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Carlow University

Carlow University

Pittsburgh, PA · City · 1,348 students
Website Common App Scorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$20,786
Average net priceYour net price
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
58%
Graduation rate
54% typical
$51,051
Earnings 10 years on
$55,177 typical
87%
Acceptance rate
82% typical · not scored
Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education
About

Located in Pittsburgh's vibrant Oakland neighborhood, Carlow University is a private, Catholic institution grounded in the Sisters of Mercy tradition, widely recognized for its premier programs in direct-entry nursing, the health sciences, education, and social work. The university heavily leverages its proximity to world-renowned healthcare networks like UPMC to offer students immersive clinical placements, internships, and research opportunities. Carlow's campus culture is close-knit, inclusive, and deeply mission-driven, placing a strong emphasis on social justice, community engagement, and ethical leadership. With small class sizes and personalized faculty mentorship, students benefit from a supportive, values-centered liberal arts education situated in the heart of a major collegiate hub.

Wikipedia: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.

Location
Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-3165 · City campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
PIT · Pittsburgh
15 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$35,874
Housing & food (on campus)$13,808
Books & supplies$2,000
Cost of attendance$57,522
Average net price$20,786
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$35,874
Housing & food (on campus)$13,808
Books & supplies$2,000
Cost of attendance$57,522
Average net price$20,786
Source: U.S. College Scorecard · published total: www.carlow.edu
How it’s made up
Tuition$37,008
Housing$7,266
Food$7,370
Books & supplies$2,000
Personal expenses$1,300
Transportation$1,000
Total published by the school$57,522
Net price by family income
$0–30k
$17,901
$30–48k
$15,748
$48–75k
$19,517
$75–110k
$21,601
$110k+
$25,214
Grants from the school
95% of first-years get a grant from the school, averaging $22,761
Source: College Navigator (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS)
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
58%
Within 4 yrs
49%
Back for yr 2
84%
Transferred
35%
Pell students: 52.8% · others: 67.5% 
8 yrs after starting
55% graduated · 37% transferred · 7% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings
6 yrs after entry$44,876
10 yrs after entry$51,051
Debt
Median at graduation$25,500
Monthly payment$270
Middle 50% owe$9.3k–$30.3k
90th percentile$41,500
Green marks a figure above the typical Master's (larger programs): 54% graduate within 6 yrs.
Admissions
Getting in
Admit rate
87%
Test policy
Test optional
SAT average
1080
R 500–598 · M 460–570
ACT midpoint
23
SAT middle 50%: 960–1168
40080012001600
Admitted students
Admit rate: men 83.9% · women 87.8% 
Yield: 15.7% of admitted students enroll 

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Essay prompts

If Carlow University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 16%Women 84%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
12 : 1
Pell grant
43%
First-gen
37%
Family income
$40,539
Independent
36%
Age at entry
24.0
Part-time
23%
Where first-years come from
In state (PA)
94.8%
Out of state
5.2%
International
0.0%

Most out-of-state first-years from: IL 1 · MD 1 · NJ 1 · NY 1 · OH 1

Race & ethnicity
White
66%
Hispanic
5%
Black
19%
Asian
3%
Two or more
4%
Non-resident
1%
AI/AN
1%
Unknown
1%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division III without football
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's · Women's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Other Sports
    Co-ed
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Tennis
    Women's
  • Track and Field (Outdoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Men's · Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs
After 6 yrs
$44,876
After 10 yrs
$51,051
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing92
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods30
Biology, General19
Psychology, General17
Business Administration, Management and Operations15
Accounting and Related Services15
Health and Medical Administrative Services12
Criminology9
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities7
English Language and Literature, General6
Neurobiology and Neurosciences6
Social Work5
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions5
Fine and Studio Arts4
Chemistry3
Human Resources Management and Services3
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$57M
Full-time faculty
100%
Faculty salary
$7,520/mo
Teaching spend
$10,746
per student
Federal loans
69%
Classification
Carnegie type
Master's (larger programs)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions

Wondering if Carlow University is the right fit for you?

omhu builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search