University of Scranton

The University of Scranton is a private Jesuit university in Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States. It was founded in 1888 by William O'Hara, the first bishop of the Diocese of Scranton, as St. Thomas College. The university is composed of three colleges that each contain both undergraduate and graduate programs. The college was elevated to university status and took the name University of Scranton in 1938. It was operated by the Diocese of Scranton from its founding until 1897, and then administered by the De La Salle Brothers from 1888 to 1942. In 1942, the Society of Jesus took ownership and control of the university. During the 1960s, the university became an independent institution under a lay board of trustees. The university offers 65 bachelor's degrees, 29 master's degrees, and 4 doctoral programs. It enrolls approximately 6,000 graduate and undergraduate students. Most of its students are from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. In 2016, about 58% of its undergraduate students were women and 42% men. In its graduate programs, about 62% are women students and 38% men. The university has about 300 full-time faculty members, approximately 200 of which are tenured.