Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Carlow University logo

Carlow University

Pittsburgh, PA·Private nonprofit·1,336 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

87%
Accept
1,336
Students
$20,822
Net Price
55%
Grad Rate
$44,200
Earnings
10 yr
$21,513
Debt

About This School

Carlow University is a private nonprofit institution located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with approximately 1,336 undergraduate students enrolled. Carlow University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 87%. The average net price after financial aid is $20,822 per year. The graduation rate is 55%, and the typical graduate earns $44,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Carlow University is a private Catholic university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1929 by the Sisters of Mercy, it enrolled over 2,400 students as of fall 2024. The university's athletic teams are known as the Celtics, reflecting its Irish heritage.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the $20,822 average net price is genuinely affordable, and a Pittsburgh location offers real access to healthcare and nonprofit job markets that align with this Catholic university's mission-driven programs. However, the 55% graduation rate is a meaningful concern — nearly half of students who start don't finish — and median earnings of $44,200 a decade out suggest graduates aren't commanding premium salaries. Worth considering if you're drawn to small, values-centered education and have a clear plan to stay on track, but ask hard questions about support services before committing.

Founded
1929
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Health Professions44%
Business & Marketing13%
Education12%
Biological Sciences10%
Psychology6%
Social Sciences4%
Communications2%
Visual & Performing Arts2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite23

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$34,502
Out-of-State Tuition
$34,502
Avg Net Price
$20,822
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants41%
Median debt at graduation$21,513

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
55%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
78%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$21,513
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$21,513
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$40,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.1x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White67%
Black19%
Hispanic/Latino4%
Asian4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,336 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Carlow University

3333 Fifth Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3165

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Pennsylvania

Browse all Pennsylvania schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.