Chestnut Hill College

Philadelphia, PA

private nonprofitgraduate

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Quick Facts

“Fides, Caritas, Scientia”(Faith, Charity, Knowledge)

1924

Founded

Private college

Type

931

Total Students

1,072

Undergrad

433

Graduate

$39K

Tuition (In-State)

$39K

Tuition (Out-State)

$30K

Avg Net Price

79%

Acceptance Rate

56%

Graduation Rate

6-year

67%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Chestnut Hill College

A Catholic liberal arts college evolving from an all-women's institution to a thriving coeducational hub.

Nestled on a picturesque 45-acre campus overlooking the Wissahickon Creek in Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill College offers a transformative liberal arts education rooted in the values of Fides, Caritas, Scientia (Faith, Charity, Knowledge). Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1924, this private college has a rich history of fostering intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and social growth, preparing students to meet life's challenges with a broad background in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Originally established as Mount Saint Joseph College, an all-women's institution, Chestnut Hill College has continuously adapted its curriculum and offerings to serve a wider population. The college pioneered continuing education for mature women and men in 1972, followed by the establishment of a coeducational School of Graduate Studies in 1980, which expanded to include doctoral programs by 1997. This spirit of inclusion culminated in 2003 when the traditional undergraduate program welcomed men, dramatically increasing enrollment and enriching the campus community.

Today, Chestnut Hill College provides diverse learning opportunities for all students. From traditional undergraduate programs to evening and weekend classes in the School of Continuing Studies, and advanced degrees through the School of Graduate Studies, the college caters to various academic paths. As a member of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education (SEPCHE) and the Association of Colleges of Sisters of St. Joseph (ACSSJ), Chestnut Hill offers collaborative educational experiences and global study-abroad programs, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging student journey for prospective students and their families.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1924 as a Catholic, four-year, liberal arts college by the Sisters of St. Joseph.
✦Located on a beautiful 45-acre campus in northwestern Philadelphia, overlooking Wissahickon Creek.
✦Transitioned from an all-women's college to a fully coeducational institution in 2003.
✦Experienced an 80% enrollment increase by Fall 2005 following coeducation, with total enrollment exceeding 2,000 in the 2010s.
✦Offers a wide range of degrees including Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral programs.
✦Member of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education (SEPCHE) and the Association of Colleges of Sisters of St. Joseph (ACSSJ), providing expanded academic and study-abroad opportunities.

Timeline

1924

Opened as Mount Saint Joseph College, a Catholic, four-year, liberal arts college for women.

1938

Renamed Chestnut Hill College.

1960

High school section moved to Flourtown, retaining the name Mount Saint Joseph.

1972

Established a coeducational continuing education department, now the School of Continuing Studies.

1980

Established the coeducational School of Graduate Studies, offering master's degrees.

1997

Added a doctoral program to the School of Graduate Studies.

2001

Announced plans to admit men to the traditional-age, full-time undergraduate program.

2003

Admitted male students, transforming the College for Women into the coeducational School of Undergraduate Studies.

2005

Undergraduate enrollment increased by 80% after becoming coeducational.

🏛️

102 Years

of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within Chestnut Hill College

🏫

School of Continuing Studies

Established in 1972, it offers undergraduate study opportunities to mature women and men, with many classes conducted in evenings and weekends.

🎓

School of Graduate Studies

Established in 1980, this coeducational school offers master's degrees, and expanded to include a doctoral program in 1997.

🎓

School of Undergraduate Studies

Formed in 2003 when the traditional 78-year-old College for Women became coeducational, admitting male students to full-time undergraduate programs.

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