Head-to-Head Comparison
Quinnipiac University vs Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
- Quinnipiac Wins
- 10
- Tied
- 14
- Saint Joseph's Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $29,689 vs Quinnipiac University's $40,675, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
45 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Quinnipiac
- More selective: Admits 72% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Saint Joseph's
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $86,881 ten years after enrollment, 4% more than Quinnipiac University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $29,689, roughly $10,986 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 79% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $25,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Quinnipiac graduates concentrate in Health Professions (35% of degrees); Saint Joseph's in Business & Marketing (39%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia over Quinnipiac University. Median earnings of $86,881 ten years after enrollment vs $83,759.
Pick Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia over Quinnipiac University. Net price $29,689 vs $40,675.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Quinnipiac University and Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia are close on paper, but Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Quinnipiac University is the harder admit. It takes 72% of applicants, while Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,242 to 1,258.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Quinnipiac University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $29,689, about $10,986 a year below Quinnipiac University's $40,675. Graduates of Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia also borrow less: median debt of $25,500, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $43,944 before any change in aid. Choosing Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates report median earnings of $86,881, compared with $83,759 at Quinnipiac University. That is a 4% advantage. Set against borrowing, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.29x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 4% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Quinnipiac University concentrates enrollment in Psychology, while Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $40,675 runs well above Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's $29,689.
No strong negative signals — Saint Joseph's competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 1 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Quinnipiac University
Hamden, CT · Private nonprofit
Quinnipiac University serves over 6,500 students, with a graduation rate of 77%. This indicates a strong support system helping students to complete their degrees. The university maintains a 72% acceptance rate, making it a viable option for many applicants seeking a private education.
The earning potential for graduates is notable, with a median income of $83,759 ten years after graduation. While the specifics on mobility and economic connectedness are not provided, the solid earnings indicate that many graduates find success in their fields. The university's focus on health professions, business, and communications aligns well with job market demands.
Financially, students face a net price of $40,675, and the median student debt stands at $26,000. This suggests that while the cost of attendance is significant, many graduates are able to manage their debt effectively thanks to their earning potential. Quinnipiac attracts students who thrive in collaborative and career-oriented environments, particularly in programs like health professions and business.
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students, Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia is a welcoming space for those looking to balance solid academics with a vibrant campus life. The acceptance rate of 89% suggests that we can expect a diverse group of students, many of whom are drawn to popular programs in Business and Marketing, Health Professions, Biology, Education, and Social Sciences. This mix means you'll find a community where collaboration and support thrive, making it a good fit if you're looking to dive deep into any of these fields.
Looking ahead, graduates from Saint Joseph's can anticipate a promising financial future. On average, alumni earn about $86,881 a decade after completing their studies, which is a solid return on investment considering the cost of education. Affordability is also a key factor here; the net price after aid stands at $29,689, and while some students do take on debt, with a median of $25,500, the earnings potential can help ease that burden for many.
In practical terms, students who tend to thrive at Saint Joseph's often embrace the collaborative atmosphere and are eager to engage with the community. The university supports a range of financial aid options, though it's worth noting that only 20% of students receive Pell Grants, meaning there’s a diverse economic mix on campus. This environment can be especially beneficial for those who are proactive about their education and seek to leverage the school's resources to create their own opportunities.
Rankings They Appear On
Quinnipiac University is featured on the Best Nursing Colleges in Connecticut ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Quinnipiac's top program is Nursing (BSN) (35% of enrollment), while Saint Joseph's leads with Business Administration (39%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Quinnipiac) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Saint Joseph's).
The two schools feed different job markets. Quinnipiac University is strongest in Communications, while Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia concentrates in Biology & Biomedical. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Quinnipiac
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Quinnipiac University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
Quinnipiac University is harder to get into, admitting 72% of applicants compared with 89% at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia.
Which is more affordable, Quinnipiac University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia is more affordable, with an average net price of $29,689 after aid versus $40,675 at Quinnipiac University.
Do Quinnipiac University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates earn more?
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates earn more: median earnings of $86,881 ten years after enrollment, versus $83,759 at Quinnipiac University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Quinnipiac University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia has the higher graduation rate, 79% versus 77%.
Should you choose Quinnipiac University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Quinnipiac University if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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