Holy Family Hall

About

Overview

Holy Family University is a private institution in the Catholic tradition with campus locations in Philadelphia and Newtown, PA. Founded in 1954, the University is informed by its values-driven mission, ensuring a welcoming and accessible learning community for all. The University comprises four schools: Arts & Sciences, Business & Technology, Education, and Nursing & Health Sciences. Nestled in the heart of a historic residential neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia, and a bucolic setting in Bucks County, the University is just minutes from the excitement of Center City. Holy Family enrolls more than 3,600 students at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels and was rated the Safest College in Philadelphia by Niche.com two years in a row (2023 and 2024). 

Holy Family is ranked a Tier 1 institution for “Top Performers on Social Mobility” by Third Way, was named by the Chronicle of Higher Education as a Top 10 school nationally for best salary outcomes and by MONEY Magazine as a Best College based on educational quality, affordability, and alumni success.

Holy Family University is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

Holy Family University students hanging out and talking outside on campus

Key Statistics

  • Founded: 1954
  • Status: Private, four-year, comprehensive university
  • Affiliation: Roman Catholic
  • President: Anne Prisco, Ph.D. (6th President of Holy Family University)
  • Enrollment (Fall 2022): 2,955 total students (2,182 Undergraduate and 773 Graduate)
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
  • Average Class Size: 15 Undergraduate; 5 Graduate
  • Degree Programs:
    • 48 undergraduate academic program concentration areas in four academic schools: Arts & Sciences, Business & Technology, Education, and Nursing & Health Sciences
    • 12 master’s degree programs
    • 8 certifications
    • 3 doctoral programs
  • Internships:  100% of students across all majors have at least one internship or practicum experience.
  • Athletics: Eighteen NCAA Division II men’s and women’s varsity teams
  • Residential Facilities: Accommodation for 320 residents
Faculty member lecturing to students in a Holy Family classroom

Academic Excellence

Holy Family University is committed to providing high-quality education through its diverse range of programs:

  • Doctoral, Master’s, and Baccalaureate Degrees: The university offers an array of degree programs tailored to meet the needs of students across various disciplines. Additionally, it provides an associate’s degree in radiologic science and multiple certifications, including Pennsylvania's approved teacher education program for grades K-12.
  • Accreditation:
    • Middle States Commission on Higher Education
    • Business: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
    • Doctor of Psychology, Counseling Psychology: American Psychological Association
    • Nursing: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education*
    • Radiologic Science: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiographic Technology

*The baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees in nursing at Holy Family University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Holy Family University students in a lab looking through microscopes

Student Life and Support

  • Campus Life: More than 25 student-run clubs and organizations, and 10 honor societies offer students numerous opportunities for engagement and leadership.
  • Student Demographics:
    • 3:1 female-to-male ratio
    • 39% from underrepresented populations
    • 40% Catholic
    • 11% from New Jersey
    • 52% from the city of Philadelphia
    • 73% are from a zip code within a fifty-mile radius from the university
  • Financial Aid: 8 out of 10 full-time undergraduate students receive at least 10% institutional aid.
  • Outcomes: Approximately 92% of recent graduates are working or attending graduate school within a year.

Cost (2024–2025)

  • Tuition: $34,080
  • Room: $8,464
  • Board: $7,829

Unique Features

Holy Family University is known for its supportive atmosphere and programs tailored to the real lives of students. This includes a number of accelerated degree, hybrid, and online programs specifically designed for working adults. With a focus on professional readiness and personal development, Holy Family University remains an attractive choice for prospective students seeking a comprehensive, flexible, and supportive educational experience.