Students at Holy Family University achieve earnings that significantly exceed expectations, with graduates earning nearly $29,000 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
This earnings advantage places the university among the top performers nationally for both overall and low-income student outcomes.
Holy Family University delivers solid value as a medium-sized private nonprofit institution in Philadelphia, combining accessible admissions with strong long-term earnings outcomes. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants and 46% are first-generation college students, yet graduates consistently achieve earnings that place the university in the top 25% nationally for return on investment. The university's median 10-year earnings of $62,235 reflect particularly strong performance in nursing and healthcare fields, where Holy Family has built substantial expertise and employer relationships.
What distinguishes Holy Family is its ability to serve students from diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining strong career preparation. The university operates as a "Mobility Engine," combining broad access with meaningful upward mobility outcomes. Students benefit from the personalized attention typical of smaller private institutions, while still accessing career pathways that lead to stable, well-paying professions.
As a Catholic institution rooted in Philadelphia's educational landscape, Holy Family offers the community feel and values-based education many families seek, backed by practical career preparation that translates into real financial security. For students who want both personal growth and professional success, Holy Family provides a pathway that balances accessibility with strong long-term outcomes.
Holy Family University's program portfolio centers on practical, career-oriented fields that lead directly to employment in growing sectors. Adult Health Nursing dominates both enrollment and outcomes, graduating 237 students annually with strong median earnings of $71,388. This program represents the university's core strength and primary pathway to high-return careers, benefiting from Philadelphia's robust healthcare sector and the ongoing national demand for qualified nurses.
Business Administration provides another solid career pathway, with 35 graduates earning median salaries around $52,107 early in their careers. Psychology, while showing more modest early earnings at $27,642, serves students interested in social services, counseling, and graduate school preparation. The concentration in nursing and healthcare reflects Holy Family's strategic focus on fields where job security and earnings growth remain strong.
The university's program mix emphasizes professional preparation over broad liberal arts, with particular depth in healthcare fields that align well with regional employer needs. This focused approach helps explain why graduates consistently achieve earnings that exceed expectations—students enter programs with clear career pathways and strong employer relationships that facilitate successful job placement and career advancement.
Holy Family University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $62,235 ten years after enrollment. What makes these results particularly impressive is that graduates earn nearly $29,217 more than similar students at comparable institutions—one of the strongest "earnings beyond expectations" advantages among private universities. This earnings premium reflects both the university's focus on career-oriented programs and its success in preparing students for high-demand fields.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its nursing programs, which represent the largest and most successful academic area. Adult Health Nursing graduates 237 students annually with median earnings of $71,388, making it both the most popular and highest-return program. Business Administration graduates earn around $52,107, while Psychology majors see more modest early-career earnings at $27,642. This pattern reflects Holy Family's particular strength in healthcare and professional programs, where employer demand remains consistently strong and career advancement opportunities are substantial.
The university's focus on practical, career-oriented education helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations. With Philadelphia's healthcare sector providing numerous opportunities for nursing graduates and the broader metropolitan area supporting business and social services careers, Holy Family students enter a job market well-suited to their academic preparation.
Holy Family University maintains relatively strong affordability for a private institution, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds. Low-income students pay about $8,401 annually after aid, which places the university well below typical private college costs and even competitive with many public institutions. Middle-income families see net prices around $11,559, while higher-income students pay approximately $17,231—still reasonable for private education with the personalized attention and career support Holy Family provides.
The university's financial aid approach helps make private education accessible to students who might otherwise consider only public options. With nearly 40% of students receiving Pell Grants, Holy Family demonstrates a genuine commitment to serving students from modest economic backgrounds. The aid structure appears designed to ensure that qualified students can attend regardless of family income, with particularly generous support for those who need it most.
Debt levels remain manageable relative to the earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Federal student loan debt averages $25,125, and Parent PLUS borrowing averages $18,600—both reasonable amounts given that typical graduates earn over $62,000 within ten years. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully, supported by the strong career outcomes that make repayment feasible.
Holy Family University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
