York College of Pennsylvania

York, PA

private nonprofitgraduate

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Quick Facts

“Servire Est Vivere (Latin)”(To Serve Is to Live)

1787

Founded

Private college

Type

3,187

Total Students

3,500

Undergrad

400

Graduate

$198M

Endowment

(2025)

$25K

Tuition (In-State)

$25K

Tuition (Out-State)

$20K

Avg Net Price

94%

Acceptance Rate

60%

Graduation Rate

6-year

77%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

President: Thomas Burns

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

About York College of Pennsylvania

York College: From 18th-century Academy to a Vibrant Private College in Historic York.

York College of Pennsylvania stands as a testament to educational evolution, tracing its distinguished roots back to the 1770s. This private college, with its motto "Servire Est Vivere" (To Serve is to Live), has grown from humble beginnings into a vibrant institution recognized for its enduring commitment to learning, preparing students for success in a dynamic world.

The college's rich history began with the York County Academy, chartered in 1787 and even hosting future U.S. Congressman Thaddeus Stevens as a teacher. This esteemed academy later merged with the York Collegiate Institute in 1941 to form York Junior College. This pivotal moment marked a significant shift from elementary and secondary education to a dedicated focus on post-secondary learning, setting the stage for its modern identity.

By 1968, the institution proudly evolved into York College of Pennsylvania, establishing accredited four-year bachelor's degree programs. Today, its picturesque campus is located in Spring Garden Township, adjacent to the historic heart of York City – renowned as the first national capital of the U.S. and birthplace of the Articles of Confederation. Its strategic location places students just 100 miles west of Philadelphia and 52 miles north of Baltimore, offering a unique blend of historical significance and accessibility for a well-rounded student experience.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1787, tracing its institutional lineage to the York County Academy established in the 1770s.
✦A private college guided by the Latin motto "Servire Est Vivere" (To Serve is to Live).
✦Boasts an endowment of $0.2 billion, supporting its mission and student success.
✦Evolved into an accredited four-year bachelor's degree institution by 1968.
✦Strategically located near historic York City, 100 miles west of Philadelphia and 52 miles north of Baltimore.
✦Notable former faculty includes U.S. Congressman Thaddeus Stevens (1815-1816).
✦Current campus in Spring Garden Township was dedicated in 1965, on lands formerly occupied by a golf course.

Timeline

1770

York County Academy, a precursor to York College, opened in downtown York.

1787

York County Academy received its charter from the General Assembly of Pennsylvania.

1815

Thaddeus Stevens taught at the York County Academy (until 1816).

1872

York Collegiate Institute (YCI) was founded.

1941

York County Academy and YCI merged to become York Junior College, shifting focus to post-secondary education.

1965

The current campus in Spring Garden Township was dedicated.

1968

York College established accredited four-year bachelor's degree programs and officially became York College of Pennsylvania.

1975

York College absorbed York Country Day School, briefly re-encompassing K–12 education.

🏛️

239 Years

of Excellence

Leadership

Thomas Burns

President

Patrice DiQuinzio

Provost

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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