DeSales University

About DeSales University

DeSales University occupies a suburban campus in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, in the Lehigh Valley region about 50 miles north of Philadelphia. Founded in 1964 by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, this private Catholic institution enrolls about 2,500 students in undergraduate, graduate, and adult education programs. The university takes its name and educational philosophy from St. Francis de Sales, the 17th-century bishop whose approach emphasized gentleness, patience, and practical spirituality. The Salesian tradition shapes campus culture in ways both explicit and subtle. The emphasis on respect for persons and genuine caring relationships appears in how faculty interact with students and how students treat each other. Chapel is available for those who wish to attend, and theology courses are required, but students of all faiths and none find their place on campus. The mission statement speaks of preparing students to serve and lead, reflecting the tradition's orientation toward contributing to society. With an acceptance rate around 76 percent, DeSales serves students who might not gain admission to more selective institutions while still providing a quality education. The personal attention possible at a school of this size, combined with internship requirements and career preparation, helps students develop into capable professionals.

DeSales admits students based on a holistic review of academic records, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. The process seeks students who will thrive academically while contributing to campus community. Students from Catholic schools make up a portion of entering classes, but students from public and other private schools are equally welcome. Test-optional policies allow students to apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores if they believe their scores don't reflect their abilities. Those who do submit scores typically fall in the middle ranges nationally. High school GPA and course rigor receive significant weight in decisions. Evidence of leadership, service, or special talents can strengthen otherwise borderline applications. The application process accepts both the Common Application and the university's own application form. Early action and regular decision deadlines provide options for different planning timelines. Transfer students receive consideration with attention to credits that will apply toward DeSales programs. Adult learners entering or returning to higher education have their own pathways and support systems.

DeSales offers over 40 undergraduate majors and graduate programs across the arts, sciences, business, and health professions. The Division of Performing Arts has developed particular strength, with the Act 1 DeSales professional theater company providing students with opportunities to work alongside Actors' Equity professionals. The television and film program operates production facilities that give students hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment. Healthcare programs train nurses, physician assistants, and other professionals for careers in the Lehigh Valley's substantial healthcare sector. St. Luke's University Health Network and other regional systems provide clinical placement sites. The marriage and family therapy program, offered at the graduate level, prepares students for licensed practice. Business programs prepare students for careers in the region's diverse economy. The core curriculum requires study across disciplines, including theology and philosophy courses that engage with questions of meaning and ethics. Class sizes stay small, typically with 15 to 25 students, allowing discussion-based learning and individual attention. Professors teach courses themselves rather than delegating to graduate assistants. Academic advising comes from faculty in the student's major, building relationships that extend beyond course registration.

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Rural campus with natural surroundings and tight-knit community
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

The DeSales campus covers 400 acres of former farmland in a suburban setting. The Lehigh Valley provides a backdrop of gentle mountains and mixed development. The campus itself features modern buildings arranged around quads and green spaces. The Billera Hall student center provides dining, meeting rooms, and gathering spaces. The Labuda Center for the Performing Arts houses theaters, rehearsal spaces, and production facilities. Residential life involves a significant portion of undergraduates, with first-year students required to live on campus. Residence halls range from traditional corridor-style to apartment arrangements for upperclassmen. Living-learning communities connect residential life with academic interests. Campus dining options have expanded and improved in recent years. Student organizations cover a range of interests, from performing arts groups to service organizations to academic clubs. Campus Ministry organizes retreats, service trips, and faith formation programs for interested students. Athletics compete at the NCAA Division III level, with no athletic scholarships, emphasizing participation alongside academics. Intramural sports and fitness programs serve students who want recreation without varsity commitment. The theater program's productions are a highlight of campus cultural life.

Location & Surroundings

Center Valley sits in the Lehigh Valley of eastern Pennsylvania, a region of about 800,000 people centered on the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. The area combines post-industrial heritage with contemporary development. Healthcare, higher education, warehousing and logistics, and professional services have replaced the steel mills that once dominated. The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, a retail development adjacent to campus, provides shopping and dining options within walking distance. The campus location provides easy access to regional amenities while maintaining a suburban character. The Lehigh Valley Mall and other shopping centers serve routine needs. Bethlehem's downtown has developed a cultural scene, with venues like the ArtsQuest Center and the Banana Factory arts building. The Lehigh Valley IronPigs minor league baseball team and Lehigh Valley Phantoms hockey team provide sports entertainment. Philadelphia lies about an hour south, accessible by car or regional transit. New York City is about 90 minutes by car, though traffic varies widely. These major cities provide internship opportunities, cultural experiences, and career possibilities beyond what the Lehigh Valley alone offers. The Pocono Mountains, popular for skiing and outdoor recreation, are about an hour north.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition at DeSales runs approximately 42,000 dollars per year, with room and board adding roughly 15,000 dollars for residential students. These figures place DeSales in the middle range for private universities in the region. Merit scholarships reduce the sticker price for many admitted students, with awards ranging from a few thousand dollars to near-full-tuition for exceptional candidates. Financial aid packaging typically combines grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. The university aims to make attendance affordable for families across the income spectrum. Need-based grants supplement merit awards for families demonstrating financial need. The financial aid office works with families to find solutions when circumstances change. Career services support students through required internships in many programs, job search preparation, and employer connections. The Lehigh Valley's economy provides local opportunities, while proximity to Philadelphia and New York expands options. Healthcare programs enjoy strong placement rates given regional demand. Performing arts graduates enter a competitive field but benefit from professional experience gained during their studies. Alumni networks help with job searches and career development.