Holy Family University admits 74.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Holy Family University in the Moderately Selective category, representing a middle ground between open access and highly competitive admission. The peer median admission rate of 70.6% indicates Holy Family University is slightly more accessible than similar institutions, accepting 3.6 percentage points more applicants than comparable schools. This level of selectivity means that students with solid academic credentials have good prospects for admission, though the university maintains academic standards. The admission rate suggests that Holy Family University seeks to balance accessibility with academic quality, particularly given its strong outcomes performance. Students should view Holy Family University as a realistic option rather than a reach school, especially those with academic profiles that align with the institution's standards. For prospective students, this admission rate indicates that a well-prepared application should receive serious consideration, making it an appropriate target school for students seeking strong nursing and business programs with manageable admission requirements.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Holy Family University typically score 950-1130 on the SAT, with the middle 50% falling in this range and a median of 1030. SAT Math scores range from 470-565, while SAT Verbal scores span 480-565, indicating relatively balanced performance across both sections. The ACT midpoint sits at 21, reflecting similar academic preparation levels. These test scores rank at the 86th percentile nationally, demonstrating well above average academic credentials among enrolled students. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1256, Holy Family University enrolls students scoring 226 points lower, reflecting its more accessible admission standards while still maintaining solid academic expectations. Students scoring within the 950-1130 range are academically competitive for admission, while those scoring below 950 may face greater challenges but are not automatically excluded. The 180-point spread between the 25th and 75th percentiles indicates that Holy Family University admits students across a range of academic preparation levels. Prospective students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when building their college list, particularly noting that the university values academic potential alongside test performance.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Holy Family University enrolls 39.7% Pell-eligible students and 46.3% first-generation students, indicating the university serves substantial numbers of students from lower-income and first-generation backgrounds. These shares are notably higher than many peer institutions, reflecting Holy Family University's commitment to educational access and economic mobility. Transfer students comprise 41.7% of enrollment, demonstrating significant pathways for students beginning their higher education journey elsewhere. This composition suggests that Holy Family University actively recruits and supports students from diverse educational and economic backgrounds rather than focusing exclusively on traditional college-bound populations. The high transfer share indicates flexibility in admission pathways and recognition of non-traditional educational routes. Students from lower-income families should note the substantial 39.7% Pell share when assessing institutional fit and support systems. First-generation students will find a substantial peer community, with nearly half of enrolled students sharing their background. The combination of accessible admission rates and diverse student composition positions Holy Family University as welcoming to students from various backgrounds seeking strong professional preparation, particularly in health sciences and business fields.
Given Holy Family University's 74% acceptance rate, most academically qualified students have realistic admission prospects. However, students seeking alternatives should consider these options for different admission odds, locations, or outcomes.
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83.1% of Holy Family University freshmen return for sophomore year, matching closely with the peer median retention rate of 83.1%, indicating consistent institutional support for student transition. 60.4% graduate within six years, compared to a peer median of 70%, suggesting some challenges with degree completion but reflecting the diverse student population served. Pell-eligible students graduate at 57.5%, creating a 2.9 percentage point gap with overall completion rates. This relatively small gap indicates Holy Family University provides reasonably effective support for lower-income students, though some disparity remains. The modest Pell completion gap suggests that while economic challenges may affect some students, the institution maintains systems to help diverse populations succeed. Students who gain admission can expect solid institutional support for persistence, particularly given the consistent retention rate. The completion rates reflect the realities of serving substantial transfer and first-generation populations, who may face additional challenges in degree completion. Prospective students should view these rates as indicators of the academic environment they would experience, noting that successful completion requires engagement with available support systems throughout their enrollment.
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