A Complete Guide to Saint Joseph’s University

Saint Joseph’s University is a private Jesuit university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, known for its academic excellence, strong sense of community, and values-based education. The university offers a wide range of academic options designed to meet diverse interests and career goals.

The university is more prominently recognized in national and regional rankings, including being ranked No. 5 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 list of Regional Universities North in 2024. It has also earned accolades for innovation, value, and its strong support for military veterans.

This guide covers everything you need to know before applying. You'll find details on admissions, academic programs, housing, tuition, and the acceptance rate to help you decide if Saint Joseph’s University is the right fit for your future.

About Saint Joseph’s University

Founded in 1851 by the Society of Jesus, Saint Joseph’s University (SJU) is one of the oldest Jesuit institutions in the United States.  SJU is recognized as an R2 research institution, meaning it’s actively involved in high-level research. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a proud member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU).

Campuses:

• Hawk Hill (Main Line area)
• University City (closer to downtown Philadelphia)
• Lancaster Campus (health-related programs)

Rankings:

• Ranked Top 5 Regional Universities (North) by U.S. News & World Report (2025)
• Ranked #20 Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report (2025)
• Ranked #13 Best Undergraduate Teaching by U.S. News & World Report (2024)

Courses Offered at Saint Joseph’s University

If you’re thinking about joining Saint Joseph’s University, you’ve got a lot of choices when it comes to what you can study.

For undergrads, there are tons of majors and minors — over 160, actually. Whether you're into business, biology, computer science, psychology, or something more niche, there’s probably a program for it. They even have 4+1 options, which let you finish your bachelor’s and master’s degrees faster (five years instead of six).

If you’re coming in for grad school, there’s a solid lineup there, too. You’ll find nearly 90 graduate programs across areas like:

• Arts and Sciences
• Business (through the Haub School)
• Education
• Health Professions

Here are some popular undergraduate majors:

Saint Joseph’s University Admission Requirements

International students applying to Saint Joseph’s University programs will find a supportive and transparent admissions process. 

Most international applicants will need to submit the following requirements for admission to Saint Joseph’s University: 

Completed Application

Undergraduate: Applicants can apply through the Common Application or the Saint Joseph’s University application portal.

Graduate: Applicants must complete the online application form via the university’s graduate portal.

Official Academic Transcripts

Undergraduate: Official secondary school academic transcripts, sent directly from the school. If not in English, certified translations are required.

Graduate: Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate coursework must be sent to the Office of Graduate Operations or emailed to gradstaff@sju.edu. A course-by-course credential evaluation via a NACES-accredited agency (e.g., WES or ECE) is also required.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

Required if English is not the applicant’s first language. Minimum test scores vary slightly between undergraduate and graduate levels (see table below).

Personal Statement or Essay

Undergraduate: A general essay explaining academic goals and interest in Saint Joseph’s University.

Graduate: A personal statement and a short essay addressing “What are your career and educational goals?”

Letters of Recommendation

Undergraduate: One to two letters from academic or professional references.

Graduate:

• Most programs require 1–2 letter of recommendation (LORs)
• Pharmaceutics/Pharmacology/Toxicology: 3 letters
• EMBA and DBA: 2 letters

Resume or CV

Typically required for graduate applicants.

Proof of Financial Support

Required for all international applicants to process the I-20 form (needed for the F-1 student visa). Must demonstrate adequate funds for tuition and living expenses.

Passport Copy

A clear copy of the valid passport information page must be submitted.

Application Fee

Graduate applicants must pay a non-refundable $35 application fee (waivers may be available for select programs). No fee is mentioned for undergraduate applicants.

Standardized Test Scores

Undergraduate: SAT scores are optional but a minimum score of 500 in evidence-based reading and writing may substitute for English proficiency.

Graduate: Standardized tests (e.g., GRE/GMAT) may be required depending on the program.

Conditional Admission

Undergraduate students who meet academic requirements but need to improve their English may receive conditional admission.

English Proficiency Requirements:

All international applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English to ensure academic success. The following standardized test scores are accepted for undergraduate and Saint Joseph’s University graduate programs:

Whether you’re applying to business, education, or STEM tracks, Saint Joseph’s University admissions is structured to accommodate global students at every step.

Application Deadlines at Saint Joseph’s University

If you're planning to apply to Saint Joseph’s University as an international student, timing is everything. 

Undergraduate Application Deadlines

To maximize your chances of admission and scholarship consideration, it's important to apply on time. Saint Joseph’s University offers several application options, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your goals and timeline.

Here are the key deadlines for undergraduate applicants:

Graduate Application Deadlines

Most Saint Joseph’s University graduate programs offer rolling admissions, meaning you can apply at any time. However, international students are strongly encouraged to follow these recommended deadlines to allow sufficient time for visa and travel preparations:

Planning ahead is key. Meeting these deadlines ensures you’ll have enough time for things like student visa requirements, travel bookings, and orientation registration at Saint Joseph’s University.

Tuition Fees at Saint Joseph’s University

Understanding the cost of your education is essential when planning to study abroad. At Saint Joseph’s University, tuition is clearly structured, and financial support is available to help students plan their budgets with confidence.

Undergraduate Tuition for 2025–2026

Graduate Tuition at Saint Joseph’s University

Saint Joseph’s University tuition is charged per credit hour, and rates vary by school and program. The tuition for popular graduate programs is listed below:

College of Arts and Sciences & School of Education:

Haub School of Business

School of Health Professions

Many Saint Joseph’s University graduate programs are offered part-time or online, allowing students to control the pace and cost.

Saint Joseph’s University Scholarships

Worried about the cost of studying in the U.S.? You’re not alone — and the good news is, Saint Joseph’s University does offer scholarships that can help. Here’s a quick overview of key scholarships available for the 2025 academic year:

Student Housing at Saint Joseph’s University

Finding the right place to live plays a big part in your experience at Saint Joseph’s University, especially for international students adjusting to a new city and culture. While on-campus Saint Joseph's University housing available, many students prefer the independence and flexibility that comes with living off campus.

If you’re looking for modern, secure, and affordable student housing near the university, Amber offers a curated selection of properties tailored to student needs.

Here are some top-rated options near Saint Joseph’s University:

• 44 N 40th St
• The Summit at University City
• Solo 4233
• Solo 4125

All these options come with student-focused features such as furnished rooms, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, study areas, and secure entry.

Explore more housing choices and book confidently through Amber’s student apartment platform, built specifically for international students seeking a smooth transition to life near Saint Joseph’s University.