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DeSales University

Center Valley, PA·Private nonprofit·2,113 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

79%
Accept
2,113
Students
$30,465
Net Price
71%
Grad Rate
$54,700
Earnings
10 yr
$20,000
Debt

About This School

DeSales University is a private nonprofit institution located in Center Valley, Pennsylvania with approximately 2,113 undergraduate students enrolled. DeSales University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 79%. The average net price after financial aid is $30,465 per year. The graduation rate is 71%, and the typical graduate earns $54,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

DeSales University (DSU) is a private Catholic university in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, United States. The university offers traditional, online, and hybrid courses and programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Named for St. Francis de Sales, the university was founded in 1964 as Allentown College of Saint Francis de Sales by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales.

This small Catholic school in the Lehigh Valley is worth considering if you want personal attention in a values-driven environment — an 81% freshman retention rate suggests students generally feel at home here. The financial picture is reasonably balanced, with median debt at graduation sitting at just $20,000 against median earnings of $54,700 a decade out. That said, a 71% graduation rate means roughly 3 in 10 students don't finish, so it's fair to ask what support systems are in place before committing.

Founded
1964
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Health Professions29%
Business & Marketing20%
Visual & Performing Arts11%
Biological Sciences10%
Psychology6%
Education5%
Computer Science2%
Communications2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Alexie GilmoreSteve BurnsMarnie Schulenburg

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1199
Reading 75th %ile650
Math 75th %ile640

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite26

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$44,800
Out-of-State Tuition
$44,800
Avg Net Price
$30,465
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants23%
Median debt at graduation$20,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
71%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
81%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$54,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$20,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$20,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$43,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$54,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.7x

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

White70%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino15%
Asian5%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,113 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

DeSales University

2755 Station Avenue

Center Valley, PA 18034-9568

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

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