Holy Family University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Private Nonprofit · 71.0% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 73/100 · Fair Value
Holy Family University is a small Catholic institution in Philadelphia with 2,464 students and a Fair Value rating of 73. The headline number to understand: median earnings at six years are $43,600 against a net price of $13,143 per year and a payback period of 7.1 years. That is acceptable but not outstanding. The completion rate of 60.9% means roughly four in ten students who enroll do not finish, which is the main ROI risk. The program mix is heavily weighted toward Registered Nursing (305 graduates), which is by far the strongest financial bet here. Business Administration and Accounting show mixed results. The Pell Grant rate of 41% reflects a student body with significant financial need, and the school charges low-income families $9,721 per year -- below the $10k threshold, which is responsible pricing. Sticker tuition is $35,330 but most students pay well under half of that.
Holy Family University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $35,330/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $35,330/yr |
| Average net price | $13,143/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $52,572 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,235 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $43,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $25,125 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $266 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 60.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,464 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Holy Family University is $35,330/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $13,143/year, or roughly $52,572 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $9,721/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $17,822/year.
The median graduate leaves with $25,125 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $266 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $62,235 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.58 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,721 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,369 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,056 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,307 |
| $110,001+ | $17,822 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning under $30,000 pay $9,721 per year -- under $10k annually for a private nonprofit degree in Philadelphia. That is a reasonable price point. Four years totals roughly $39,000, and against nursing earnings of $83k in year one, low-income students who complete nursing come out ahead quickly. The caveat is the 60.9% completion rate: low-income students who do not finish are the ones most hurt by the debt.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $30,001-48,000 bracket pays $9,369 -- slightly less than the lowest-income tier, which may reflect specific aid packages. The $48,001-75,000 bracket rises to $12,056, and $75,001-110,000 families pay $16,307. The jump from the 30-48k bracket to the 75-110k bracket is $7,000 -- a noticeable but not unreasonable slope for a private school. Middle-income families get decent value if the student pursues nursing.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
High-income families ($110k+) pay $17,822 per year. This is low for a private school, suggesting Holy Family prices itself to stay accessible. However, the 0.576 debt-to-earnings ratio and median six-year earnings of $43,600 mean the financial case is weakest for families paying more. If the student is not in nursing, a higher-income family should consider whether other schools provide better non-nursing outcomes at similar net prices.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Holy Family University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $95,869 | B+ |
| Psychology | $51,374 | F |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $81,021 | C+ |
| Biology | $67,285 | C |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $56,861 | D |
| Teacher Education | $53,935 | C |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $31,518 | - |
| Accounting | $76,379 | C |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment | $92,559 | - |
| Communication and Media Studies | $47,047 | - |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Nursing is the financial backbone of Holy Family. With 305 graduates per year and median first-year earnings of $83,363 rising to $95,869 at four years, this program delivers strong returns. The debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.348 with a B+ grade -- graduates carry about $29,000 in debt but earn enough to handle it. Philadelphia and the surrounding Delaware Valley have consistent demand for registered nurses in hospital systems, long-term care, and outpatient settings. A BSN from Holy Family is credible for regional employers. The program is the main reason the school scores as well as it does overall; without nursing, the ROI picture would look considerably worse.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration at Holy Family produces 27 graduates per year with first-year median earnings of $49,870 and four-year earnings of $81,021. The debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.541 with a C+ grade. Graduates carry about $27,000 in debt, which is manageable against the four-year earnings trajectory but tight at entry-level salaries. Roles in office management, healthcare administration, and small business operations are typical destinations. The program is modest in scale and the C+ grade signals that while outcomes are acceptable, they are not exceptional given the cost.
Accounting
Accounting is a small program at Holy Family with only 5 graduates. First-year earnings are $47,059 with a four-year projection of $76,379. The debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.574 -- a C grade. Graduates who pass the CPA exam or move into public accounting firms find stronger long-term earnings, but the early-career trajectory here is modest. The small cohort size means the program has limited track record data. Students considering accounting at Holy Family should compare against Temple University, Drexel, or other Philadelphia-area schools where the accounting programs are larger and carry stronger employer networks.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 72.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 74.6% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 70.9% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 73.9% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 71.0% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 430-570 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 480-580 |
| Enrollment | 2,464 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 41.0% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,978 |
Holy Family accepts about 71% of applicants, making it accessible to students across most academic preparation levels. SAT math 25th-75th percentile runs 430-570; reading runs 480-580. This is a broad range, indicating the school does not screen heavily on test scores. Admitted students who struggled in high school should plan carefully for the academic transition.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Holy Family scores 73 against peers including Albright College and Norwich University. The school's nursing program outperforms most of its peer set. Among schools serving similar demographics in the Mid-Atlantic, Holy Family's net price is competitive and its nursing outcomes are strong. The completion rate of 60.9% is a drag on the overall score compared to higher-completing regional peers. Students considering Holy Family should weigh it against Drexel or Thomas Jefferson University for nursing-track comparison, where larger programs and more clinical placement options are available.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Family University (this school) | 73 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| St. Joseph's University-New York | 72 | $19,035 | $63,905 |
| Norwich University | 71 | $22,257 | $65,575 |
| University of La Verne | 70 | $20,161 | $65,464 |
| Albright College | 56 | $20,024 | $58,700 |
| Bryn Athyn College of the New Church | 34 | $20,586 | $40,457 |
Who Thrives Here
Holy Family attracts students from working-class Philadelphia neighborhoods and the surrounding suburbs, many of them first-generation college-goers. SAT math runs 430-570 and reading 480-580, placing admitted students in the middle-to-lower range of four-year school benchmarks. Students who commit to nursing or allied health and stay on track have good financial outcomes. Students who enter without a clear vocational direction face higher dropout risk at a school with a 60.9% completion rate.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Holy Family University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $13,143 per year leads to $52,572 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $62,235 a decade out. The payback period of 7.1 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates.
Median debt of $25,125 against $62,235 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.