College Search
Carlow University

Carlow University

Pittsburgh, PA · City · 1,348 students
4
Year
Private Non-profit
City
Small (<3k)
Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education
About

Located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s vibrant Oakland neighborhood, Carlow University is a private, Mercy Catholic institution renowned for its premier healthcare and nursing programs housed within the College of Health and Wellness. Rooted in the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy, the university uniquely distinguishes itself through a deep-seated commitment to social justice, ethical leadership, and community service, which are heavily integrated into other strong majors like education, psychology, and counseling. On campus, students thrive in a tight-knit, highly supportive environment characterized by small class sizes, while simultaneously enjoying the immense social, cultural, and internship opportunities of sharing a bustling academic hub with neighboring research universities.


Wikipedia:Carlow University is a private Catholic university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1929 by the Sisters of Mercy, it enrolled over 2,400 students as of fall 2024. The university's athletic teams are known as the Celtics, reflecting its Irish heritage.

Location
Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-3165 · City campus
Nearest airport from college
PIT · Pittsburgh
15 mi away
Cost
Cost of attendance
$49,327
Avg net price
$20,786
Room & board
$13,808
Tuition
$35,874
Books & supplies
$2,000/yr
Average net price by family income
$0–30k
$17,901
$30–48k
$15,748
$48–75k
$19,517
$75–110k
$21,601
$110k+
$25,214
Admissions
Admit rate
87%
Test policy
Test optional
SAT average
1080
Reading 500598
Math 460570
ACT midpoint
23
SAT range (25th–75th percentile)
40080012001600

Wondering if Carlow University is the right fit for you?

Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Essay Requirements

Carlow University accepts the Common Application. All Common App schools require the personal statement essay. Some schools also require supplemental essays — check the school's page on Common App for current prompts and word limits.

See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.

Outcomes
Graduation rate
58%
4-yr on-time completion
49%
1st-yr retention
84%
Transfer-out rate
35%
8-year outcomes
Graduated
55%
Transferred
37%
Still enrolled
0%
Dropped out / unknown
7%
Median earnings (6yr)
$44,876
Median earnings (10yr)
$51,051
Median debt
$25,500
Monthly loan payment
$270
Debt range (25th–75th)
$9,250$30,264
Debt (90th percentile)
$41,500
Student Body
Men 16%Women 84%
12
:
1
Student : Faculty ratio
Students   Faculty
Pell grant recipients
43%
First-generation
37%
Median family income
$40,539
Independent students
36%
Avg age at entry
24.0
Part-time students
23%
Race & ethnicity
White
66%
Hispanic
5%
Black
19%
Asian
3%
Two or more
4%
Non-resident
1%
AI/AN
1%
Unknown
1%
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings for graduates across all programs
6 years after entry
$44,876
10 years after entry
$51,051
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing92
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods30
Biology, General19
Psychology, General17
Business Administration, Management and Operations15
Accounting and Related Services15
Health and Medical Administrative Services12
Criminology9
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities7
English Language and Literature, General6
Neurobiology and Neurosciences6
Social Work5
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions5
Fine and Studio Arts4
Chemistry3
Human Resources Management and Services3
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Endowment
$57M
Classification
Master's (Large)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions
Full-time faculty
100%
Avg faculty salary
$7,520/mo
Instructional spend/student
$10,746
Federal loan rate
69%

Wondering if Carlow University is the right fit for you?

Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Get your college list →See a sample report first