provide a diverse array of academic opportunities and contribute to a vibrant educational environment in the region.
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 Trends at Seton Hill University
The crime statistics at Seton Hill University over the past decade reveal significant fluctuations in the reported crime rate per 1,000 students. Notably, the year 2023 shows a staggering crime rate of 61.77 incidents per 1,000 students, which is a dramatic increase from previous years. This rise may be attributed to various factors, including heightened awareness, changes in campus security policies, or even societal trends influencing criminal behavior.
Examining the breakdown of offenses, the university has recorded incidents related to gun arrests, drug-related arrests, and alcohol-related arrests. The data indicates a concerning trend in violent crimes, including assaults and domestic violence, which are critical issues that universities must address to ensure student safety. The data from 2014 and 2016 also highlight spikes that could suggest periods of increased campus unrest or issues that require further investigation.
The overall trend, however, shows a gradual decline from 2018 to 2022, with significant decreases in the crime rate. This may reflect effective crime prevention strategies or improved campus safety measures. Nevertheless, the sudden rise in 2023 raises important questions about the factors contributing to this increase and the university's response to ensure a safe educational environment.
In conclusion, the fluctuating crime rates at Seton Hill University underscore the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures to foster a safe campus atmosphere. The university administration should investigate the recent surge in crime and adapt its strategies to address the safety concerns of its students effectively. For more information on calculating crime rates, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Seton Hill University include Nalo Hopkinson (Jamaican-born Canadian speculative fiction writer), MacDonald Taylor (US Virgin Islands international soccer midfielder) and Kameron Taylor (Professional basketball player for Valencia Basket).
-
Nalo Hopkinson 1960–
Jamaican-born Canadian speculative fiction writer
-
MacDonald Taylor 1992–
US Virgin Islands international soccer midfielder
-
Kameron Taylor 1994–
Professional basketball player for Valencia Basket
-
Maureen O'Connor 1951–
Former chief justice of the Ohio Supreme Court
-
Daryl Ferguson 1985–
Barbadian footballer
-
Susan Mallery 1970–
Author of popular romance novels
-
Cydra Vaux 1962–2013
Feminist sculptor and art teacher
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.