Villanova University combines selective admissions with exceptional post-graduation earnings outcomes. As a Selective Achievers institution, the university produces graduates earning at the 98.0th percentile nationally while maintaining manageable debt levels, creating favorable conditions for long-term financial stability and career advancement.
With exceptional tier status, driven by high absolute earnings levels and favorable debt-to-earnings ratios
With below average tier status, reflecting high net costs relative to similar institutions and limited financial aid for middle-income families
With above average tier status, reflecting moderate enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
With above average tier status, combining the university's access profile with strong earnings outcomes for enrolled students
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisVillanova University delivers exceptional earnings outcomes despite earnings falling modestly short of demographic expectations. Graduates earn a median of $100,423 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 98.0th percentile nationally and representing one of the highest earning levels we track.
While earnings fall $1,897 below expectations for students with similar backgrounds, placing the institution around the national average at the 47.9th percentile for earnings beyond expectations, the absolute earnings level remains exceptionally strong. Earnings range from $71,695 at the 25th percentile to $138,720 at the 75th percentile, demonstrating varied but consistently strong financial outcomes across career paths.
Students seeking high-earning business, engineering, and healthcare programs at a selective Catholic university. Well-suited for those prioritizing post-graduation outcomes and willing to pay premium costs, particularly students from middle to upper-income families who value small class sizes and personalized attention.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
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.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Villanova University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/villanova-university/analysis.
Exceptional earnings with selective Catholic education
Villanova University leads with exceptional return performance at the 97.5th percentile, reflecting the university's ability to deliver strong earnings outcomes relative to educational investment. Located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, this medium-sized private nonprofit Catholic university maintains selective admission standards with a 25.1% acceptance rate while producing graduates who earn exceptional long-term incomes.
Villanova University enrolls 11.6% Pell-eligible students and 12.6% first-generation students, reflecting a student body primarily from middle to upper-income families. The institution ranks #334 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis with strong performance at the 79.5th percentile.
As a Selective Achievers institution, Villanova University combines limited access for low-income students with outstanding post-graduation outcomes, serving fewer Pell-eligible students while delivering earnings that place graduates in highly favorable financial positions after degree completion.
Villanova University admits approximately 25.1% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 4 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places Villanova University in the selective category, requiring strong academic credentials and comprehensive application materials.
The peer median admission rate of 70.6% highlights the significant difference between Villanova University's selectivity and typical four-year institutions, with the university being 45.5 percentage points more selective than its peer group. Even among selective private Catholic universities, Villanova University's acceptance rate reflects meaningful competition for admission spots.
This level of selectivity means that qualified students—those with strong test scores and academic records—still face uncertainty in the admission process due to the volume of competitive applicants. Students considering Villanova University should approach it as a selective reach school and build comprehensive college lists that include institutions with higher acceptance rates but similar academic quality and post-graduation outcomes.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Villanova University's published cost of attendance reaches $80,866 per year—that's $64,701 in tuition, $16,896 for room and board, and $1,100 for books and supplies. The average student pays $44,876 after financial aid, representing savings of $35,990 from the sticker price.
However, this net price remains $17,733 above the peer median of $27,143, reflecting the university's position as a high-cost private institution with limited need-based aid. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $16,914 for families earning under $30,000 to $60,637 for families earning over $110,000.
The university's affordability index ranks at the 3.6th percentile nationally, indicating below average affordability compared to similar institutions. For middle-income families, Villanova University represents a substantial financial commitment that requires careful planning and potentially significant borrowing to cover educational costs.
Villanova University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth from early to mid-career. Median earnings rise from $84,905 six years after enrollment to $94,574 at eight years and $100,423 at ten years, representing 18.3% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on substantial ten-year cohorts of 1,289 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures and reflecting outcomes across the university's full range of academic programs. Graduates earn $100,423 at the ten-year mark, ranking at the 98.0th percentile nationally and representing exceptional earnings performance.
While earnings fall $1,897 below expectations for similar student demographics, the absolute earnings level places Villanova University graduates among the highest-earning we track. Low-income graduates earn $77,400, ranking at the top 5% nationally and demonstrating strong mobility outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Approximately 26.1% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both advanced education and immediate workforce entry.
Business/Managerial Economics.
31 graduates
Computer Engineering, General.
32 graduates
Banking and Financial Support Services.
276 graduates
Real Estate.
40 graduates
Chemical Engineering, Other.
59 graduates
Villanova University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive program evaluation. Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #4 nationally and #2 in Pennsylvania, graduating 276 students with exceptional median earnings of $110,166 and a value score of 98.5, making it one of the university's flagship programs.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #54 nationally and #4 in Pennsylvania, producing 253 graduates with strong earnings of $87,471. Actuarial Science ranks #29 nationally and #4 in Pennsylvania, graduating 154 students with median earnings of $76,606.
Biology, General ranks #6 nationally and #1 in Pennsylvania with 76 graduates earning $70,311, demonstrating exceptional value with a 98.6 value score. Communication and Media Studies ranks #28 nationally and #2 in Pennsylvania, graduating 146 students with earnings of $61,471 and an outstanding value score of 89.4.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Saint Joseph's University Higher acceptance rate (61.3 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 6 miles away; similar graduate earnings | PA | 86% | $86,881 | Compare |
Suny Maritime College Higher acceptance rate (53.4 percentage points higher) and located 97 miles away; similar graduate earnings | NY | 79% | $95,951 | Compare |
Fordham University Higher acceptance rate (31.2 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 95 miles away; similar graduate earnings | NY | 56% | $85,569 | Compare |
Bryant University Higher acceptance rate (40.5 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | RI | 66% | $90,008 | Compare |
Fairfield University Higher acceptance rate (19.9 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | CT | 45% | $88,794 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of San Diego Similar quality tier (#335 ranked) | CA | 47% | $86,522 | #335 | Compare |
Aurora University Similar quality tier (#337 ranked) | IL | 85% | $58,709 | #337 | Compare |
New York Institute Of Technology Similar quality tier in Northeast (#340 ranked) | NY | 78% | $70,080 | #340 | Compare |
Middlebury College Similar quality tier in Northeast (#345 ranked) | VT | 10% | $76,310 | #345 | Compare |
Lafayette College Similar quality tier in Northeast (#349 ranked) | PA | 31% | $91,410 | #349 | Compare |
