Chatham University vs Carlow University

Chatham University and Carlow University, both located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offer distinct educational experiences for prospective students. Chatham, a private university founded in 1869, boasts a smaller student body and a higher acceptance rate compared to Carlow, a private Catholic university established in 1929. While Chatham excels in liberal arts and sciences, Carlow emphasizes health sciences and nursing. Chatham's student body is predominantly female, while Carlow's is more evenly balanced between genders. Both universities offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, but Chatham has a higher graduation rate. To help you make an informed decision about your higher education journey, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two esteemed institutions. Dive into the details to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Carlow University logo

Carlow University

Chatham University logo

Chatham University

Overview

Location Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Campus setting City: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 76.0% 79.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Catholic

Admission

Acceptance rate 92.0% 73.4%
Application fees
SAT range 955 - 1140 N/A
ACT range 21 - 24 N/A
Students submitting SAT score 48.0%
Students submitting ACT score 6.0%
Total number of applicants 1,044 3,006
Total number of admissions given out 961 2,206
Admitted students who chose to enroll 185 365
Yield rate 19.3% 16.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $48,500 $57,603
Average net price $18,638 $27,225
Tuition $31,458 $39,443
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,516

Meal plan: $6,112
Room/dormitory: $6,018

Meal plan: $6,208
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

100.0%
Average amount $23,417
100.0%
Average amount $27,300
Students receiving federal student loan 74.0%
Average amount $5,458
95.0%
Average amount $5,500
Students taking out private loans 12.0%
Average amount $13,957
19.0%
Average amount $17,604

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 1,246
Men 15.3% Women 84.7%
1,456
Men 26.3% Women 73.7%
Graduate students 738
Men 11.1% Women 88.9%
983
Men 20.7% Women 79.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students N/A 30.6%
International students 0.4% 3.0%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 445 754
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A Pennsylvania Ohio New York Maryland New Jersey

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Health Professions
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Business
  • English Language and Literature
Students to faculty ratio 11:1 10:1
Institutional accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 52.3% 62.9%
Dropout rate 46.8% 10.9%
Transferred out N/A 24.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $85,027
  • Year 2: $87,051
  • Year 3: $91,798
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,654
  • Year 2: $60,623
  • Year 3: $66,937
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,682
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $64,258
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,706
  • Year 2: $58,919
  • Year 3: $60,246
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $33,993
  • Year 3: $47,635
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,285
  • Year 2: $42,682
  • Year 3: $47,519
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $36,335
  • Year 2: $34,704
  • Year 3: $42,157
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $36,132
  • Year 3: $42,151
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,584
  • Year 2: $39,369
  • Year 3: $41,489
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,386
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $37,462
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $123,476
  • Year 2: $126,504
  • Year 3: $132,446
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $97,610
  • Year 2: $91,744
  • Year 3: $102,033
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,724
  • Year 2: $71,930
  • Year 3: $75,371
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,779
  • Year 2: $67,180
  • Year 3: $71,471
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,023
  • Year 2: $57,110
  • Year 3: $63,667
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $58,221
  • Year 3: $61,960
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,176
  • Year 2: $37,720
  • Year 3: $42,265
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $29,438
  • Year 2: $32,569
  • Year 3: $31,786
International Agriculture (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $33,993
  • Year 3: N/A
Interior Architecture (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $32,382
  • Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary differences between Chatham University and Carlow University?

    Chatham University, historically a women's college, is now fully coeducational and known for its strong focus on sustainability and environmental studies. Carlow University, rooted in the Catholic Mercy tradition, emphasizes social justice, ethical leadership, and a commitment to serving the community. While both are located in Pittsburgh, Chatham has a more pronounced emphasis on environmental science and policy, while Carlow is more focused on healthcare and human services programs.

  • Are Chatham University and Carlow University religiously affiliated?

    Chatham University is non-denominational. Carlow University is affiliated with the Sisters of Mercy and maintains a strong Catholic identity, emphasizing Mercy values in its curriculum and campus life.

  • How do the campus environments differ between Chatham and Carlow?

    Chatham University's main campus, Shadyside, is a historic arboretum offering a blend of green space and urban accessibility. It also has Eden Hall Campus, a 388-acre living laboratory dedicated to sustainability. Carlow University has a more compact, urban campus in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, providing easy access to cultural attractions, hospitals, and other resources.

  • What academic programs are Chatham University and Carlow University particularly known for?

    Chatham University is renowned for its programs in sustainability, environmental science, creative writing, and health sciences. Carlow University excels in nursing, healthcare management, education, and social work, reflecting its commitment to service-oriented professions.

  • What is the student body size and composition at each university?

    Chatham University has a relatively small student body, fostering a close-knit community. It is coeducational and attracts students from diverse backgrounds. Carlow University also maintains a smaller student population, with a strong representation of students interested in healthcare and service-related fields. Both universities offer a personalized learning environment due to their size.

  • How do tuition and financial aid opportunities compare between Chatham and Carlow?

    Tuition costs are comparable between Chatham University and Carlow University. Both institutions offer a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. It's best to visit their respective financial aid websites and contact their offices directly to determine the specific aid packages you may qualify for.

  • What are the athletic programs offered at Chatham University and Carlow University?

    Chatham University's athletic teams are known as the Cougars and compete in NCAA Division III. They offer a variety of sports for both men and women. Carlow University's athletic teams are known as the Celtics and compete in the NAIA. They also offer a range of sports, with a focus on providing opportunities for student-athletes to excel.

  • What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at each university?

    Chatham University offers a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, organizations, and events focused on sustainability, social justice, and the arts. Carlow University provides a supportive campus community with opportunities for student involvement in service projects, faith-based activities, and professional development organizations. Both universities offer a range of activities to enhance the student experience.

  • How do Chatham and Carlow support career development and job placement for their graduates?

    Both Chatham University and Carlow University have dedicated career services offices that provide students with resources such as resume and cover letter writing assistance, interview preparation, internship opportunities, and job search strategies. They also host career fairs and networking events to connect students with potential employers. Carlow's strong ties to the healthcare industry provide unique opportunities for students in those fields.

  • What are the admission requirements for Chatham University and Carlow University?

    Admission requirements for both Chatham University and Carlow University typically include a completed application, high school transcripts, standardized test scores (though many programs are test-optional), and letters of recommendation. Specific requirements may vary depending on the program, so it's best to check each university's admissions website for the most up-to-date information.

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