Founded in 1964, DeSales University. is a Private college. Located in Pennsylvania, which is a city setting in Pennsylvania, the campus itself is Rural. The campus is home to 2,388 full time undergraduate students, and 921 full time graduate students.
The DeSales University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 13:1. There are 126 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at DeSales University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
76%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
30
SAT Range
940-1180
ACT Range
22-27
Admissions at are considered Less Selective, with ,20% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 18 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
78% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 45% were in the top quarter, and 33% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at DeSales University.
12%
“We”re apathetic”
35%
“We know about current events and vote”
47%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
6%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
18%
“Sometimes, but not often”
65%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
18%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
0%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
100%
“I feel extremely safe”
24%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
47%
“We bought the gear”
29%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
6%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
35%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
59%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
41%
“They keep regular office hours”
59%
“They”re always available”
53%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
41%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
6%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
6%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
47%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
35%
“We only party on weekends”
12%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
24%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
76%
“There might be people who do”
0%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
12%
“We”re apathetic”
35%
“We know about current events and vote”
47%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
6%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
18%
“Sometimes, but not often”
65%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
18%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
0%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
100%
“I feel extremely safe”
24%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
47%
“We bought the gear”
29%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
6%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
35%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
59%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
41%
“They keep regular office hours”
59%
“They”re always available”
53%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
41%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
6%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
78 Students rated on-campus housing 4 stars. 24 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
60 Students rated off-campus housing 3.2 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
80 Students rated campus food 3.2 stars. 13 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
82 Students rated campus facilities 4.2 stars. 41 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
81 Students rated class size 4.6 stars. 65 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
81 Students rated school activities 3.8 stars. 25 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
81 Students rated local services 4.1 stars. 41 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
81 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.
DeSales University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of DeSales University?
21 Students rated DeSales University
Kyle
I am on my second semester of my junior year at DeSales University. When I toured and first arrived at the college, I was blown away by the film program and knew that I wanted to go here. Upon my decision to go here, I have learned so much, grew as a person, made many new friends, befriended some professors and made some great films. My experience overall has been positive, but it's not perfect.
Pros
-Smaller school, you could virtually know everyone
-Unbiased professors
-Good variety in course selection
-Great option for Theater, Film, Dance and Nursing majors
-Get to use film equipment right away
-Always film sets going on
Cons
-Not much of an emphasis on what comes after college in the film major
-Holds most classes online with a few in person and charge full tuition
-Small rooms
-Overly strict COVID regulations and wants to limit social interaction, but wants things to be the same
Overall, my problems are with how some things are handled in my major and how COVID was/is being handled.
Angelanette
DeSales University is my home! There is no place I rather be than be at DeSales. DeSales has welcomed me into their community with loving and open arms, they accept me for who I am. DeSales has brought me to be more outgoing and get out of my comfort zone and meet new people. I know so many people on campus and every 5 minutes I am always saying hi to someone. The community is amazing, the teachers are very helpful and are willing to do whatever it takes to help you succeed in college, Our school is a diverse school where we accept everyone no matter their race, beliefs, ethnicity , sexuality. We live around the quote of St Francis DeSales " Be who you are and be that well" Best school I have ever been and I cant imagine my life without being at DeSales.
Daria
Overall, i definitely believe that’s DeSales is an amazing and beautiful campus. Everyone is so accepting and the environment makes me feel comfortable. I could not have picked a better school to attend. It also helps that the campus is a hundred percent safe, in my opinion.
Alexys
I think DeSales University is the best college out there. It has so much to offer and is so unique to other schools. The students and staff are completely humble and are always willing to help. The campus is very safe while having the blue light system and having a police station a street away. It is in a beautiful area and is very updated. I am so excited to spend my next 4 years there while playing softball!
Nafis
A very beautiful campus with great professors. The student population is a nice blend of nationalities and all respect each other's differences. I do not have many complaints about the University but wish that there were more to do in the surrounding area. This of course, is no reflection on the school. I've had a good experience thus far.
Michelle
I Love it and it is a Great school where everyone is like family. This school is so together and offers a Great experience with all high tech. equipment and state of he art video . I Love that, when training it is just like being in the real world doing your job.
Sunny
I absolutely love DeSales. Ever since I stepped foot onto the campus I knew it was for me. The people are so nice everywhere you go, the academics are great, and the dorms look great! The professors are so kind and will literally talk to you and show you around even during their busy schedule. This is an amazing school!
Jwoanteera
DeSales University is an okay college depending what major you’re going to the school for. It has a great theatre department and facilities as well as very good teachers(at least inside the theatre department). The core classes are okay could be better but I’d be very cautious if you’re not catholic because the school runs on very religious rules and it can be a bit annoying for someone who doesn’t practice such beliefs but not everyone who attends is actually catholic or religious. The campus is really clean and beautiful during the summers. It has its problems but overall it’s a nice small yet big kind of school. Could have better food options for students and more compassion during winter storms for commuters and on campus students.
Dat
Great environment for students to learn independently, however, the teachers are always on standby for the students to ask for help. The Univeristy prepares the students for life outside of college and also, provide students with the proper materials and guidance needed in order to succeed the correct way.
Kalyn
Overall, DeSales is a bit of an uneventful albeit nice place to be. The campus is quiet and clean and the majority of people on campus are very polite. Class sizes are small and most professors know you by name.
It may not be a party school, but there are always opportunities to do other fun activities ($5 trips to Philly, $1 bowling, lots of events with free food etc.)
Olivia
At any establishment there are drawbacks, but it is up to the student to decide for his/herself whether it is the perfect match for him or her, Overall, DeSales is focused on providing the best education possible for its students. The teachers are warm and welcoming and give you the best chance at succeeding in your field. The location is somewhat isolated and does not offer a lot without a vehicle, but it does emphasis staying on campus and promotes a learning atmosphere. DeSales is a truly wonderful place.
Tori
I spent my undergrad years at DeSales and returned to pursue a Masters. The university really feels like a second home. The faculty, facilities and general feeling of the campus make you excited to invest in your education. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog!
Aliana
DeSales is a very good, has excellent opportunities to succed. The best part about the school is the advising opportunities, the counseling tha I've received here has been the best.I feel condifent about my choice because the programs that the university offered are very complete.
Lauren
The school has a very welcoming and outgoing personality. Everyone at the school takes great pride in their actions and work. The students are well-rounded and inviting. The faculty have a doors open policy to their students. The campus is absolutely beautiful and spacious. There are a multitude of safety procedures and prevention techniques/programs for everyone on campus.
Claire
I love Desales. It really was the best choice for me. A mix of big skys, fresh air, kind people, and education. How could you go wrong? All dorms have bathrooms connected, no communal bathrooms! Thank God. Cafe's are close and there are parties on the weekends to enjoy the social life.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for DeSales University is 76%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Chose a school that is willing to go out of their way to make you happy. You will know once you step onto a campus if that school is one you want to be enrolled in.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
DeSales University has numerous activities going on during each week and sometimes each day that allows students to interact with one another. These activities are in a wide range so that each student will enjoy them and will also help them learn things in new ways. This school has a fun way of getting students to interact with one another.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
DeSales offers so much for every type of person, but you must be open and willing to embrace it. It facilitates and promotes ACTIVE learning. It is a two way street at DeSales, so any student focused solely on being a passive body not willing to fully engage themselves academically and get everything they can out of their college experience should NOT go to DeSales University.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
I think the worst thing about DeSales is something that i feel they have been trying to work on through the past few years. I believe that the lack fo diversity at DeSales Restricts its ability to become a Top top university. By bringin in more diversity the dynamic of the school would greatly change and most likely benefit everyone it touches.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
The most popular student activities on campus are SNL or Student Night Life which organizes events throughout the year for students to be at. Campus Ministry and choir are also big groups on campus. Athletics are also an important aspect of DeSales.
Academics at DePauw are challenging, much more so than non-students want to believe, yet incredibly rewarding. The work load gets heavier as you get older and into more advanced courses. Although there are times when I am stressed beyond belief, DePauw does a thorough job of preparing students for whatever their next step is, whether it be graduate school, or accepting a new job. As a psychology major, ny favorite classes have been my psychology courses, particularly the classes with an emphasis on childhood development and personality. The psych department offers a rigorous program for students, particularly seniors, who complete a senior thesis and comprehensive examination before graduating. The department as a national reputation of producing psychology students that do very well on the GRE psychology section test because of our rigorous senior schedule. Aside from psychology courses, I have taken both Spanish and Arabic,courses in biology, communications, political science, history, literature, creative writing, and women's studies. I also took an art history class freshman year, which I loved and learned a lot in. When I studied abroad, I went to several museums and really enjoyed being able to recognize the art and know a little bit about some of the pieces thanks to that art history class 3 years ago. Another great thing about DePauw academics is that students are constantly inspired and excited about what they are learning. We talk and debate political, social, ethical, and personal issues outside of the classroom.
Although stereotyping is problem at DePauw, similar problems are found on any college campus, particularly at small, private universities. I am proud to be a DePauw tiger. That last four years here have been the best year of my life, not because of my sorority, and not because of the fraternity parties on weekends, although both of those have opened doors to many wonderful friendships. The reason my time at DePauw has been invaluable to me is because the university has offered me any and every opportunity I could have dreamed of. In my four years, I have taken classes in every single subject, including art, which is a hobby I am passionate about. I have traveled to French Polynesia to study for one month, and Spain to study for 6 months. I have been advised and counseled every step of the way during my internship and job searches, leading to success in both categories, and I have built strong and lasting relationships with my professors. DePauw truly is a unique and challenging institution, and I wouldn't have it any other way. My time here has been spent well, and I will leave with absolutely no regrets, but rather a great deal of pride in my education, and confidence in my future.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
99% of students attending DeSales University receive some sort of financial aid.
24% were awarded federal grants.72%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
