Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Center Valley, Pennsylvania |
| Online | desales.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Religious Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
DeSales University is a private Catholic institution situated in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, approximately 60 miles north of Philadelphia in the Lehigh Valley region. The campus spans 500 acres of suburban landscape and features a mix of traditional and modern architecture, including the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts. Founded in 1964 as Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, the institution achieved university status in 2001. DeSales maintains selective admission standards and is recognized for its programs in nursing, business, and performing arts, with its theater program being particularly notable through its partnership with the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. The university operates as a primarily residential campus, with most first-year students living in one of six traditional residence halls.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
DeSales University is rated within the top 35% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for DeSales University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#295 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#215 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#25 in Best Colleges in Pennsylvania
#23 in Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania
#353 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#27 in Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1090/1290 |
| ACT | 24/28 |
| GPA | 3.39 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,711 |
| Other Fees | $1,800 |
| Room and Board | $13,800 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,605 |
| Total One Year Cost | $64,916 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 29% |
| Health Professions | 19% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 11% |
| Biology | 5% |
| Communication | 5% |
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