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U.S. News #85 Private nonprofit, 4-year

Susquehanna University

Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania · www.susqu.edu

中文

U.S. News Liberal Arts 2027

#85

Up 11 from 2026

Acceptance rate

81.4%

2025

Peer median 69.4%

Tuition per year

$59,850

$75,950 with room and board

Peer median $33,770

Undergraduates

2,246

Student-faculty ratio 13:1

Peer median 11 : 1

Graduation rate

70.0%

4-year; 6-year rate 75.7%

Peer median 45.1%

“Peers” are all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Susquehanna University, located in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, is a private liberal arts university known for its commitment to academic excellence and vibrant campus culture. The university was founded in 1858 and has a strong emphasis on undergraduate education, offering over 100 majors and minors across various disciplines, including business, humanities, and sciences. The school prides itself on fostering a close-knit community where students can engage deeply with their studies and with one another. The student-to-faculty ratio is low, which allows for personalized attention and mentorship from professors, many of whom are leaders in their fields.

The university's campus is not only picturesque but also equipped with modern facilities that support a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities. Highlights include the Blough-Weis Library, which provides extensive resources for research, and the Charles B. Degenstein Campus Center, which serves as a hub for student life. Additionally, Susquehanna University is known for its strong emphasis on service and leadership, guided by its motto, "The Best in the World," which inspires students to strive for excellence in all endeavors. The university also actively promotes a vibrant athletic culture, with various sports teams competing at the NCAA Division III level, fostering teamwork and school spirit among students. Overall, Susquehanna University offers a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for successful careers and meaningful lives.

Analysis of Key Trends at Susquehanna University

Over the years, Susquehanna University has demonstrated significant trends in tuition costs, student retention, and graduation rates. The tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has increased steadily, reaching $55,160 in 2023, up from $38,780 in 2014. This represents a staggering 42.5% increase over the decade, reflecting a broader trend in higher education where tuition fees continue to rise, often outpacing inflation. This rise in tuition may lead to increased financial burdens on students and families, potentially affecting enrollment numbers in the future.

In terms of student retention, there has been a positive trajectory, with retention rates hovering around 85% in recent years. This indicates that students are finding value in their educational experience at Susquehanna, as higher retention rates are often linked to student satisfaction and institutional support. However, there was a noticeable dip in retention in 2019, which could warrant further investigation to understand the factors that influenced this decline.

Graduation rates also tell an important story. The on-time graduation rate has seen fluctuations, down to 65.1% in 2020, but rebounding to 72.3% in 2023. This trend suggests that while there may be challenges faced by students, the university's efforts in supporting students through their academic journey may be yielding positive outcomes, as seen in the improved graduation rates.

Overall, while the rising cost of tuition presents challenges, the university's focus on student retention and improving graduation rates is commendable and reflects a commitment to student success. As higher education institutions navigate these complex dynamics, it will be crucial for Susquehanna University to continue addressing affordability while enhancing student support services.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Distant town
Nearest major city
Harrisburg, about 35 mi
Nearest international airport
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), about 110 mi
Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania
Also known as
Susquahanna, Susquehana, Sesquehanna
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Evangelical Lutheran Church
President
Jonathan D. Green (President)
Phone
5703740101
City
Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania
Address
514 University Ave, Selinsgrove, PA 17870-1025

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 69.4% · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
80.8%
Women
83.3%

In 2020: men 67.1%, women 75.5%.

U.S. News Liberal Arts Colleges · last 10 years
#81 #89 #97 #105 2024: #107 #107 2025: #103 2026: #96 2027: #85 #85 20242027

Best #85, lowest #107, latest #85 over the last ten years.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at Susquehanna University

The admission data for Susquehanna University presents interesting trends over the years, highlighting both the increasing selectivity and the evolving demographics of the student body. From 2009 to 2023, the acceptance rates for male applicants have varied significantly, ranging from approximately 69.8% to 75.1%, while female acceptance rates have shown a broader range, peaking at about 86.4% in 2019. This disparity in acceptance rates may reflect the university's efforts to balance its gender ratio, as well as fluctuations in application numbers.
The number of enrolled students has also exhibited fluctuations, peaking at 668 in 2016 before declining to 555 in 2022. This decline in enrollment could be indicative of a broader trend affecting many colleges and universities in recent years, such as demographic shifts, changing perceptions of higher education value, and increased competition among institutions. Additionally, the number of denied applications has generally risen, suggesting that the university may be becoming more selective as it seeks to enhance its academic profile.
Interestingly, the data for 2024 indicates a rank of 107, suggesting that Susquehanna University is striving to enhance its reputation in a competitive educational landscape. As higher education continues to evolve, universities must adapt their admission strategies to attract a diverse and qualified student body while maintaining academic integrity and institutional goals. This ongoing balancing act will be crucial for the university's future success and its ability to navigate the complexities of higher education today.

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

Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition

Business School#390▲24
Social Sciences and Humanities1 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 · 41% submitted SAT, 6% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted

SAT total1100–1300Peer median 1220
ACT composite21–29
SAT Reading
560–660
600700800
SAT Math
540–640
600700800
ACT composite
21–29
253036

Data insights

Trends in SAT Scores and Submission Rates at Susquehanna University

The data from Susquehanna University over the years reveals significant trends in both SAT score ranges and the percentage of applicants submitting scores. There is a noticeable fluctuation in the number of students submitting SAT scores, with a peak in 2009 at 507 submissions and a significant drop to 298 in 2023, indicating a decline of approximately 41% over the 14-year span. This decline may reflect a broader trend in higher education where more institutions are adopting test-optional policies, allowing students to apply without standardized test scores.

Regarding SAT scores, the 25th percentile reading scores have shown an overall upward trend from 500 in 2007 to 550 in 2023, while the 75th percentile scores have also increased from 600 to 650. This suggests that the academic preparedness of students who do choose to submit their SAT scores is improving over time. Despite the drop in submissions, the scores of those who do submit are rising, indicating that the university is attracting a more academically qualified applicant pool.

Additionally, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores has fluctuated, peaking at 86% in 2007 and dropping to 52% in 2023. This drastic decrease in submission rates may pose challenges for the university in evaluating the applicant pool uniformly, especially as more students opt for test-optional routes. Overall, while SAT scores show improvement among those who submit, the declining submission rates could suggest a shift in how students view standardized testing in the college admissions process.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 8 in 10

5,513 applicants in 2025, 81.4% admitted

4,489 admitted 1,024 not admitted Yield 13.6%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's4962 international (0.4%)
Master's50 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Business Administration and Management, General
43
Creative Writing
33
Marketing/Marketing Management, General
30
Finance, General
30
Psychology, General
30
Accounting
26
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
21
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
19
Computer and Information Sciences, General
18
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
15

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Curriculum and Instruction · Master's5 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Susquehanna University

The graduation data from Susquehanna University in 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends, particularly in the fields of psychology and creative writing. Psychology emerged as the leading discipline with 54 graduates, highlighting its popularity and the growing interest in mental health and human behavior. This aligns with contemporary societal focus on mental health awareness, suggesting that graduates are well-prepared to meet increasing demands in this sector.

In contrast, creative writing showed a respectable number of 33 graduates, which, while lower than psychology, signifies a steady interest in the arts and humanities. This is particularly relevant in an age where storytelling and content creation are pivotal in digital media, indicating that these graduates may find diverse career opportunities in various industries, including publishing and marketing.

Another significant observation is the presence of international students, particularly in finance and marketing, with each field having one international bachelor’s degree graduate. This indicates that while these programs are popular among local students, there is also a growing allure for international students, reflecting the global nature of business education.

Interestingly, many other programs did not report any graduates, which may highlight under-enrollment or a shift in student interest towards more lucrative or in-demand fields. This trend could affect the university's course offerings in the future, as institutions increasingly prioritize programs that yield higher graduate numbers to sustain operations and funding.

Overall, the data underscores the importance of adaptability in educational offerings, responding to both student interests 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

Businesshas 152 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Business Administration and Management, General.$52,040
Accounting.$69,863
Business/Managerial Economics.-
Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies.-
Finance, General.$67,368
International Business/Trade/Commerce.-
Management Science.-
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.$55,416
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.-
Biologyhas 59 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$37,037
Biomedical Sciences, General.$37,037
Biochemistry.-
Ecology.-
Neuroscience.$36,387
Communication has 51 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.-
Mass Communication/Media Studies.-
Journalism.-
Radio and Television.-
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.$44,106
Sports Communication.$44,106
Publishing.$33,292
Educationhas 41 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Education, General.-
Curriculum and Instruction.-
Special Education and Teaching, General.-
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.$46,290
Music Teacher Education.-
English has 39 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
English Language and Literature, General.-
Creative Writing.$30,175
Visual and Performing artshas 32 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Graphic Design.$37,592
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.-
Fine/Studio Arts, General.-
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.-
Music, General.-
Music Performance, General.-
Psychology has 30 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Psychology, General.$37,314
Physical scienceshas 25 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Chemistry, General.-
Geology/Earth Science, General.-
Physics, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-
Social sciencehas 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Anthropology, General.-
Economics, General.-
International Relations and Affairs.-
Political Science and Government, General.$40,653
Sociology, General.-
History has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
History, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Mathematics, General.-
Computational and Applied Mathematics.-
Natural resources has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Environmental Studies.-
Foreign languages has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
German Language and Literature.-
French Language and Literature.$34,269
Spanish Language and Literature.$34,269
Public administrationhas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Public Policy Analysis, General.-
Legal professionshas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Legal Studies.-
Philosophy has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Philosophy.-
Religion/Religious Studies.-

Students

2,255 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 43:57 · Freshman retention 86.3%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,246)

White
1,699 · 75.6%
Black
154 · 6.9%
Hispanic
145 · 6.5%
Unknown
110 · 4.9%
Two or more races
69 · 3.1%
Asian
33 · 1.5%
International
29 · 1.3%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Susquehanna University in 2023

In 2023, Susquehanna University displayed a diverse student body with notable trends in gender distribution and racial composition among various classifications. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there were 578 students, with 42% identifying as male and 58% as female. This gender ratio indicates a slight preference for female students in the incoming class, a trend that has been observed in many universities across the United States in recent years.

The undergraduate junior class was significantly larger, comprising 1,533 students, with a similar gender distribution of 42.5% male and 57.5% female. Interestingly, the transfer student population was quite small at just 28 students, with a higher male percentage of 64.3%. This might suggest either a trend of male students transferring more often or a smaller pool of male transfer applicants.

Graduate students represented a very small fraction of the total population, with only 7 enrolled, all of whom were female. This stark contrast highlights an area where further recruitment efforts could be beneficial to balance gender representation at the graduate level.

Furthermore, the data on racial demographics, particularly among freshmen and juniors, reveals that white students constitute the majority within these groups. Understanding these demographics is essential not only for fostering an inclusive environment but also for implementing targeted outreach initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity across the university. As higher education increasingly prioritizes diversity and inclusion, these statistics underscore the need for ongoing efforts to attract a broader array of students from various backgrounds.

Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Susquehanna University

The age distribution of students at Susquehanna University in 2023 reflects a predominantly young demographic, with the majority of undergraduate students falling within the 18-21 age range. Specifically, the largest group is composed of students aged 18-19, totaling 1,016, which constitutes approximately 69% of the undergraduate population. The 20-21 age group closely follows, making up around 28% of undergraduates. This trend aligns with the national average in many universities where younger students are more likely to enroll immediately after completing high school.

Interestingly, the number of older students decreases significantly as age increases. For instance, only a handful of students aged 25-29 and above are enrolled, with just 6 students aged 25-29 and 2 students aged 30-34. This could indicate that the institution primarily attracts traditional college-aged students, which may limit the diversity of perspectives and experiences that older students typically bring to the campus environment.

Moreover, the data shows a notable absence of graduate male students, which raises questions about the gender balance in graduate programs. The overall female student population also outnumbers males significantly, reflecting a broader trend in higher education where females are increasingly outpacing males in enrollment rates.

In conclusion, while Susquehanna University has a vibrant young student body, the low representation of older students and male graduates could suggest areas for potential growth and diversity in future enrollment strategies.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates1.3%

29 in 2025 · 2.3% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 2.3%2017: 2.1%2018: 1.5%2019: 1.9%2020: 1.6%2021: 1.3%2022: 1.2%2023: 0.9%2024: 1.3%2025: 1.3%
2016Peer median 3.6%2025
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2019

0% 5% 10% 2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2019Peer median 1.0%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Susquehanna University

The data on international student enrollment at Susquehanna University over the years reveals a fluctuating yet generally increasing trend among undergraduate students. From 2004 to 2023, the number of international undergraduates varied, peaking at 51 students in 2016, which accounted for 2.32% of the total undergraduate population. This represents a significant increase in the international student presence compared to earlier years when the proportion was below 1%.

However, the data also indicates a decline in the number of international undergraduate students in recent years, with only 19 students in 2023, making up just 0.85% of the undergraduate body. This drop raises concerns about potential barriers faced by international students, which could be influenced by global factors such as changing immigration policies, the impact of COVID-19, and shifting perceptions of studying abroad.

On the graduate side, the data is limited, but it shows an increasing trend in the number of international graduate students until 2019, with a reported number of 3 in that year. The absence of data for subsequent years hinders a complete analysis of this trend.

Overall, while Susquehanna University has seen moments of growth in international student enrollment, the recent decline suggests a need for strategic initiatives to attract and support international students. This is crucial, as diversity on campus enriches the educational experience for all students and enhances the institution's global reputation.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$75,950

Undergraduate tuition
$59,850
Room and board
$16,100
Graduate tuition
$7,620
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $46,780 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 42% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 44%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$115M

Tuition and fees
$36.7M31.8%
Auxiliary enterprises
$30.2M26.2%
Investment return
$28.7M24.9%
Gifts and private grants
$14.4M12.5%
Government grants and contracts
$4.1M3.5%
Other
$1.4M1.2%

Expenses$87.7M

Instruction
$29.1M33.2%
Student services
$22.9M26.1%
Auxiliary enterprises
$16.5M18.8%
Institutional support
$12.6M14.4%
Academic support
$5.2M5.9%
Research
$1.2M1.4%
Public service
$204K0.2%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$83,241peers $65,931
Professor
$90,093peers $77,501
Associate professor
$84,538peers $68,234
Assistant professor
$79,394peers $61,725
Lecturer
$72,373peers $60,000

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Centennial Conference · Landmark Conference

Centennial Conference: football

Landmark Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division III with footballMENWOMEN
Football128-
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)5754
Lacrosse5026
Soccer3234
Baseball52-
Field Hockey-34
Basketball1614
Softball-29
Swimming and Diving (combined)1613
Volleyball-21
Golf146
Tennis98
2024
NCAA Division III with footballMENWOMEN
Football129-
Track and Field (Indoor)5247
Track and Field (Outdoor)5247
Lacrosse4225
Soccer2433
Baseball42-
Cross Country1818
Basketball1914
Field Hockey-33
Swimming and Diving (combined)1015
Tennis1510
Golf167
Volleyball-20
Softball-19
2023
NCAA Division III with footballMENWOMEN
Football99-
Track and Field (Indoor)3636
Track and Field (Outdoor)3636
Soccer3233
Lacrosse3925
Baseball47-
Swimming1123
Basketball1715
Tennis1812
Field Hockey-25
Cross Country1312
Softball-24
Golf126
Volleyball-16

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable institutions near Susquehanna University:

  1. Bucknell University - Ranked 30th in the 2024 US News, Bucknell is a prominent liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and a vibrant campus community.

  2. Dickinson College - With a rank of 46, Dickinson College offers a rigorous liberal arts education that encourages critical thinking and global awareness among its students.

  3. Franklin and Marshall College - Ranked 35th, this liberal arts college is known for its collaborative learning environment and strong focus on research opportunities for undergraduates.

  4. Lehigh University - A prestigious research university ranked 47th, Lehigh offers a diverse range of programs and is known for its engineering and business disciplines.

  5. Gettysburg College - Ranked 63rd, Gettysburg College provides a rich educational experience with a focus on history and civic engagement, situated in a historic town.

These schools provide a variety of options for students seeking quality education in the region surrounding Susquehanna University.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 8.9 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
258
Drug referrals
122
Dating violence
22
Fondling
14
Rape
11
Stalking
10

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

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Susquehanna University

The crime statistics at Susquehanna University from 2013 to 2023 reveal a notable trend in student-related offenses. Initially, there was a steady increase in the crime rate, peaking in 2017 with a rate of 68.34 incidents per 1,000 students. This spike may reflect a growing awareness and reporting of crimes on campus, but it also raises concerns about student safety and the effectiveness of campus security measures.

Following 2017, the data indicates a gradual decline in crime rates, reaching a low of 21.96 in 2023. This downward trend could be attributed to several factors, including enhanced safety protocols, increased community engagement, or a shift in student behavior. Moreover, the significant drop in offenses related to alcohol and drug arrests is particularly noteworthy, suggesting a potential change in campus culture or effective preventative measures.

It is essential to consider the context behind these numbers. Universities across the United States have been increasingly focused on creating safer environments through educational programs and stricter enforcement of policies. Additionally, societal trends, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, may have also influenced these crime statistics, as many students experienced changes in living arrangements and social interactions.

Ultimately, while the decrease in crime rates at Susquehanna University is encouraging, continuous efforts are required to maintain and further improve campus safety. Engaging students in dialogue about safety and crime prevention will be crucial in fostering a secure campus environment. For those interested in understanding how crime rates are calculated, further information can be found here: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Susquehanna University include Camilla Luddington (Actress known for Grey's Anatomy), Harold Norman Moldenke (American botanist specializing in Verbenaceae) and Bob Mosher (Television and radio scriptwriter).

More alumni (7, by field)

Politics and law

Business

  • Koh Dong-jin 1961–

    Former Samsung Electronics executive and National Assembly member

Science and academia

Arts and media

  • Michael J. Bobbitt

    Playwright, director and CEO of Opera America

  • James Bates 1952–2014

    Organist and conductor of early and Baroque music

    Also attended: Yale University

Sports

  • Bill Muir 1942–

    Football coach, former Buccaneers offensive coordinator

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.