Admit rate has ranged 62%–73% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Chatham University, nestled in Pittsburgh, PA, is a small, sustainability-focused institution with a knack for turning out graduates ready to tackle health and environmental challenges. With a 62% acceptance rate and an intimate 10:1 student-faculty ratio, Chatham offers a tight-knit academic community where students can dive into niche programs like environmental science and allied health professions. Its serene, no-frills campus vibe—devoid of Greek life—appeals to those who prefer quiet focus over raucous parties.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
College-prep program
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Class rank
Letters of recommendation
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
Demonstrated competencies
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
1,232
In-state tuition
$44,626
Out-of-state tuition
$44,626
Acceptance Rate
62%
Career Outcomes Rate
95%
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
6-Year Graduation Rate
68%
Mean Salary (Self-Reported)
$83,252
International Student Diversity
Mexico, Egypt, Japan, and more
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$52,410
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
1.7×
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
Graduation rate
63%
First-year retention
78%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
60%
Pell (lower-income) share
49%
First-generation share
30%
Endowment / student
$65,212
Financial health
1.2 / 3.0Passing, but in the added-oversight zone
U.S. Dept. of Education Financial Responsibility Composite Score (FY2022-23). Scale −1.0 to 3.0; ≥1.5 meets the standard. Reported for private nonprofit & for-profit institutions only — public universities are state-backed and not scored, so this is a stability signal, not a ranking.
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$67,180
Interior Architecture$32,382
Psychology, General$30,771
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
3
Per 1,000 students
2.44
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
92
Summer high
82°F
Winter low
27°F
Annual rain
49.1"
Annual snow
21.1"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively High
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
87
Scholarly works
2,289
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Economic mobility
Mobility rate
1.6%
Bottom → top quintile
16%
From bottom quintile
10%
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Chatham University?
Chatham University's acceptance rate is approximately 62% (Pittsburgh, PA), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Chatham University?
Admitted students at Chatham University typically score 1070–1295 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Chatham University cost?
At Chatham University, the average net price (after aid) is about $29,954 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Chatham University?
Chatham University enrolls approximately 1,232 undergraduate students.
Where is Chatham University located?
Chatham University is located in Pittsburgh, PA.
Admissions
Chatham University is moderately selective, with an Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. hovering around 62% ([US News](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/chatham-university-3244/applying), [BigFuture](https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/chatham-university/admissions)). Admitted students typically boast an average SAT score of 1177 or ACT score of 24, alongside a solid high school GPA of 3.72 ([Quick Facts](https://www.chatham.edu/about-us/quick-facts.html)). The university received 3,446 applications for a recent cycle, admitting 2,135 and enrolling 1,555 ([Peterson’s](https://www.petersons.com/college-search/chatham-university-000_10000474.aspx)). Notably, Chatham doesn’t charge an application fee ([MeetYourClass](https://www.meetyourclass.com/chatham)), lowering the barrier to apply.
Chatham’s academic identity is anchored in health, sustainability, and the liberal arts, with standout programs in environmental science, allied health professions, and political science ([Academics](https://www.chatham.edu/academics/), [US News](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/chatham-university-3244/academics)). The university offers a mix of traditional majors and integrated undergraduate-graduate tracks, like biochemistry and data science ([Undergraduate Degrees](https://www.chatham.edu/academics/undergraduate/index.html)). Small class sizes foster close student-faculty connections, a hallmark noted by students ([Chatham Pulse](https://www.pulse.chatham.edu/blog-stories/2021/7/29/10-tips-for-first-years-from-a-senior)). Recent accolades include being named a 2026-27 College of Distinction for its hands-on learning approach ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/chathamu/posts/chatham-has-been-named-a-2026-27-college-of-distinction-this-recognition-celebra/1442354531264679/)).
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Chatham’s campus culture skews quiet and studious, with no Greek life and a focus on academics over parties ([Princeton Review](https://www.princetonreview.com/college/chatham-university-1023870)). The university emphasizes inclusivity, hosting a diverse international student population from countries like Mexico, Egypt, and Japan ([International Student Life](https://www.chatham.edu/experience/international-student-life/index.html)). Student affairs organizes low-key events—think wellness workshops and professional development—rather than ragers ([Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/chathamustudentaffairs/)). The tight-knit vibe is bolstered by small classes, where professors know students by name ([Chatham Pulse](https://www.pulse.chatham.edu/blog-stories/2021/7/29/10-tips-for-first-years-from-a-senior)).
Chatham graduates fare well post-commencement: 95% secure employment or continue their education, with 92% working full-time in their field ([Post-Grad Stats](https://www.chatham.edu/about-us/institutional-research/post-graduation-statistics.html)). Self-reported mean salaries hover around $83,252, though federal data pegs median earnings at $36,427 one year out ([Niche](https://www.niche.com/colleges/chatham-university/after-college/)). The six-year graduation rate sits at 68% ([Data USA](https://datausa.io/profile/university/chatham-university)), outperforming some peers. The School of Business & Enterprise reports a 70% graduation rate, well above the 50% benchmark ([Accreditation](https://www.chatham.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/school-of-business-enterprise/accreditation-and-student-outcomes.html)).
Chatham offers generous Merit aidScholarship money awarded for achievements like grades, talents, or test scores — not based on your family's financial need., with scholarships up to $32,000 annually and full-tuition awards for top applicants ([Cost & Aid](https://www.chatham.edu/admission-and-aid/undergraduate/cost-and-aid/index.html)). Need-based grants average $1,942 for first-years, with 53% receiving aid ([US News](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/chatham-university-3244/paying)). The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator helps families estimate real costs after aid ([Net Price Calculator](https://www.chatham.edu/admission-and-aid/undergraduate/cost-and-aid/net-price-calculator.html)). While tuition figures aren’t explicitly listed in sources, the focus on affordability is clear: Chatham was recently lauded as a “Best Value School” ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/chathamu/posts/chatham-has-been-named-a-2026-27-college-of-distinction-this-recognition-celebra/1442354531264679/)).
Chatham carves a niche with its laser focus on sustainability and health sciences—think of it as a incubator for future environmental advocates and healthcare professionals. Its 10:1 student-faculty ratio ([Sallie](https://www.sallie.com/colleges/search/chatham-university)) ensures mentorship rare at larger schools, while the absence of Greek life fosters a collaborative, low-pressure social scene ([Princeton Review](https://www.princetonreview.com/college/chatham-university-1023870)). The university’s 95% career outcomes rate ([Post-Grad Stats](https://www.chatham.edu/about-us/institutional-research/post-graduation-statistics.html)) proves its ability to launch graduates into meaningful work, especially in high-demand fields. For students seeking a quiet, purpose-driven college experience, Chatham delivers.
Chatham University logo · sourceLocations | Chatham University · sourceChatham University - Pittsburgh, PA · sourceShadyside Campus | Chatham University · source
