Cedar Crest College

Cedar Crest offers over 40 majors, with standout programs in nursing, business, and education (U.S. News). The college emphasizes liberal arts foundations while providing accelerated 3-year degree options in select fields, allowing students to graduate faster without sacrificing credit requirements (Cedar Crest College). Graduate programs and certificates are also available, particularly in high-demand fields like healthcare and public administration. The student-faculty ratio is low, fostering close mentorship, though specific numbers aren’t publicly cited. Popular majors include:

• Education (6% of graduates)
• Family and Consumer Sciences (5%)
• Public Administration/Social Services (3%) (U.S. News).

Life at Cedar Crest revolves around its small, supportive community, often described as “feeling like a family” (Niche). Only 36% of students live on campus, with the majority commuting (U.S. News). The Office of Student Engagement organizes social, cultural, and educational events, from arts programs to leadership workshops (Cedar Crest College). The campus itself is noted for its beauty, with Gothic architecture and green spaces featured in promotional materials (Facebook). While the college lacks Div. I sports, clubs and organizations fill the gap, emphasizing creative expression and community service.

Cedar Crest touts strong career preparation, with 62% of students graduating within 6 years (Data USA). Graduates report a median salary of $59,460 a decade after enrollment, notably for nursing alumni (Allnurses.com). The Wall Street Journal recently ranked the college among top U.S. schools for outcomes, weighing graduate salaries and net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. value (Cedar Crest College). However, short-term earnings are modest, with a $36,427 median income one year post-graduation (Niche). The business department’s graduation rates vary widely by program, from 20% to 60% (Cedar Crest PDF).

Tuition and fees total $61,598 annually (CollegeData), but the average net price after aid drops to $23,036 (BigFuture). Nearly all students receive merit scholarships or need-based grants, with the average aid package totaling $23,636 (BigFuture, Cedar Crest College). The college encourages use of its net price calculator to estimate individualized costs (Cedar Crest College). Notably, 39% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a significant population with financial need (Allnurses.com).

Cedar Crest’s unusually high acceptance rate doesn’t tell the full story: its small size fosters intense mentorship, and its 3-year degrees offer rare efficiency. The college punches above its weight in outcomes rankings, particularly for nursing and business graduates. Its all-women’s environment (though some graduate programs are co-ed) creates a close-knit, empowering culture—backed by a campus that feels more like a historic retreat than a commuter school. For students seeking personalized attention and accelerated career paths, it’s a compelling option.