DeSales University
DeSales University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
DeSales University at a Glance
DeSales University (DSU) is a private Catholic university in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, United States. The university offers traditional, online, and hybrid courses and programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Named for St. Francis de Sales, the university was founded in 1964 as Allentown College of Saint Francis de Sales by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales.
1964
62 years old
$127M
$127.1 million (2025)
2,986
2,138 undergrad · 814 grad
133
550 acres
Identity
Is DeSales University Worth It?
At a value score of 35/100, DeSales University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $61,295 — 14% above average — while paying $31,643/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.1-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 72% graduation rate means roughly 28% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at DeSales University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How DeSales University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #102 of 160 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #2 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #5 | Regis University | 60 | $18,397 | $72,105 |
| #6 | Pacific Lutheran University | 60 | $19,589 | $66,990 |
| #102 | DeSales University | 35 | $31,643 | $61,295 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of DeSales University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 19 in PA.
Best Programs at DeSales University
The highest-earning program at DeSales University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $64,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at $17,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from DeSales University earns $64,200, while a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate earns $17,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $31,643/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $64,200 | $64,200 | $25,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $49,000 | $49,000 | $21,548 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $42,900 | $42,900 | $26,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $41,900 | $41,900 | $25,708 |
| Marketing | $41,700 | $41,700 | $26,000 |
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other | $37,000 | $37,000 | $23,250 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $34,600 | $34,600 | $25,709 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $31,800 | $31,800 | $25,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $30,900 | $30,900 | N/A |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $28,500 | $28,500 | $26,000 |
| Psychology, General | $25,600 | $25,600 | $27,000 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $21,500 | $21,500 | $27,000 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $17,500 | $17,500 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Center Valley, PA
- Student Body
- 2,128 students
- Admission Rate
- 77%
- Graduation Rate
- 72%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $31,643
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $61,295
- Median Student Debt
- $25,788