The University of Scranton

The University of Scranton is a Catholic and Jesuit institution that delivers a transformative education, grounded in the liberal arts, to nearly 3,600 undergraduate students.

With a rich tradition of academic excellence, our programs are taught in small classes and led by faculty who are experts in their fields. Every aspect of a Scranton education exists to help students succeed. Scholars are challenged here and supported.

Here, youll have many choices. With 69 majors and 47 minors across three colleges, faculty and staff work with students to choose a combination of majors and minors that suit them as individuals.

Our graduates are known for devotion to the welfare of other human beings and special commitment to the pursuit of social justice. Washington Monthly ranked the University 30th among master's universities nationally for its "contribution to the public good" through graduate's achievements in research, social mobility and community and national service.

Scranton develops leaders in every sense through rigorous preparation in students chosen fields, coupled with a commitment to educating the whole person, or cura personalis. We challenge students morally, spiritually and intellectually. Students extend their academic experience through participation in honors programs, internships, faculty-student research and study abroad, and the University provides excellent preparation for medical and other health professions, doctoral programs, law school, graduate school, and post-graduate fellowships and scholarships.

In addition to conducting high-level research alongside professors, our students find abundant opportunities to apply classroom learning in the real world. We encourage students to gain experience and make connections through internships. They regularly collaborate on professional projects within the community and beyond.

Scranton is consistently recognized among the top tier of universities in the nation for outstanding quality of education. According to U.S. News & World Report, Scranton is fifth among masters universities in the North. Scranton also ranked among "Best Colleges for Veterans" and was 8th in its category for "Best Undergraduate Teaching." Our Kania School of Management was ranked among "Best Graduate Schools," as were our graduate programs in rehabilitation counseling and nursing. Forbes and The Princeton Review also rank Scranton among the nation's top colleges.

According to PayScales recent salary report, Scranton is in the top 16% of universities listed by median salaries of alumni. This is one of several "best value" rankings for the University.

Scranton fields NCAA Division III varsity teams in 11 sports for men and 12 sports for women. Nearly all of our teams compete in NCAA Division IIIs Landmark Conference. More than 2,325 students are involved in recreational sports and intramurals, including leagues, tournaments and weekend special events.

More than 100 clubs and organizations exist at the University, from the Urban Beats Crew or men's and women's rugby clubs to the Speech and Debate Team and Society for Sustainability and Conservation.

Activities include:
Academic/honors organizations
Cultural/ethnic groups
Hobby/special interest groups
Media organizations
Political/social issues organizations
Service/spiritual groups
Student government/programming boards

If we don't already have a club for what captivates you, create one. It couldn't be easier to make Scranton your own!

Some students refer to The University of Scranton as "Disney World in PA" because "everyone is so friendly and helpful," and note that "even the novice Jesuits who come to visit Scranton always comment on the feeling of community." Diversity seems to be the one area that's still being worked on. Although some say the "majority is a richer upper-class white population" of conservatives, other students report that there are "a growing number of Hispanic students" and "many different cultural events and support groups, alliances, and clubs for diverse populations." The clubs and organizations are seen as a major driver of change: "Campus ministries and the center for social justice are strong entities on our campus," and undergraduates are "bright and genuinely wanting to better themselves and others."

Students frequently describe The University of Scranton as lovely, and not just because of the scenery. "Everyone knows each other here and support is easy to find.... I love just walking around campus because of how beautiful it is and how many people I stop and say hello to." To put it simply, the school's greatest strength is its ability to "foster a sense of community amongst everyone, faculty and students alike. You feel yourself...getting excited to go to campus." Many students speak fondly of just throwing a Frisbee around Dionne Green (the free-play lawn area) or, "on cold days people go to the nearby mountain for [discounted] skiing and snowboarding." Those seeking to be more competitive can join intramural sports, which "are so incredibly well-run and enjoyable that anyone of any athletic ability can participate and have a blast." There is no Greek life on campus, and students report that "though partying is pretty popular," that's not a big part of the culture. Instead, many students walk into nearby Scranton: "There are a couple of restaurants near campus that I will go to with my friends," check out the programming board's "late-night events every weekend...[which] are usually interesting and draw in a large crowd," check out sporting events, or take part in clubs, many of which happen to be service-oriented, like Beading Hope, which "provides bracelets to the local mental hospital." Says one athlete, "I'm so happy to be part of such a positive environment."