Chatham University is a fully co-ed, private institution determined to help students think outside the box. Founded in 1869, CU has made constant strides to help develop students’ knowledge. Classes push students to take a leading role in the fields of sustainability, healthcare, lab sciences, business, communication, the arts, and humanities. Chatham University Online allows flexibility for students as well.
Not only does CU focus on enhancing its students, but the world at large as well. In 2014, CU became the world’s first fully sustainable campus in higher education. Eden Hall Campus constantly works to develop next-generation tools to move the world towards a greener future.
In addition to its environmental breakthroughs, Chatham has made itself known for a variety of other reasons. Below are just a few things people are saying about Chatham University’s education.
- Named one of the Best Regional Colleges in 2017 by the Princeton Review
- Named one of the Top 50 Green Colleges by the Princeton Review
- Named a 2016 College of Distinction
- Chatham nursing programs earned a Best Online Program ranking U.S. News & World Reports
- Chatham’s MFA in creative writing program named one of the “Nine Distinctive Programs” by Poets & Writers in 2007.
Where Is Chatham University?
Chatham University’s campuses are located throughout the city of Pittsburgh and the state of Pennsylvania. CU’s main Shadyside campus is located close to downtown Pittsburgh. Comprised of historic buildings and mansions, the campus is a breath of fresh air in urban Pittsburgh.
The Chatham Eastside campus is located a mile away from Shadyside. It’s smack-dab in the middle of Pittsburgh’s historic section. Students are a step away from both soaring skyscrapers as well as historical monuments and townhouses.
Finally, the Eden Hall campus is located in Richland, PA. The 388-acre lot is home to Chatham University’s Falk School of Sustainability & Environment. Here, the entire campus is put to use to house, feed, and educate students.
How Many Students Go to Chatham University?
In fall 2015, 2,224 were enrolled in Chatham University. Of those students, 1,034 students were pursuing an undergraduate education. The undergraduate student body was comprised of 83% female students and 17% male. The majority of these same students chose to pursue their education fulltime. 65% of undergraduate students attended classes fulltime and 35% attended part-time.
In addition, many undergraduate students are 24 years old or younger. But, adult learners are also welcome in CU undergraduate online programs. 26% of the undergraduate student body is 25 years or older.
Speaking of Chatham University online programs, 7% of undergraduate students are only enrolled in distance education. Another 31% of students take part in some distance education.
The graduate experience is similar to the undergraduate in terms of attendance. For instance, 71% of graduate students attend classes fulltime, while 29% attend part-time. Where graduate studies differ is the amount of students who take part in distance education. 25% of graduate students are only enrolled in distance education. An additional 24% take part in at least some distance education.i
Undergraduate Admissions at Chatham University
When applying to a CU bachelors program, students may be required to complete the online application. The application could be found on Chatham.edu. In addition to this, students may also be asked to submit the following.
- Official high school transcripts
- SAT or ACT scores
- Essay or writing sample
- One or more letters of recommendation
Students could choose not to submit their test scores. In lieu of those scores, students could submit the following.
- Resume
- Graded academic writing sample
- Complete a campus interview
- Portfolio
You may also choose to submit additional materials with your application. These pieces could further demonstrate your previous academic experiences.
What Is Chatham University’s Acceptance Rate?
In fall 2015, 1,490 prospective undergraduate students applied to CU. Chatham University accepted 55% of those students. 52% of male applicants and 56% of female applicants were admitted into bachelors programs.ii
Continuing Your Online Education at CU
Of the first-time students who began pursuing bachelors degree in fall 2014, 76% of them returned to their studies in fall 2015. This number does not include part-time students or students who previously attended another school.iii
Graduate Admissions at Chatham University
Graduate program admissions at Chatham University differ by each individual program. The Graduate Admission Team works with students to ensure are required materials are submitted. For more information, visit Chatham.edu.
Chatham University Online Programs*
CU offers online programs as part of the College for Continuing & Professional Studies. Chatham University online degree programs offer distance education and low residency options. These programs could be perfect for current working professionals.
Before starting your online classes, CU may require students to take a week-long student orientation session. Orientation walks students through the ins and outs of the online classroom. This could include things like submitting work, tracking grades, and accessing student services. This way, students might be confident in working digitally as soon as classes start at Chatham University online.
Much like programs on campus, Chatham online courses could cover new techniques and information in their fields. At the same time, the flexible scheduling could allow students to work their studies into their busy schedules. Courses in these programs typically last 7 weeks.
The online programs at CU are accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Chatham University Financial Aid Options
100% of full-time, first-time undergraduate CU students received financial aid in 2014-2015. Many students are worried about paying for their college education. Knowing that 100% received financial aid might be a bit of a relief!
100% of those students received grant or scholarship aid. In fact, students received a median sum of $25,875 in aid from grants and scholarships. Students received aid from some of the following sources.
- Pell Grants
- Other Federal Grants
- State or Local Government Grants or Scholarships
- Institutional Grants or Scholarships
88% of students received aid from student loans. These students received a median sum of $6,506 in aid to put towards their education.iv
Chatham University Online Faculty
Chatham University employed 114 full-time and 202 part-time faculty members in the fall of 2015. This means students could enjoy a 10 to 1 student to faculty ratio. And, 100% of the faculty spends their time instructing students as opposed to conducting outside research.
It’s also important to note that only faculty members teach courses. CU does not employee graduate students to teach undergraduate classes.v
5 More Reasons to Go to Chatham University
Just in case the classes weren’t enough for you, there’s so much more that goes into the online Chatham University experience. The following are just a few more things that makes CU stand out from the rest of the other schools.
- Internships may be available in a variety of different programs.
- Career development services may be available through the Office of Student Affairs.
- Chatham University athletics offers a bunch of teams for students to take part in. You could take part in sports like basketball, baseball, ice hockey, and more! Intramural options are also available.
- Veterans services may be available for active and inactive servicemembers.
- Incoming undergraduate students may receive a laptop to help them in their studies
Is Chatham University Accredited?
Chatham University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). This agency is recognized by the Department of Education. It is able to accredit schools in the north-eastern United States.
In addition, several of CU’s programs are accredited. The following agencies have accredited undergraduate and graduate programs at CU.
- Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (MOT)
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (MPAS)
- American Chemical Society (Undergraduate Chemistry)
- American Psychological Association (PsyD)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP)
- Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (DPT)
- Council for Interior Design Accreditation (MIA) (BIA)
- Council on Social Work Education (BSW)
- International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) (MBA, MAcc, Undergraduate Business )
- Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (MLA)
- Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MSCP)
- Pennsylvania Department of Education Teacher Certification Program (MAT)
Online Degree Program Options
Undergraduate students could choose to pursue some of the following degree programs.
- Business Administration
- Psychology
- Healthcare & Business Management
- Nursing
Graduate students who have already earned a bachelors degree may have more options. Specifically, they may be able to pursue a degree at the masters or bachelors level. Graduate students could choose to pursue some of the following programs.
- Business Administration
- Healthcare Informatics
- Professional Writing
- Creative Writing
- Interior Architecture
- Nursing
- Education
Online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The RN to bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program combines liberal arts and sciences to help holistically develop students. Classes teach professional techniques nurses may be required to perform as part of their daily routine. Courses could include the following subjects.
- Health Policy & Finance
- Clinical Prevention
- Global Population Nursing
- Geriatric Nursing
The online RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Graduating from Chatham University Online
56% of full-time, first-time students who began their studies in fall 2009 graduated within 150% of their “normal time” of completion. 50% of those students graduated within 4 years of starting their degree program. 56% of the remaining students would go on to earn their degree in 6 years.
These numbers do not reflect students who transferred into a CU program or started their program as a part-time student.vi
Pursuing Your Education at CU
For more information about details on this page, visit Chatham.edu. There, you could find out important info like admissions deadlines, courses descriptions, or additional programs.
*Due to higher education regulation changes, effective April 2012, Chatham University is unable to accept applications for admission to online programs and courses from students residing in Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
[i] nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=chatham+university&s=all&id=211556 | [ii] nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=chatham+university&s=all&id=211556 | [iii] nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=chatham+university&s=all&id=211556 | [iv] nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=chatham+university&s=all&id=211556 | [v] nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=chatham+university&s=all&id=211556 | [vi] nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=chatham+university&s=all&id=211556
