Susquehanna University logo

Susquehanna University

Selinsgrove, PA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

“Achievement, Leadership, Service”

1858
Founded
Private liberal arts college
Type
2,120
Total Students
2,239
Undergrad
$243M
Endowment
(2025)
$57K
Tuition (In-State)
$57K
Tuition (Out-State)
$27K
Avg Net Price
79%
Acceptance Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
6-year
73%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification

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

About Susquehanna University

Susquehanna University: A private liberal arts college fostering achievement, leadership, and service since 1858.

Susquehanna University stands as a distinguished private liberal arts college, dedicated to its enduring motto of "Achievement, Leadership, Service." Founded on principles of robust education and community impact, Susquehanna is committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields and communities. Its intimate setting and focus on comprehensive learning create an engaging environment for personal and academic growth.

The institution's rich history began in 1858 with the establishment of the Missionary Institute of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Susquehanna Female College. Initially envisioned to prepare men for ministry, the founders swiftly expanded its mission to include a junior college and a sister institution for women, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to education. This dual beginning quickly evolved, as the sister college disbanded in 1873, leading the institute to become co-educational—a testament to its adaptive spirit early in its existence.

The turn of the 20th century marked a pivotal period for Susquehanna. Officially adopting the name Susquehanna University in 1895, it began offering bachelor's degrees, signaling a significant expansion of its academic scope. The 1920s brought an era of dynamic growth, with student enrollment surging, accommodations being revitalized, the campus expanding, and academic departments and offerings continuously enhanced. This period laid the groundwork for the modern university, cementing its status as a vibrant center for liberal arts education.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1858 as a private liberal arts college.
  • ✦Motto: "Achievement, Leadership, Service."
  • ✦Endowment of $0.2 billion supports institutional mission.
  • ✦Became a co-educational institution in 1873.
  • ✦Officially renamed Susquehanna University in 1895, expanding its academic degrees.
  • ✦Experienced significant growth in student enrollment and campus facilities in the 1920s.

Timeline

1858
Missionary Institute of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and Susquehanna Female College established.
1858
Institutions legally recognized 23 days after establishment.
1873
Susquehanna Female College disbanded, and the institute became co-educational.
1895
The institute officially became known as Susquehanna University.
Early 1900s
Began offering bachelor's degrees.
1903
Board approved university colors: orange and maroon.
1920s
Student enrollment skyrocketed, campus expanded, and academic offerings were enhanced.
🏛️
168 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Susquehanna University

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search