Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Allentown, PA & West Hartford, CT
When students choose between University of Saint Joseph and Cedar Crest College, they're comparing two small private colleges with strikingly similar missions and outcomes. Both emphasize health sciences programs and feed graduates into similar career paths.
The key differences are modest: Saint Joseph costs $4,466 more annually but graduates students at a notably higher rate (70% vs 58%). For families weighing these trade-offs, the decision comes down to completion confidence versus cost sensitivity.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$27,000
federal loans
$27,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$28,620
borrowed by parents
$25,425
borrowed by parents
Both schools are health-focused institutions with nursing as their flagship program. University of Saint Joseph graduates 79 nursing students annually alongside 24 in social work and 19 in psychology.
Cedar Crest produces 86 nursing graduates but shows more business emphasis, with 40 business administration graduates and stronger accounting programs (18 graduates). Saint Joseph maintains a tighter health sciences focus with nutrition programs (13 graduates), while Cedar Crest balances health with business offerings — 17% of graduates earn business degrees compared to Saint Joseph's 10%.
For students prioritizing completion odds, University of Saint Joseph delivers marginally better outcomes at a modest premium — $4,466 more annually for an 11. 5 percentage point higher graduation rate.
Cedar Crest offers nearly identical career results at lower cost, making it attractive for confident, cost-sensitive families. Neither school provides comfortable affordability for typical graduates, so both require careful financial planning.
The data shows Saint Joseph with a slight edge on completion risk, but the financial outcomes are essentially equivalent. Choose Saint Joseph if completion confidence is worth $4,500/year extra, or Cedar Crest if you're comfortable with the completion risk in exchange for meaningful annual savings.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
