


The University of Scranton is a private Jesuit university whose origins date to 1888, when the Diocese of Scranton founded St. Thomas College. It adopted the University of Scranton name in 1938, and the Society of Jesus assumed responsibility for the institution in 1942.
Those changes help explain the university's present identity: it offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs while retaining a Catholic, Jesuit educational mission. Applicants should use "University of Scranton" when checking current policies; historical references to St. Thomas College describe the same institution at an earlier stage.
The University of Scranton organizes its academic programs primarily through the College of Arts and Sciences, the Kania School of Management, and the Panuska College of Professional Studies. Together, they offer undergraduate majors and graduate study across the liberal arts, sciences, business, education, and health professions.
The College of Arts and Sciences includes fields such as biology, psychology, communication, and the humanities. Kania houses business disciplines including accounting, finance, and management. Panuska includes professional areas such as nursing, education, and rehabilitation-related study. Some paths have clinical placements, professional standards, or admission requirements beyond those for general university admission.
Students comparing majors should check the current academic catalog for the precise degree, required courses, and any separate progression requirements. An 11-to-1 reported student-to-faculty ratio describes the institution overall; it does not predict the size of every introductory class, lab, or clinical group.
The University of Scranton's main campus is in Scranton, Pennsylvania, an urban center in the state's northeastern region. Its city location places academic buildings and student services near downtown businesses, health care organizations, and community institutions.
That setting may be useful for students seeking local internships or service placements, although opportunities depend on the major and employer. Commuting is also a substantial part of campus life: reported figures indicate that about 41% of students commute. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport serves the region; students relying on flights should plan separately for the trip between the airport and campus.
The University of Scranton describes its educational purpose through its Catholic and Jesuit identity. Its mission emphasizes intellectual development, ethical reflection, service, and concern for the whole person rather than treating professional preparation as the sole purpose of college.
Jesuit concepts such as cura personalis, or care for the individual, inform the university's stated approach to education. These are institutional commitments, not measured outcomes for every student. Applicants of any background can assess how the university's religious affiliation appears in its curriculum, campus ministry, service activities, and community expectations.
Name of the institution
University of ScrantonLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: SmallInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999Religious affiliation
Catholic (Roman Catholic Church)School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1888University of Scranton is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of less than 1 year
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practiceData last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.