Differences Between St. Joseph's and La Salle

Hey guys! I'm considering St. Joseph's and La Salle as potential college options. Does anyone have any insights about their differences, like academic rigor, campus environment, or something else?

Absolutely, both St. Joseph's and La Salle are commendable choices located in the Philadelphia area, but they do have significant differences.

In terms of academic rigor, both universities offer a broad range of academic programs, but they each have certain specialties. St. Joseph's University (SJU) is particularly renowned for its business program, particularly in Marketing and Food Marketing, for which it has received national recognition. LJU also has a strong education program. On the other hand, La Salle University stands out for its nursing program and its business school, particularly in the field of International Business.

The size and make-up of the student bodies also vary significantly. SJU has a larger total enrollment with around 8,000 students compared to La Salle's approx. 4,000 students. The student-faculty ratio at both schools is quite comparable, with SJU standing at 11:1 and La Salle at 12:1, implying a relatively small class size and personalized attention.

Campus environment differs as well. SJU has a suburban campus located on the edge of Philadelphia, offering a retreat-like setting but still easy access to the city. The campus of La Salle, on the other hand, can be described as more urban but is still quite residential, and it's also surrounded by a neighborhood community. So if you crave a constantly bustling, city vibe, La Salle might feel more dynamic, while SJU can be more appealing if you're looking for a balance between tranquility and accessibility to urban life.

Student life also differs quite a bit at these schools. For instance, Greek life is pretty visible at SJU with over 20 organizations, while La Salle does not have fraternities or sororities. SJU also owns the Hawks, which are Division I in the NCAA, while La Salle also competes in NCAA Division I as Explorers. Both universities have robust service programs, fostering a culture of community outreach and service learning.

In terms of costs and merit aid, while the sticker prices are fairly similar, it's worth noting that SJU tends to offer slightly more generous merit aid packages than La Salle. So if merit aid is a consideration for you, that might be a factor.

In conclusion, it largely depends on what you’re looking for in a college experience. Visit both campuses, explore academic programs that interest you, and connect with current students to get a better understanding and feel for each school. Hope this gives you a start.