| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
Name: Eastern University
Location: St. Davids, Pennsylvania, USA (a suburb of Philadelphia)
Type: Private Christian university
Founded: 1925 (originally as part of Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary)
Affiliation: American Baptist Churches USA
Eastern University offers a range of academic programs including:
Undergraduate Degrees (Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Nursing, etc.)
Graduate Degrees (MBA, MEd, MA in Counseling, Theology, and more)
Doctoral Programs (Education, Marriage and Family Therapy)
Online Programs and flexible adult undergraduate degrees
They emphasize a faith-based liberal arts education, integrating Christian values with academic rigor.
Faith Integration: Christian worldview woven into academic and student life.
Small Class Sizes: More personalized learning with a low student-to-faculty ratio.
Community Focused: Emphasis on service, leadership, and social justice.
Beautiful Campus: Known for its scenic campus with walking trails, ponds, and historic buildings.
Offers support through the Office of International Student Services
English language support, cultural adjustment assistance, and immigration guidance
College of Arts and Humanities
College of Business and Leadership
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
College of Health and Sciences
Palmer Theological Seminary (its graduate seminary)
NCAA Division III athletics
Clubs, ministries, and campus events
Strong campus ministry and chapel life
Eastern University offers over 35 majors in various fields, including:
Biology
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Exercise Science
Nursing (BSN)
Psychology
Accounting
Business Administration
Finance
Marketing
Entrepreneurial Studies
English
History
Communication Studies
Music
Theatre
Spanish
Political Science
Sociology
Criminal Justice
Social Work
Anthropology
Early Childhood Education
Middle Level Education
Secondary Education
Special Education
Computer Science
Data Science
Mathematics
Eastern offers master’s degrees in both in-person and online/hybrid formats:
MBA (Master of Business Administration)
MS in Data Science
MS in Health Services Management
MEd in Curriculum & Instruction
MEd in Special Education
MEd in TESOL
Certification programs for teachers and administrators
MA in Clinical Counseling
MA in School Counseling
MA in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
MA in Theological & Cultural Anthropology
MA in Theological Studies
MA in Christian Leadership
PhD in Organizational Leadership
PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy
EdD in Educational Leadership
DMin (Doctor of Ministry) – through Palmer Theological Seminary
Eastern is known for strong online offerings, especially for adult learners:
BA in Organizational Leadership
BS in Business Administration
BS in Early Childhood Education
BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
MBA (various concentrations)
MS in Data Science
MEd in various specializations
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
4 years |
$36,936 |
|
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
4 years |
$36,936 |
|
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration |
4 years |
$36,936 |
|
Bachelor of Science in Data Science |
4 years |
$36,936 |
|
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies |
4 years |
$36,936 |
|
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice |
4 years |
$36,936 |
|
Bachelor of Arts in English |
4 years |
$36,936 |
|
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science |
4 years |
$36,936 |
|
Bachelor of Science in Biology |
4 years |
$36,936 |
|
Bachelor of Arts in History |
4 years |
$36,936 |
|
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science |
4 years |
$36,936 |
|
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics |
4 years |
$36,936 |
|
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science |
4 years |
$36,936 |
|
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology |
4 years |
$36,936 |
|
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish |
4 years |
$36,936 |
|
Bachelor of Music |
4 years |
$36,936 |
|
Bachelor of Arts in Theology |
4 years |
$36,936 |
|
Bachelor of Science in Accounting |
4 years |
$36,936 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
MBA – Master of Business Administration |
1–2 years |
~$15,000 – $17,500 |
|
MS in Data Science |
2 years |
~$15,000 |
|
MS in Health Services Management |
2 years |
~$14,400 |
|
MA in Clinical Counseling |
2–3 years |
~$13,800 |
|
MA in School Counseling |
2–3 years |
~$13,800 |
|
MA in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) |
2 years |
~$13,800 |
|
MEd in Curriculum & Instruction |
1–2 years |
~$10,800 |
|
MEd in TESOL |
1–2 years |
~$10,800 |
|
MEd in Special Education |
1–2 years |
~$10,800 |
|
MA in Theological & Cultural Anthropology |
2 years |
~$13,200 |
|
MA in Theological Studies |
2 years |
~$13,200 |
|
MA in Christian Leadership |
2 years |
~$13,200 |
|
MS in Nonprofit Management and Social Innovation |
2 years |
~$14,400 |
|
MA in Organizational Leadership |
1–2 years |
~$14,400 |
|
MS in Accounting |
1–2 years |
~$14,400 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
PhD in Organizational Leadership |
3–4 years |
~$10,800 |
|
PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy |
4–5 years |
~$13,800 |
|
EdD in Educational Leadership and Administration |
3 years |
~$10,800 |
|
Doctor of Ministry (DMin) |
3 years |
~$9,900 |
City: St. Davids, Pennsylvania
Near: Philadelphia – a historic and vibrant city, offering cultural and academic opportunities
Campus: Suburban, safe, and scenic (ideal for focused study and community life)
Christian faith-based education with a commitment to justice, diversity, and service
Small class sizes and personalized academic support
Diverse student body, welcoming students from many countries
Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
International students can apply to:
Undergraduate (Bachelor's) programs – e.g. Nursing, Business, Computer Science, Psychology, etc.
Graduate (Master’s & Doctoral) programs – e.g. MBA, Data Science, Counseling, Theology, Education
Online & Hybrid Programs (some are open to international students outside the U.S.)
Refer to earlier tables in this chat for course names, durations, and tuition fees.
Completed application form (via Common App or Eastern's portal)
High school transcripts (translated into English)
English proficiency test (see below)
Passport copy
Personal essay or statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation (optional but encouraged)
Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution (equivalent to a U.S. degree)
Transcripts (translated and evaluated if necessary)
English proficiency test scores
Resume/CV
Statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation
Specific programs (like Counseling or Doctorates) may have interviews or additional requirements
Accepted test scores include:
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 79
IELTS: Minimum 6.5
Duolingo English Test: Minimum 105
PTE Academic: Minimum 53
Students with lower scores may be eligible for conditional admission with ESL support.
Tuition for undergraduate programs: ~$36,936/year
Graduate tuition: Varies by program (see earlier table)
Merit scholarships for international undergraduate students (ranging from $10,000–$20,000 per year)
Graduate students may apply for limited departmental scholarships or assistantships (program-dependent)
On-campus housing available for international students (freshmen required to live on campus)
Dining plans and recreational facilities
Student clubs, ministry groups, cultural events, and service projects
Eastern provides full F-1 visa support, including:
I-20 issuance
Pre-arrival information and orientation
Immigration advising (CPT, OPT, SEVIS questions)
International Student Orientation upon arrival
Visit and select the degree program you're interested in:
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
Graduate (Master’s or Doctoral)
Online or On-Campus programs
Apply via:
Common Application, or
Eastern’s Online Application Portal
Apply Now – Undergraduate
Use Eastern’s Graduate Application Portal
Apply Now – Graduate
Completed application form
High school transcripts (official, translated to English)
English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo/PTE)
Copy of passport (for international students)
Personal essay or statement of purpose
1–2 Letters of recommendation (optional but encouraged)
Completed application
Bachelor’s degree transcripts (evaluated if international)
English proficiency scores
Resume or CV
Statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation (typically 2–3)
Some programs (like Counseling or PhD) may require interviews, portfolios, or writing samples
Most programs waive the application fee or allow a free application, especially for international students.
If applicable, the fee is usually around $35–$50 USD.
Once admitted, international students must:
Submit Affidavit of Support / Financial Statement
Provide bank statements showing sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
Copy of passport
Receive the I-20 Form to apply for an F-1 Student Visa
After review, admission decisions are typically sent via email and postal mail.
For undergraduates: You’ll also get information about scholarships and financial aid.
For graduates: Departmental decisions can take 2–4 weeks depending on the program.
Accept your offer by paying the enrollment deposit (usually $200–$300 USD)
Begin visa process if you're international
Receive pre-arrival instructions and orientation info
Apply for your F-1 visa
Arrange housing, travel, and insurance
Attend International Student Orientation
Eastern University offers multiple intakes per year depending on the program level:
Program Level |
Major Intakes |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Undergraduate (UG) |
Fall (August) |
Main intake; all programs available |
|
|
Spring (January) |
Fewer programs than fall; still open to international students |
|
Graduate (PG) |
Fall (August) |
Main intake for most master's & doctoral programs |
|
|
Spring (January) |
Available for many programs (MBA, Education, Counseling, etc.) |
|
|
Summer (May/June) |
Limited programs only (mostly online or accelerated formats) |
Application deadlines vary by intake and program. Early application is recommended, especially for international students (at least 3–5 months in advance).
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Educational Background |
High school diploma or equivalent (12 years of education) |
|
GPA Requirement |
Minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (varies by program) |
|
English Language Proficiency |
TOEFL iBT: 79+, IELTS: 6.5+, Duolingo: 105+, PTE: 53+ |
|
SAT/ACT |
Not required for most programs (test-optional policy) |
|
Transcripts |
Official, translated into English |
|
Passport Copy |
Required for I-20 (international students) |
|
Personal Essay/Statement |
Required |
|
Recommendation Letters |
Optional but encouraged |
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Academic Qualification |
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent) |
|
GPA Requirement |
Minimum 2.75–3.0 GPA (varies by program) |
|
English Language Proficiency |
TOEFL iBT: 79+, IELTS: 6.5+, Duolingo: 105+, PTE: 53+ |
|
Transcripts (Evaluated) |
Required; WES or equivalent evaluation may be needed for international students |
|
Resume or CV |
Required for most graduate programs |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Usually 2–3 required |
|
Statement of Purpose |
Required |
|
Program-specific Requirements |
E.g. Interview, portfolio, or writing sample (for Counseling, MFT, etc.) |
Ranking Organization |
Category |
Ranking / Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
Not Ranked Globally |
Eastern University is not listed in QS |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Regional Universities (North) |
#105–115 |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Top Performers on Social Mobility (North) |
Top 50 |
|
Niche.com |
Best Christian Colleges in America |
Top 100 |
|
Niche.com |
Best Colleges for Religious Studies in PA |
Top 10 in Pennsylvania |
|
College Factual |
Best Value Colleges for Theology/Ministry |
Ranked (Exact position varies by year) |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Amount (USD/year) |
Level |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
International Student Scholarship |
International UG applicants |
$10,000 – $20,000 |
Undergraduate |
Merit-based; awarded automatically upon admission |
|
Presidential Scholarship |
High academic achievers (GPA 3.8+) |
Up to $22,000 |
Undergraduate |
Limited number; renewable with GPA requirement |
|
Cornerstone Award |
Good academic performance |
$12,000 – $16,000 |
Undergraduate |
Based on GPA; automatically considered |
|
Faith, Reason & Justice Scholarship |
Leadership + service involvement |
$15,000 – $20,000 |
Undergraduate |
Essay and interview may be required |
|
Honors College Scholarship |
Admission into EU Honors College |
Full or partial tuition |
Undergraduate |
Separate application and essay required |
|
Athletic Scholarships |
Student-athletes (NCAA DIII rules) |
N/A |
Undergraduate |
Based on athletic ability and team needs (limited due to NCAA DIII rules) |
|
Church Matching Grant |
Sponsored by church organization |
Up to $1,000 |
Undergraduate |
Eastern matches church’s contribution |
|
Graduate Assistantships |
Graduate students (limited programs) |
Partial tuition waiver |
Graduate |
Offered in select programs (e.g., Counseling, Education) |
|
Palmer Seminary Scholarships |
Seminary students (MDiv, MA, DMin) |
Up to 50% tuition |
Graduate/Seminary |
Based on need, merit, and ministry involvement |
Housing Option |
Type |
Facilities Included |
Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Guffin Hall |
First-year dorm (shared) |
Shared room, communal bathrooms, laundry, Wi-Fi, heating, security |
~$6,200 – $6,800 |
|
Gallup Hall |
Co-ed residence hall |
Shared rooms, common lounge, laundry, kitchen, Wi-Fi |
~$6,600 – $7,200 |
|
Kea-Guffin Hall |
First-year residence |
Similar to Guffin, traditional dorm layout |
~$6,200 – $6,800 |
|
Doane Hall |
Upperclassmen housing |
Suite-style rooms, common areas, study lounges |
~$6,800 – $7,400 |
|
Eagle Hall |
Upperclassmen residence |
Modern rooms, lounges, semi-private bathrooms, Wi-Fi |
~$7,200 – $7,800 |
|
Apartment-Style Housing |
Juniors, Seniors, Grads |
Full kitchen, private/semi-private rooms, laundry in unit |
~$8,000 – $9,000 |
|
Off-Campus Housing |
Independent rental options |
(not university-managed) |
~$6,000 – $10,000+ |
Meal Plan Option |
Meals per Week |
Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Unlimited Plan |
Unlimited meals + flex $$ |
~$5,800 |
|
14-Meal Plan |
14 meals/week + flex $$ |
~$5,400 |
|
10-Meal Plan |
10 meals/week + flex $$ |
~$5,000 |
114-acre scenic campus with lakes, trails, and green space
Fitness center, tennis courts, gymnasium
Library, study lounges, computer labs
Free campus shuttle to nearby locations
Campus security and 24/7 emergency support
Student clubs, ministries, and social events
Dedicated International Student Services team
Eastern has a close-knit and supportive campus atmosphere. With small class sizes and a strong emphasis on relationships, students often describe the community as welcoming and inclusive. Faculty and staff are approachable, and mentoring is a big part of the Eastern experience.
Faith is central to life at Eastern. Students are encouraged to explore and grow in their Christian beliefs through:
Weekly chapel services
Bible studies and prayer groups
Spiritual mentorship and ministry opportunities
Campus ministries and outreach programs
Participation in spiritual life is encouraged but not forced, making space for students from various faith backgrounds.
Eastern offers a variety of student-led clubs and organizations including:
Academic and professional clubs
Cultural and diversity groups
Performing arts and music ensembles
Student Government Association (SGA)
Service and social justice organizations
You can also start your own club if something you're passionate about isn't already represented.
Eastern competes in NCAA Division III and offers several men’s and women’s sports:
Soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball, lacrosse, field hockey, and more
There are also recreational and intramural sports for students who want to stay active but aren’t on varsity teams.
Student wellness is a top priority, with resources like:
Counseling and psychological services
Health center and wellness programs
Academic support (writing center, tutoring, etc.)
Career development and internships
Living on campus is a big part of the student experience. Students enjoy themed housing options, hall events, late-night snacks, and close friendships with roommates and neighbors. RAs and hall staff help maintain a supportive, safe environment.
From music concerts and open mic nights to community service days and multicultural festivals, there's always something happening on campus. Some popular events include:
Homecoming Weekend
Spring Banquet
Mission trips and service days
Student-led worship nights
International students receive special support through orientation programs, cultural celebrations, and advising. There are also cultural clubs and events that promote global understanding and friendships.
Eastern University focuses on equipping students not just for jobs, but for meaningful careers and leadership rooted in purpose and service. While it may not have massive placement fairs like large research universities, it offers personalized career development services, solid industry connections, and strong graduate outcomes — especially in areas like business, education, social work, counseling, and ministry.
Eastern’s Center for Career Development supports students and alumni with:
One-on-one career coaching
Resume and cover letter reviews
Interview preparation
Job and internship search strategies
Career fairs and employer networking events
Graduate school advising
Online career platform for job/internship listings
Internships are strongly encouraged and often integrated into academic programs. Students gain experience through:
Local partnerships in Philadelphia
Nonprofits, businesses, schools, and churches
On-campus work opportunities (especially for international students with CPT eligibility)
Job Placement Rate (within 6 months of graduation): ~92% (undergraduate average across all majors)
Graduate School Acceptance Rate: ~85% of students who apply
Top Hiring Fields:
Education (K–12 schools, special education, ESL)
Counseling and Psychology
Business and Nonprofit Leadership
Nursing and Healthcare
Ministry, Theology, and Missions
Data Science and Tech (emerging field)
Support for CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training)
Career coaching tailored for international job markets
Help navigating U.S. work visa process (in partnership with the International Office)
Deloitte
Wells Fargo
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
World Vision
Teach for America
Vanguard
School District of Philadelphia
Nonprofits, ministries, and churches across the U.S.
Eastern has a strong alumni community working in leadership roles across education, business, social services, and ministry. Alumni are actively involved in mentoring and networking for current students.
Estimated Acceptance Rate: ~65% – 75%
Eastern University has a moderately selective admissions policy, meaning it is accessible to a wide range of students but still values academic readiness and personal fit, especially for certain competitive programs like Nursing, Counseling, and Education.
The university considers more than just grades — personal essays, extracurricular involvement, leadership, and faith alignment can play a role.
International students are welcome and supported, and many qualify for automatic merit scholarships upon admission.
Name: Eastern University
Main Campus Address:
1300 Eagle Road
St. Davids, Pennsylvania 19087
United States
Located in St. Davids, a quiet suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Just 16 miles (about 26 km) west of downtown Philadelphia
Set on a beautiful 114-acre campus with forests, lakes, walking trails, and historic buildings
Accessible via public transportation (SEPTA train line nearby — St. Davids Station)
