La Salle or St. Joseph's: A Question of Academics and Culture

Anybody on here go to La Salle or St. Joseph's? I'm trying to decide between the two. Any insight into the academics, student life, and overall community?

While I don't personally attend either La Salle or St. Joseph's, I can still provide some insight based on numerous discussions with students from both schools. It's important to note that individual student experiences can vary greatly, so it could be beneficial for you to reach out directly to university representatives and current students if you can.

Starting with academics, both La Salle and St. Joseph's have a solid reputation for a well-rounded education, though they each have their standout programs. For instance, St. Joseph's is known for its strong business program, particularly its Haub School of Business, which is highly ranked in the region. On the other hand, if you're interested in Nursing or Communication Sciences, La Salle might be a better choice as it has outstanding programs in these areas.

However, one key difference lies not only in their academic offerings but also in their approaches to education. St. Joseph's espouses a Jesuit approach to education that encourages students to constantly question and pursue knowledge while also intertwining learning with ethics and morality. La Salle, as a Christian Brothers school, bases its education on the principles of faith, service, and community, fostering a culture that's quite intimate and promotes social justice.

In terms of student life, both schools sanction numerous clubs and organizations and prioritizes community engagement. St. Joseph's, situated in the heart of Philadelphia, takes advantage of its location to offer students a lively off-campus scene with easy access to cultural, recreational, and career opportunities. La Salle, while also located within Philadelphia, offers more of a traditional campus experience, with a compact campus community that some students find to be very inclusive.

Lastly, both universities are NCAA Division I schools, so if collegiate sports are important to you, that's also something to consider. While your decision will inevitably be a personal one, and I'd suggest you visit both campuses and attend virtual information sessions, if possible, to get a feel for the vibe at each institution and which one aligns more with your preferences and aspirations.